Predicting Wave Spectra With a Third Generation Spectral Wave Model

by Charles L. Vincent, Ph.D., (M.ASCE), U.S. Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,
Robert E. Jensen, Ph.D., U.S. Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,
Hans C. Graber, Ph.D., U.S. Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Ocean Wave Measurement and Analysis

Abstract:

the ability of the third generation spectral wave model, 3GWAM, to simulate frequency and directional spectra during a northeast storm of October 1990 along the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast is investigated. 3GWAM had been observed to predict wave heights very well during the storm which provided an opportunity to evaluate the quality of the spectral predictions. The storm conditions are represented by high speeds (25 m/s wind speeds) with a distinct wind direction shift. In general, the model performed well with under predictions in low frequency wave components most likely due to small under estimates in wave height. The model simulated the shape of the observed directional spectra within the assumed uncertainty of the observations.

Subject Headings: Water waves | Simulation models | Wave spectrum | Wave generation | Mathematical models | Storms | Wind speed | Mid Atlantic

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