Evolution of One-Dimensional Wind-Driven Sea Spectra

TL;DR

This paper critically examines wind wave prediction models, revealing that common heuristic damping formulas overestimate the impact of wave breaking, based on numerical simulations from first principles.

Contribution

It demonstrates that heuristic damping formulas for wave breaking are exaggerated, providing a more accurate understanding of wind sea spectra evolution.

Findings

Heuristic damping formulas overestimate wave breaking effects.

Numerical simulations from first principles challenge existing models.

Implications for improving wind wave prediction accuracy.

Abstract

We analyze modern operational models of wind wave prediction on the subject for compliance dissipation. Our numerical simulations from the "first principle" demonstrate that heuristic formulas for damping rate of free wind sea due to "white capping" (or wave breaking) dramatically exaggerates the role of this effect in these models.