Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Intended for coastal engineers and marine scientists who desire to develop a fundamental physical understanding of ocean waves and be able to apply this knowledge to ocean and coastal analysis and design. Provides an introduction to the physical processes of ocean wave mechanics, an understanding of the basic techniques for wave analysis, techniques for practical calculation and prediction of waves and applied wave forecasting.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Sea Surface Gravity Waves
• Small Amplitude Wave Theory and Characteristics
• Two-Dimensional Wave Transformation
• Finite Amplitude Wave Theory
• Three-Dimensional Wave Transformations
• Wind-Generated Waves
• Design Wave Determination
• Wave-Structure Interaction
• Long Waves
• Laboratory Investigation of Surface Waves
• Index

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Driven by wind and tide, ocean waves develop enough energy to undermine marine structures, reshape coastlines, and hold promise, eventually, to provide significant hydroelectric power. Marine engineers, therefore, are vitally concerned with how waves propagate; they will be well served by this graduate-level book, a clearly written guide to engineering analyses of wave motions. Sorensen shows that propagation over deep water is simple enough--gravitational and inertial forces interact to continually disrupt the surface from its quiescent equilibrium level--but he uses this simple linear theory to carefully introduce and explain important basic concepts. Except for Figure 2-1, where two particle velocities are incorrectly oriented, this is the clearest description that this reviewer has ever found. With an eye to practical results, the author nicely describes and summarizes key nonlinear theories in succeeding chapters. He shows, for example, that bottom effects of mud or sand can greatly complicate how waves run up towards a shoreline; and how best to position shore structures to diffract, reflect, and attentuate incoming surges. Enough development is provided that students can work out the mathematics on their own, or if need be, resort to several of the many citations. Graduate; faculty; professional. M. B. Snyder; University of Nevada, Reno

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Robert M. Sorensen is the author of Basic Wave Mechanics: For Coastal and Ocean Engineers, published by Wiley.