Waves Generated by the Horizontal Motions of a Bottom Disturbance

Waves generated by a horizontally moving disturbance on the seabed have been studied by developing two numerical models, namely, the Navier–Stokes and the Green–Naghdi equations. Various geometries of the bottom disturbances are considered, and waves generated due to a single motion and multiple oscillatory motions of the bottom disturbances are investigated by the two models. Discussion is provided on how the motion of the disturbance on the seafloor results in the generation of surface waves. The wave-field parameters investigated include the surface elevation, velocity, pressure fields and wave celerity. A parametric study is conducted to assess the effect of the geometry of the disturbance and the kinematic characteristics on the wave generation. It is shown that both linear and nonlinear waves can be generated by a horizontally moving disturbance on the seabed. Long waves, followed by a series of dispersive waves, are produced by the single motion of the bottom disturbance. It is also found that, under appropriate conditions, there would be a balance between nonlinearity and dispersion, such that the generated waves propagate over a flat seafloor with little to no change in their form and shape.