Accession Number:

ADA331687

Title:

A Semi-Empirical Longshore Current Model

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

NAVAL RESEARCH LAB STENNIS SPACE CENTER MS ADVANCED SENSOR AND SURVEY SECTION

Personal Author(s):

• Lundberg, Dennis L.
• Holland, K. T.
• Church, John C.

Report Date:

1997-10-24

Pagination or Media Count:

40.0

Abstract:

A semi-empirical longshore current model has been developed that is not reliant upon bathymetry. The model inputs are wave breaker height, wave breaker angle, and the surf width. The output is a cross-shore profile of the longshore current that is consistent with field observations for both planar and barred beaches. Since the model inputs are those that can be readily determined by observation, this model has utility for forward deployed operational forces that may not have ready access to more sophisticated models and measurement techniques. The concept of wave radiation stress was used to provide the driving force in the model. The model was developed and tested from data gathered at Duck, NC during the DELILAH experiment in October, 1990. The beach at Duck had an offshore bar during the data collection. The average absolute deviation of the model compared to the measured data was 19. The model will require further testing to verify its general application for both plane and barred beaches.

Descriptors:

• *OCEAN CURRENTS
• *OCEAN MODELS
• AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS
• NAVAL MINE WARFARE
• MILITARY APPLICATIONS
• HYDRODYNAMICS
• SHORES
• SURF
• MILITARY OCEANOGRAPHY

Subject Categories:

• Physical and Dynamic Oceanography

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE