Central Mediterranean (35N - 39N; 10.25E - 16.0E on grid 1/8 degree resolution.

Wave direction; Wave height and period statistics; Wave height estimates

Wave recorders

The homogeneous, long-term and high-resolution wind/wave hindcast HIPOCAS database, consisting of a 44-year (1958 - 2001) wind and wave hourly values at a horizontal resolution of 0.125 ° is used to prepare the climatology for the Central Mediterranean area. This comprehensive and consistent data set is at the moment the most suitable source for the climatology study in this area because of its high spatial and temporal resolution. The methodology consisted in preparing monthly time series of hourly values of wind parameters at each grid point in the area of interest; statistical analysis of these monthly time-series is done by calculation of maximum, mean values and standard deviation, as well as the 99th, 90th, 75th, 50th and 25th percentile for wind speed. Seasonal variability was more closely examined by studying the set of monthly extremes. The frequency (% occurrence) distribution of wind direction is calculated at a selected representative subset of points in order to identify the dominant wind conditions in the area of study. The full climatology is compiled in the form of 2D plots, and summary tables and charts. The results are prepared at several levels: monthly and seasonal climatology maps of different parameters including mean wind speed and direction, mean max/min wind, extreme min/max wind, percentiles and standard deviation for mean wind speed; wind roses and wind frequency tables at selected points, including the approaches to the Maltese Islands; statistical information averaged over ten pre-defined zones. The climatology will be published on the Malta Page for WERMED residing on the CapeMalta website (www.capemalta.net/wermed). An online interface will moreover provide a facility for users to obtain climatological information at user-selected points, transects and zones anywhere in the area of study.

Oceanography Malta Research Group, Department of Geosciences, University of Malta
Maths & Physics Building, University of Malta
Msida

MSD 2080
Malta