Phase Spectrum of Surface Gravity Waves

Abstract

The common analysis technique for field records of wind waves is the variance spectrum. The phase spectrum, half of the information available from the record, is routinely ignored on the assumption that the Gaussian random wave model is a sufficiently complete description of the record. Procedures are developed for unwrapping and detrending the phase spectrum. Evaluation of these algorithms provide insight into the potential identification of ordered structures, possibly wave groups, in the phase spectrum without sacrificing the convenience of linear analysis.