Assessing ERA5 Wave Reanalysis Accuracy and Spatial Variability in the Eastern Mediterranean

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ports, Shore Protection and Environmental Research Dep., Suez Canal Research Center (SCRC), Ismailia, Egypt.

2 Civil Engineering Dep., Faculty of Engineering, Port Said University

3 Civil Engineering Dep., Faculty of Engineering, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt.

Abstract

Accurate wave data is crucial for coastal engineering applications. This research assesses the accuracy, reliability, and applicability of the ERA5 wave reanalysis dataset in capturing wave climate along the Eastern Mediterranean coasts, focusing on Significant Wave Height (Hs) and Mean Wave Period (Tm). A comprehensive analysis compared ERA5 data with measurements from six monitoring wave stations. The findings reveal notable variations in the ERA5 wave dataset's accuracy across the different locations. While demonstrating overall satisfactory accuracy with small biases, agreement varies spatially. For Hs, ERA5 slightly overestimates at Damietta Port but underestimates during storms at Hadera Port and Antalya Bay, showing complete agreement at Abu Quir Bay, Ashkelon Port, and Taşucu Bay. For Tm, ERA5 slightly overestimates at Damietta Port but underestimates at Abu Quir Bay, showing good agreement at Hadera Port, Ashkelon Port, Antalya Bay, and Taşucu Bay. Statistical indicators confirm reliability despite variations. Caution is advised when applying ERA5 to specific locations due to limitations like spatial resolution. Calibration and verification with in situ data are crucial. This study highlights ERA5's strengths and limitations and offers recommendations for improvement.

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Port-Said Engineering Research Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 July 2025

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