A workshop on Ocean Waves took place at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) from 25 to 27 June 2012. It was an opportunity for ECMWF to present the latest status of its ocean wave forecasting activities.
The last ECMWF workshop on Ocean Wave Forecasting was held in 2001. Since then, the quality of wind and wave forecasts has steadily improved following advances in many aspects of the atmosphere and wave models. Better forecast guidance can now be issued, including warning about dangerous sea states. Nevertheless, it is now recognised that the modelling interface between the atmosphere and the waves should also include the upper ocean component, leading to a more fully coupled system for air and oceans (water and ice).
At the workshop, prominent researchers in the field of sea state observations, wave modelling and coupling to atmosphere and oceans gave a detailed overview of the latest developments. It covered, not only the different aspects of ocean wave dynamics, but also the role played by waves in regulating exchanges between the oceans and the atmosphere. Recommendations made by the participants will help ECMWF in drafting its research plan on ocean waves, air-sea interaction and upper ocean dynamics for years to come.
Presentations given at the workshop are available here.