WAVEMAP

Waves entering the coastal environment undergo significant changes as they encounter varying depths, man-made structures, strong currents and changing wind conditions. Wave behavior is very important to coastal managers, developers and landowners studying such topics as beach erosion, growth of offshore sand bars and the construction of break waters and other man-made structures.

To address these issues, ASA has developed WAVEMAP, a wave-modeling software package integrated with a Geographical Information System (GIS). Wave simulation is initiated through the use of interactive forms that allow the user to specify the incident wave properties, direction of propagation, relative angle and other model parameters. The model output can be viewed as scalar contours of wave height, as vectors depicting wave height and direction of travel or as a three-dimensional surface.

WAVEMAP employs the combined refraction-diffraction wave model REF/DIF to predict the progress of an incident monochromatic wave within regions of complex geometry and bathymetry. REF/DIF solves the parabolic approximation of the mild slope equation and has the ability to dissipate wave energy due to several physical mechanisms such as wave breaking, surface films, bottom friction and laminar or turbulent boundary layers. An important feature of WAVEMAP is its ability to simulate wave-current interactions. This is accomplished by defining current fields through a direct linkage to WQMAP, the hydrodynamic model within ASA's water quality and hydrodynamic modeling system.

WAVEMAP allows for the development of grids and associated bathymetry directly on the geographic map. The user simply defines the area of interest using the cursor and then enters the grid dimensions and rotation angle. The grid is automatically generated taking into account bathymetry, landmasses and man-made structures within the specified domain.

The WAVEMAP system enables analysis of the coastal wave environment by engineers, scientists, managers and regulators. Recently ASA applied WAVEMAP to assess the effects that reconfiguration strategies of the Route 78 bridge/causeway over Missisquoi Bay in Lake Champlain would have on the local coastal profile. Applied Technology and Management (ATM) used WAVEMAP to evaluate the impacts of proposed deepening of the Savannah (Georgia) Harbor Navigation Channel and to assess the borrow site dredging impacts on the local wave environment at Indian River County, Florida.

For more information about WAVEMAP by e-mail please contact: Matt Ward