A Surface Wave Model for Coupling with Numerical Ocean Circulation Models

A surface wave model is developed with the intention of coupling it to three-dimensional ocean circulation models. The model is based on a paper by Mellor wherein depth-dependent coupling terms were derived. To be compatible with circulation models and to be numerically economical, this model is simplified compared to popular third-generation models. However, the model does support depth and current refraction, deep and shallow water, and proper coupling with depth-variable currents. The model is demonstrated for several simple scenarios culminating in comparisons of model calculations with buoy data during Hurricane Katrina and with calculations from the model Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN); for these calculations, coupling with the ocean was not activated.