Statistical analysis of wave height: The wave energy potential aspect

Wave is a general term given to `disturbance in water'. The waves produce humungous amounts of energy and therefore the study of different characteristics associated with waves becomes an important aspect. One such characteristic is the wave height. The height of a wave determines the impact that it would have when it hits the surface thereby playing a crucial role in deciding the quality and commercial viability of a beach and in determining the extent of transportation of sediments to proximate coastal areas. If the wave becomes very vigorous then it would pose a serious threat to the lives of the people inhabiting coastal areas. Therefore the analysis of different characteristics of waves becomes all the more important. In this paper, we have presented a statistical estimation of one such characteristic namely the wave height, which is also one of the most significant parameters used for estimating wave energy. In our review, we have used fundamental distribution functions to model the wave height, and have calculated error using various error detection tests thereby concluding the best fit for wave height. We have also provided a retrospective view of wave energy potential, in the light of significant wave height analyzed.