WIND WAVE MODELING IN NATUNA SEA: A COMPARISON AMONG SWAN, SEAFINE, AND ERA-INTERIM

Abstract

This research was conducted to verify the wave height hindcasting in Natuna Sea using the SWAN (Simulating Wave Near-shore) model, which is compared with the results of hindcasting from SEAFINE (SEAMOS South Fine Grid Hindcast) and ERA-Interim. This is expected to support research on wave characteristics based on wave forecasting for 10 years in the seas among Java, Sumatera, and Kalimantan. So the purpose of this research was to test the SWAN modeling of existing models. If the results of the comparison show similar wave distribution patterns, then the settings in the SWAN model can be used for SWAN modeling in Indonesia. The SWAN model is run with the third-generation mode (GEN3), which allow wind input, quadruplet and triad interactions, whitecapping, and breaking. Comparison of hindcasting results among SWAN, SEAFINE, and ERA-Interim produces a similar wave distribution pattern, with a good correlation coefficient for 5 stations (R=0.78-0.84). The SWAN model produces the lowest Hs estimates, while the SEAFINE model produces the highest Hs of all stations. Significant wave height (Hs) 100 years return period for all stations in Natuna Sea from SWAN is 2.97-3.37 m, ERA-Interim 4.01-4.13 m, and SEAFINE 5.24-5.67 m. The setting up of wave hindcast in this research will be helpful for improving the level of sea wave hindcast in the seas among Java, Sumatera, and Kalimantan.