Integrated nearshore wave amplitude model for use on portable devices

Abstract

We present the IN-WAM system which provides the user, in real time and in remote locations, predictions of the wave heights and wave shapes of ocean waves that are incident on a given coastline. The system is executed by a user in the field on a handheld computer which provides a simple GUI for model setup, execution control, and results display. IN-WAM utilizes a proven monochromatic wave model REFDIF-I. Once set up with coastline bathymetry data, IN-WAM automatically obtains real time deep water buoy wave data and coastal wind data for model support. Preliminary comparison of predictions to observations show that wave heights at breaking are overpredicted by an average of 20%, but are overpredicted consistently across all test sites. Wave breaking type (plunging or spilling) are almost always predicted correctly. The successful design and implementation of IN-WAM demonstrates that the technology exists to provide support for recreational, scientific, and military decision making in remote locales where conventional access to such services is unavailable.