Analysis of Dangerous Sea States in the Northwestern Mediterranean Area

Extreme sea waves, although rare, can be notably dangerous when associated with energetic states and generate risks for the navigation. In last few years, they have been object of extensive research from scientific community that helped understanding main physical aspects; however, estimate extreme waves probability in operational forecasts is still debated. this study, we analyzed a number sea-states occurred precise area Mediterranean sea, near location reported accident, objective relating events different state conditions. For purpose, performed phase-resolving simulations wave spectra obtained WaveWatch III hindcast, using Higher Order Spectral Method. We produced statistics sea-surface elevation field, calculating crest distributions analysis long time-series surface elevation. found good matching between numerically simulated field theory, namely Tayfun second- third- order ones, contrast significant underestimate given by Rayleigh distribution. then related spectral quantities like angular spreading steepness to occurrence finding an enhanced high mean seas narrow spectra, accordance literature results, also case study accident was not amongst most dangerous. Finally, skewness kurtosis explain discrepancy theoretical numerical distributions.