WAVE CLIMATE MODELLING
Wave climate studies are carried out when the maximum wave loading on a structure/area is required. This information is required for a number of different proposals e.g. marina developments, coastal protections, aquaculture site selection, offshore wind farm site selection, wave energy site selection, coastal developments.
There are many different types of water waves such as surface waves, internal waves, tides and tsunamis, however, the type of wave of interest for wave climate modelling are wind generated gravity surface waves. As well as wind speed, there are also other factors, which play a part in surface wave generation. These include water depth, fetch and bottom friction. All of these factors are examined during the modelling process.
Wave prediction is called hindcasting when based on past meteorological conditions and forecasting when based on predicted conditions. The same procedures are used for hindcasting and forecasting; the only difference is the source of the meteorological data. While prediction systems will not solve all problems, they can be used to indicate probable wave conditions for most design studies and to obtain statistical wave data over several years. The aim of wave climate studies is to predict the maximum wave height likely to occur in the future, based on predicted storm winds.
EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY AQUAFACT INCLUDE:
- Wave climate study for a proposed marina development in Sligo Bay
- Wave climate study for a proposed offshore wind farm site off the Galway coastline
- Wave climate study for a proposed marina development in Roundstone Bay, Galway
- Wave climate study for proposed aquaculture developments in Kilkieran Bay, Galway
- Wave climate study for proposed aquaculture developments in Lough Fee, Galway