Abstract
Annual trends in storm wave intensity over the past 41 years were evaluated during the present study. Storm wave intensity is evaluated in terms of total storm wave energy (TSWE) and storm power index (SPI) of Dolan and Davis (1992). Using an accurate long-term wave hindcast developed using a calibrated SWAN model, all storm wave events occurring over the past 41 years were characterized in terms of significant wave height (Hs) and total storm duration. Thus, both SPI and TSWE was computed for each storm wave event. The Theil–Sen slope estimator was used to estimate the annual slopes of the SPI and TSWE and the Mann–Kendall test was used to test the trend significance with different confidence levels. The present study is spatially performed for the western Mediterranean Sea basin considering 2308 grid points in a regular grid of 0.198° resolution in both directions. Results allow as to define five hotspots covering a large area, experienced a significant increasing slope in both SPI and TSWE (annual maxima and average). The confidence level in this area exceed 95%, with a steep slope between 100 kWh·m−1·year−1 and 240 kWh·m−1·year−1 for annual max TSWE and between 28 m²·h·year−1 and 49 m²·h·year−1 for annual max SPI. Consideration of the present findings is strongly recommended for risk assessment and for sustainable development in coastal and offshore area and to identify areas sensitive to global climate change in the western Mediterranean Sea.
Highlights
Marine storms are one of the major preoccupations of sea users and marine security services
We aim to evaluate the trend in storm wave intensity based on total storm wave energy of each storm event (TSWE), called energy flux and computed following Molina et al [28], and on the storm power index (SPI), derived by Dolan and
The area that has experienced the higher storm event numbers during the last four decades is located above the latitude 40, an area characterized by a high probability of the Medicane (Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone) development [79], and in the Eastern part of the Alboran Sea (S1)
Summary
Marine storms are one of the major preoccupations of sea users and marine security services They are often responsible for significant damage and loss in several sectors of marine activity such as aquaculture [1] and navigation [2,3]; these storms are responsible for several changes in the coastlines [4,5] and cause damage to coastal and port infrastructure [6,7,8]. The extent of this damage can have a considerable impact on the economies of countries. An assessment of these parameters that characterize storm waves occurred over a considerable period of time will provide a better understanding of the storm regime and allow for a better assessment of the likely intensities of a storm wave along the coast
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
