A numerical study on the effects of wave-current interactions on the height and propagation of sea surface waves in Charleston Harbor during Hurricane Hugo 1989

The effects of wave-current interactions on ocean surface waves induced by Hurricane Hugo in and around the Charleston Harbor and its adjacent coastal waters are examined by using a three-dimensional (3-D) wave-current coupled modeling system. The 3-D storm surge and inundation modeling component of the coupled system is based on the Princeton Ocean Model (POM), whereas the wave modeling component is based on the third generation wave model, Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN). The results indicate that one of the main effects of wave-current interaction on wave height is due to the change of water level associated with the storm surge. This effect is significant in the shallow waters along the coast but relatively small in the deep offshore waters. The influence of wave-current interaction on wave propagating is mainly caused by the storm-induced currents. Waves generally propagate in the direction of the direction of strong surface currents driven by the storm. Wave-current interactions also affect the surface waves as a result of inundation and drying induced by the storm. Waves break as waters retreat in regions of drying, whereas waves are generated in flooded regions.