Spectral Modeling of Sea States With Multiple Wave Systems

Abstract

The spectral models of individual wave systems have one peak and are described by theoretical models that have gained general acceptance. This work deals with sea states with more than one wave system, leading to spectral models with two or more peaks. Use is made of spectra derived from measurements off the Portuguese Coast and data is provided as to their probability of occurrence as well as about the dependence of the spectral parameters on the significant wave height and peak period. It is shown that wind-dominated and swell-dominated two-peaked spectra tend to occur in different areas of the scatter diagram. The spectral parameters of the two-peaked spectra show little correlation with significant wave height and peak period.