Comparison of a Two-Dimensional Wave Prediction Model with Synoptic Measurements in Lake Michigan

Abstract

We compare results from a simple parametric, dynamical, deep-water wave prediction model with two sets of measured wave height maps of Lake Michigan. The measurements were made with an airborne laser altimeter under two distinctly different wind fields during November 1977. The results show that the model predicted almost all of the synoptic features. Both the magnitude and the general pattern of the predicted wave-height contours compared well with the measurements. The model also predicts the direction for wave propagation in conjunction with the wave height map, which is useful for practical ship routing and can be significantly different form the prevailing wind direction.