0
TECHNICAL PAPERS

# A Nearshore Wave Energy Atlas for Portugal

[+] Author and Article Information
M. T. Pontes

INETI, Dept. Renewable Energies, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, Lisbon, P-1649-038 Lisboa, Portugalteresa.pontes@ineti.pt

R. Aguiar

INETI, Dept. Renewable Energies, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, Lisbon, P-1649-038 Lisboa, Portugalricardo.aguiar@ineti.pt

H. Oliveira Pires

Macrofísica, Calçada de St. Amaro, 152 B, Lisbon, P-1300-516 Lisboa, Portugalhopires@mail.telepac.pt

J. Offshore Mech. Arct. Eng 127(3), 249-255 (Apr 01, 2003) (7 pages) doi:10.1115/1.1951779 History: Revised April 01, 2003; Received August 19, 2003

## Abstract

The nearshore wave energy resource in Portugal has been assessed through the development of ONDATLAS. This is an electronic atlas, compatible with Internet access, containing comprehensive wave climate and wave energy statistics for 78 points at about $20m$ water depth spaced variably ca.$5–30km$, 5 points at deep water, and 2 points at open ocean locations. The data were produced by a third-generation wind-wave model, complemented by an inverse-ray model that computes the directional spectra transformation from open ocean to the nearshore. Shoaling, refraction, bottom dissipation, and shelter by the coastline and/or neighboring islands are taken into account. ONDATLAS statistics comprise yearly and monthly values, variability and probability data for significant wave height, energy (mean) period, peak period and wave power, and directional histograms for wave and power direction. Joint probability distributions for various combinations of the above parameters are also available, as well as extreme values and return period for wave height and period parameters. A summary of the detailed verification of this model using long-term buoy measurements at four sites is presented. The main characteristics of ONDATLAS are described. The strong spatial variability that wave conditions exhibit at the coastal area are illustrated and a brief assessment of the nearshore resource at the Portugal mainland is presented.

<>

## Figures

Figure 1

The 85 ONDATLAS sites

Figure 2

Model verification: histograms of significant wave height at Figueira da Foz (marked “FF” in Fig. 1)

Figure 3

Model verification: directional histograms of the mean wave direction near the Sines buoy (marked “S” in Fig. 1)

Figure 4

Sample statistics of ONDATLAS: average Hs and θ long-term values for the year (top) and two seasons (bottom). For clarity, nearshore data are displayed for only one out of every three sites.

Figure 5

Sample statistics of ONDATLAS: average Pw and θw long-term values for the year (top) and for two seasons (bottom). For clarity, nearshore data are displayed for only one out of every three sites.

Figure 6

Sample statistics of ONDATLAS: a detail of a portion of the west coast, including areas of high spatial variability of significant wave height (top) and wave power (bottom)

Figure 7

Sample statistics of ONDATLAS: detail of a portion of the west coast, showing the spatial variability of the climate for the wave periods

Figure 8

Sample statistics of ONDATLAS: detail of a portion of the west coast, showing the spatial variability of the mean wave direction

## Discussions

Some tools below are only available to our subscribers or users with an online account.

### Related Content

Customize your page view by dragging and repositioning the boxes below.

Related Journal Articles
Related Proceedings Articles
Related eBook Content
Topic Collections