Numerous studies have identified the complexities of the wave climatology around the South African coast, but limited studies have investigated these complex dynamics in the available literature. Several freely available parameterized wave boundary conditions are produced around southern Africa. However, none of these are fully spectral outputs from global or larger regional spectral wave models. This constraint results in local engineering and scientific organizations, reconstructing their own spectral boundary conditions. For coastal models, this is a reasonable assumption, assuming that the single parameterization is accurate and a representation of a non-multimodal sea state. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) Marine unit recently launched their coupled, operational wave and storm surge forecasting model. The aim of the SAWS Wave and Storm Surge (SWaSS) platform was to provide accurate, high-resolution coastal forecasts for the entire South African coastline. The present investigation thus presents the validation of the spectral wave component of the coupled system, developed in Delft3D. Various wave boundary reconstructions are investigated together with the two most used and well-known whitecapping formulations. Validation is performed with both in situ wave-rider buoy data (at nine locations along the coastline) and regional remotely sensed, along track, altimetry data. Full model performance statistics are provided, and the accuracy of the model is discussed.

Oceanographic observations in the northern Gulf of Mexico captured an unusual combination of atmospheric forcing and shelf frontal dynamics that brought about the surface ventilation of sediment‐laden bottom waters. Colorimetric analysis of in situ optical data indicates a specific turquoise‐white color signature for turbid and low‐oxygen bottom waters that match a coincident shelf‐wide feature detected in MODIS satellite true color images. The physical processes leading to this ventilation event are simulated using the Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS), which includes an integrated surface wave model. The combined model‐data analysis suggests that low‐oxygen, bottom water ventilation may occur episodically during boreal spring and summer in the northern Gulf of Mexico following the passage of high‐energy atmospheric systems, and these events may be identified in the historical satellite record based on the unique bottom water optical characteristics.

A general outline of the ESPC coupled atmosphere/ocean/ice/wave/land prediction system is proposed for the Initial Operational Capability targeted for 2018. A description of how it will cycle at both FNMOC and NAVOCEANO is included, although the specifics of how the distributed job control will function are still to be determined as the system becomes more mature. A potential issue with regard to the transfer of model output between the two centers has been identified and must be addressed in the upcoming years.