Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Chin H. Wu

Chin H.  Wu

Chin H. Wu
Associate Professor

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  • Contact Information

    1269D Engineering Hall
    1415 Engineering Drive
    Madison, WI 53706
    Tel: 608/263-3078
    Fax: 608/262-5199
    E-mail: chinwu@engr.wisc.edu

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    Summary

    Fundamental understanding of physical processes in air-sea interactions is one of critical components for accurately predicting climate change. We are specifically interested in the role of three-dimensional breaking waves and waves breaking due to wave-current interactions. To elucidate these processes, experimental, theoretical, and numerical approaches are used. Work is underway to study kinematic and dynamic effects of sheared currents on extreme and breaking waves in the laboratory and field. Further we are examining the occurence of freak wave and its characteristics. Our ultimate goal is to develop a temporal form of physics-based parameterizations for momentum, heat, and humidity fluxes of the coupled atmospheric-ocean models to better predict wave and climate evolution.

    Contaminated sediments in rivers or estuaries can cause serious water quality problems. A fundamental understanding of interaction of hydrodynamic, sediment, and chemical processes is critical. To quantify the fate and transport of the contaminated sediments under current/wave dominated flows, we are developing an innovative in-situ instrument package to measure waves, current and sediment profiles, sediment resuspension rates, depositions, and particle size distributions. In addition, a well-controlled automated image sediment erosion test flume system is developed to further quantify bottom sediment characteristics. Our ultimate goal is to understand the coastal processes responsible for the resuspension, transport, and deposition of contaminated sediments, the cycling of pollutants, and biological productivity in the Great Lakes, inland lakes, streams, or rivers.

    The effects of hydrologic and hydrodynamic characteristics on environmental impacts of many lakes such as bloom formation, water quality and shoreline erosion have been great concerns to the local communities as well as national agencies. We are developing a three-dimensional non-hydrostatic and stratified flow model (3DNHYS) to examine general circulation pattern, surface and internal waves and their breaking over shoaling bathymetry. In addition, the 3DNYHS model will be coupled with a cohesive sediment transport model, a water quality model, and an ecosystem model to examine the interactions of physical, chemical, and biological processes in lakes response to anthropogenic pollution and weather or climate changes. An interdisciplinary approach is undertaken to further address their environmental and social impacts.

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    Copyright 2008 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
    Date last modified: 08-Jul-2008
    Content by: chinwu@engr.wisc.edu
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