buoy
Marine/Ocean
- Feb 18, 2011
- 34
This question concerns a property of the directional wave spectrum, namely the one-sided directional width (sigma), which describes the amount of directional spreading of waves. Sigma is like a standard deviation of the wave direction. There are other ways to measure directional spread but sigma is the metric that I understand.
Here is my question: what are typical values of sigma for (a) swell and (b) wind waves? I have been using +/- 10 degrees for swell and +/- 30 degrees for wind waves, but if this is incorrect please let me know. What is the highest expected value of sigma in wind waves?
I would love a good reference on expected values for swell and wind waves, if one comes to mind. Thanks for any help.
Here is my question: what are typical values of sigma for (a) swell and (b) wind waves? I have been using +/- 10 degrees for swell and +/- 30 degrees for wind waves, but if this is incorrect please let me know. What is the highest expected value of sigma in wind waves?
I would love a good reference on expected values for swell and wind waves, if one comes to mind. Thanks for any help.