An "extended fetch" model for the spatial distribution of tropical cyclone wind-waves as observed by altimeter

Abstract

An extensive database of altimeter measurements of wind speed and significant wave height is analysed to investigate the spatial distribution of significant wave height within tropical cyclones. The database includes transects of 440 tropical cyclones. As such, the data covers the full range of expected values of the velocity of forward movement, maximum wind velocity and radius to maximum winds. The data confirms previous measurements that JONSWAP scaling can be used to represent such waves. In addition, the data supports the concept of an extended fetch in such systems. The maximum waves occur when the wind direction and direction of propagation of the storm are aligned. In such cases, the..