Abstract: | A combined wave refraction-diffraction numerical model was developed to predict wave conditions around an arbitrary island. The methodology was based on the mild-slope equation, solved using a finite difference scheme with a marching procedure. The new model reduced the computer's memory demand considerably in comparison with finite-element, parabolic, error vector propagation and other finite difference approaches, and could therefore predict wave conditions for a large coastal area under given offshore boundary-wave conditions. Laboratory data on wave conditions under submerged circular and elliptical shoal conditions were selected to validate the numerical results. Good agreement was observed in all cases. Wave characteristics around an island were predicted using this model with the given deep-water wave condition. The model can predict wave conditions for any island with a mild-slope coastline. |