K = 



1.0 



1.0 + C 



(14) 



where C = 8.284 and C = -0.951 are coefficients. Equation 14 explains 



about 80 percent of the variance in K for the 204 tests considered, follows 

 r r 



the trend of the data well, and approaches the correct limiting values. 



REEF WAVE REFLECTION PARAMETER, - — — 

 A T d s 



Figure 25. Wave reflection coefficient versus the reef reflection 

 parameter illustrating the ability of Equation 14 to predict 

 reflection, all subsets 



38. While the analysis was being conducted to develop Equation 14, it 

 was clear a relation could be developed which could explain considerably more 

 of the variance in K if more dependent variables were used. Better esti- 

 mates of reflection from reefs would be valuable since wave reflection causes 

 navigation problems, increases potential for toe scour, and can cause erosion 

 at nearby shorelines by increasing the severity of wave conditions. In addi- 

 tion, knowledge of wave reflection provides a way to estimate the amount of 

 wave energy dissipated by the reef. The ability of low and submerged rubble 

 structures to dissipate wave energy has long been appreciated, but only in 



37 



