A Two-Dimensional Wave Prediction Model Along the Best Track of Typhoon Linda 1997

Abstract

Problem statement: A two-dimensional wave prediction model along the best track of Typhoon Linda 1997 was interested to study the impact of typhoon wind-wave characteristics. The dynamical wave model with deep water condition was used to predict the wave height (Hs) of Typhoon Linda before and after entering into the Gulf of Thailand (GoT). Approach: The standard one-way nested grid for a regional scale of the third generation WAve Model Cycle 4 (WAMC4) is scrutinized in the present study. This model is enabled to solve the spectral energy balance equation on a coarse resolution grid in order to produce boundary conditions for a small area by the nested grid technique along the best track of typhoon. The model takes full advantage of the fine resolution wind fields in space and time produced by the available US Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) model with 1° resolution. The nested grid application was developed in order to gradually increase the resolution from the open ocean towards the South China Sea (SCS) and the Gulf of Thailand (GoT) respectively. Results: The model results were predicted at five stations which were before and during the typhoon entering into the GoT. The wind speeds of the stations 1-5 were in ranges of 5.14-29.81, 4.11-28.27, 0.51-24.67, 0.51-31.35 and 0.51-33.41 m sec^-1, respectively. While the Hs of these stations were found in ranges of 0.54-2.99, 0.68-2.85, 0.11-1.57, 0.12-2.92 and 0.09-2.76 m, respectively. The model results were compared with buoy observations at Ko-Chang and Rayong locations in the GoT which were obtained from the Seawatch project. The comparison of those results at Ko-Chang and Rayong showed the percentage errors of 11.20 and 15.12% respectively. Conclusion: The model results presented the relationship of typhoon wind-induced ocean wave at five stations along the best track. The tendency of the Hs from the model in the spherical coordinate propagation with deep water condition in the fine grid domain was in good agreement with the Hs from the observations.