Intercomparison of wave measurements obtained from a NOMAD buoy and from a waverider buoy in Lake Erie

Abstract

Wave data recorded by a NOMAD buoy and a Waverider buoy in the west central basin of Lake Erie during September, October, and November 1984 are compared. Data include significant wave height, average wave period, wave spectra, and water temperature. The two systems were found to provide comparable estimates of wave height, wave period, and wave spectra only during periods when significant wave height exceeded 0.5 m. At lower wave heights, the NOMAD buoy gave slightly lower estimates of significant wave height than the Waverider. The Waverider processing system was unable to provide accurate spectral information for low wave heights because of aliasing. Water temperature measurements from the two systems were virtually identical.