Surf zone characterization for integration with remote sensing data

A numerical model that solves the unsteady, incompressible, Reynolds averaged, Navier-Stokes equations has been utilized to simulate 57 cases of monochromatic, breaking waves over a sloping bed. The Volume of Fluid technique is used to track the complex, discontinuous free surface and the Renormalized Group turbulence model is used for closure. The model is validated by comparing predictions with Particle Image Velocimetry data and other empirical results. The model results are used to determine a relationship between the incipient wave breaking height and the maximum orbital velocity as well as a relationship between surf zone width and breaker type. Such expressions may be useful for remote sensing methods like Synthetic Aperture Radar to derive breaker height and classification from image data.