Performance of different 3D wave radiation stress formulations in modelling nearshore wave-induced current

Zhou Haoyang; Li Rui; Song Dehai; Chen Yu

doi:10.12284/hyxb2026000

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Zhou Haoyang，Li Rui，Song Dehai, et al. Performance of different 3D wave radiation stress formulations in modelling nearshore wave-induced current[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2026, 48(x)：1–16 doi: 10.12284/hyxb2026000

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Performance of different 3D wave radiation stress formulations in modelling nearshore wave-induced current

doi: 10.12284/hyxb2026000

Zhou Haoyang^{1, 3
,},
Li Rui²,
Song Dehai^{1, 3
,
,},
Chen Yu^{1, 3}

1.
Key Laboratory of Physical Oceanography, Ministry of Education, at Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
2.
North China Sea Marine Forecasting and Disaster Mitigation Center, Ministry of National Resources, Qingdao 266061, China
3.
College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China

Received Date: 2026-01-10
Accepted Date: 2026-04-29
Rev Recd Date: 2026-04-14

Available Online: 2026-05-06

Abstract

Abstract

To accurately simulate nearshore wave-induced currents, this study proposes a general construction method for vertical weighting functions. Based on this method, existing depth-dependent horizontal wave radiation stress formulations are unified, and a modified formulation (Z04m) with tunable vertical distribution characteristics is derived. This formulation features a smooth and continuous vertical profile and allows for flexible adaptation to varying wave conditions and sloping topographies by adjusting a single parameter. Using a developed two-way coupled three-dimensional coastal wave-current interaction model, the applicability of different formulations is comprehensively evaluated. The model is validated against four laboratory flume experiments with varying conditions. The results show that the performance of different radiation stress formulations varies considerably in reproducing wave-induced current structures. The modified formulation outperforms the existing ones in simulating wave setup/setdown, significant wave height, and cross-shore vertical velocity profiles, with a significantly reduced root mean square error in cross-shore velocities compared with other formulations. Regarding the potential vertical momentum imbalance associated with using depth-dependent horizontal radiation stress formulations over sloping bottoms, momentum balance diagnostics based on the Roseau-type topography confirm the feasibility of the modified formulation, which includes only horizontal components. Its momentum balance characteristics are comparable to those of higher-order formulations that incorporate vertical components. The vertical momentum balance characteristics of other depth-dependent horizontal radiation stress formulations are also presented, and some are found to be imbalanced.
- wave radiation stress,
- wave-induced current,
- wave-current coupled model,
- weighting function,
- momentum balance

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References(76)

References

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