Numerical simulations and observations of surface wave fields under an extreme tropical cyclone

Fan, Y.; Ginis, I.; Hara, T.; Wright, C. W.; Walsh, E. J.

Abstract:

The performance of the wave model WAVEWATCH III under a very strong, category 5, tropical cyclone wind forcing is investigated with different drag coefficient parameterizations and ocean current inputs. The model results are compared with field observations of the surface wave spectra from an airborne scanning radar altimeter, National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) time series, and satellite altimeter measurements in Hurricane Ivan (2004). The results suggest that the model with the original drag coefficient parameterization tends to overestimate the significant wave height and the dominant wavelength and produces a wave spectrum with narrower directional spreading. When an improved drag parameterization is introduced and the wave-current interaction is included, the model yields an improved forecast of significant wave height, but underestimates the dominant wavelength. When the hurricane moves over a preexisting mesoscale ocean feature, such as the Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico or a warm-and cold-core ring, the current associated with the feature can accelerate or decelerate the wave propagation and significantly modulate the wave spectrum. ?? 2009 American Meteorological Society.

Genre:

Article

ProdID:

70035640

Citation Author:

Fan, Y.; Ginis, I.; Hara, T.; Wright, C. W.; Walsh, E. J.

Citation Contributing Office:

Citation Datum:

Citation Day:

Citation Edition:

Citation Editor:

Citation End Page:

2116

Citation Issue:

Citation Keywords:

Citation Language:

English

Citation Larger Work Title:

Journal of Physical Oceanography

Citation LatN:

Citation LatS:

Citation LonE:

Citation LonW:

Citation Month:

Citation No Pagination:

Citation Number Of Pages:

Citation Online Only Flag:

Citation Phsyical Description:

Citation Projection:

Citation Public Comments:

Citation Publisher:

Citation Series:

Citation Series Code:

Citation Series Number:

Citation Search Results Text:

Numerical simulations and observations of surface wave fields under an extreme tropical cyclone; 2009; Article; Journal; Journal of Physical Oceanography; Fan, Y.; Ginis, I.; Hara, T.; Wright, C. W.; Walsh, E. J.