Wave Forecasting Methods & Their Applicability - A Case Study Off Visakhapatnam

Abstract

SMB and PNJ methods of wave forecasting have been applied with some modifications for hindcasting waves in a case study, during the transit of a cyclone over Bay of Bengal. Significant wave periods calculated by these methods are completely different, out of which SMB periods are in good agreement with the observed wave periods in shallow water. Significant wave heights computed by the 2 methods are almost of the same order and well comparable wind each other. However, SMB method is preferable since forecasting curves are available for higher wind speeds also and the resultant values are in better agreement with observed data. Wave heights in shallow water calculated for f = 0.02 seem to agree well with the observed values in both these methods.