DURATION IN WAVE CLIMATE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The relationship between sea state intensity, sea state duration and frequency is pursued in the context of wave data from five sites in U.S. waters. A rational methodology is presented for the interpolation and extrapolation of measured trends, based on extreme value series for intensity, given duration. The inevitable short duration data base problem is addressed by routine application of the triple annual maximum methodology. A format is suggested for IDF data preparation and presentation. Examples are given for wave climate data on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the United States.