Wave propagation over a sediment trench

Wave interactions with a sediment trench are examined both theoretically and experimentally. The envelope of the wave amplitudes in front of the sediment trench is measured to evaluate the wave reflection from the trench. Detailed pore water pressure measurements are also made above and within the sediment trench. It is found that the wave reflection is practically zero when the trench is filled with sand. It is also shown that potential theory describes adequately the velocity and pressure field when the trench is not filled with sand. However, when the trench is filled with sand, the Biot consolidation theory gives a better description of the pore water pressure field under wave loading than other theoretical models.