Energy generated by the force of ocean waves. Wave energy is expressed as the amount of energy per unit area (N m−2) and is more appropriately referred to as wave energy density. Wave energy depends on the square of the wave height. A doubling of the wave height therefore results in a four-fold increase in wave energy. Total wave energy E is given by:
where
ρ is the density of water,
g is gravity, and
H is the wave height. See Masselink in J. Holden, ed. (2012).
Wave energy flux is the rate at which wave energy is carried along by moving waves and is the product of the amount of energy associated with the waves and the speed at which this energy travels.
The University of Hull has a group researching the flow dynamics of wave and tidal power devices, and analysing marine energy resources; see Hardisty (2006) J. Mar. Sci. and Env. C4.