The idealized model of Besio et al. (2006) is used to predict the wavelength of tidal dunes (sand waves) generated by tidal currents in estuaries and shallow seas. Then, the predictions are analysed and a formula is proposed to estimate the wavelength of tidal dunes as a function of the parameters of the problem. The wavelength of the dunes is found to increase when the water depth is increased and/or the strength of the tidal current is decreased. On the other hand, the size of the bottom material (if medium sand is considered) and the tidal ellipticity are found to have a relatively small influence on the length of the bottom forms. The formula proposed provides results which are consistent with field observations of different authors.
A parameterization of the wavelength of tidal dunes
BLONDEAUX, PAOLO;VITTORI, GIOVANNA
2011-01-01
Abstract
The idealized model of Besio et al. (2006) is used to predict the wavelength of tidal dunes (sand waves) generated by tidal currents in estuaries and shallow seas. Then, the predictions are analysed and a formula is proposed to estimate the wavelength of tidal dunes as a function of the parameters of the problem. The wavelength of the dunes is found to increase when the water depth is increased and/or the strength of the tidal current is decreased. On the other hand, the size of the bottom material (if medium sand is considered) and the tidal ellipticity are found to have a relatively small influence on the length of the bottom forms. The formula proposed provides results which are consistent with field observations of different authors.
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