Introducing observation-based physics into the WAM wave model

Abstract

Third generation spectral wave models predict the growth, decay and transformation of wind-generated waves. WAM is one of the two dominant third-generation spectral wave models covering the global ocean. The standard representation of deep-water wave physics in WAM is the semi-empirical approach of Ardhuin et al. (2010; hereafter ARD). The other modern package of wave physics for spectral models, available in WAVEWATCH-III and SWAN, but not in WAM, is the observation-based approach developed by A. V. Babanin, I. R. Young, M. A. Donelan, M. L. Banner and W. E. Rogers (hereafter BYDBR). Its source functions were measured and therefore are not subject to tuning (within confidence limits of the ..