 Finite-Froude lock-release rarefaction

A semi-infinite resting layer of depth $H$ and constant reduced gravity $b$ released into a deep ambient develops a rarefaction wave satisfying $u+2\sqrt{bh}=2\sqrt{bH}$. The head closure $u_f=F\sqrt{b{h}_f}$ gives $h_f=4H/(F+2{)}^2$ and $u_f=2F\sqrt{bH}/(F+2)$. A constant-depth shelf lies between the rarefaction tail speed $u_f-\sqrt{b{h}_f}$ and the front speed $u_f$; its width is positive for every finite positive $F$.