Estimating Long-Term Wave Statistics From Long-Term Wind Statistics

Abstract

The Wave Climate Synthesis method, which derives long-term wave statistics from long-term wind statistics directly, is tested with four years of wind and wave measurements recorded from eight NOMAD buoys in the Great Lakes during 1981-1984. The results show that it is an excellent method for estimating long-term wave statistics and design wave height. While the method is by no means intended to replace wave hindcasting procedures, it is shown to be a useful additional tool for the coastal engineer.