Article Type:
Article Commentary

Comments on “The Depth-Dependent Current and Wave Interaction Equations: A Revision”

Anne-Claire Bennis Université Bordeaux 1, CNRS, UMR 5805-EPOC, Talence, France

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Fabrice Ardhuin Ifremer, Laboratoire d’Océanographie Spatiale, Plouzané, France

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Print Publication:
01 Oct 2011
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-11-055.1
Page(s):
2008–2012
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Abstract

Equations for the wave-averaged three-dimensional momentum equations have been published in this journal. It appears that these equations are not consistent with the known depth-integrated momentum balance, especially over a sloping bottom. These equations should thus be considered with caution, because they can produce erroneous flows, particularly outside of the surf zone. It is suggested that the inconsistency in the equations may arise from the different averaging operators applied to the different terms of the momentum equation. It is concluded that other forms of the momentum equations, expressed in terms of the quasi-Eulerian velocity, are better suited for three-dimensional modeling of wave–current interactions.

Corresponding author address: Fabrice Ardhuin, Ifremer, Centre de Brest, 29200 Plouzané, France. E-mail: ardhuin@shom.fr

The original article that was the subject of this comment/reply can be found at http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/abs/10.1175/2008JPO3971.1.

Abstract

Equations for the wave-averaged three-dimensional momentum equations have been published in this journal. It appears that these equations are not consistent with the known depth-integrated momentum balance, especially over a sloping bottom. These equations should thus be considered with caution, because they can produce erroneous flows, particularly outside of the surf zone. It is suggested that the inconsistency in the equations may arise from the different averaging operators applied to the different terms of the momentum equation. It is concluded that other forms of the momentum equations, expressed in terms of the quasi-Eulerian velocity, are better suited for three-dimensional modeling of wave–current interactions.

Corresponding author address: Fabrice Ardhuin, Ifremer, Centre de Brest, 29200 Plouzané, France. E-mail: ardhuin@shom.fr

The original article that was the subject of this comment/reply can be found at http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/abs/10.1175/2008JPO3971.1.

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