A review of the analyses of ocean wave groups

The most common parameters and functions used to characterize wave groups in linear seas are reviewed and interrelated in a unified manner. A three-axes representation of run lengths is used to characterize wave groups using exponential and Markov chain approximations. A relationship between four parameters (Q_p, Q_e, κ², and ρ²) and the correlation coefficient between consecutive wave heights [r_HH(1)] is demonstrated. The wave-height function method is reviewed in some detail in order to relate the run length theory with envelope theories. The theoretical estimates used to demonstrate the relationships between the various parameters must be considered as only first-order trends to parameter estimates computed from real wave data due to the statistical variability in these estimates when computed from real wave data.