Annual and Monthly Statistical Analysis of Ocean Waves Offshore Ilhéus (Bahia) Based on a Thirty-One Year Time Series WAVEWATCH III Model Reanalysis

Abstract

Wave-induced sediment transport and mobility are important issues in sediment balance studies in the coastal zone. The lack of available data about the wave climate on the Brazilian coast makes it difficult to understand the coastal dynamics for the correct establishment of infrastructures in the coastal zone. A thirty-one year time series (1979-2009) of wave parameters (significant height, peak period and direction) obtained from the WAVEWATCH III model (NCEP - NOAA) was statistically analyzed, in order to determine the central tendency and information variability. The program R to tabulate and evaluate the information, do statistical calculations and graphical display. The annual time series analysis indicated the predominance of waves coming from East and South-East, with heights ranging from 0.39 m to 4.89 m. The mean period indicated a predominance of local wind-generated waves, with less than 10 seconds. The influence of waves generated in other regions of the ocean is evidenced by considering the standard deviation of the registry. The parameters tabulated monthly indicated that June, July, August and September are the most energetic months, which correspond to winter and spring seasons.