SOUTHERN OSCILLATION INFLUENCES ON THE GOLD-COAST SUMMER WAVE CLIMATE

Tropical cyclone-generated wave conditions coincident with extreme pha ses of the Southern Oscillation were examined for Gold Coast (eastern Australia) beaches over the period 1972-1989. The study expands upon s imilar previous research conducted on Sydney's wave climate. values of summer (Southern Hemisphere) mean-monthly deepwater wavepower on nort hern Gold Coast (Australia) beaches were found to be significantly low er during El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases of the Southern O scillation than during the opposing anti-ENSO phases. It is proposed t hat Southern Oscillation-related variability of Australian/South-west Pacific tropical cyclone activity is an important mechanism underlying the observed contrast. A tropical cyclone wave generation area was co nstructed for Gold Coast beaches using individual tropical cyclone and site data Possible coastal management implications of these findings are discussed.