Wave statistics in the Adriatic Sea based on 24 years of satellite measurements

Abstract

Based on a database of sea state parameters in the Adriatic Sea, wave statistics has been developed at three different geographic locations along the busy Adriatic shipping route. The underlying database consists of a systematic numerical hindcast calibrated by 24-year satellite measurements and represents the most comprehensive data source of wave parameters available for the region. Joint probability distributions of significant wave heights and peak spectral periods are derived, thus enabling extreme sea states to be determined. Furthermore, waves have been evaluated with respect to the well-known dominant wind patterns in the Adriatic and compared to the Tabain's spectrum, a single parametric spectral description developed for local conditions and widely used in engineering practice. Statistics for three geographical locations are compared with one another as well as with data from other available references. These long-term statistics and regression equations developed can be used not only for fatigue and extreme wave loads of ships, offshore installations and renewable energy devices intended for the Adriatic Sea, but also for planning and carrying out various marine operations in that specific environment. At the end of the study, some consideration is given to the effects of climate changes on the variability of sea states in the Adriatic.