Undertow Currents in a Prototype Beach

H.P.V. Vithana, N. Izumi

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    The objective of this field study is to obtain a relationship between the measured near bed undertow current speed and the beach slope which will be compared with the mean flow velocity derived using linear wave theory by Dally (1980). The mass of water carried shoreward by the breaking waves in a surf zone will, in a two-dimensional situation, be compensated by a seaward return flow, the undertow. The undertow currents best develop in a two dimensional situation like in a laboratory wave-flume. To represent such a situation in the field two headland bays and a straight beach where waves approach almost normal to the shoreline were selected for the current measurement. The six sets of field data were used to compute time averaged normalized near bed undertow current speed. It was found that the data matches reasonably well with the theoretical relationship.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationCoasts & Ports 2001
    Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 15th Australian Coastal an Ocean Engineering Conference and the 8th Australasian Port and Harbour Conference
    EditorsB. McGrath, M. Gourlay, P. Nielsen
    Place of PublicationBarton, Australia
    PublisherInstitution of Engineers
    Pages406-411
    Publication statusPublished - 25 Sept 2001
    Event15th Australian Coastal an Ocean Engineering Conference and the 8th Australasian Port and Harbour Conference 2001 - Gold Coast, Australia
    Duration: 25 Sept 200128 Sept 2001

    Publication series

    Name
    Number1445-9574

    Conference

    Conference15th Australian Coastal an Ocean Engineering Conference and the 8th Australasian Port and Harbour Conference 2001
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CityGold Coast
    Period25/09/0128/09/01

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