1. What is Shallow Water Wave Velocity?

The shallow water wave velocity equation calculates the speed of ocean waves in water where the depth is less than 1/20th of the wavelength. This is important for understanding coastal processes, tsunami propagation, and wave energy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the shallow water wave velocity equation:

Where:

• \( V \) — Wave velocity (m/s)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s² on Earth)
• \( d \) — Water depth (meters)

Explanation: In shallow water, wave speed depends primarily on water depth and gravity, not on wave period or wavelength as in deep water.

3. Importance of Wave Velocity Calculation

Details: Knowing wave velocity helps in coastal engineering, predicting tsunami arrival times, designing offshore structures, and understanding sediment transport.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter water depth in meters and gravity in m/s² (9.8 m/s² for Earth). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What defines "shallow" water for this equation?
A: Water is considered shallow when depth is less than 1/20th of the wavelength.

Q2: Does this apply to tsunamis?
A: Yes, tsunamis behave as shallow water waves even in deep ocean because their wavelengths are so long.

Q3: How does wave velocity change with depth?
A: Velocity increases with the square root of depth - doubling depth increases velocity by √2 (about 1.4 times).

Q4: What's the difference between shallow and deep water waves?
A: In deep water, wave speed depends on wavelength; in shallow water, it depends only on depth.

Q5: Can I use this for other planets?
A: Yes, just adjust the gravity value for the specific planet (e.g., 1.62 m/s² for the Moon).