Wave Predictions Models Mean Smoother Sailing

Author: Texas A&M University

Date of publication: February 5, 2013

                                                         Vijay Panchang, a texan professor passionate about waves

  

Abstract:

Presents the work of a university professor from texas, Vijay Panchang, who has developed modeling systems that can predict wave heights in several types of conditions. However, it seems very difficult to predict the size of rogue waves because no one seems to know exactly what causes them.

Extract:

"Vijay Panchang, Regents Professor at Texas A&M’s branch campus by the sea, has been researching waves for more than 25 years and has developed modeling systems that can predict wave heights in several types of conditions.

He has developed wave prediction and coastal circulation models that have been used by numerous maritime engineering groups from Maine to Texas. Such information can literally be a lifesaver for all sizes of ships, from recreational fishing boats to oil tankers that are as long as three city blocks.

Using data from NOAA and his own complex models, Panchang can provide wave model predictions for much of Texas’ 367-mile coastline, and also projections for much of the Gulf of Mexico."

“Rogue waves can be impossible to predict because no one seems to know exactly what causes them,” Panchang says.

“We do know they can reach 100 feet high and perhaps even higher than that.  We try to predict wave conditions that we know about, and where the data is in more of a controlled state."

Index terms:

Vijay Panchang/ Waves predictions / Texas/ Rogue waves

Found with:  Netvibes

Source:  http://tamutimes.tamu.edu/

URL: http://tamutimes.tamu.edu/2013/02/05/wave-predictions-models-mean-smoother-sailing/

By FG