Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
The spectral wave model WAVEWATCH III is extended from the windsea and swell band to lower frequencies, in order to represent free waves in the infragravity (IG) wave band. This extension is based on an empirical source of IG energy, which is defined along shorelines from the significant wave height and a mean period. The empirical proportionality factor is is found to reproduce accurately the variations of free IG wave energy in coastal areas, where it was calibrated, and also has a good skill at global scales. In the open ocean, the model is particularly verified for frequencies in the range 5 to 14 mHz for which ocean bottom records are sensitive to the IG signal. The model captures between 30 and 80% of the variance in IG wave heights, depending on location, and reproduces the mean IG energies within 50%. Where the model reproduces best the IG variability, it can be used to fill in the gaps between recording stations, providing a first view of the global IG wave field.
Ardhuin et al. (Wed,) studied this question.