Performance of ERA5 wind speed and significant wave height within Extratropical cyclones using collocated satellite radar altimeter measurements

• DOI: 10.1080/21664250.2023.2301181
• Publication Date: 2024-02-12T07:34:05Z
• Authors: John Lodise; Sophia Merrifield; Clarence Collins; James Behrens; Eric Terrill
• Keywords: Extratropical cyclone; Significant wave height; Wave height; Radar altimeter; Wind wave model

Similar in strength to hurricanes, Extratropical Cyclones (ECs) are responsible for innavigable sea states, coastal inundation and erosion, subsequent destruction infrastructure. Across modern operational wave models, there exists a known systematic underestimation of heights during these extreme events. Using global database EC storm tracks 36 years satellite altimeter data, we examine structure assess model performance through centered composite analyses significant height (Hs) U10 wind speed (|U10|). Through the collocation observations with state-of-the-art reanalysis product (ERA5), investigate respect |U10| Hs within ECs varying intensities. By rotating our data reference frames, align all directions account asymmetry fields increased growth This rotation results organization strongest Hs, as well trends ERA5 performance. A characteristic radii is calculated used normalize coordinates frame, which highlights structures. Performance metrics then compared different quadrants explore relationship between forcing accuracy Hs.