Numerical model of sea state representation

Wave prediction models make it possible to represent sea states offshore, global scale or ocean basins based on spectral resolution. This code calculates the evolution of the state of the sea by breaking it down into a wave spectrum propagating in different directions and with different periods T. During the propagation, the energy of the waves is increased or diminished by the effects of wind, surge and energy exchanges between the different components. The wave forecasts presented on data.shom.fr come from 2 different types of models: MFWAM for the offshore domain (0.5° to 0.1°) and Wave Watch 3 (WW3) for the coastal domain (2 min to 200 m resolution). MFWAM is a model for forecasting sea states (wind seas and swells) derived from the third generation WAM code (WAMDI Group, 1988). Wave Watch 3 (WW3) is being developed as part of a collaboration between the US Meteorological Service (NOAA/NCEP), Shom, the University of Darmstadt in Germany, and other partners. The forecasts distributed on data.shom.fr are derived from the parameterisation carried out and optimised by the Shom and Météo-France as part of the Vagues-Submersions (VVS) vigilance.