1. What is Wave Celerity?

Wave celerity is the speed at which a wave propagates through a medium. For shallow water waves, the celerity depends primarily on the water depth and gravitational acceleration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wave celerity formula:

Where:

• \( C \) — Wave celerity (m/s)
• \( [g] \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²)
• \( d \) — Water depth (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the speed of wave propagation in shallow water conditions where the water depth is much smaller than the wavelength.

3. Importance of Wave Celerity Calculation

Details: Wave celerity affects how wave-induced pressures propagate through the seabed and impact the stability of coastal structures. Accurate calculation is crucial for coastal engineering, navigation, and marine operations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter water depth in meters. The value must be valid (depth > 0). The calculator uses the standard gravitational acceleration of 9.80665 m/s².

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between shallow water and deep water wave celerity?
A: In deep water, wave celerity depends on wavelength, while in shallow water, it depends primarily on water depth.

Q2: What are typical wave celerity values?
A: Wave celerity values vary significantly based on water depth, ranging from a few m/s in shallow coastal areas to higher values in deeper waters.

Q3: When is the shallow water approximation valid?
A: The shallow water approximation is valid when the water depth is less than 1/20 of the wavelength.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: This formula assumes ideal conditions and may not account for factors like bottom friction, wave breaking, or complex bathymetry.

Q5: How does wave celerity affect coastal engineering?
A: Wave celerity influences sediment transport, wave forces on structures, and tsunami propagation, making it critical for coastal design and protection.