Modelling significant wave height distributions with quantile functions for estimation of extreme wave heights

• Published in: Ocean engineering 2012-11, Vol.54, p.119-131
• Main Authors: Muraleedharan, G., Lucas, Cláudia, Guedes Soares, C., Unnikrishnan Nair, N., Kurup, P.G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Extreme wave height; HIPOCAS database; Indian Ocean; North Atlantic Ocean; Physics of the oceans; Quantile functions; Return periods; Significant wave height; Surface waves, tides and sea level. Seiches; Wave data; Wave height distribution
• ISSN: 0029-8018; 1873-5258
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2012.07.007

This paper starts by introducing extreme wave height analysis using quantile functions, which are an alternative to the classical approaches to model long term maxima or extreme values. The long-term distribution of significant wave heights from four locations are modelled with Davies, 3-parameter Weibull, generalized extreme value (GEV) and generalized Pareto (GP3) quantile functions. Even though the 3-parameter Weibull and GP3 quantile functions are adequate wave height models in this study, the performance of the Davies quantile function for extreme wave analysis seems to be consistently good both temporally and spatially. ► Extreme wave height analysis using quantile functions, is introduced as an alternative to the use of probability distributions. ► Four quantile functions are considered Davies, 3 parameter Weibull, generalized extreme value and generalized Pareto. ► The data from four locations is used to test the performance of the functions. ► All extreme value quantile functions provide adequate wave height models. ► The Davies quantile function seems to be consistently better for extreme wave analysis.