OCEANWAVES ALWAYS A CONCERN FOR ENGINEERS

In undertaking feasibility studies, in designing port and marine structures, for implementing any construction activity in the marine environment, the most important phenomenon that the engineer has to face is ocean waves. It is the most intriguing and least understood phenomenon of nature. Attempt has been made in this paper to describe ocean waves, its characteristics, classification, refraction, diffraction, reflection, wave breaking etc and to explain the complexities that may compel the engineer to be concerned in dealing with ocean waves. The problems encountered as a result of wave action in navigation channels, harbours, on structures and beaches are dealt with

Keywords:

Waves , relative depth , wave energy , refraction , diffraction , reflection , wave breaking , wave uprush , sediment