- Table View
- List View
Waveform Analysis of Sound
by Mikio TohyamaWhat is this sound? What does that sound indicate? These are two questions frequently heard in daily conversation. Sound results from the vibrations of elastic media and in daily life provides informative signals of events happening in the surrounding environment. In interpreting auditory sensations, the human ear seems particularly good at extracting the signal signatures from sound waves. Although exploring auditory processing schemes may be beyond our capabilities, source signature analysis is a very attractive area in which signal-processing schemes can be developed using mathematical expressions. This book is inspired by such processing schemes and is oriented to signature analysis of waveforms. Most of the examples in the book are taken from data of sound and vibrations; however, the methods and theories are mostly formulated using mathematical expressions rather than by acoustical interpretation. This book might therefore be attractive and informative for scientists, engineers, researchers, and graduate students who are interested in the mathematical representation of signals and the applications of Fourier analysis. The book can be described as being practically self-contained but does assume readers are familiar with introductory topics in discrete signal processing, as in the discrete Fourier transform. Hence this book might be also usable as a textbook in graduate courses in applied mathematics on topics such as complex functions. Almost all scientific phenomena are sensed as waves propagating in some space. Over the years, waveform analysis has therefore been one of the resilient academic areas of study and still is seen as fertile ground for development. In particular, waveform analysis based on the theory of linear systems would be a good example where a physical interpretation can be given to the mathematical theory of complex functions in terms of magnitude, angle, poles, and zeros of complex functions. For readers who are interested in the physical aspects of sound and vibration data or elementary formulation of wave equations and their solutions, the book Sound and Signals by M. Tohyama (Springer 2011) is recommended. It can serve as a complementary companion to this present volume or independently as a good reference.
Wavefront Shaping and Pupil Engineering (Springer Series in Optical Sciences #235)
by Jorge Ojeda-CastañedaThis book presents a simple, yet comprehensive, treatment of the basic principles and applications of novel phase masks and non-uniform optical windows under the increasingly popular umbrella term “pupil engineering.” It discusses current research topics in the areas of phase-space representations for engineering imaging devices with extended depth of field, as well as sparse optical sensing and emergent phenomena such as vortices and singularities, highlighting the heuristic applications of key concepts in novel models and their graphic representations. The book is appealing to anyone interested in robotic vision and is a valuable resource for upper-level students, teachers, scientists, and engineers in the field of image science, lasers, and digital image processing.
Wavefront Shaping for Biomedical Imaging (Advances in Microscopy and Microanalysis)
by Joel Kubby Sylvain Gigan Meng CuiLearn about the theory, techniques and applications of wavefront shaping in biomedical imaging using this unique text. With authoritative contributions from researchers who are defining the field, cutting-edge theory is combined with real-world practical examples, experimental data and the latest research trends to provide the first book-level treatment of the subject. It is suitable for both background reading and use in a course, with coverage of essential topics such as adaptive optical microscopy, deep tissue microscopy, time reversal and optical phase conjugation, and tomography. The latest images from the forefront of biomedical imaging are included, and full-colour versions are available in the eBook version. Researchers, practitioners and graduate students in optics, biophotonics, biomedical engineering, and biology who use biomedical imaging tools and are looking to advance their knowledge of the subject will find this an indispensable resource.
Waveguide Propagation of Nonlinear Waves: Impact of Inhomogeneity and Accompanying Effects (Springer Series on Atomic, Optical, and Plasma Physics #109)
by Sergey LebleThis book addresses the peculiarities of nonlinear wave propagation in waveguides and explains how the stratification depends on the waveguide and confinement. An example of this is an optical fibre that does not allow light to pass through a density jump. The book also discusses propagation in the nonlinear regime, which is characterized by a specific waveform and amplitude, to demonstrate so-called solitonic behaviour. In this case, a wave may be strongly localized, and propagates with a weak change in shape. In the waveguide case there are additional contributions of dispersion originating from boundary or asymptotic conditions.Offering concrete guidance on solving application problems, this essentially (more than twice) expanded second edition includes various aspects of guided propagation of nonlinear waves as well as new topics like solitonic behaviour of one-mode and multi-mode excitation and propagation and plasma waveguides, propagation peculiarities of electromagnetic waves in metamaterials, new types of dispersion, dissipation, electromagnetic waveguides, planetary waves and plasma waves interaction.The key feature of the solitonic behaviour is based on Coupled KdV and Coupled NS systems. The systems are derived in this book and solved numerically with the proof of stability and convergence. The domain wall dynamics of ferromagnetic microwaveguides and Bloch waves in nano-waveguides are also included with some problems of magnetic momentum and charge transport.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing
by Klaus Grobe Michael EiseltIn this book, Optical Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is approached from a strictly practical and application-oriented point of view. Based on the characteristics and constraints of modern fiber-optic components, transport systems and fibers, the text provides relevant rules of thumb and practical hints for technology selection, WDM system and link dimensioning, and also for network-related aspects such as wavelength assignment and resilience mechanisms. Actual 10/40 Gb/s WDM systems are considered, and a preview of the upcoming 100 Gb/s systems and technologies for even higher bit rates is given as well.Key features:Considers WDM from ULH backbone (big picture view) down to PON access (micro view). Includes all major telecom and datacom applications. Provides the relevant background for state-of-the-art and next-gen systems. Offers practical guidelines for system / link engineering.
