Global wave climate based on the JMA/MRI-AGCM3.2 climate change projection

In this study, global wave climates for present and future climates are simulated by the WAM model, based on wind climate data from the JMA/MRI-AGCM3.2 climate change projection. This study is based on two 6-hourly wind data sets, covering two periods of 1979-2003 (present climate) and 2075-2099 (future climate). These wind data are used to run the WAM model for generating output of wave characteristics. The outputs from each period then were used to study global wave climate in the future. It is found that the wave climate is strongly dependent on latitude, with the largest waves, as well as most significant seasonal variations, located at the mid to high latitude regions. These areas are also where the climate induced changes from present to future climate are most noteworthy. The largest increases of significant wave height of approximately +5%, is experienced in the southern parts of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans as well as in the Antarctic Ocean. The largest decreases are of the same order, and limited to the northern Atlantic Ocean.