Wind Wave Growth and Dissipation in a Narrow, Fetch-Limited Estuary: Long Island Sound

The geometry of the Long Island Sound (LIS) renders wave field fetch-limited and leads to marked differences between western eastern areas. mechanisms that contribute formation dissipation waves in LIS are not well understood. We evaluated ability module a wave-coupled hydrodynamic model simulate different wind–wave scenarios. were unable capture statistics correctly using existing meteorological results for wind forcing due low resolution models their inability resolve coastline sufficiently. To solve this problem, we modified fields situ observations from buoys. optimized both Komen Jansen parameterizations better present peak winds during storms. Waves develop more quickly than simple theory predicts quadruplet nonlinear wave–wave interaction effects. Removing increases time full saturation by 50%. spatial distribution energy density input reveals complex LIS, with area greatest exposure receiving higher density. whitecapping defines shape directional spectrum along LIS. Dissipation shoaling main parameters modulating fully developed field.