The Marine Institute has implemented a new SWAN model (Irish_Shelf) for Irish waters. SWAN (Simulating Waves Nearshore) is a third-generation spectral wave model which was primarily developed for use in coastal regions. The Irish_Shelf wave model covers the Irish EEZ at a horizontal resolution of 0.025 degrees. It is forced by winds produced by the ECMWF high resolution forecast, and utilizes wave boundary data from the CMEMS 1/12 degree Global Ocean Waves Analysis and Forecast product.

The model is run every day to produce a 6-day forecast and a 1-day hindcast, and output includes standard wave parameters such as significant wave height, mean wave period (Tm02), peak wave period, and mean wave direction. Forecast data and a limited amount of hindcast data is available from the Marine Institute’s Thredds and ERDDAP servers.

Hindcast data is archived and is available on request.

The Irish_Shelf model forecast is produced on a best endeavours basis and should not be used for safety-critical applications.