With a two-dimensional K-E model and equations to describe sediment entrain
ment, diffusion, convection and settling, wave-induced flow velocities and
sediment concentration fields over rippled beds have been calculated. Resul
ts from the simulations are compared with time-averaged vertical suspended
sediment concentration profiles, C-profiles, measured in a large wave flume
using the autonomous multi-sensor instrument STABLE. The simulations make
it possible to examine in detail the mechanisms of sediment entrainment, vo
rtex formation and advection. The resulting animations of model output allo
w a quasi-3-D visualization of sediment resuspension processes and aid quan
tification of the resulting vertical suspended sediment concentration field
due to regular waves, asymmetric waves and wave groups. The work contribut
es therefore, to knowledge about wave-sediment interactions and to understa
nding of sediment transport mechanics. (C) 2000 Academic Press.