Modeling North Atlantic Nor'easters With Modern Wave Forecast Models

• Published in: Journal of geophysical research. Oceans 2018-01, Vol.123 (1), p.533-557
• Main Authors: Perrie, Will, Toulany, Bechara, Roland, Aron, Dutour‐Sikiric, Mathieu, Chen, Changsheng, Beardsley, Robert C., Qi, Jianhua, Hu, Yongcun, Casey, Michael P., Shen, Hui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: comparisons with buoy and remotely sensed data; Computer simulation; Finite element method; Geophysics; Mathematical models; Modelling; modern wave models; nested grid domains; nor'easter storms; Physics; Resolution; Storm damage; Storms; Structured grids (mathematics); SWAN; SWAVE; unstructured grid domains; Wave energy; Wave forecasting; Wave power; WAVEWATCHIII (WW3); Wind; Wind waves; WWM
• ISSN: 2169-9275; 2169-9291
• DOI: 10.1002/2017JC012868

Three state‐of‐the‐art operational wave forecast model systems are implemented on fine‐resolution grids for the Northwest Atlantic. These models are: (1) a composite model system consisting of SWAN implemented within WAVEWATCHIII® (the latter is hereafter, WW3) on a nested system of traditional structured grids, (2) an unstructured grid finite‐volume wave model denoted “SWAVE,” using SWAN physics, and (3) an unstructured grid finite element wind wave model denoted as “WWM” (for “wind wave model”) which uses WW3 physics. Models are implemented on grid systems that include relatively large domains to capture the wave energy generated by the storms, as well as including fine‐resolution nearshore regions of the southern Gulf of Maine with resolution on the scale of 25 m to simulate areas where inundation and coastal damage have occurred, due to the storms. Storm cases include three intense midlatitude cases: a spring Nor'easter storm in May 2005, the Patriot's Day storm in 2007, and the Boxing Day storm in 2010. Although these wave model systems have comparable overall properties in terms of their performance and skill, it is found that there are differences. Models that use more advanced physics, as presented in recent versions of WW3, tuned to regional characteristics, as in the Gulf of Maine and the Northwest Atlantic, can give enhanced results. Key Points Three modern wave forecast model systems are compared on fine‐resolution grids for the Northwest Atlantic: WAVEWATCHIII (WW3), SWAN, SWAVE Three intense midlatitude storm cases: a spring Nor'easter in May 2005, the Patriots Day storm in 2007, and the Boxing Day storm in 2010 Models that use advanced physics, like ST4, tuned to regional characteristics for the Northwest Atlantic can give enhanced results