Title :
Wave climate in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia - Evaluation of an ocean HF radar system and WaveWatch3
Author :
Jaffrés, Jasmine B D ; Heron, Malcolm L.
Author_Institution :
Marine Geophys. Lab., James Cook Univ., Townsville, QLD, Australia
Abstract :
The impact of waves on the environment (e.g. erosion) and industries (incl. shipping and tourism) can be very significant. Here, we are presenting analysis of coastal wave data in the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, using a combination of observational data (HF radar) and a numerical wave model (WaveWatch3). The modeled significant wave height fields compare reasonably well with those obtained from the radar stations, inducing confidence in the two datasets. The radar-produced wave fields are spatially more variable compared to the model results, linked to the influence of wind stress resolution and currents in accurately determining wave characteristics.
Keywords :
ocean waves; oceanographic regions; oceanographic techniques; remote sensing by radar; seawater; wind; Australia; Southern Great Barrier Reef; WaveWatch3; coastal wave data; currents; erosion; numerical wave model; ocean HF radar system; shipping; tourism; wave climate; wave height field; wind stress resolution; Australia; Meteorology; Numerical models; Oceans; Radar; Sea measurements; Great Barrier Reef; HF radar; Wave Climate; WaveWatch3 Model;
Conference_Titel :
OCEANS 2011
Conference_Location :
Waikoloa, HI
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4577-1427-6
