The Northeast Atlantic possesses an energetic and variable wind and wave climate which has a large potential for renewable energy extraction. The role of surface winds in the generation of ocean waves means that global atmospheric circulation patterns and wave climate characteristics are inherently connected. In this study we investigated the influence of large scale atmospheric oscillations on waves in the Northeast Atlantic using a high resolution wave projection dataset.

This paper extends and updates the survey of extreme wave events in Ireland that was previously carried out by O'Brien et al. (2013). Events are categorised into storm waves, rogue waves, tsunamis and storm surges. Important questions regarding public safety, services and the influence of climate change are also highlighted. An interactive map that allows the reader to navigate through events can be found here.

Large scale atmospheric oscillations, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation are known to have an influence on waves in the North Atlantic. This study investigated the influence of the NAO on the present and future wind and wave climate in the Northeast Atlantic near Ireland.