The Marine Unit

MARINE FORECASTING
Wave models
The wave model used by the forecasters in the forecast office is continuously being upgraded and routine verification statistics are generated. Specialised products from the wave models for use by marine customers are developed.

The wave model used in Met Éireann is the WAM Wave Model . The third generation WAM model was developed in the 1980s by an international group of wave modellers (Dynamics and modelling of ocean waves - Komen et al., 1994). The regional Irish WAM model is nested inside the global European model run at the European Centre for Medium Range Forecasts (ECMWF). The regional model calculates a wave energy spectrum over 30 frequencies and 24 directions with a grid spacing of 0.25 degrees. The wave model outputs include hourly predictions of significant wave height and direction, mean wave period, peak period, significant height, direction and mean period of primary swell and sea/wind waves; and 6-hourly outputs of the wave energy spectra. Waves can be forecast up to 2 days ahead on the Irish model and up to 6 days ahead on the European global model.