Wave Run-Up, Setup & Coastal Inundation Calculator
Calculate total water level from tide, surge and wave run-up using the Stockdon parameterisation.
Last reviewed by the myCalculator Editorial Team
Input Parameters
0.05 is a 1 in 20 intermediate beach; below 0.02 behaves as fully dissipative.
Calculation Results
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Formula & How Wave Run-Up, Setup & Coastal Inundation Calculator Works
Coastal inundation is driven by total water level, not wave height alone. Three components stack: the astronomical tide, storm surge from low pressure and wind stress, and wave run-up — the vertical extent that individual waves rush up the beach face. The Stockdon parameterisation splits run-up into steady setup and oscillating swash, and is the standard empirical model in coastal hazard assessment. On dissipative beaches with an Iribarren number below 0.3, a separate saturated form applies because swash stops growing with wave height.
- Enter Deep-Water Significant Wave Height (m) (m): Input your target parameter value.
- Enter Peak Wave Period (s) (s): Input your target parameter value.
- Enter Foreshore Slope (m/m): Input your target parameter value.
- Enter Astronomical Tide Level (m AHD) (m): Input your target parameter value.
- Enter Storm Surge / Setup (m) (m): Input your target parameter value.
- Enter Dune or Seawall Crest (m AHD) (m): Input your target parameter value.
- Apply Formula: Calculate using
R2% = 1.1(η̄ + S/2) | η̄ = 0.35 β√(H₀L₀) | TWL = Tide + Surge + R2%. - Review Results: View exact computed answers, metrics, and worked mathematical proofs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between wave setup and run-up?
Setup is the steady rise in mean water level inside the surf zone caused by breaking waves transferring momentum shoreward. Run-up adds the oscillating swash of individual waves on top of that raised level.
What does R2% mean?
The run-up elevation exceeded by 2% of waves. It is the standard design statistic for coastal inundation and overtopping, rather than the mean or the absolute maximum.
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