Ocean Wave Resource Potential

Mean wave power density estimates represent naturally available US wave energy, derived from measurements observed during a 51-month study period. Measurements were taken from 42,000 grid points out to a distance of 50 nautical miles from shore. Values represent the average instantaneous power generated by a meter length of wave crest per grid point. In accordance with accepted global practice, wave power density is measured in kilowatts per meter of wave crest aggregated across a unit diameter circle. Data were classified using quantiles. Bathymetric effects are known to have a large effect on wave characteristics at depths shallower than ~20m on the east coast and ~50m on the west coast. Reliable site-specific information in shallow waters can only be produced using results from models with higher spatial resolution that include shallow-water physics. Results may not be accurate in the shallower waters of the inner continental shelf.

To support ocean planning activities pursuant to the Executive Order Regarding the Ocean Policy to Advance the Economic, Security, and Environmental Interests of the United States, the Energy Policy Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Rivers and Harbors Act, and the Coastal Zone Management Act.

Bureau Code: 006:48, Program Code: 006:055

overallMeanWavePowerDensity

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For coastal and ocean planning

Microsoft Windows, ArcGIS Pro, Azure SQL

Untested

Compiled to meet 10 meters horizontal accuracy at 95% confidence level

Untested

These data are logically consistent