Dynamics and Modelling of Ocean Waves

Describes the prediction of wave conditions at sea for weather forecasts, off-shore operations, coastal defence and engineering design studies. It is intended as a guide and reference for physical oceanographers, meteorologists, fluid dynamicists, coastal engineers and physicists alike, be they students, researchers or model users.

Addresses both fundamental and applied aspects of ocean waves including the use of wave observations made from satellites. More specifically it describes the WAM model, its scientific basis, its actual implementation, and its many applications. This model has been developed by an international group (the Wave Modelling group), and is based on a detailed physical description of air/sea interactions. It is widely used for wave forecasting for meteorological and oceanographic purposes. The three sections of the volume describe the basic statistical theory and the relevant physical processes; the numerical model and its global and regional applications; and satellite observations, their interpretation and use in data assimilation. Written by leading experts, it is a comprehensive guide and reference for researchers and advanced students in physical oceanography, meteorology, fluid dynamics, coastal engineering and physics.