Abstract
Drifting buoys collect wave data in the open ocean far from land and in areas with strong currents. However, the validation of the drifting buoy wave data is limited. Here, we compared the drifting buoy wave data, ERA5 wave data, and moored GPS buoy wave data. Data from 2009 to 2018 near the coast of Japan were used. The agreement of the drifting buoy-observed wave parameters with the moored GPS buoy-observed wave parameters is better than that of ERA5 wave parameters, which is statistically significant. In particular, the accuracy of the ERA5 wave heights tends to be lower where the ocean currents are fast. On the other hand, the agreement between the drifting buoy-observed wave heights and the moored GPS buoy-observed wave heights was good even in the areas with strong currents. It is confirmed that the drifting buoy wave data can be used as reference data for wave modeling study.
Highlights
Ocean waves are the boundary between the atmosphere and the ocean, where the air–sea interactions occur
Free-drifting buoys are useful for ocean wave study in the open ocean
Free-drifting buoys are useful for studying wave–current interactions because free-drifting buoys can measure ocean waves in fast-flowing regions, such as the western boundary current
Summary
Ocean waves are the boundary between the atmosphere and the ocean, where the air–sea interactions occur. The study of surface waves in the open ocean is important for climate modeling and weather forecasting. The modeling of ocean waves is important for shipping routes and offshore industry. Validation of ocean wave hindcast data using in-situ observation data is necessary for wave modeling studies. It is difficult to moor a wave measurement buoy to observe waves in the deep sea area, which is very far from land. It is difficult to moor a buoy in the area where the current is fast. Free-drifting buoys are useful for ocean wave study in the open ocean. Free-drifting buoys are useful for studying wave–current interactions because free-drifting buoys can measure ocean waves in fast-flowing regions, such as the western boundary current
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