The boundary value problem for the nonlinear shallow water equations

We propose an approximate analytical solution of the boundary value problem (BVP) for the nonlinear shallow waters equations. Our work, based on the Carrier and Greenspan [1] hodograph transformation, focuses on the propagation of nonlinear nonbreaking waves over a uniformly plane beach. Available results are briefly discussed with specific emphasis on the comparison between the Initial Value Problem and the BVP; the latter more completely representing the physical phenomenon of wave propagation on a beach. The solution of the BVP is achieved through a perturbation approach solely using the assumption of small waves incoming at the seaward boundary of the domain. The most significant results, i.e., the shoreline position estimation, the actual wave height and velocity at the seaward boundary, the reflected wave height and velocity at the seaward boundary are given for three specific input waves and compared with available solutions.