ENERGY FLUX AND WAVE ACTION IN GRAVITY WAVES PROPAGATING ON A CURRENT

Abstract

The total energy flux with the mean energy level as a datum is shown to be proportional to the wave action flux for waves on steady irrotational currents. This leads directly to the wave action conservation principle. The set-down of the mean water surface is calculated in a new and simple way. In addition the mean Eulerian current velocity profile is discussed, and the myth of a non-zero mass transport in a pure wave motion is reconsidered. Dissipative effects are neglected.