The propagation of gravity currents in the presence of a wave field is investigated experimentally. The aim is to determine the influence played by the flow due to the waves on gravity current kinematic parameters, such as gravity current flow thickness and front velocity. Different reduced gravity values and different wave conditions have been reproduced during the experimental campaign. Analysis of the observed gravity current shape and of the front velocities allows to enlighten an important interaction between the dynamics of the gravity current propagation and the superimposed wave field. In particular the results confirmed what was suggested by Robinson et al.(2013), that the velocity profile is strongly influenced by the wave-generated orbital velocity and the front velocity is enhanced or decreased depending on the Stokes velocity when compared with the propagation in the absence of waves.

Density current propagation in the presence of regular waves

MUSUMECI, ROSARIA ESTER;FOTI, Enrico
2015-01-01

Abstract

The propagation of gravity currents in the presence of a wave field is investigated experimentally. The aim is to determine the influence played by the flow due to the waves on gravity current kinematic parameters, such as gravity current flow thickness and front velocity. Different reduced gravity values and different wave conditions have been reproduced during the experimental campaign. Analysis of the observed gravity current shape and of the front velocities allows to enlighten an important interaction between the dynamics of the gravity current propagation and the superimposed wave field. In particular the results confirmed what was suggested by Robinson et al.(2013), that the velocity profile is strongly influenced by the wave-generated orbital velocity and the front velocity is enhanced or decreased depending on the Stokes velocity when compared with the propagation in the absence of waves.
2015
gravity current; wave; salinity
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/84133
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