Vertical structure of mean cross-shore currents across a barred surf zone
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Abstract
Mean cross-shore currents observed across a barred surf zone are compared to model predictions. The model is based on a simplified momentum balance with a turbulent boundary layer at the bed. Turbulent exchange is parameterized by an eddy viscosity formulation, with the eddy viscosity Aυ independent of time and the vertical coordinate. Mean currents result from gradients due to wave breaking and shoaling, and the presence of a mean setup of the free surface. Descriptions of the wave field are provided by the wave transformation model of Thornton and Guza [1983]. The wave transformation model adequately reproduces the observed wave heights across the surf zone. The mean current model successfully reproduces the observed cross-shore flows. Both observations and predictions show predominantly offshore flow with onshore flow restricted to a relatively thin surface layer. Successful application of the mean flow model requires an eddy viscosity which varies horizontally across the surf zone. Attempts are made to parameterize this variation with some success. The data does not discriminate between alternative parameterizations proposed. The overall variability in eddy viscosity suggested by the model fitting should be resolvable by field measurements of the turbulent stresses. Consistent shortcomings of the parameterizations, and the overall modeling effort, suggest avenues for further development and data collection.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Vertical structure of mean cross-shore currents across a barred surf zone |
| Series title | Journal of Geophysical Research C: Oceans |
| DOI | 10.1029/94JC00427 |
| Volume | 99 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Year Published | 1994 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Geophysical Union |
| Contributing office(s) | Coastal and Marine Geology Program |
| Description | 20 p. |
| First page | 14223 |
| Last page | 14242 |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |