Monochromatic and random wave breaking at blocking points

Abstract

In this paper we study the energy dissipation due to current‐limited wave breaking in monochromatic and random waves with the help of experimental tests. The opposing currents are strong enough for wave blocking to occur. A modified bore model is used to simulate the dissipation rate in the monochromatic waves, and an empirical bulk dissipation formula for wave breaking in random waves is proposed. The effects of wave blocking on the dynamics of the wave field are also discussed.