Estimation of Extreme Significant Wave Height in the Northwest Pacific Using Satellite Altimeter Data Focused on Typhoons (1992–2016)

Abstract

The estimation of extreme ocean wave heights is important for understanding the ocean’s response to long-term changes in the ocean environment and for the effective coastal management of potential disasters in coastal areas. In order to estimate extreme wave height values in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, a 100-year return period were calculated by applying a Peak over Threshold (PoT) method to satellite altimeter SWH data from 1992 to 2016. Satellite altimeter SWH data were validated using in situ measurements from the Ieodo Ocean Research Station (IORS) south of Korea and the Donghae buoy of the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) off the eastern coast of Korea. The spatial distribution and seasonal variations of the estimated 100-year return period SWHs in the Northwest Pacific Ocean were presented. To quantitatively analyze the suitability of the PoT method in the Northwest Pacific, where typhoons frequently occur, the estimated 100-year return period SWHs were compared by classifying the regions as containing negligible or significant typhoon effects. Seasonal variations of extreme SWHs within the upper limit of 0.1% and the PoT-based extreme SWHs indicated the effect of typhoons on the high SWHs in the East China Sea and the southern part of the Northwest Pacific during summer and fall. In addition, this study discusses the limitations of satellite altimeter SWH data in the estimation of 100-year extreme SWHs.

Analysis of the 20-Year Variability of Ocean Wave Hazards in the Northwest Pacific

“…There are various methods available for estimating EWH. Woo and Park used the peaks-over-threshold method to calculate 100-year return period values [33]. Fisher and Tippett [40] presented three methods: the Extreme Type III (Weibull) distribution, the Extreme Type II (Frechet) distribution, and the Extreme Type I (Gumbel) distribution.…”

“…These conditions are conducive to the genesis and intensification of cyclones [32]. Woo and Park [33] estimated EWH values in the NWP by using a peaks over threshold (PoT) method to satellite altimeter significant wave height data obtained from 1992-2016, while Kang et al [34] estimated extreme wind values using the Gumbel distribution. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the long-term variability of hazardous waves in NWP in the context of recent climate change.…”

Remote Sensing Approaches for Meteorological Disaster Monitoring: Recent Achievements and New Challenges

“…As the temporal and spatial resolution of the weather satellite has improved, satellite imagery has become the primary means of monitoring typhoons [ 115 ]. The satellite cloud image cannot provide quantitative information on wind field strength or a detailed image of the eye of the typhoon and its susceptibility to complex weather conditions such as clouds and fog [ 116 ]. Thus, correlation monitoring based on microwave data has strong application potential.…”

Corrections of Mesoscale Eddies and Kuroshio Extension Surface Velocities Derived from Satellite Altimeters

“…Satellite altimeters are important marine microwave remote sensors where measured data can be applied to physical oceanography, marine dynamics, marine climates and environments, and sea ice monitoring. For example, the distribution characteristics of regional-and global-scale surface current fields [1], the variation characteristics of mesoscale ocean circulation [2,3] and western boundary currents (such as the Kuroshio and the Gulf Stream) [4,5], the dynamic fluctuation of the sea surface [6], the ocean tidal wave system [7], the propagation of sea surface gravity waves [8], and the role of ocean dynamic phenomena in global climate change and El Niño-Southern Oscillation [9]. Based on the linear relationship between the sea surface pressure gradient force and the sea surface current field, quasi-steady sea surface velocities are derived from altimeters without considering the effect of the sea surface wind stress [10][11][12][13][14][15].…”