Wavelet Analysis and Transient Signal Processing Applications for Power Systems
by Zhengyou HeAn original reference applying wavelet analysis to power systems engineering• Introduces a modern signal processing method called wavelet analysis, and more importantly, its applications to power system fault detection and protection• Concentrates on its application to the power system, offering great potential for fault detection and protection• Presents applications, examples, and case studies, together with the latest research findings• Provides a combination of the author’s tutorial notes from electrical engineering courses together with his own original research work, of interest to both industry and academia
Wavelet Based Approximation Schemes for Singular Integral Equations
by Madan Mohan Panja Birendra Nath MandalMany mathematical problems in science and engineering are defined by ordinary or partial differential equations with appropriate initial-boundary conditions. Among the various methods, boundary integral equation method (BIEM) is probably the most effective. It’s main advantage is that it changes a problem from its formulation in terms of unbounded differential operator to one for an integral/integro-differential operator, which makes the problem tractable from the analytical or numerical point of view. Basically, the review/study of the problem is shifted to a boundary (a relatively smaller domain), where it gives rise to integral equations defined over a suitable function space. Integral equations with singular kernels areamong the most important classes in the fields of elasticity, fluid mechanics, electromagnetics and other domains in applied science and engineering. With the advancesin computer technology, numerical simulations have become important tools in science and engineering. Several methods have been developed in numerical analysis for equations in mathematical models of applied sciences. Widely used methods include: Finite Difference Method (FDM), Finite Element Method (FEM), Finite Volume Method (FVM) and Galerkin Method (GM). Unfortunately, none of these are versatile. Each has merits and limitations. For example, the widely used FDM and FEM suffers from difficulties in problem solving when rapid changes appear in singularities. Even with the modern computing machines, analysis of shock-wave or crack propagations in three dimensional solids by the existing classical numerical schemes is challenging (computational time/memory requirements). Therefore, with the availability of faster computing machines, research into the development of new efficient schemes for approximate solutions/numerical simulations is an ongoing parallel activity. Numerical methods based on wavelet basis (multiresolution analysis) may be regarded as a confluence of widely used numerical schemes based on Finite Difference Method, Finite Element Method, Galerkin Method, etc. The objective of this monograph is to deal with numerical techniques to obtain (multiscale) approximate solutions in wavelet basis of different types of integral equations with kernels involving varieties of singularities appearing in the field of elasticity, fluid mechanics, electromagnetics and many other domains in applied science and engineering.
Wavelet Numerical Method and Its Applications in Nonlinear Problems (Engineering Applications of Computational Methods #6)
by You-He ZhouThis book summarizes the basic theory of wavelets and some related algorithms in an easy-to-understand language from the perspective of an engineer rather than a mathematician. In this book, the wavelet solution schemes are systematically established and introduced for solving general linear and nonlinear initial boundary value problems in engineering, including the technique of boundary extension in approximating interval-bounded functions, the calculation method for various connection coefficients, the single-point Gaussian integration method in calculating the coefficients of wavelet expansions and unique treatments on nonlinear terms in differential equations. At the same time, this book is supplemented by a large number of numerical examples to specifically explain procedures and characteristics of the method, as well as detailed treatments for specific problems. Different from most of the current monographs focusing on the basic theory of wavelets, it focuses on the use of wavelet-based numerical methods developed by the author over the years. Even for the necessary basic theory of wavelet in engineering applications, this book is based on the author’s own understanding in plain language, instead of a relatively difficult professional mathematical description. This book is very suitable for students, researchers and technical personnel who only want to need the minimal knowledge of wavelet method to solve specific problems in engineering.
