Measurement and modeling of water levels and flow fields in the surf zone

Water levels and characteristic flow fields in a laboratory experiment of waves breaking on a beach are measured using the technique of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) in conjunction with video imagery. The technique is found to have major advantages over more conventional methods such as resistance wave gauges in the measurement of instantaneous water levels. Spatial descriptions of internal flow properties such as velocity and vorticity fields are a product of the technique as well as information related to wave roller geometry and aeration in the surf zone. The high spatial coverage and accuracy of the data is shown to be valuable for model validation purposes, and is likely to serve to advance inverse modelling investigations.