Nettuno: Analysis of a Wind and Wave Forecast System for the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

Nettuno is a wind and wave forecast system for the Mediterranean Sea. It has been operational since 2009 producing twice-daily high-resolution forecasts for the next 72 h. The authors have carried out a detailed analysis of the results, both in space and time, using scatterometer and altimeter data from four different satellites. The findings suggest that there are appreciable differences in the measurements from the different instruments. Within the overall positive results, there is also evidence of differences in Nettuno performance for the various subbasins. The related geographical distributions in Nettuno performance are consistent with the various satellite instruments used in the comparisons. The extensive system of buoys around Italy is used to highlight the difficulties involved in a correct modeling of wave heights in Italy's coastal areas.

Implementation and validation of a new operational wave forecasting system of the Mediterranean Monitoring and Forecasting Centre in the framework of the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service

“…This suggests that the model follows better the observations in 'stormy' conditions, with well-defined patterns and higher waves. A similar conclusion has been derived by other studies (Cavaleri and Sclavo, 2006;Ardhuin et al, 2007;Bertotti et al, 2013) with respects to wind and wave modelling performance in the Mediterranean Sea.…”

“…For example, shoreward buoy 61021 where the largest positive BIAS is observed there are few small islands that are almost entirely missed by the model. Also, at buoy 61221, similarly to Bertotti et al (2013), the coastal geometry is not well represented by WAM. Bertotti et al (2013) state that the buoy position is exposed to the easterly waves more than is actually the case, leading to the observed overestimate by the model.…”

“…As explained in several studies (e.g. Cavaleri and Sclavo, 2006;Bertotti et al, 2013;Zacharioudaki et al, 2015), in these cases, the spatial resolution of the wave model is not adequate to resolve the fine bathymetric features whilst, as mentioned above, the spatial resolution of the forcing wind model is incapable to reproduce the fine orographic effects, introducing errors to the wave hindcast. The correlation coefficient (CORR) largely follows the pattern of variation of the SI.…”

Application of numerical wave models at European coastlines: A review

“…Improvements allowed the model to simulate two dimensional wave spectra in spherical coordinates, with consideration over a large number of frequencies and directions. Currently the model is operated by various organizations and agencies such as the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) [32,20,33]. The current version accounts for wind generated seas, swells propagation, quadruplets (deep non-linear interactions), bottom interaction at deep waters, and a simplified modelling of non-linear coastal interactions [34].…”

“…Finally, opportunities include prospects which are being implemented in numerical wave models and can significantly improve their performance. In the last decade satellite data and statistical techniques have contributed in model accuracy of forecast and reliability [22,34,33]. Statistical corrections and data assimilation techniques that take into account satellite, buoy measurements, forecast runs, and use them to "correct" wave parameters produced by numerical models, will contribute in the minimisation of errors and improve predictions [56,57,58,59,60,61].…”