On resonance of an offshore channel bounded by a reef

Abstract

The period and amplification factor for the dominant mode in a channel formed by the shore and a submerged parallel reef (which separates the channel from deeper water) are calculated from the two- dimensional long-wave equations with linear friction. Results are obtained for both narrow and wide reefs and are compared with observed oscillations on the Western Australian coast and on the Barrier Reef.

Although the calculated periods might explain the anomalous tides in the Barrier Reef lagoon. it seems that there is sufficient frictional damping to prevent the required amplification.