Ocean wave group analysis.

Abstract

A computerized method for the identification of wave groups and determination of their properties from digital wave data was developed. Analysis was performed on 208 Southern California wave records. It was found that the number of waves in a group is independent of both the spectral peak period and the variance of the wave record. However, the amount of energy contained in wave groups relative to that in the record increases as the total energy of the record increases. Also, average group periods of greater than the spectral peak period are not uncommon. Both an increase in group energy relative to the wave record and also the number of waves in a group increase the possibility of obtaining an extreme wave height in a group relative to the significant wave height of the record. Finally, it is apparent that as the average group period approaches the spectral peak period of a record, all other highly dependent wave group properties take on their maximum values.