Dr. James M. Kaihatu,
Assistant Professor

Office

CE/TTI 802A

Contact

Ph +1-979-862-3511
FAX +1-979-862-8162
jkaihatu@tamu.edu

Research Interests

My primary interests involve aspects of ocean surface wave generation and propagation, with an emphasis on numerical modeling. These include wind wave generation, propagation and transformation over the continental shelf, and processes in the nearshore and surf zones.

In the past I have worked extensively with the wave model SWAN, and was part of the team responsible for upgrading the numerics for swell propagation. I have also worked on development of the NearCoM modeling system - in particular the REFDIF-S spectral model and the SHORECIRC quasi-3D nearshore circulation model, and the coupling between the two models. At present I am working on adapting and validating the Delft3D modeling suite for Naval operational applications. I have also worked on the development of nonlinear wave models, with emphasis on the interaction between nonlinearity and breaking. More recently I have worked on the propagation of waves over cohesive bottom sediments, as can be found in areas such as the northern Gulf of Mexico.

My students are motivated, independent and computer literate. They are not afraid to write programs (in Fortran, C, C++, Matlab, etc.) and are continually finding new and creative solutions to their problems. Publishing and participation in conferences are major priorities in my group. If this sounds like you, be sure to contact me.

Keywords:

Ocean wave propagation and generation, wave transformation, nearshore nonlinear dynamics, wave breaking, nearshore circulation, wave propagation over cohesive sediments, data assimilation

Courses

This semester (Fall 2008) I will be teaching

OCEN671 Ocean Wave Mechanics

Office hours are available on the Meeting Schedule. For a list of other courses that I teach and their related on-line materials, visit the Teaching pages of this web site.