Implementation and Validation of a Global Third-Generation Wave Model at Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center

by Paul A. Wittmann, Fleet Numerical Oceanography Cent, Monterey, United States,
R. Michael Clancy, Fleet Numerical Oceanography Cent, Monterey, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Ocean Wave Measurement and Analysis

Abstract:

The third-generation Wave Model (WAM) is currently being implemented at the U.S. Navy's Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center (FLENUMOCEANCEN) to replace the operational Global Spectral Ocean Wave Model (GSOWM). For the purpose of comparison, the WAM was run in parallel with the GSOWM for two test periods, February-March 1992 and August-September 1992. For these tests, the WAM was implemented on a one degree global grid and forced by wind stress from the Navy operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) model. The model was run in near real time, producing wave forecasts to 48 hours twice per day, with output saved every 6 hours. The significant wave heights from WAM and GSOWN were compared with data from 60 moored buoys located in various regions of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. Based on these comparisons, the WAM consistently produced more accurate wave predictions than the GSOWM.

Subject Headings: Ocean waves | Water waves | Numerical models | Oceanography | Wave generation | Numerical methods | Model accuracy

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