Fetch relations for wind-generated waves as a function of wind- stress scaling.

Abstract

The effect of scaling relations for wind-generated wave spectra by the friction velocity component in the dominant wave direction rather than by the magnitude of the friction velocity is examined, using data from the Canadian Atlantic Storms Programme. The usual constant drag coefficient, the open-ocean long fetch drag coefficient, and the wave-age dependent drag coefficient for growing waves, recently measured by Smith and Andersen, were all considered. (D.W.T.)