Dynamics of propagating front into sand ripples under regular waves

J. Lebunetel-Levaslot, A. Jarno-Druaux, A. B. Ezersky, and F. Marin

Phys. Rev. E 82, 032301 – Published 24 September 2010

Abstract

The results of an experimental study of pattern formation on sandy bottom under the action of regular harmonic surface waves are reported. It is found that two modes of pattern formation occur: sand ripples form uniformly on the whole bottom or from localized nucleation sites. In the second regime, the ripples appear in isolated regions (patches) increasing in size, and front propagation speed is measured. A simple dynamical model based on the Ginzburg-Landau equation is proposed to explain the characteristics of patches.

Received 9 April 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.82.032301

Authors & Affiliations

J. Lebunetel-Levaslot¹, A. Jarno-Druaux¹, A. B. Ezersky², and F. Marin^1,*

¹Laboratoire Ondes et Milieux Complexes, FRE CNRS 3102, Université du Havre, 25 rue Philippe Lebon, BP 540, 76058 Le Havre Cedex, France
²Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, UMR CNRS 6143, Université de Caen, 2-4 rue des Tilleuls, 14000 Caen, France

^*Corresponding author. francois.marin@univ-lehavre.fr

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Issue

Vol. 82, Iss. 3 — September 2010

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