Spectrum of Shallow Water Waves

A complete and coherent formulation for defining different spectral shallow water wave bands is stated. It takes into account the attenuation and dispersion characteristics of the waves and the predominant physical mechanisms. It is shown that the relevant parameter which accounts for the importance of attenuation and dispersion effects is the phase difference between the velocity-wave and the depth-wave. Practical criteria for defining the limits of the spectral bands are introduced for any required accuracy. The results presented can be used to obtain a rough and quick determination of the main characteristics of a flood wave from its dimensionless wave number and the Froude number of the mean-flow.