Use of Along-Track Altimeter Data to Verify Numerical Wave Models

A technology for extracting along-track altimeter data collocated with space-irregular buoy measurements and data on the numerical simulation of waves is developed using AVISO altimetry data for the period 2013–2016. Data on the numerical simulation of waves are obtained on a regular spacetime grid for two wave models: WAM and its modified version, WAM-M. Satellite data are calibrated jointly and separately for each satellite using a system of 41 buoys. Both calibrations are then used to estimate mean-square-root deviations (RMSDs) of the Indian Ocean wind-wave height simulation data from their corresponding calibrated altimetry data. It is found that the calibration type does not significantly affect the studied RMSDs, but the RMSD values themselves have significant spatial variability. It is shown that it is possible to determine the advantages of some numerical models over others in terms of RMSD values in different zones of the Indian Ocean and the ocean in general. The reasons for the intermittency of RMSD values for the considered models depending on the Indian Ocean zone are discussed.