Validation of Wavewatch-III Using the TOPEX/POSEIDON Data

A full-spectral third-generation ocean wind-wave model, Wavewatch-III, has been implemented in the South China Sea (SCS) for investigating the wind wave characteristics. This model was developed at the Ocean Modeling Branch of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). The NASA QuickScat data (0.25 resolution) two times daily were used to simulate the wind waves for the whole year in 2000. The significant wave heights from Wavewatch-III are compared to the TOPEX/POSEIDON (T/P) significant wave height data over the satellite crossover points in SCS. The model errors of significant wave height have Gaussian-type distribution with small mean value of 0.02 m (almost no bias). The model errors are comparable to the T/P altimeter accuracy (0.5 m) in the central SCS and smaller than the T/P altimeter accuracy in the northern and southern SCS, which indicates the capability of Wavewatch-III for SCS wave simulation.