Coastal engineering

Coastal engineering

A branch of civil engineering that applies engineering principles specifically to projects within the coastal zone including areas nearshore, estuary, marine, and shoreline.

Industry: Engineering

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Coastal engineering

wave of translation

Engineering; Coastal engineering

A wave in which the water particles are permanently displaced to a significant degree in the direction of wave travel. Distinguished from an oscillatory wave.

canyon

Engineering; Coastal engineering

A relatively narrow, deep depression with steep slopes, the bottom of which grades continuously downward. May be underwater (submarine) or on land (subaerial).

tsunami

Engineering; Coastal engineering

A long-period water wave caused by an underwater disturbance such as a volcanic eruption or earthquake. Also seismic sea wave. Commonly miscalled "tidal wave."

degradation

Engineering; Coastal engineering

The geologic process by means of which various parts of the surface of the earth are worn away and their general level lowered, by the action of wind and water.

freeboard

Engineering; Coastal engineering

At a given time, the vertical distance between the water level and the top of the structure. On a ship, the distance from the waterline to main deck or gunwale.

gulf

Engineering; Coastal engineering

A relatively large portion of the ocean or sea extending far into land; the largest of various forms of inlets of the sea (e.g., Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Aqaba).

fetch

Engineering; Coastal engineering

The area in which seas are generated by a wind having a fairly constant direction and speed. Sometimes used synonymously with fetch length. Also generating area.