The Physics of Ocean Wave Evolution within Tropical Cyclones

Abstract

A series of numerical experiments with the WAVEWATCH III spectral wave model are used to investigate the physics of wave evolution in tropical cyclones. Buoy observations show that tropical cyclone wave spectra are directionally skewed with a continuum of energy between locally generated wind-sea and remotely generated waves. These systems are often separated by more than 908. The model spectra are consistent with the observed buoy data and are shown to be governed by nonlinear wave–wave interactions that result in a cascade of energy from the wind-sea to the remotely generated spectral peak. The peak waves act in a ‘‘parasitic’’ manner taking energy from the wind-sea to maintain their growt..