The Dynamic Nature of Sea Floor Roughness in Shallow Water Environments

Diane Foster
Associate Professor

Mechanical and Ocean Engineering
The University of New Hampshire

Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, 3:00pm
Chase 130
Abstract

We will consider particle image velocimetry observations that show, at times, significant temporal evolution of seafloor roughness  (e.g., Ripple geometry). A series of medium and large scale laboratory observations taken outside the surf zone in nearshore forcing environments have been obtained over the past 10 years. Ripple geometries are shown to be generally anorbital in nature with amplitudes and steepness that are modulated by the wave forcing.

Bio

Diane Foster is an associate professor of mechanical and ocean engineering at the University of New Hampshire. Prior to joining UNH, she was an associate professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Ohio State University. She received her Ph.D. in ocean engineering at Oregon State University and did postdoctoral work in Physical Oceanography at Dalhousie University.