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• the atmospheric forecast model at all configurations (ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES), medium range ensemble, sub-seasonal range ensemble, seasonal) with resolution matching each model.
• the dynamic ocean model NEMO.   (Note: the IFS analysis and the short range forecasts that are part of the IFS analysis cycle are not coupled with ECWAM).
  

ECWAM is solely concerned with ocean wave forecasting and does not model the ocean itself: dynamical modelling of the ocean is done by NEMO.

ensemble

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structure

ECWAM evaluates the 2-dimensional surface wave spectrum for both oceanic and coastal (but not inshore) waters.  The wave information is output in 36 directions of propagation and 29 wave frequencies at 6hr intervals.  These describe the extent, severity and timing of the forecast wave energy and highlight risk areas.

The horizontal resolution of ECWAM is the same as each of the atmospheric models with which it interacts (~9km withEnsemble ensemble Control Forecast (ex-HRES) and medium range forecasts, ~36km with sub-seasonal range and seasonal models).  Heat, moisture and momentum fluxes between atmosphere ands ocean are included, depending on the sea state.  Changes introduced in Cy49r1 have better details of coastal conditions, improved air temperatures over the oceans (mainly tropics and winter hemisphere) and reduced under-estimation of extreme ocean winds.

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The Extreme Forecast Index (EFI) can be used to indicate the significance of forecast significant wave heights when compared with the range of wave heights that might usually be expected as defined by the M-climate. 

Fig2.2-13: In this example the colours west of Ireland denote a low-point in wave heights, or potentially a form of 'weather window' for certain types of marine/shipping operations.  Equally this EFI can signify periods with anomalously big waves (yellow to red shading).

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