Wind influence and bathymetric effects in wave overtopping based on a long-term field campaign in the Outer Port of Punta Langosteira (Spain)

Abstract

The operability of harbour facilities and the safety of those working within them can be compromised by overtopping. The aim of the present study is to analyse this phenomenon through a long-term field campaign, of 5 years’ duration, in the Outer Port of Punta Langosteira (Spain). Image monitoring techniques were used to identify the events, which allowed to study the influence of climatic variables and the distribution of overtopping. Results show that the place with the highest density of events was located in the central area of the third alignment. This turned out to be the area of sea wave concentration generated by the bathymetry, as shown by the propagation with a numerical model. Furthermore, wind with a magnitude greater than 30 km/h perpendicular to the breakwater increased the number of events per sea state, that is, the probability that the phenomenon will occur. In addition, the volume of 29 overtopping events and the mean discharge of 13 sea states were estimated using measurements from two pressure sensors on the crest of the breakwater. The results of this study allow to design a breakwater access warning system integrated with open access into the Port Authority’s Environmental Control Panel (http://cma.puertocoruna.com).