The wave climate of the southern ocean

Abstract

An analysis of the wind and wave climate of the Southern Ocean is provided based on a combination of more than 30-years of satellite altimeter data plus insitu buoy measurements at 5 locations in the Southern Ocean. The analysis shows that the Southern Ocean is a unique environment where there are strong winds year-round which blow over exceptionally long distances. This unique situation results in spectral forms which are not seen in any other oceanic basin.