The Daytona Beach Large Wave Event of 3 July 1992

by Robert J. Thieke, Univ of Florida, Gainesville, United States,
Robert G. Dean, Univ of Florida, Gainesville, United States,
Andrew W. Garcia, Univ of Florida, Gainesville, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Ocean Wave Measurement and Analysis

Abstract:

The fundamental mechanisms behind the anomalous large wave which struck Daytona Beach on 3 July 1992 are addressed. Although the wave was originally believed to have resulted from a submarine landslide, both physical data and anecdotal accounts are presented which link the wave to a southward propagating squall system. The wave appears to be an example of general type of forced long wave motion which may be called a `squall-line surge', in which a resonant coupling occurs between the moving pressure front and free surface wave, resulting in potential large wave amplitudes. Historical precedent is found for the generation of such waves; two notable examples are compared with the wave which impacted Daytona Beach.

Subject Headings: Surface waves | Long waves | Water waves | Solitary waves | Beaches | Wave generation | Wave pressure

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