Method to Estimate Wind Speed & Direction from a Directional Wave Buoy

Wind speed and direction are calculated from the directional wave spectrum provided by an ENDECO^RDirectional WAVE-TRACK^RBuoy. The wind speed is calculated using an empirically derived relationship correlating the heave energy over the .2 to .5 Hz frequency band with the measured wind speed. The wind direction is calculated using the weighted average wave direction within this frequency band. For near coastal work, a correction for fetch limited waves is being developed. The derivation of the empirical relation between wave energy and wind speed is discussed, as well as test results comparing estimated wind speed and direction data with measured data. A small rugged buoy may be used to collect meteorological and wave data, instead of the large buoy necessary to provide a stable platform for wind sensors. The reliability of the system is increased by eliminating the problems associated with mechanical wind sensors, such as ice fouling and wave damage.