TECHNIQUES USED TO DETERMINE EXTREME WAVE HEIGHTS FROM THE NESS DATA SET

The objective of the present paper is to explore the application of di fferent extreme value procedures to a selected grid point in the NESS (North European Storm Study) data set. For the purpose of the present benchmark study, each of the participants was invited to submit estima tes of a significant wave height with a high return period at a given grid point in the North Sea, together with a detailed description and a rationale of the approach used in deriving extreme wave heights. Sub missions from five industry groups were received, compared, and benchm arked against one another. This analysis leads to a number of conclusi ons regarding the actual use and misuse of extreme value techniques in the fields of engineering and oceanography.