Wave refraction and energy patterns in the vicinity of Gangavaram, east coast of India

Abstract

Wave energy distribution along Gangavaram, east coast of India has been carried out for the predominant waves representing southwest monsoon (June-September), northeast monsoon (October-February) and storm period (March-May and October) using a wave refraction model. Model computes refraction coefficient, shoaling coefficient, breaker heights and breaker energies along the coast. During all seasons, higher wave energy pattern is observed in the region to the south of the port but towards north, complex wave conditions exist due to rocky headlands and promontories and as a result wave breaking transpires at deeper depths. Low wave energy conditions are observed very near to north breakwater during all the seasons and even during storms. During storm conditions wave energies amplify along the coast. South breakwater of the port is under the region of convergence during southwest monsoon and for the storms approaching in south-south-east direction. Numerical wave refraction studies facilitate the coastal engineers and scientists to understand the coastal processes.