Feasibility of ERA5 reanalysis wind dataset on wave simulation for the western inner-shelf of Yellow Sea

By using the latest generation atmospheric reanalysis dataset (ERA5) from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast, a numerical wave simulation system based on SWAN model for the western shelf of the Yellow Sea (YS) is established. A thorough calibration is conducted in order to satisfy both modeling accuracy and computational efficiency. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) analysis is used to determine the optimal choice from heterogeneous options of source terms. Jassens's formulas for wind input and whitecapping and JONSWAP's formula for bottom frictional dissipation are found most suitable. Wave parameters and wave spectra from buoy records and satellite observations are combined for model validation. Results indicate that the ERA5 reanalysis wind outperforms its early generation (ERA-Interim) for offsetting the underestimated wave heights (bias decreases by up to 42%) and wave period (bias decreases by up to 7%) for the inner shelf. ERA5 is found better reproducing the extreme wave simulation whereas could also cause slight overestimation on the shoals for the breeze induced wind-seas. Due to the complex bathymetry of the western inner-shelf of the YS, calibrated bottom friction coefficients vary for winter and summer, which could be relevant to the different directions of the prevailing winds. •A wave model based on ERA5 reanalysis wind was established for the western shelf of the Yellow Sea.•ERA5 outperforms ERA-Interim on wave simulation for both wave height and wave period.•TOPSIS analysis is feasible for optimal determination from the heterogeneous options of source terms in SWAN.