The U.S. government is closed. This site will not be updated; however, NOAA websites and social media channels necessary to protect lives and property will be maintained. To learn more, visit commerce.gov.
For the latest forecasts and critical weather information, visit weather.gov.

Image
Tool

Wave Exposure Model

Understanding the hydrodynamics of the coast, especially the waves associated with storms, is essential to managing the fragile coastal environment. This model is a free and easy-to-use tool that helps coastal managers, ecologists, and physical hydrologists estimate wave energy and its effects on ecosystem functions, as well as on developed coastal and inland-water areas.

Analysts use this downloadable software with ArcGIS to quantify wave energy and its effects on ecosystem functions.