Wave propagation across the continental shelf
- 11 July 1972
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Journal of Fluid Mechanics
- Vol. 54 (1) , 63-80
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022112072000539
Abstract
Wave propagation across the continental shelf is studied by analogy with transmission-line theory. Fourier transformation along the contours of constant depth, which are assumed parallel to a straight coastline, yields a Sturm-Liouville equation for a prescribed depth profile h(x). The modal spectrum of the profile, which comprises a finite, discrete spectrum of trapped modes and a continuous spectrum of radiated modes, is established. The Green's function for a point source on the coastline is constructed by Fourier superposition over this spectrum. Detailed results are calculated for a two-step model (level shelf separated from level abyss by vertical cliff) and for a gradually sloping shelf that merges smoothly into a level abyss. The radiation impedance of a harbour is calculated, and the effects of the continental shelf on the resonant response of the harbour to a tsunami are discussed.Keywords
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