PART VII: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 



117. The model presented in this report is capable of simulating wave 

 propagation over arbitrary, and potentially complex, bathymetry. The govern- 

 ing equations are theoretically applicable to linear, monochromatic plane wave 

 propagation only. Comparisons between model results and laboratory data 

 showed good agreement, indicating that the model is quite accurate if the 

 above conditions are satisfied. The results also showed the model's ability 

 to simulate not only wave refraction but also bottom-induced diffraction. 

 Comparisons between model results and field data indicated the model is capa- 

 ble of accurately simulating the transformation of single-peaked, narrow- 

 banded, wave spectra. Results from one test suggest potential model use for 

 solving problems involving propagation of wider-banded spectra, if a clearly 

 defined wave direction exists. This hypothesis has not been substantiated in 

 this report. 



118. The wave breaking scheme incorporated into the model is a vast 

 improvement over those wave propagation models which assume proportionality 

 between wave height and water depth throughout the surf zone. Comparisons be- 

 tween model results and laboratory data showed the model to be reasonably ac- 

 curate for a variety of bottom profiles, including plane, stepped, and barred 

 beaches. Since the breaking scheme assumes that all waves break at the same 

 location, the model is most valid for monochromatic waves and very narrow- 

 banded wave spectra. No field data were used to verify the wave breaking as- 

 pects of the model. 



119. The user's manual portion of the documentation and the sample ap- 

 plications presented show the model's ease of application. Users are reminded 

 to pay close attention to comments made concerning relationships between model 

 accuracy and grid resolution. The problems of interest and the perceived 

 physical processes of importance should dictate cell sizes. Also, the user 

 should remember assumptions inherent in the model's governing equations. 

 Applications in which these assumptions are violated may yield erroneous 

 results. 



120. The model provides a tool which can be used by field personnel to 

 solve many types of wave problems in a quantitative way and at a very low 

 cost. If all assumptions inherent in the model development are essentially 

 met, very accurate results can be obtained. Even if the model is applied to 



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