In fluid dynamics, wind wave modeling describes the effort to depict the sea state and predict the evolution of the energy of wind waves using numerical techniques. These simulations consider atmospheric wind forcing, nonlinear wave interactions, and frictional dissipation, and they output statistics describing wave heights, periods, and propagation directions for regional seas or global oceans. Such wave hindcasts and wave forecasts are extremely important for commercial interests on the high seas.[1] For example, the shipping industry requires guidance for operational planning and tactical seakeeping purposes.[1]
For the specific case of predicting wind wave statistics on the ocean, the term ocean surface wave model is used.
Other applications, in particular coastal engineering, have led to the developments of wind wave models specifically designed for coastal applications.
- ^ a b Cox, Andrew T. & Vincent J. Cardone (2002). "20 Years Of Operational Forecasting At Oceanweather" (PDF). 7th International Workshop on Wave Hindcasting and Forecasting October 21–25, 2002, Banff, Alberta, Canada. Retrieved 2008-11-21.