1. What is Wave Height?

Wave Height is the vertical distance between the trough (lowest point) and the crest (highest point) of a wave. The average height of the highest third of the waves in a given wave dataset.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wave height formula:

Where:

• \( H \) — Wave Height (meters)
• \( \varepsilon_s \) — Wave Steepness (dimensionless)
• \( \lambda \) — Wavelength (meters)

Explanation: Wave steepness is the ratio of wave height to wavelength in a wave train. It is a fundamental parameter used to understand and mitigate risks associated with waves in marine environments.

3. Importance of Wave Height Calculation

Details: Accurate wave height estimation is crucial for marine navigation, coastal engineering, offshore operations, and understanding wave energy and its impact on structures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter wave steepness (dimensionless ratio) and wavelength in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical wave steepness range?
A: Wave steepness typically ranges from 0.01 to 0.1, with values above 0.1 indicating very steep waves that may break.

Q2: How is wavelength measured?
A: Wavelength is the horizontal distance between successive crests (or troughs) of a wave. It provides crucial information about the size and shape of waves propagating in water bodies.

Q3: What factors affect wave height?
A: Wind speed, duration, fetch (distance over which wind blows), water depth, and seabed topography all influence wave height.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This simple formula assumes linear wave theory and may not accurately represent complex wave interactions or extreme wave conditions.

Q5: How is wave height used in practical applications?
A: Wave height data is essential for ship design, coastal protection, offshore platform design, surfing conditions, and marine weather forecasting.