Influid dynamics,wave–current interaction is the interaction betweensurface gravity waves and amean flow. The interaction implies an exchange of energy, so after the start of the interaction both the waves and the mean flow are affected.

For depth-integrated andphase-averaged flows, the quantity of primary importance for thedynamics of the interaction is the waveradiation stress tensor.

Wave–current interaction is also one of the possible mechanisms for the occurrence ofrogue waves, such as in theAgulhas Current. When awave group encounters an opposing current, the waves in the group may pile up on top of each other which will propagate into a rogue wave.^[1][2]

Peregrine (1976) identifies five major sub-classes within wave–current interaction:

• interaction of waves with a large-scale currentfield, with slow – as compared to thewavelength –two-dimensional horizontal variations of the current fields;
• interaction of waves with small-scale current changes (in contrast with the case above), where the horizontal current varies suddenly, over alength scale comparable with the wavelength;
• the combined wave–current motion for currents varying (strongly) with depth below thefree surface;
• interaction of waves withturbulence; and
• interaction of ship waves and currents, such as in the ship'swake.

• generalized Lagrangian mean
• rip current

• Bretherton, F. P.; Garrett, C. J. R. (1968), "Wavetrains in inhomogeneous moving media",Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series A, Mathematical and Physical Sciences,302 (1471):529–554,Bibcode:1968RSPSA.302..529B,doi:10.1098/rspa.1968.0034,S2CID 202575349
• Bühler, O. (2014),Waves and mean flows (2nd ed.), Cambridge University Press,ISBN 978-1-107-66966-6
• Peregrine, D. H. (1976), "Interaction of water waves and currents",Advances in Applied Mechanics, vol. 16, Academic Press, pp. 9–117,ISBN 978-0-12-002016-4
• Phillips, O. M. (1977),The dynamics of the upper ocean (2nd ed.), Cambridge University Press,ISBN 0-521-29801-6
• Craik, A. D. D. (1988),Wave interactions and fluid flows, Cambridge University Press,ISBN 0-521-36829-4
• Prandle, D. (1992),Dynamics and exchanges in estuaries and the coastal zone, Coastal and estuarine studies, vol. 40, American Geophysical Union,ISBN 0-87590-254-5
• Jonsson, I. G. (1990), "Wave–current interactions", in B. Le Méhauté and D. M. Hanes (ed.),Ocean Engineering Science, The Sea, vol. 9A, Wiley Interscience, pp. 65–120,ISBN 0-471-11543-6

• Physical oceanography
• Water waves

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