Wave Characteristics of Kakinada Coast During South-West and North-East Monsoon: Statistical and Spectral Approach

Abstract

Knowledge of wave characteristics in east coast of India is an essential prerequisite for almost all the activities in ocean planning, design, construction and operation of harbour, offshore and coastal protection structures. Waves at different water depth in the east coast of India (Kakinada), Bay of Bengal are measured during July and December, 2009 and the characteristics are described. The wind and wave characteristics show the higher value with wide spread during South West monsoon than the NorthEast monsoon. The frequency-energy spectra are single peaked with the maximum energy distribution in the narrow frequency band and the spectral peakedness parameter indicates the presence of high energy swells in the narrow band. The weak correlation obtained between wind and wave heights (H s and H m) is due to opposing each other. Wave age of the measured data indicates that the waves along the Kakinada coast are dominated by the young sea with significant occurrence of swell during SW and NE monsoon.