CLIMATOLOGICAL WAVE DATA FOR COLOMBO, CEYLON
Abstract
Deep-water wave statistics for Colombo on the west coast of Ceylon have been compiled using the Sverdrup-Munk-Bretschneider wave-hindcast method applied to 12-hourly weather maps of the West Indian and South Atlantic Oceans for the one-year period from June 1968 through May 1969. Results of the wave- hindcast analysis are presented in the form of monthly and annual height-period- direction frequency distributions. The predominant waves are in the one to three foot height range, have periods centered about 13-14 seconds, and arrive from westerly to south-southwesterly directions. Wave action is most frequent in May through September and least in December. The wind waves and local swell on the west coast of Ceylon strongly reflect the seasonal Monsoons. The principal source of distant swell for this coast is the prevailing westerly wind belt of the Southern Hemisphere between Argentina and the longitude of Ceylon (80 degrees E). The subtropical anticyclone in the central Indian Ocean is a relatively quiet source region for swell compared to the Moonsoon belt and the prevailing westerlies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0709060
Entities
People
- Edward M. A. Perera
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School