Shallow Water Wave header image

Shallow Water Wave Calculator

Use this wave calculator to estimate the effects of shallow-water wave behaviors, including shoaling, refraction, reflection, breaking, attenuation, and coastal run-up. 

Interactive Tool
Sponsors
NOAA/NWS

About this interactive tool

COMET tools can function both within the context of a MetEd lesson and on their own. The Shallow Water Waves MetEd lesson familiarizes learners with the transformations waves undergo as they enter shallow water and are modified by shoaling, refraction, attenuation, and breaking. Understanding wave behavior in the nearshore environment is critical for issuing accurate forecasts for beach goers, mariners, and coastal communities. Included in the lesson is the Shallow-Water Wave Calculator, which can be used as an estimation tool for marine forecast operations.