Wavelets: A Concise Guide
by Amir-Homayoon NajmiIntroduced nearly three decades ago as a variable resolution alternative to the Fourier transform, a wavelet is a short oscillatory waveform for analysis of transients. The discrete wavelet transform has remarkable multi-resolution and energy-compaction properties. Amir-Homayoon Najmi’s introduction to wavelet theory explains this mathematical concept clearly and succinctly. Wavelets are used in processing digital signals and imagery from myriad sources. They form the backbone of the JPEG2000 compression standard, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation uses biorthogonal wavelets to compress and store its vast database of fingerprints. Najmi provides the mathematics that demonstrate how wavelets work, describes how to construct them, and discusses their importance as a tool to investigate and process signals and imagery. He reviews key concepts such as frames, localizing transforms, orthogonal and biorthogonal bases, and multi-resolution. His examples include the Haar, the Shannon, and the Daubechies families of orthogonal and biorthogonal wavelets.Our capacity and need for collecting and transmitting digital data is increasing at an astonishing rate. So too is the importance of wavelets to anyone working with and analyzing digital data. Najmi’s primer will be an indispensable resource for those in computer science, the physical sciences, applied mathematics, and engineering who wish to obtain an in-depth understanding and working knowledge of this fascinating and evolving field.
Wavelets in Neuroscience (Springer Series in Synergetics)
by Alexander E. Hramov Alexey A. Koronovskii Valeri A. Makarov Vladimir A. Maksimenko Alexey N. Pavlov Evgenia SitnikovaThis book illustrates how modern mathematical wavelet transform techniques offer fresh insights into the complex behavior of neural systems at different levels: from the microscopic dynamics of individual cells to the macroscopic behavior of large neural networks. It also demonstrates how and where wavelet-based mathematical tools can provide an advantage over classical approaches used in neuroscience. The authors well describe single neuron and populational neural recordings.This 2nd edition discusses novel areas and significant advances resulting from experimental techniques and computational approaches developed since 2015, and includes three new topics:• Detection of fEPSPs in multielectrode LFPs recordings.• Analysis of Visual Sensory Processing in the Brain and BCI for Human Attention Control;• Analysis and Real-time Classification of Motor-related EEG Patterns;The book is a valuable resource for neurophysiologists and physicists familiar with nonlinear dynamical systems and data processing, as well as for graduate students specializing in these and related areas.
Wavelets in Neuroscience
by Alexander E. Hramov Alexey A. Koronovskii Valeri A. Makarov Alexey N. Pavlov Evgenia SitnikovaThis book examines theoretical and applied aspects of wavelet analysis in neurophysics, describing in detail different practical applications of the wavelet theory in the areas of neurodynamics and neurophysiology and providing a review of fundamental work that has been carried out in these fields over the last decade. Chapters 1 and 2 introduce and review the relevant foundations of neurophysics and wavelet theory, respectively, pointing on one hand to the various current challenges in neuroscience and introducing on the other the mathematical techniques of the wavelet transform in its two variants (discrete and continuous) as a powerful and versatile tool for investigating the relevant neuronal dynamics. Chapter 3 then analyzes results from examining individual neuron dynamics and intracellular processes. The principles for recognizing neuronal spikes from extracellular recordings and the advantages of using wavelets to address these issues are described and combined with approaches based on wavelet neural networks (chapter 4). The features of time-frequency organization of EEG signals are then extensively discussed, from theory to practical applications (chapters 5 and 6). Lastly, the technical details of automatic diagnostics and processing of EEG signals using wavelets are examined (chapter 7). The book will be a useful resource for neurophysiologists and physicists familiar with nonlinear dynamical systems and data processing, as well as for graduate students specializing in the corresponding areas.
