Wave-Induced Circulation in Shallow Basins

Abstract

Water waves in model basins are used to study longshore currents on beaches. Due to the limited length of basins, return flows are engendered, which are not representative of nature. Using a simplified analytical theory, the transport stream function for three common model basin setups are found. Verification of the major features of the stream function was carried out in a small wave tank. Conclusions concerning adequate basin sizes to model longshore currents are made.