Wave Modelling

SWAN Wave height results Results from SWAN simulation of wave heights in Lunenburg District of NS.

The identification of areas of greatest threat from waves is performed using the wave modeling, which computes random, short-crested wind-generated waves in coastal regions. The model predicts a 2D wave wave field and accounts for the following physics: 1) wave propagation in time and space, shoaling, refraction due to current and depth, frequency shifting due to currents and nonstationary depth; 2) wave generation by wind; 3) three- and four-wave interactions; 4) whitecapping, bottom friction, and depth-induced breaking; 5) wave induced setup; 6) propagation from laboratory up to global scales; 7) transmission through and reflection from obstacles.

In the image above results of the wave model for a portion of the District 3 area of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia are shown. The blue and red areas represent small and large waves respectively.