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Wave Model Inputs and Outputs
Inputs and Outputs describe those parameters used to force the wave models, and the information produced as a result of the model runs.
Inputs
The Met Office wave models are forced by 10m wind fields derived from the Met Office Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model. This model provides data in a short range (past few hours) hindcast mode, and as a forecast with lead times out to 5 days ahead, over domains covering the Globe, North Atlantic and Europe, and UK.
Outputs
Outputs from the Met Office wave models include:
- Forecast 2D frequency-direction wave spectra (24 directions, 25 frequencies) at predefined model grid cells
- Hindcast and Forecast integrated wave parameters as described below based upon the total wave spectrum, wind-sea part and swell partitions.
Integrated wave parameters provided are:
- Significant wave height (equivalent to average of the highest one-third of individual waves in the wave record)
- Peak energy period (for total wave spectrum only)
- Mean wave period
- Mean direction from which waves are travelling.
In the present configuration wind-sea and swell are determined based upon a 'watershed' partitioning scheme.
Configuration output times
| Model Configuration | Max. Lead Time | Integrated Parameters Resolution |
Spectral Data Resolution | Runs per day |
| Global | T+120 hours |
3-hourly | 3-hourly | 2 |
| NAE | T+36 hours |
Hourly | 3-hourly | 4 |
| Extended NAE |
T+120 hours | 3-hourly | 3-hourly | 2 |
Archives
Data are output from the model and variously retained in commercially available fast-access hindcast archives and research based forecast model archives. Due to data handling constraints two-dimensional (frequency-direction) spectral data are output at specific model points only and are not archived. The hindcast archives comprise integrated wave parameters including significant wave height, period and direction based on the total spectrum, wind-sea and swell components. Hindcast and forecast integrated parameters (e.g. significant wave height) are generated at model run-time for each model grid point and are retained in the research forecast model archive.
To obtain data or analysis services based on the wave model archives, please contact marine@metoffice.gov.uk
(Last Updated: 23-01-2009)