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Modelling attenuation of irregular wave fields by artificial ice floes in the laboratory
A Toffoli1, J P A Pitt2, A Alberello3
1Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
Summary
Laboratory experiments enhance understanding of wave attenuation in the marginal ice zone. Nonlinear wave-floe interactions show regular wave data cannot predict irregular wave attenuation, highlighting limitations of linear models.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Fluid Dynamics
- Arctic Science
Background:
- Understanding wave attenuation in the marginal ice zone (MIZ) is crucial for Arctic research.
- Current research often relies on laboratory experiments, field observations, theory, and numerical models.
- Most existing experimental data focuses on regular incident waves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of laboratory experiments for studying wave attenuation in the MIZ.
- To investigate the applicability of regular wave attenuation data to irregular waves.
- To compare experimental results with theoretical and numerical model predictions.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing existing literature on wave attenuation in the MIZ.
- Analyzing data from two previously unreported laboratory experiments with irregular waves (single and multiple floes).
- Comparing transmission coefficients and spectra from regular and irregular wave tests.
Main Results:
- Nonlinear wave-floe interactions are significant in the MIZ.
- Regular wave attenuation data may not accurately represent irregular wave attenuation.
- Experimental transmission spectra align with regular wave data but are overpredicted by linear models due to nonlinear dissipation.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory experiments are valuable complements to other methods for MIZ wave studies.
- Nonlinear dissipative processes are critical and affect wave attenuation regardless of floe configuration.
- Linear models require refinement to account for observed nonlinear effects in the MIZ.
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