Wind Products for Use in Coastal Wave and Surge Models

Winds over the ocean surface are the essential driving force in creating waves. Winds also have important effects on currents and nearshore water levels. Wind information is often used within the Corps of Engineers (CE) as input to numerical models of waves, storm surges, and circulation. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Navy routinely produce global wind information. Recent advances in atmospheric modeling capabilities and operational numerical models, particularly within the Navy, have made available new and improved products applicable to CE hydrodynamic modeling. Available products from NOAA and the Navy are described, including both climatological archives and real time forecasting products. Interfaces to assist CE users in obtaining and using the Navy products are presented. Sources of surface wind (10-m elevation) information of greatest potential value for CE modeling are evaluated using the wave model WISWAVE and NOAA National Data Buoy Center measurements along the U.S. Atlantic coast. Necessary tools are provided and recommendations are given for further evaluation and use of Navy wind information in future modeling efforts. Numerical modeling, Wind, Wind wave growth, Spectral wave modeling, Wind field modeling, Wave energy spectra, Wind stress.