Estimation of wave heights during cyclonic conditions using wave propagation model

Data from satellites are invaluable for applications including long-term climate studies and engineering design. Most present applications of wind-wave research for coastal engineering and environmental purposes involve the use of numerical models that simulate the evolution of directional wave energy spectra in time or space or both which can be used to forecast climate change, currents, and waves. Using NCEP winds, the wave climate over the offshore region was simulated from January 2004 to December 2005 using MIKE 21 offshore spectral wave module (OSW). Three cyclones Baaz, Fanoos and 7B occurred in 27 November–3 December (2005), 5–12 December (2005) and 15–24 December (2005), respectively, happen to fall during the period of study. Hence, the applicability of this model in the prediction of wave conditions during cyclones was carried out. The significant wave heights in the North Indian Ocean are in the range of 1.0–1.5 m increasing to a maximum of 3.3 m during cyclonic conditions. The results have proved the suitability of OSW Model in the prediction of the offshore wave climate during extreme conditions. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013