Abstract
Wave energy is a key factor in the coastal environment as it influences multiple components including erosion and hydrodynamics. This importance highlights the need for wave climates to be considered in the design of conservation and restoration projects. Currently, the majority of site specific wave climate considerations are determined through the use of wave models. However, current wave models do not incorporate both wind and wake waves. In fact, the exact influence vessel-generated waves have on wave climates is relatively unknown. Wind and vessel-generated waves have significant differences when analyzing wave characteristics. To determine the influence of wake waves on wave climates, Twenty DIY wave gauges were deployed in Back Bay, MS before, during, and after July 4th weekend in 2019. This deployment time period was targeted in order to capture data with both maximum and minimum boat activity. Wave gauges were deployed randomly throughout Back Bay, but included areas with expected high boat activity (e.g., adjacent to a boating channel) and expected low boat activity. Hourly wave statistics were calculated from raw gauge data including; significant wave height, average wave height, and maximum wave height. Hourly statistics were compared between predicted maximum boat activity (i.e. daylight hours) and predicted minimum boat activity (i.e. nighttime hours). Preliminary results revealed that during times of high boat activity, significant have height was increased by a minimum of 20 cm. Understanding how vessel-generated waves influence wave climates will illustrate the need for including wake waves in site specific wave climate considerations. Site specific wave climate considerations that include wake waves have the potential to improve conservation and restoration project designs.
