Surface wave statistics and spectra for Valiathura coastline, SW coast of India

A series of 12 monthly graphical three-dimensional plots were produced for Valiathura, SW coast of India, taking significant wave height, zero up-crossing period and direction as the three axes. Joint distributions of significant wave height and zero-up crossing period have also been developed for these months to understand the combination of these parameters in random waves. The fair weather period (November-April) was characterized by comparatively moderate wave activity with period ranging from 6 to 17.5 sec and direction of wave approach from 190° to 200°. During rough weather period (May-October), the waves exhibit a wider spread of direction ranging from 190° to 260° with periods ranging from 6 to 13.5 sec and significant wave height ranging from 0.6 to 3.2 m. Wave spectrum curves show that the TMA model gives better results and follows the observed spectra in a large number of cases during fair weather. During rough weather, TMA and Shadrin's models show almost identical behavior.