ing of the wave trains* Behind the front, however, the prognosticated axis 

 of the wave train is too far north and the area covered is too small. Under 

 any verification system, this section of the prognostic chart must be con- 

 sidered unsatisfactory* Following the same frontal system on figures 6 and 

 7 the prognosticated and observed sea conditions show satisfactory agreement. 



Figures 6 and 7 also show the development of a new major wave train off 

 the east coast of the United States. Figures 8 through 13 show the continued 

 development of sea conditions associated with this system; the agreement be- 

 tween the prognostic wave charts and the wave charts can be considered satis- 

 factory. 



A brief scanning of figures 1 through 13 will undoubtedly give the ob- 

 server an insight into the nature of the sea surface that would be difficult to 

 obtain by any other type of presentation for an ocean area of the size con- 

 sidered In these charts . 



E. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS 



The synoptic wave charts and wave prognostic charts are in their initial 

 stage of developmenti their deficiencies are many and fully recognized. How- 

 ever, even in their present state they have been found to be of considerable 

 value. First, the charts give an excellent picture of wave heights and direc- 

 tions over an area as large as the North Atlantic Oceanj second, the charts 

 are a guide to the order of magnitude of wave heights for detailed forecasts 

 for specific locations; third, the charts make easier the forecasting of swell 

 since the wave trains are outlined clearly as are conditions in the generating 

 area. 



Shore Installations would benefit considerably from the synoptic and 

 prognostic wave charts in that the directions and heights of the predominant 

 wave trains in the open ocean will be clearly indicated. This would be very 

 useful as a tool for the prediction of swell approaching the shore installa- 

 tion and make possible more accurate prediction of surf conditions. 



It should be pointed out here that the accuracy and general informa- 

 tion that can be obtained from such wave charts depends upon the effort 

 put into them. One major problem in this respect is the justification of 

 increased effort in terms of time, since any increase in time required to 

 produce a 2lj-hour prognostic wave chart will reduce its effective time and 

 its overall value. 



From the standpoint of studying ocean waves and the systems generating 

 them, the wave charts are very revealing. A better understanding is being 

 obtained of wave characteristics in front of, in, and behind frontal zones; 

 the distribution of wave heights associated with synoptic systems; wave 

 heights generated by wind fields of varying curvatures; relationships be- 

 tween swell and wave conditions in generating areas; and effects of chang- 

 ing wind direction on wave trains. Such problems are studied more easily 

 when a synoptic picture of wave conditions over a considerable area is 

 available « In addition, a picture presentation of wave conditions for 

 large areas of the ocean is much more useful and more easily interpreted 



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