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Detailed Reference Information
Elgar et al. 2003
Elgar, S., Raubenheimer, B. and Herbers, T.H.C. (2003). Bragg reflection of ocean waves from sandbars. Geophysical Research Letters 30: doi: 10.1029/2002GL016351. issn: 0094-8276.

Resonant Bragg reflection of ocean surface waves by a field of natural shore-parallel sandbars was observed in Cape Cod Bay, MA. Waves transmitted through the bars were reflected strongly from the steep shoreline, and the observed cross-shore variations in the onshore- and offshore-directed energy fluxes are consistent with theory for resonant Bragg reflection, including a 20% decay of the incident wave energy flux that is an order of magnitude greater than expected for wave-orbital velocity induced bottom friction. Bragg reflection was observed for a range of incident wave conditions, including storms when sediment transported toward and away from nodes and antinodes caused by the reflecting waves might result in growth and maintenance of the sandbars.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Oceanography, Physical, Nearshore processes, Oceanography, Physical, Surface waves and tides
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
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Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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