Wave Height Distributions in Multiple-Peaked Seas
Abstract
Knowledge of distributions of heights of sea waves under realistic oceanic conditions is critical to the successful design of coastal shore protection projects. In this report, a simple examination is made of wave height distributions in sea states characterized by energy spectra with multiple peaks, i.e., having energy centered at two or more distinct frequencies. Sea states with broad frequency spectra are also included since such seas are composed of waves of diverse frequencies. These cases violate the assumptions of unimodal, narrow spectra that are formally required for the conventionally used Rayleigh distribution of wave heights to apply. Reported here are tests of the Rayleigh and Modified Rayleigh wave height distribution models. These models are compared with wave heights from idealized, synthetic time series having spectra with variable widths, modes, and modal separations. The Modified Rayleigh model is the two-parameter, deepwater asymptotic form of the Beta-Rayleigh distribution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA241269
Entities
People
- Charles E. Long
Organizations
- Coastal Engineering Research Center