Abstract
The aim of this study is to better understand cross-reef wave-driven current characteristics, which are crucial to biological, ecological, and geomorphological processes within coral reefs. This study reports a set of new wave flume measurements to assess flow along the water depth and across a fringing reef profile under the action of a plunging breaker. Laboratory results are presented in view of cross-reef variations in both the wave height and the mean water level (MWL); the vertical profiles of wave-averaged mean currents below the wave trough and along the reef are also presented. To resolve the two-dimensional vertical (2DV) flow characteristics across the reef, Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations were solved using k-ω SST closure, modified to improve stability, and a Volume of Fluid (VOF) approach was used to capture the water surface. This numerical model was first validated via experimental measurements in view of waves and flows. It was then used to analyze the cross-reef distributions of the mean flow field, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and Reynolds shear stress across the reef.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
