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From experimental observation, the dock columns do not significantly break up wave energy. The flow velocity causes a drag force to act on the submerged body causing a shear stress and normal pressure, both of which are small in amplitude compared to the energy present in the generated incident waves. This is one reason why energy remained constant before and after contact was made with the obstacles.

Another feasible explanation is that the open channel simulator violated geometric similitude. Imperfect geometrics lead to wave diffraction and reflection within the holding tank. If wave energy varies significantly in the direction normal to wave propagation, the wave energy has a tendency to be transmitted laterally due to wave diffraction in addition to the direction of wave propagation. Wave diffraction also occurs in the sheltered region behind barriers and obstacles, which may mask any decrease in wave height caused by the obstacles. Also, anytime a wave came into contact with the rear or side of the open channel simulator, it reflected and altered the state of any incoming incident waves.

Wave energy of all magnitudes has a large impact on the coastal environment and vise versa. Within these environments, docking structures not only break up the energy carried by incoming waves but also significantly affect the ecological habitats, disturbance of sediment, fragmentation of continuous areas of vegetation, and other occupying water.

Viable Alternatives

- Encourage dock industry to design less obstructive docks
- Emphasize importance of using public access points
- Educate coastal landowners and users about importance of protecting water resources
- Enforcing regulations

Restricting the amount of coastal area disturbed minimizes future impacts. Fewer personal docking structures will have less of an impact on the environment. Paul Radomski, a research scientist of the MN - Department of Natural Resoures in Brainaird, MN states, “The future of aquatic habitat in Minnesota depends on what happens above the surface of our water. The best way to minimize development impacts is to maintain natural shoreline.”

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/pwpermits/dock_platform_general_permit_q_and_a.pdf