Application of a simple numerical wave prediction model to Lake Erie

Abstract

A parametric dynamical wave prediction model has been adapted and tested against semianalytic empirical results for steady conditions in a circular basin and extensive fiel measurements of wave height, period, and direction. The adapted numerical model accurately predicts the directional spreading of waves for uniform steady wind that Donelan (1980) had predicted analytically for fetch‐limited waves. When the model was applied to the central basin of Lake Erie and the results compared to observations of wave height and period (at two points in the lake) and direction (at one point), results for wave height and direction estimates were excellent compared to measurements at a research tower off the southern shore, but computed wave heights were lower than observed at a weather buoy in the western part. The model somewhat underestimated wave periods at both places. Thus, with locally measured wind data as input, the model estimates wave height and direction well and wave period acceptably.