FY 1985

SLAR and in-situ observations of wave-current interaction on the Columbia River Bar

González, F.I., E.D. Cokelet, J.F.R. Gower, and M.R. Mulhern

In The Ocean Surface, Y. Toba and H. Mitsuyasu (eds.), IOC Scientific Committee on Oceanographic Research, D. Reidel Publishing Co., Dordecht, Holland, 303–310 (1985)

Observations at the Columbia River entrance have been compared to wave height amplification factors predicted by linear, one-dimensional wave-current interaction theory. A previous study found good agreement between this theory and observations, with the exception of one so-called "severe event" which was seriously underpredicted. The present analysis utilizes SLAR and in-situ data to demonstrate that the probable cause of this failure is two-dimensional current refraction induced by lateral current shear. The conclusion is reached that such two-dimensional effects must be better understood if these "severe events" are to be accurately predicted on the Columbia River Bar.