Waves: Principles of Light, Electricity and Magnetism (Secrets of the Universe)
by Paul FleisherHave you ever wondered why a prism turns ordinary sunlight into a rainbow? Isaac Newton knew why. How can a magnet be used to generate electricity? Michael Faraday could have told you. Can you explain how a toaster toasts bread? In this book, author Paul Fleisher answers these and many more questions as he looks at the laws that describe how waves behave. Through simple experiments, detailed illustrations, and concepts that are easy to understand, readers are introduced to the basic principles of light, electricity, and magnetism in a fun, exciting way.
Waves (The MIT Press Essential Knowledge series)
by Fredric RaichlenA guide to ocean waves traces their evolution from wind-wave generation to coastal effects. Sitting on the beach on a sunny summer day, we enjoy the steady advance and retreat of the waves. In the water, enthusiastic waders jump and shriek with pleasure when a wave hits them. But where do these waves come from? How are they formed and why do they break on the shore? In Waves, Fredric Raichlen traces the evolution of waves, from their generation in the deep ocean to their effects on the coast. He explains, in a way that is readily understandable to nonscientists, both the science of waves themselves and the technology that can be used to protect us against their more extreme forms, including hurricanes and tsunamis.After offering a basic definition of waves and explaining the mechanics of wind-wave generation, Raichlen describes how waves travel, how they shoal (rise), how they break, and how they transform in other ways. He goes on to describe, among other things, the complicated sun-Earth-moon combinations that create astronomical tides (the high and low tides that occur daily and predictably); the effects of waves on the beach, including rip currents and beach erosion, and on harbors and shipping; and the building of breakwaters to protect harbors and bays. He discusses hurricanes, storm surges, and hurricane-generated waves. He offers a brief history of tsunamis, including Sumatra's in 2004 and Japan's in 2011, and explains the mechanisms that generate them (including earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes).Waves can be little ripples that lap peacefully at the shore or monstrous tsunamis that destroy everything in their paths. Describing the science underlying this astonishing variety, Waves offers a different kind of beach reading.
Waves
by Fredric RaichlenSitting on the beach on a sunny summer day, we enjoy the steady advance and retreat of the waves. In the water, enthusiastic waders jump and shriek with pleasure when a wave hits them. But where do these waves come from? How are they formed and why do they break on the shore? In Waves, Fredric Raichlen traces the evolution of waves, from their generation in the deep ocean to their effects on the coast. He explains, in a way that is readily understandable to nonscientists, both the science of waves themselves and the technology that can be used to protect us against their more extreme forms, including hurricanes and tsunamis. After offering a basic definition of waves and explaining the mechanics of wind-wave generation, Raichlen describes how waves travel, how they shoal (rise), how they break, and how they transform in other ways. He goes on to describe, among other things, the complicated sun-Earth-moon combinations that create astronomical tides (the high and low tides that occur daily and predictably); the effects of waves on the beach, including rip currents and beach erosion, and on harbors and shipping; and the building of breakwaters to protect harbors and bays. He discusses hurricanes, storm surges, and hurricane-generated waves. He offers a brief history of tsunamis, including Sumatra's in 2004 and Japan's in 2011, and explains the mechanisms that generate them (including earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes). Waves can be little ripples that lap peacefully at the shore or monstrous tsunamis that destroy everything in their paths. Describing the science underlying this astonishing variety, Waves offers a different kind of beach reading.
