Relationships between depth-induced breaking of solitary waves and deep-water breakers

Solitary waves offer a convenient way to study depth-limited breaking, but are difficult to relate to general breaking waves. Moreover, the energetic mechanisms of breakers have traditionally been separated into shallow- and deep-water regimes, with corresponding regime-specific parametrizations. In this talk, we will compare direct numerical simulations of depth-induced breaking solitary waves, and their breaking thresholds and energetic dissipations, with a range of experimental and numerical results in both deep and shallow water, over a range of breaker parameters. Core similarities that allow for common comparison will be identified. Particular points of discussion will include the breaking threshold, with respect to geometric, kinematic and dynamic criteria, and fundamental dimensionless parameters governing breaking onset and energetics.