Estimate of the extreme wave height in the South China Sea using GPD method

Abstract

The South China Sea (SCS) experiences severe typhoon impact every year. That also cause extreme wind waves. The estimate of extreme wave height is of great importance for human activities in the SCS. Since the generation of typhoon is still unpredictable, it is very difficult to estimate the storm waves. In this paper, we did a statistics analysis of the tropical cyclones that can affect the SCS. Based on a hindcast wave simulation, we use the generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) method to estimate the extreme wave height, and discuss the determination of threshold parameters. It is found that GPD method is a more favourable method for the estimation of extreme wave height of storm waves, which is of great significance for ocean engineering design.