Boussinesq Models and Their Application to Coastal Processes across a Wide Range of Scales

In this paper, the development of a class of depth-integrated, phase-resolving models for surface wave propagation, known as Boussinesq-type models (BTMs), is reviewed. This review concentrates on the extension of the leading order formulation for weakly dispersive waves to include a range of physical effects and considers model applications at a range of scales ranging from surf zone processes to ocean basin–scale tsunami propagation. A brief overview of the connection of BTMs to nonhydrostatic models, in either depth-integrated or three-dimensional form, is included.