Global ocean wave statistics obtained from satellite observations

Abstract

Data acquired by the GEOSAT radar altimeter is used to determine mean monthly significant wave height climatologies for the globe. In addition, significant wave height values that could be expected to be exceeded at different percentage levels (exceedence probability) are presented. The satellite-derived climatology is shown to compare well with the limited buoy data available. The climatology maps clearly show many synoptic features of the global wave climate. In particular, there is a marked difference in the wave climates of the two hemispheres, with the Southern Ocean having a consistently high sea state. In contrast, the North Atlantic Ocean has a much more variable sea state. Its extre..