SWAN (Simulating WAves Nearshore) Model
The SWAN project in Southern Region is an experimental wave modeling project. The model is ran at Southern Region Headquarters and at all Southern Region coastal forecast offices. The forecasts are produced using the using the Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) wave model and the Real Time Ocean Forecast System Gulf Stream Forecasts.The SWAN output is used as guidance to produce marine forecasts at the coastal forecast offices. NOTE: The SWAN output is only experimental and it may differ from the official forecast. For the official marine forecast graphics on the Web go to: http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/graphical/sectors/.
SWAN accounts for the following physics:
- Wave propagation in time and space, shoaling, refraction due to current and depth, frequency shifting due to currents and non-stationary depth.
- Wave generation by wind.
- Three- and four-wave interactions.
- Whitecapping, bottom friction and depth-induced breaking.
- Dissipation.
- Wave-induced set-up.
- Propagation from laboratory up to global scales.
- Transmission through and reflection (specular and diffuse) against obstacles.
- Diffraction.
SRH Gulf of Mexico SWAN Run
SRH Gulf of Mexico GFS Wind Input
SRH Gulf of Mexico RTOFS Ocean Current Input
SRH Gulf of Mexico ESTOFS Water Level Input
At the above link you will see 3-hourly forecast outputs for significant wave height in feet and peak wave direction, peak wave period, and significant swell height. In addition you will see the wind speed and direction used as input for the model.
The SWAN input data used for wind forcing, ocean current, and water level can be downloaded at the following link:
SRH SWAN input files
The GRIB2, netCDF, and HDF5 output of the SRH (GMEX) model run can be downloaded at the following link:
SRH Gulf of Mexico SWAN GRIB2 Output
SRH Gulf of Mexico SWAN netCDF Output
SRH Gulf of Mexico SWAN HDF5 Output
Below is a listing of the coastal forecast office participating in the SWAN Model experiment:
- Brownsville, Texas
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Houston/Galveston, Texas
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Key West, Florida
- Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Melbourne, Florida
- Miami-South Florida, Florida
- Mobile/Pensacola, Alabama/Florida
- New Orleans/Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- SRH Gulf of Mexico, Texas
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Tampa Bay, Florida
| NOTICE TO ALL USERS - This model is experimental and may not be available at all times. The accuracy or reliability is not guaranteed or warranted. The data are provided 'as is' and should not be used as the sole resource for decision making. Marine forecast guidance is best interpreted by a professional meteorologist who is familiar with this particular modeling system, including any model biases. |
