Wave breaking velocity effects in depth-integrated models

A simple model for predicting the velocities under breaking waves in depth-integrated models is developed. A velocity modification due to wave breaking is formulated based on a specific exponential profile, which is then added to the numerically predicted, depth-integrated velocity profile. This modification is superficial in that it does not directly change the hydrodynamic calculations inside the depth-integrated model. The modifications can be employed in any of the numerous Boussinesq-type models, and is not dependant on the use of a particular breaking dissipation scheme. Horizontal velocity profiles, both mean and instantaneous, are compared with experimental data in the surf zone. The comparisons show good agreement, markedly better than the tin-modified results, and on par with published numerical results from sophisticated models. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.