The NCOF Partners are:
Wave Model Validation
Wave model validation is undertaken daily at the Met Office and uses available networks of in-situ wave buoys, ENVISAT along-track altimeter data and ERS-2 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) datasets. Global wave model forecasts are submitted to an international data exchange and intercomparison programme that tests the performance of operational models run by major forecast centres worldwide.
This page provides references and links to a broad picture of our operational wave model validation work, including reports, published literature and ongoing live validation projects:
- Live Update Comparisons - Todays Model vs Observed Data
- Daily Update Statistics and Forecast - UK Wave Buoys 'Bias Tests'
- International Data Exchange
Live Update - Todays Model vs Observed Data
These live update images compare available observations against the 0000 UTC UK Waters model forecast for today. The comparison is divided into four 6-hourly blocks making up the 24-hour day, such that the panels shown in each forecast '4-up' image will become populated with observed data as the day wears on.
Updates occur at approximately 1000 UTC, 1500 UTC, 1800 UTC and 2200 UTC daily.
- Link here for the updating significant wave height comparison
- Link here for the updating wave zero-upcrossing period comparison
- Link here for the updating wind speed comparison
Daily Update - UK Wave Buoys 'Bias Tests'
This validation tests the performance of the Extended UK Waters Wave Model (5-day forecast) against a number of fixed platforms making regular measurement of wave conditions. The test examines the distribution of model minus observed significant wave height 'bias' for different wave height classes.
The table below links to results from each of the buoys; showing bias distributions on Day 1 of the forecast, and how yesterday's forecast compared with the observations. The results should update daily.
International Data Exchange
The Met Office wave modelling group participates in an international data exchange and intercomparison programme that aims to compare and contrast the performance of operational global wave models run by forecast centres worldwide. The programme was established in 1995, with early participation by ECMWF, Met Office, FNMOC, the Meteorological Service of Canada and NCEP, and has increased it's membership over the years to include the majority of major centres.
Performance statistics are produced monthly, and the group have published a number of peer reviewed papers including:
- Bidlot, J.R., Holmes-Bell, D.J., Wittmann, P.A., Lalbeharry, R., Chen, H.S., 2000. Intercomparison of the performance of operational ocean wave forecasting systems with buoy data. European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Technical Memorandum Number 315 also 2002, Weather and Forecasting, 17, 287-310.
Bidlot J-R, J-G Li, P Wittmann, M Fauchon, H Chen, J-M Lefevre, T Bruns, D Greenslade, F Ardhuin, N Kohno, S Park and M Gomez, 2007: Inter-comparison of operational wave forecasting systems. 10th International Workshop on Wave Hindcasting and Forecasting and Coastal Hazard Symposium, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii, 11-16 November 2007.
Bidlot J.-R. and M.W. Holt, 2006: Verification of operational global and regional wave forecasting systems against measurements from moored buoys. JCOMM Technical Report, 30. WMO/TDNo.1333.
(Last Updated: 15-07-2008)