Abstract: Optimization of Wave Parameters in "a-b-c" Model

R. C. Glassen, R. C. Starns

A major difficulty in determining littoral sediment transport rates using Tanner's "a-b-c" model is that it is necessary to make a separate computer run for each combination of wave height, period, and direction of approach. For example, an analysis using only three values each for height, period, and azimuth requires 27 computer runs. To account for all the wave types incident on a particular section of coast, a tremendous amount of computer time is needed.

This problem can be solved by identifying a single wave type that accounts for most of the work done in sediment transport on each section of coast. This wave, which we have called the model wave, may not approximate any particular real wave common in the area. Rather it is a composite constructed by considering the frequencies and heights of various waves in the region, as well as the power generated by waves on a given coastal configuration when the parameters of wave height, period, and azimuth are varied.

Model waves have been derived for various segments of the Florida coast. The computer program was run for these model waves and these results were compared with the data for the same section of coast obtained by running the program using a large number of wave parameters.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90978©1975 GCAGS-GC Section SEPM Annual Meeting, Jackson, Mississippi