EM 1110-2-1100 (Part II)
(Change 1) 31 July 2003
(5) Young (1987) developed a parametric wave model based on results from simulations with a
numerical spectral model. His results show that there is a strong dependence of wave height on the relative
values of maximum wind speed and forward storm velocity (Figure II-2-27). These results can be used to
estimate the maximum value of Hm0 in a hurricane. The distribution of wave heights within a hurricane is also
affected by the ratio of maximum wind speed to forward storm velocity; however, in an effort to simplify
applications here, only one chart is presented (Figure II-2-28). This chart is characteristic of storms with
strong winds (maximum wind speed greater than 40 m/sec) and slow-to-moderate forward velocities (Vf less
than 12 m/sec).
Figure II-2-27. Maximum value of Hmo in a hurricane as a function of Vmax and forward velocity of
storm (Young 1987)
II-2-3. Coastal Wave Climates in the United States.
a.
Introduction.
(1) Coastal wave climates around U.S. coastlines are extremely varied. Past studies such as that by
Thompson (1977) have relied primarily on measured wave conditions in coastal areas to specify nearshore
wave climates. However, we now know that coastal wave heights can vary markedly as a function of distance
II-2-50
Meteorology and Wave Climate
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