Mediterranean Sea

Wave direction; Wave height and period statistics

This numerical prediction wave model is based on Darbyshire's frequency-directional spectrum formulae. This is a spectral wave model which has been originally tested and programmed to run on a computer system CYBER 170-825 of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service and since 1995 has been programmed to run on a workstation. Wind input is obtained from the atmospheric numerical model of the European Centre for Medium Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The wave model has a grid point separation of 50 km and has been set up as a main target for the support of shipping. Every day, 30-36-42-48 hours wave forecast charts are broadcasted to shipping through RADIOFACSIMILE scheduled broadcasts. Several verifications of the wave model output have been made using visual wave observations, which every day are addressed to the HNMS, by ships plying in the Mediterranean Sea. Some verifications of this model have been made using wave measurements from the satellite GEOSAT. Wave data from visual observations carried out by voluntary observing ships has been stored since 1981. These data are still in a manuscript form and therefore are not suitable for direct use.

Hellenic National Meteorological Service
El. Venizelou 14 P.O. Box 73502
Athens

167 77
Greece