Waves and Compressible Flow
by Hilary Ockendon John R. OckendonNow in its second edition, this book continues to give readers a broad mathematical basis for modelling and understanding the wide range of wave phenomena encountered in modern applications. New and expanded material includes topics such as elastoplastic waves and waves in plasmas, as well as new exercises. Comprehensive collections of models are used to illustrate the underpinning mathematical methodologies, which include the basic ideas of the relevant partial differential equations, characteristics, ray theory, asymptotic analysis, dispersion, shock waves, and weak solutions. Although the main focus is on compressible fluid flow, the authors show how intimately gasdynamic waves are related to wave phenomena in many other areas of physical science. Special emphasis is placed on the development of physical intuition to supplement and reinforce analytical thinking. Each chapter includes a complete set of carefully prepared exercises, making this a suitable textbook for students in applied mathematics, engineering, and other physical sciences. Reviews of the first edition: "This book . . . is an introduction to the theory of linear and nonlinear waves in fluids, including the theory of shock waves. . . . is extraordinarily accurate and free of misprints . . . . I enjoyed reading this book. . . . most attractive and enticing appearance, and I'm certain that many readers who browse through it will wish to buy a copy. The exercises . . . are excellent. . . . A beginner who worked through these exercises would not only enjoy himself or herself, but would rapidly acquire mastery of techniques used. . . in JFM and many other journals. . . " (C. J. Chapman, Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Vol. 521, 2004) "The book targets a readership of final year undergraduates and first year graduates in applied mathematics. In the reviewer's opinion, it is very well designed to catch the student's interest . . . while every chapter displays essential features in some important area of fluid dynamics. Additionally, students may practice by solving 91 exercises. This volume is mainly devoted to inviscid flows. . . . The book is very well written. " (Denis Serre, Mathematical Reviews, 2004)
Waves and Optics
by Harish ParthasarathyThis book covers all aspects of waves and optics ranging from one dimensional waves in a vibrating string, two dimensional waves in a vibrating membrane, both of which are transverse, three dimensional electromagneticwaves generated by radiating antennas and longitudinal sound/pressure waves in an air column. Note: T&F does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Waves and Oscillations in Plasmas (Series in Plasma Physics)
by Hans L. PecseliWaves and Oscillations in Plasmas addresses central issues in modern plasma sciences, within the context of general classical physics. The book is working gradually from an introductory to an advanced level. Addressing central issues in modern plasma sciences, including linear and nonlinear wave phenomena, this second edition has been fully updated and includes the latest developments in relevant fluid models as well as kinetic plasma models, including a detailed discussion of, for instance, collisionless Landau damping, linear as well as non-linear. The book is the result of many years of lecturing plasma sciences in Norway, Denmark, Germany, and also at the Unites States of America. Offering a clear separation of linear and nonlinear models, the book can be tailored for students of varying levels of expertise in plasma physics, in addition to areas as diverse as the space sciences, laboratory experiments, plasma processing, and more. Features: Presents a simple physical interpretation of basic problems is presented where possible Supplies a complete summary of classical papers and textbooks placed in the proper context Includes worked examples, exercises, and problems with general applicability
Waves, Energy and Information: Investigating How Dolphins Communicate, Investigation Notebook
by The Lawrence Hall of ScienceNIMAC-sourced textbook
Waves in an Impossible Sea: How Everyday Life Emerges from the Cosmic Ocean
by Matt StrasslerA theoretical physicist takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey—found in "no other book" (Science)—to discover how the universe generates everything from nothing at all: "If you want to know what's really going on in the realms of relativity and particle physics, read this book" (Sean Carroll, author of The Biggest Ideas in the Universe). In Waves in an Impossible Sea, physicist Matt Strassler tells a startling tale of elementary particles, human experience, and empty space. He begins with a simple mystery of motion. When we drive at highway speeds with the windows down, the wind beats against our faces. Yet our planet hurtles through the cosmos at 150 miles per second, and we feel nothing of it. How can our voyage be so tranquil when, as Einstein discovered, matter warps space, and space deflects matter? The answer, Strassler reveals, is that empty space is a sea, albeit a paradoxically strange one. Much like water and air, it ripples in various ways, and we ourselves, made from its ripples, can move through space as effortlessly as waves crossing an ocean. Deftly weaving together daily experience and fundamental physics—the musical universe, the enigmatic quantum, cosmic fields, and the Higgs boson—Strassler shows us how all things, familiar and unfamiliar, emerge from what seems like nothing at all. Accessible and profound, Waves in an Impossible Sea is the ultimate guide to our place in the universe.
Waves in Flows (Advances in Mathematical Fluid Mechanics)
by Tomáš Bodnár Giovanni P. Galdi Šárka NečasováThis volume offers an overview of the area of waves in fluids and the role they play in the mathematical analysis and numerical simulation of fluid flows. Based on lectures given at the summer school “Waves in Flows”, held in Prague from August 27-31, 2018, chapters are written by renowned experts in their respective fields. Featuring an accessible and flexible presentation, readers will be motivated to broaden their perspectives on the interconnectedness of mathematics and physics. A wide range of topics are presented, working from mathematical modelling to environmental, biomedical, and industrial applications. Specific topics covered include:Equatorial wave–current interactionsWater–wave problemsGravity wave propagationFlow–acoustic interactions Waves in Flows will appeal to graduate students and researchers in both mathematics and physics. Because of the applications presented, it will also be of interest to engineers working on environmental and industrial issues.
