Wave-induced velocities inside a model seagrass bed
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Nepf_Wave-induced.pdf
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934.99 KB
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Checksum (MD5)
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Author(s)
Luhar, Mitul
Coutu, Sylvain
Infantes, Eduardo
Fox, Samantha R.
Nepf, Heidi
Date Issued
December 2010
Journal
Journal of geophysical research. Oceans
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
Citation
Luhar, Mitul et al. “Wave-induced velocities inside a model seagrass bed.” J. Geophys. Res. 115.C12 (2010): C12005. Copyright 2010 by the American Geophysical Union
Version
Final published version
Abstract
Laboratory measurements reveal the flow structure within and above a model seagrass meadow (dynamically similar to Zostera marina) forced by progressive waves. Despite being driven by purely oscillatory flow, a mean current in the direction of wave propagation is generated within the meadow. This mean current is forced by a nonzero wave stress, similar to the streaming observed in wave boundary layers. The measured mean current is roughly four times that predicted by laminar boundary layer theory, with magnitudes as high as 38% of the near-bed orbital velocity. A simple theoretical model is developed to predict the magnitude of this mean current based on the energy dissipated within the meadow. Unlike unidirectional flow, which can be significantly damped within a meadow, the in-canopy orbital velocity is not significantly damped. Consistent with previous studies, the reduction of in-canopy velocity is a function of the ratio of orbital excursion and blade spacing.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Terms of Use
Article is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use.
Persistent DSpace Link
DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1029/2010jc006345
