Methods for intercomparison of wave measurements

The paper reviews methods for quality assessment and intercomparison of oce an wave data. The sampling variability for conventional time series recordi ngs is summarized and compared to less common area measuring measurements. The sampling variability affects the scatter seen in simultaneous observati ons, and variability in excess of the sampling variability signifies real d ifferences between the instruments. Various means of intercomparing wave pa rameters and spectra are discussed and two somewhat unconventional ways of deriving regression and calibration relationships are also shown. The metho ds are illustrated using data from SCAWVEX, focusing mainly on wave data fr om the HF radars and Directional Waveriders. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.