Ocean wave studies in western Cook Strait

Abstract

Ocean wave records (February 1977 ‐ January 1978) from the Maui A site (39° 33′ S, 173° 27′ E) and methods used for their analysis are described. Spectral history segments typical of pure swell and of locally generated sea are given with descriptions of the associated meteorological situations. The joint probability distribution of significant wave height and average zero‐crossing period is used to characterise the ocean wave climate of the region.