Ocean wave attenuation due to soft seafloor sediments

Abstract Ocean waves traveling over soft bottoms attenuate as a result of energy being absorbed by the soft bottom. This wave attenuation is important in the design of offshore facilities. The magnitude of wave attenuation can be predicted with an analytical model that couples wave and seabottom motions and realistically models the nonlinear stress‐strain behavior of soft sediments. An extensive parameter study was performed to develop wave attenuation behavior. Soil and wave characteristics typical of the Mississippi Delta were used for these analysis. Predicted results are compared with field observations, and good agreement is found.