Estimation of Extreme Significant Wave Height in the Northwest Pacific Using Satellite Altimeter Data Focused on Typhoons (1992–2016)

The estimation of extreme ocean wave heights is important for understanding the ocean’s response to long-term changes in the ocean environment and for the effective coastal management of potential disasters in coastal areas. In order to estimate extreme wave height values in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, a 100-year return period were calculated by applying a Peak over Threshold (PoT) method to satellite altimeter SWH data from 1992 to 2016. Satellite altimeter SWH data were validated using in situ measurements from the Ieodo Ocean Research Station (IORS) south of Korea and the Donghae buoy of the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) off the eastern coast of Korea. The spatial distribution and seasonal variations of the estimated 100-year return period SWHs in the Northwest Pacific Ocean were presented. To quantitatively analyze the suitability of the PoT method in the Northwest Pacific, where typhoons frequently occur, the estimated 100-year return period SWHs were compared by classifying the regions as containing negligible or significant typhoon effects. Seasonal variations of extreme SWHs within the upper limit of 0.1% and the PoT-based extreme SWHs indicated the effect of typhoons on the high SWHs in the East China Sea and the southern part of the Northwest Pacific during summer and fall. In addition, this study discusses the limitations of satellite altimeter SWH data in the estimation of 100-year extreme SWHs.