Focusing and defocusing of tropical cyclone generated waves by ocean current refraction | CU Experts

Waves generated by tropical cyclones can have devastating effects on; coastal regions. However, the role of ocean currents in modifying wave; amplitudes, wavelengths, and directions is commonly overlooked in wave; forecasts, despite the fact that these interactions can lead to extreme; wave conditions. Here, we use satellite observations and wave modeling; to quantify the effects of ocean currents on the surface waves generated; during a tropical cyclone event in the Arabian Sea. As a case study,; this paper documents beams of wave heights originating from the eyewall; of a tropical cyclone caused by current-induced refraction. Alternating; regions of high and low wave heights in the model simulations are; consistent with observations and extend for thousands of kilometers all; the way to 100 m isobath. Our results highlight the importance of; accounting for wave refraction by currents in order to accurately; predict the impact of tropical cyclone generated waves on coastal; regions.

Sun R; Bôas ABV; Subramanian A; Cornuelle B; Mazloff MR; Miller AJ; Langodan S; Hoteit I

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