Geometry effects on wind fields and consequent wave generation in the Strait of Hormuz: A case study

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of surface wind forcing on wave conditions in the Strait of Hormuz, a region with complex wave interactions. The WRF model is used to simulate the wind field with higher accuracy, enabling the generation of waves for both normal and storm conditions in 2011. A sensitivity analysis examines the WRF model's simulated wind field with variations in initial and boundary conditions, spatial resolutions, and adopting two static topographic datasets. Comparisons between simulated wave parameters and observed data from ADCPs at two stations flanking the strait reveal the importance of accurate wind forcing for obtaining a realistic estimation of wave conditions. Wave errors are found to be influenced by fetch length, with larger errors observed for shorter fetches (∼100 km). However, these errors gradually decrease as the distance from the coast increases. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating accurate wind data and considering fetch characteristics when simulating wave conditions, which can enhance maritime safety, coastal engineering, and offshore operations in the Strait of Hormuz and other similar regions worldwide. In conclusion, small-scale wind and waves features over the Strait of Hormuz can be better captured with a combination of higher-resolution wind modeling and wave simulation grids with higher spatial resolution.