Breaker Depth Index McCowan Calculator
Audit independently observed breakingH/depth and caller matched index, no inferred hazardous breaker depth or universal.78. Caller independently establishes units, regime, calibration and applicability; this does not establish design-code compliance, authenticity, operational safety, treatment efficacy or a validated forecast.
Description
The breaker-depth index compares observed breaking-wave height with water depth.
The breaker-depth index compares observed breaking-wave height with water depth.1
This audit uses your matched index rather than assuming a universal breaking criterion.
When to use Breaker Depth Index McCowan Calculator
Use this tool to calculate or review the supplied observations under the stated rules. Match the observation interval, units, datum, coordinate signs and model regime.
How to use Breaker Depth Index McCowan Calculator and understand its results
- Match the observation interval, units, datum, coordinate signs and model regime.
- Enter observedBreakerWaveHeightM, observedBreakerWaterDepthM, callerMatchedMcCowanIndex, using the field meanings and rules below, then run the tool.
- Read observedBreakerIndex, signedHeightMinusCallerIndexDepthM. Inspect nested result fields where present, and review unknown records separately from known matches.
- Correct any reported input issue and run again. Before using a successful result, check the stated units, signs, reference scope and observation coverage.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| observedBreakerWaveHeightM | Observed breaker wave height m | number | Required |
| observedBreakerWaterDepthM | Observed breaker water depth m | number | Required |
| callerMatchedMcCowanIndex | Caller matched mc cowan index | number | Required |
Require aligned nonnegative heights, positive depths and positive caller indices. Return height/depth and the signed residual height−index×depth.
γ_i=H_i/h_i; residual_i=H_i−callerγ_i h_i Use the matching field units and the exact boundary, ordering and reference rules above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| observedBreakerIndex | Observed breaker index | number |
| signedHeightMinusCallerIndexDepthM | Signed height minus caller index depth m; preserve the subtraction order and sign defined in the mechanics | number |
{
"input": {
"observedBreakerWaveHeightM": 2,
"observedBreakerWaterDepthM": 3,
"callerMatchedMcCowanIndex": 0.78
},
"output": {
"observedBreakerIndex": 0.6666666666666666,
"signedHeightMinusCallerIndexDepthM": -0.33999999999999986
}
}Limitations and assumptions
The stated observation or model covers only the supplied record and reference regime. It does not fill missing measurements, supply uncertainty estimates or produce a validated forecast.
Missing required fields, unknown fields, wrong types and violated rules return input issues. Numeric values and outputs must be finite.
Alternative or Complementary methods
For a related step, use Setup Plus Swash Stockdon Split Calculator: Wave setup and swash contribute to extreme runup on a beach. For a complementary comparison, use Rogue Wave Threshold Significant Checker: A rogue-wave screen compares individual wave height with significant height from the same observation window.
References
-
Breaker Depth Index McCowan Calculator — tool.io
Similar or alternative tools
- Setup Plus Swash Stockdon Split Calculator
Wave setup and swash contribute to extreme runup on a beach.
- Rogue Wave Threshold Significant Checker
A rogue-wave screen compares individual wave height with significant height from the same observation window.