On the wave field and wave-induced currents around a detached breakwater

The wave and wave-induced current field around a detached breakwater is analyzed in detail. Numerical simulations are performed for combinations of two mild-slope equation models, and the Quasi-3D circulation model SHORECIRC. The results ale compared with those from an experimental study performed by Mory & Hamin (1997). In particularly, the role of the wave model description, the wave-current interaction (WCI), and the three-dimensional character of the currents are examined. Results for the wave heights demonstrate the importance of accounting for wave current-refraction. Also, the maximum velocities of the predicted currents show a reduction of newly 20% in the cases with WCI, relative to those for the case without WCI. The prediction of small circulation cells in the region unprotected by the breakwater is discussed. The model predicts nearly depth-uniform horizontal currents, which are in good agreement with the observations.