Home
Back
Wave Amplitude Formula:
| From: | To: |
Wave Amplitude is a measurement of the vertical distance of the wave from the average. It represents the maximum displacement of water surface from the mean water level (SWL - Standing Water Level).
The calculator uses the wave amplitude formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates wave amplitude by dividing the water surface elevation by the cosine of the angle theta. Cosine function is used to account for the angular relationship between the vertical displacement and the actual wave amplitude.
Details: Accurate wave amplitude calculation is crucial for coastal engineering, oceanography, and marine operations. It helps in designing coastal structures, predicting wave behavior, and ensuring safety in marine activities.
Tips: Enter elevation of water surface in meters, theta angle in radians. Both values must be valid (elevation > 0, theta ≥ 0).
Q1: What is the relationship between wave amplitude and wave height?
A: Wave amplitude is half of the wave height. Wave height is the vertical distance between wave crest and trough, while amplitude is the distance from mean water level to crest.
Q2: Why use cosine function in the formula?
A: Cosine function accounts for the angular relationship between the measured elevation and the actual wave amplitude, particularly when measurements are taken at an angle to the vertical displacement.
Q3: What are typical wave amplitude values?
A: Wave amplitudes vary widely from a few centimeters in calm seas to several meters during storms. Extreme waves can have amplitudes exceeding 15 meters.
Q4: How does theta angle affect the calculation?
A: As theta increases from 0, the cosine value decreases, which increases the calculated wave amplitude for a given elevation measurement.
Q5: When is this formula most applicable?
A: This formula is particularly useful when wave measurements are taken at an angle rather than directly vertical, requiring trigonometric correction to obtain true amplitude.