Run-up of large storm waves on Estonian coasts of the Baltic Sea

Abstract

Analysis of maximal inundation of Estonian coasts of the Baltic Sea is conducted on 35-year wind wave simulations with WAM model forced by COSMO winds in the presence of ice. For each of selected along the Estonian Baltic Sea coast 18 beach profiles, the maximal significant wave heights and corresponding periods are found. The locations with available wave data are located at the water depth of about 10 to 20 m and at a distance up to 8 km from the shore. Run-up of these waves on Estonian beaches is calculated within the shallow water theory using the CLAWPACK software package (www.clawpack.org). The topography of the beach is taken from Geological field surveys and combined with GEBCO maps, where needed. We consider the case, when monochromatic waves of corresponding wave height and period are approaching the coast. For this we use boundary conditions of wave-maker located offshore and generating regular waves. Time and space step during all calculations of wave run-up remains constant (1 m and 1 s respectively). The estimates of maximal run-up are compared with the estimations made using different run-up formulas, available in the literature.