Author(s): A. F. Nielsen; R. I. Bonner; A. Berthot
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Keywords: Channel; Reflection; Refraction; Wave
Abstract: Often dredged shipping channels form abrupt shore-normal linear discontinuities in the bathymetry, thereby forming acute angles with the direction of swell wave propagation. Depending on the relative water depths in the channel and the surrounding seabed, the wavelength and the angle of incidence to the channel, wave energy may be reflected off this bathymetric discontinuity. This can result in a significant spatial re-distribution of wave energy, changing sediment transport regimes and focussing wave energy at the shoreline. This paper describes examples of this process and presents the results of a parametric numerical modelling study that may be used to assess the possibility of such occurrences with future dredging projects.
Year: 2011