Influence of surface gravity waves on wind-driven circulation in intermediate depths on an exposed coast

Abstract

Coastal experiments in 18 m depths showed the systematic reduction of wind-driven longshore currents in the presence of surface waves. Predicted wind-driven currents were found to be nearly an order of magnitude greater than measurements if the wave influence was neglected. However, satisfactory predictions were made when the increased effective bed friction due to the non-linear interaction between the waves and currents was accounted for. This paper assesses the applicability of wave/current interaction theory to natural open-coast environments. The results are relevant to the prediction of dispersal (e.g. of pollutants or larvae) on open coasts.