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The complex dynamics of the Venice tidal barrier subjected to broadbanded wave spectra are investigated by applying empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis to experimental data sets. Space and frequency patterns of the natural modes of the barrier are reconstructed and satisfactorily compared with the recent theory of Li and Mei. The results indicate that when broadbanded wave spectra are considered, natural modes with the longest spatial wavelengths seem more likely to be excited than those with shorter wavelengths. CE Database subject headings: Italy; Barriers; Tides; Tidal effects; Gates.

This paper is aimed at describing a simple and efficient method to identify cross-sea states from directional wave measurements. The method is based on a new parameter named “Cross-Sea Index” (CSI), which is defined as the difference between two distinct definitions of the overall mean wave direction: the classic one introduced by Longuet-Higgins and the more recent one suggested by De Girolamo.In the following, the theoretical basis of the method is firstly outlined. The influence of the directional spectrum characteristics on the Cross-Sea Index is then discussed. Afterwards, the results of two Monte Carlo simulations are shown. These simulations were aimed at testing the new method and at comparing its outcomes with those of three other existing criteria. Finally, the new method is applied to the directional wave measurements, which were recorded by the Italian Sea Wave monitoring Network (SWaN) during the storm on 26th December 1993.All the achieved results clearly show the efficiency of the herein-proposed method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this paper is to illustrate the results of a preliminary study on aerial landslide-generated waves, which has been mainly intended to establish a method for analyzing water surface records. Some simple physical experiments, reproducing the Scott Russell''s wave generator, were carried out in a small two-dimensional wave flume; the Wavelet Transform (WT) is applied to analyze wave measurements and it is shown that useful information can be obtained by means of this technique. The celerity of impulsively generated waves, reflection by an overflow structure and seiching phenomena of the flume are studied. A discussion of the results along with some remarks about ongoing research is also given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]