A review of the state of research on wave-current interaction in nearshore areas

The interaction between currents and ocean waves is a physical process commonly occurring in coastal environments and is of importance for designers of offshore structures, engineers concerned with sediment transport and dispersion of pollutants. To provide scientists and engineers with a summary of existing knowledge on the topic, this paper presents a review of the state of the art of studies into the interaction between water waves and turbulent currents. The progress of our understanding of this issue is reviewed, together with an overview of experimental and numerical investigations. In particular, a synopsis of advantages and limitations of previous studies is included, together with suggestions for future studies in the field. •A review of the state of the art of studies into the interaction between water waves and turbulent currents.•Consideration of analytical, experimental and numerical investigations.•A synopsis of advantages and limitations of previous studies, together with suggestions for future research.