Three-dimensional structure of wave-induced momentum flux in irrotational waves in combined shoaling-refraction conditions

In the paper, the three-dimensional structure of the wave-induced momentum flux in irrotational waves propagating over a two-dimensional, irregular bathymetry is analyzed. The expansion method developed by de Vriend and Kitou [de Vriend, H.J., Kitou, N., 1990a. Incorporation of wave effects in a 3D hydrostatic mean current model. Delft Hydraulics Report H-1295. de Vriend, H.J., Kitou, N., 1990b. Incorporation of wave effects in a 3D hydrostatic mean current model. Proc. 22nd Int. Coast. Eng. Conf. ASCE, 1005-1018.] for unidirectional waves has been extended to derive expressions for velocity components in three-dimensional waves over sloping bottom. The vertical wave-induced momentum flux resulting from this solution has been shown to be vertically-varying (contrary to the 2D-V case) and to act as a counterbalance for the vertical variability of the other wave forcing terms in the momentum equations. Thus, the total wave forcing remains depth-invariant, but-contrary to the 'traditional' solution based on the radiation stress concept-it does not depend explicitly on the direction of wave propagation and is a simple function of gradients of wave energy and water depth only. One of the most important consequences of this fact is the lack of the longshore-current-generating force in the case of non-dissipative waves approaching a shore with a bottom profile uniform in the along-shore direction. To illustrate the meaning of the new solution, the wave forcing due to waves approaching a barred beach has been analysed in detail. Also, the present solution has been shown to give the same results as the one obtained by extending of the approach by Rivero and Arcilla [Rivero, F.J., Arcilla, A.S., 1995. On the vertical distribution of 〈ũw˜〉. Coast. Eng. 25, 137-152.] to three dimensions.