Regionalized ensemble estimation of wave periods for assessing wave energy resources across Canada. Part II: Wave-period and wave-energy analyses

Abstract

The cornerstone for harnessing and utilizing wave energy resources lies in the precise and thorough estimation and assessment of wave energy fluxes through advanced modeling of wave periods. This study implements the developed macroscale regionalized ensemble wave-period modeling (MREWPM) method to accomplish the initial integrated estimation and analysis of wave periods and wave energy fluxes across Canada, complemented by advanced estimations of wave heights and wind speeds. The results indicate that Canadian wave periods lengthen in shallow, low-backscatter, southern, remote, or eastern waters, and exhibit temporal variability in breezy, low-backscatter, southern, remote, or eastern regions. The trend of wave periods exhibited fluctuations, decreasing before and increasing after the trough (9.06 s in 2004) during cool seasons. Temporal variabilities and trends of wave periods were more fragmented and heterogeneous compared to averages. Canadian wave energy fluxes generally exhibit an increase southward with latitudes. The wave energy typically diminishes from offshore (deep waters) to nearshore areas (shallow waters), with this attenuation being more pronounced in winter months. There is a rough decrease from winter, autumn, and spring to summer months, mirroring the seasonal variations of wave periods. This seasonality tends to be more pronounced in highly energetic regions, such as the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This study enhances reliability and feasibility of macroscale wave-period and wave-energy estimation and analyses, offering scientific support for wave energy development, wave climatology, and ocean engineering.