FOREWORD 



Up-to-^ate information on sea conditions over large areas 

 of the ocean would be of value to most types of naval operations. 

 Thus, in recent years, considerable research has been devoted 

 to the development of prediction techniques and methods of present- 

 ing wave forecasts to the operational forces. 



Standard methods for observing, reporting, and predicting 

 wave conditions have been described in publications issued by the 

 Hydrographic Office. But, as more is learned about the behavior 

 of the sea surface and as more data become available, new techniques 

 for applying wave forecasts to operational problems are necessary* 

 In order for this type of developmental work to continue, accurate 

 wave observations and evaluations of forecasting methods from ships 

 are extremely important., The methods of presentation described in 

 this report are not known to be in use at the present time, and the 

 wave charts are still in the developmental stage* The Hydrographic 

 Office welcomes comments as to their construction and operational 

 value • 



//J. B. COCHRAN — -^ 

 v-/ Captain, U. S. Navy 

 Hydrographer 



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