SLAR and In-Situ Observations of Wave-Current Interaction on the Columbia River Bar

Abstract

Observations at the Columbia River entrance have been com-pared to wave height amplification factors predicted by linear, one-dimensional wave-current interaction theory. A previous study found good agreement between this theory and observations, with the ex-ception of one so-called “severe event” which was seriously under-predicted. The present analysis utilizes SLAR and in-situ data to demonstrate that the probable cause of this failure is two-dimensional current refraction induced by lateral current shear. The conclusion is reached that such two-dimensional effects must be better understood if these “severe events” are to be accurately predicted on the Columbia River Bar.