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Wave Crest Splash

Oceanology introduces the Wave Crest Splash effect, a dynamic Niagara particle system called NS_WaveCrestSplash that enhances the realism of wave interactions by adding splash effects at wave crests. This system takes into account data from the Beaufort Scale, Shore Waves, and Height information to produce visually appealing splashes that react naturally to different wave intensities.

Overview of NS_WaveCrestSplash

NS_WaveCrestSplash is responsible for generating foam and splash particles when waves reach a certain height or when they break. It leverages height data, the Beaufort Scale, and other wave parameters to create a realistic visual representation of ocean turbulence.

The effect is divided into categories for large waves, medium waves, small waves, and fog particles, each with adjustable parameters that let you control the appearance and behavior of the splash particles.

Configuring Wave Crest Splash for Your Project

To use the Wave Crest Splash effect effectively, you can manually manipulate the following parameters to customize the look and feel of the splash to match the desired ocean conditions:

  • Large Waves: Control parameters such as LargeWaveFoamMinSize and LargeWaveFoamMaxSize to set the minimum and maximum size of foam particles generated by large waves. Adjust these values to create dramatic splashes during intense wave events.

  • Medium Waves: Use parameters like MediumWaveFoamMinSize and MediumWaveFoamMaxSize to define the splash size for medium waves, allowing for more subtle but noticeable effects.

  • Small Waves: Set SmallWaveFoamMinSize and SmallWaveFoamMaxSize to ensure even smaller wave crests produce foam, adding detail to the overall water simulation.

  • Fog Particles: The LargeFogParticleMinSize and LargeFogParticleMaxSize parameters allow you to create fog-like mist above the waves, simulating the effect of fine water spray.

Example: Setting Up NS_WaveCrestSplash

  1. Add the Niagara Particle System

  2. Drag the NS_WaveCrestSplash particle system into your scene.

  3. Adjust Parameters

  4. Use the provided parameters in the Details panel to tweak the size and appearance of the splash particles to match the conditions of your ocean. For example, for a stormy sea, increase the LargeWaveFoamMaxSize to emphasize dramatic wave interactions.

  5. Link to Beaufort Scale

  6. Ensure that the Beaufort Scale parameter is linked to the ocean wave dynamics. This allows the splash intensity to adjust automatically with changes in wave conditions, providing a realistic response to varying weather states.

Summary

The Wave Crest Splash effect is an integral feature of Oceanology that enhances the visual realism of ocean surfaces by adding dynamic splashes and foam. With NS_WaveCrestSplash, developers can ensure their ocean scenes are full of life, reacting dynamically to the intensity and movement of waves. By customizing parameters for different wave sizes and linking to the Beaufort Scale, users can create an immersive ocean experience that matches their game's atmosphere and narrative needs.

For more detailed tutorials and support on configuring wave crest splashes, join our Discord community or visit the official Oceanology documentation.