Wave run-up
Definition of Wave run-up:
Wave run-up is the maximum onshore elevation reached by waves, relative to the shoreline position in the absence of waves.
This is the common definition for Wave run-up, other definitions can be discussed in the article
|
Notes
Wave run-up is an important parameter for assessing the safety of sea dikes or coastal settlements. Wave run-up is the sum of wave set-up and swash uprush (see Swash zone dynamics) and must be added to the water level reached as a result of tides and wind set-up.
By waves is meant: waves generated by wind (locally or on the ocean) or waves generated by incidental disturbances of the sea surface such as tsunamis, seiches or ship waves. Wave run-up is often indicated with the sympol R .
For waves collapsing on the beach, the wave run-up can be estimated to first approximation with the formula of Hunt (1959) [1],
R = \eta_u + H \xi ,
where \eta_u is the wave set-up, H is the offshore wave height and \xi is the wave similarity parameter,
\xi = \Large\frac{\tan \beta}{\sqrt{H/L}}\normalsize = T \tan \beta \Large\sqrt{\frac{g}{4\pi H}}\normalsize ,
where L = g T^2/(2 \pi) is the offshore wave length, \beta is the beach slope and T is the wave period. The horizontal wave incursion is approximately given by R / \tan \beta.
Related articles
References
- Jump up ↑ Hunt, I.A. 1959. Design of seawalls and breakwaters. J. Waterw. Harbors Division ASCE 85: 123–152