Extreme waves measured off Lewis 4/10/11
Waves of over 15 metres – the height of a four-
Three recently-
During the gale which crossed the Outer Hebrides on Monday afternoon, with peak gusts of 66mph, the buoys revealed that extreme waves of over 15metres were up to twice the height of the average waves. The huge rollers were just five nautical miles off north west Lewis.
Project leader Arne Vogler explained: “The occurrence of 15metre waves -
The buoys, installed at the end of September, are the first stage in a wave data observatory network and transmit live data through a radio link to the shore station.
Mr Vogler added: “We plan to supplement the buoys with seabed mounted profilers closer to shore to enhance the understanding of the wave shoaling processes in the area. This is significant not only to coastal protection, but also to the selection and development of wave energy sites in an area that offers huge potential for energy extraction from the marine environment.”
“The ability to measure wave heights at three different locations off Lewis will allow us to evaluate the optimum sites for wave energy developments, and help to develop an understanding of threats and opportunities at our coast by assessing the impact of the highest waves on coastal structures and offshore installations such as wave energy converters.
“The data will also be of benefit to other sea users such as coastguards, fishermen, fish farm operations and marine support services.”