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.