Evaluation of Wind and Wave Simulations using Different Global Reanalyses

Abstract

The performance of the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model and its variational data assimilation system (WRFDA) with two global reanalyses (ERA-Interim and NCEP FNL) used as initial and lateral boundary conditions has been assessed during the period from January to December in 2014. Both WRF model simulations using ERA-interim and NCEP FNL are in good agreement with observations, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.81 to 0.88 and from 0.77 to 0.88 for wind speed, respectively. Both ERA-Interim and NCEP FNL are good choice for the model’s initial and lateral boundary conditions, while the ERA-Interim simulation showed better results for surface pressure, wind direction and speed. The results of this study could provide some references for the improvement and development of WRF simulation, skill assessment of numerical weather prediction system and for further research.For the wave simulation using both WRF model simulations, we used the third-generation spectral wave model, WAVEWATCHIII (WW3). The results reveal that the ERA-Interim simulation shows better results for the significant wave height and mean wave period. The results of this study is useful for offshore and coastal researchers in the development of reliable estimates of extreme wind, wave, surge and current for the design of specific offshore and coastal structures. during the period from January to December in 2014. Both WRF model simulations using ERA-interim and NCEP FNL are in good agreement with observations, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.81 to 0.88 and from 0.77 to 0.88 for wind speed, respectively. Both ERA-Interim and NCEP FNL are good choice for the model’s initial and lateral boundary conditions, while the ERA-Interim simulation showed better results for surface pressure, wind direction and speed. The results of this study could provide some references for the improvement and development of WRF simulation, skill assessment of numerical weather prediction system and for further research.For the wave simulation using both WRF model simulations, we used the third-generation spectral wave model, WAVEWATCHIII (WW3). The results reveal that the ERA-Interim simulation shows better results for the significant wave height and mean wave period. The results of this study is useful for offshore and coastal researchers in the development of reliable estimates of extreme wind, wave, surge and current for the design of specific offshore and coastal structures.