The wave field is a combination of waves of different height, length and directions and the significant wave height is a useful way to describe the sea state. It has been defined to approximate the wave heights visually estimated by experienced mariners.
The significant wave height is calculated from the energy spectrum of the measured waves. The wave spectrum tells how the energy is distrubuted to different wave lengths and directions.
The significant wave height corresponds also the average of one third of the highest waves in a measured wave record.
The highest individual wave in a wave field can be nearly two times higher than the significant wave height.
Wave height records in the Baltic Sea
The life cycle of wind-induced waves
Waves and sea level
Sea level
Wave height
Ice Service
Baltic Operational Oceanographic System
North West Shelf Operational Oceanographic System
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