An idealised experimental model of ocean surface wave transmission by an ice floe

TL;DR

This study presents an experimental model using plastic plates to analyze how ocean waves transmit through ice floes under various wave conditions, revealing that transmission decreases with wave steepness and overwash height.

Contribution

It introduces an idealized experimental setup with plastic plates to simulate ice floe wave transmission under different wave regimes, including storm-like conditions.

Findings

Transmission decreases as wave steepness increases.

Maximum transmission occurs when incident wavelength equals floe length.

Wave overwash height correlates with reduced transmission.

Abstract

An experimental model of transmission of ocean waves by an ice floe is presented. Thin plastic plates with different material properties and thicknesses are used to model the floe. Regular incident waves with different periods and steepnesses are used, ranging from gently-sloping to storm-like conditions. A wave gauge is used to measure the water surface elevation in the lee of the floe. The depth of wave overwash on the floe is measured by a gauge in the centre of the floe's upper surface. Results show transmitted waves are regular for gently-sloping incident waves but irregular for storm-like incident waves. The proportion of the incident wave transmitted is shown to decrease as incident wave steepness increases, and to be at its minimum for an incident wavelength equal to the floe length. Further, a trend is noted for transmission to decrease as the mean wave height in the overwash region increases.