Generation of offshore waves

From the selected wind field, the deep water, transition water and shallow water waves should be evaluated. In simplified methods for such an evaluation it is assumed that wind is unidirectional these methods are based on semi-empirical relationships and use as input the fetch, wind speed and wind duration 

The generation of waves from slowly moving cyclones or storms [4] can be evaluated by methods that use as input the radius of maximum winds, the pressure differential, the forward speed of the pressure system and the maximum sustained wind velocity to calculate the significant wave heights and periods for deep water at the point of the maximum wind. Other acceptable methods are based on the use of a wave spectrum model. 

The waves generated directly by the action of the wind on transition water and shallow water are also evaluated independently from deep water waves. After deep water waves have travelled into shallow water, they dissipate part of their energy and they may be reduced to such a height as not to represent the critical wave at the site. On the basis of an appropriate aUgnment of the critical fetch to the nuclear power plant site both deep water and shallow water waves should therefore be evaluated. 

Available historical data (observed, hindcast and/or measured, including satellite data) on extreme waves for the region should be reviewed to verify the results of the analysis of offshore waves. 

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