Wave data from five 12-13MHz SeaSondes radars along the central California coast were analyzed to evaluate the utility of\r\noperational wave parameters, including significant wave height, period, and direction. Data from four in situ wave buoys served to\r\nverify SeaSonde data and independently corroborate wave variability. Hourly averaged measurements spanned distance is 150 km\r\nalongshore Ã?â?? 45 km offshore. Individual SeaSondes showed statistically insignificant variation over 27 km in range. Wave height\r\ninter-comparisons between regional buoys exhibit strong correlations, approximately 0.93, and RMS differences less than 50 cm\r\nover the region. SeaSonde-derived wave data were compared to nearby buoys over timescales from 15 to 26 months, and revealed\r\nwave height correlations R = 0.85ââ?¬â??0.91 and mean RMS difference of 53 cm. Results showed that height RMS differences are\r\na percentage of significant wave height, rather than being constant independent of sea state. Period and directions compared\r\nfavorably among radars, buoys, and the CDIP model. Results presented here suggest that SeaSondes are a reliable source of wave\r\ninformation. Supported by buoy data, they also reveal minimal spatial variation in significant wave height, period, and direction in\r\ncoastal waters from ~45 kmÃ?â?? ~150 km in this region of the central California coast. Small differences are explained by sheltering\r\nfrom coastal promontories, and cutoff boundaries in the case of the radars.
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