Waves in Flows: The 2018 Prague-Sum Workshop Lectures (Advances in Mathematical Fluid Mechanics)
by Tomáš Bodnár Giovanni P. Galdi Šárka NečasováThis volume explores a range of recent advances in mathematical fluid mechanics, covering theoretical topics and numerical methods. Chapters are based on the lectures given at a workshop in the summer school Waves in Flows, held in Prague from August 27-31, 2018. A broad overview of cutting edge research is presented, with a focus on mathematical modeling and numerical simulations. Readers will find a thorough analysis of numerous state-of-the-art developments presented by leading experts in their respective fields. Specific topics covered include:ChemorepulsionCompressible Navier-Stokes systemsNewtonian fluidsFluid-structure interactions Waves in Flows: The 2018 Prague-Sum Workshop Lectures will appeal to post-doctoral students and scientists whose work involves fluid mechanics.
Waves in Focal Regions: Propagation, Diffraction and Focusing of Light, Sound and Water Waves
by J.J StamnesUsing numerous mathematical and numerical techniques of diffraction theory, Waves in Focal Regions: Propagation, Diffraction and Focusing of Light, Sound and Water Waves provides a full and richly illustrated description of waves in focal regions. Unlike most books, the author treats electromagnetic, acoustic, and water waves in one comprehensive volume. After an introductory section, the book describes approximate diffraction theories and efficient numerical methods to study the focusing of various kinds of waves. It then covers the physical interpretation of the theories, their accuracy, and the computational savings obtained, emphasizing uniform asymptotic results that remain valid in the vicinity of shadow boundaries and caustics. The next part deals with the focusing of scalar waves, including thorough theoretical analyses and detailed contour maps of diffraction patterns in focal regions for a variety of different system parameters, such as f-number, Frensel number, aperture shape, amplitude distribution, and wavefront aberration. The author proceeds to explore the diffraction and focusing of electromagnetic waves. First solutions are derived for fields radiated by sources, reflected and refracted at plane interfaces, or diffracted by apertures in plane screens, and then these solutions are applied to study the focusing in homogeneous media and through a plane dielectric interface. In both cases, the author includes many computed results of the electromagnetic field distribution near focus. Presenting both theoretical and experimental results, the following part examines the focusing of sound and water waves by means of zone-plate lenses. The book concludes with a detailed study of the diffraction and focusing of water waves and a comparison of the results of both linear and nonlinear theories with those of experiments.
Waves in Neural Media
by Paul C. BressloffWaves in Neural Media: From Single Neurons to Neural Fields surveys mathematical models of traveling waves in the brain, ranging from intracellular waves in single neurons to waves of activity in large-scale brain networks. The work provides a pedagogical account of analytical methods for finding traveling wave solutions of the variety of nonlinear differential equations that arise in such models. These include regular and singular perturbation methods, weakly nonlinear analysis, Evans functions and wave stability, homogenization theory and averaging, and stochastic processes. Also covered in the text are exact methods of solution where applicable. Historically speaking, the propagation of action potentials has inspired new mathematics, particularly with regard to the PDE theory of waves in excitable media. More recently, continuum neural field models of large-scale brain networks have generated a new set of interesting mathematical questions with regard to the solution of nonlocal integro-differential equations. Advanced graduates, postdoctoral researchers and faculty working in mathematical biology, theoretical neuroscience, or applied nonlinear dynamics will find this book to be a valuable resource. The main prerequisites are an introductory graduate course on ordinary differential equations or partial differential equations, making this an accessible and unique contribution to the field of mathematical biology.
Waves in Oceanic and Coastal Waters
by Leo H. HolthuijsenWaves in Oceanic and Coastal Waters describes the observation, analysis and prediction of wind-generated waves in the open ocean, in shelf seas, and in coastal regions with islands, channels, tidal flats and inlets, estuaries, fjords and lagoons. Most of this richly illustrated book is devoted to the physical aspects of waves. After introducing observation techniques for waves, both at sea and from space, the book defines the parameters that characterise waves. Using basic statistical and physical concepts, the author discusses the prediction of waves in oceanic and coastal waters, first in terms of generalised observations, and then in terms of the more theoretical framework of the spectral energy balance. He gives the results of established theories and also the direction in which research is developing. The book ends with a description of SWAN (Simulating Waves Nearshore), the preferred computer model of the engineering community for predicting waves in coastal waters.