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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 resolutions of ECWAM is versions are the same as each of the atmospheric models with which it interacts they interact (~9km with 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 and ocean are included, depending on the sea state.  Changes introduced in Cy49r1 have better details of coastal conditions (because the land-sea masks now match up with the atmospheric model versions), improved air temperatures over the oceans (mainly tropics and winter hemisphere) and reduced under-estimation of extreme ocean winds.

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• ECWAM supplies surface roughness (according to the forecast sea state) which is used in the evaluation of boundary layer winds.
• Atmospheric models supply surface wind conditions, and these dominate via surface stress, and this dominates sea-surface wave development.

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