Evaluating parametric and blended typhoon wind fields for waves and storm surges simulation in semi-enclosed coastal seas

Introduction Accurate typhoon wind fields are essential for simulating typhoon-induced waves and storm surges, yet the applicability of parametric wind field models and blending methods in semi-enclosed coastal seas remains uncertain. This study evaluates three representative parametric models combined with four blending methods for simulating waves and storm surges in the Bohai and Yellow Seas. Methods A coupled SWAN-ADCIRC model was applied to representative typhoons Muifa and Lekima. Wind speed, significant wave height, and storm surge were evaluated against observations from buoys and tide gauges. Statistical metrics and TOPSIS were used for comprehensive assessment. Results The three parametric wind fields exhibit substantial differences in spatial structure, which propagate differently into wave and storm surge responses. Holland generally produces stronger inner-core winds, whereas Jelesnianski has a faster radial decay and Dual maintains a broader circulation. Consequently, Holland- and Dual-based fields generally produce stronger waves, while Jelesnianski tends to yield lower extreme storm surges. No single parametric configuration consistently performs best across wind, wave, and surge variables, and blending strategy substantially affects overall performance. Notably, parametric blending does not consistently improve marine simulations in the two cases examined. Discussion Comparison with buoy observations indicates that parametric-based fields deviate from observed wind direction mainly where the axisymmetric vortex replaces the asymmetric background wind during storm passage, particularly for the landfalling typhoon. The relative importance of model formulation and blending strategy also varies among typhoon events. These findings demonstrate that typhoon wind-field selection should consider the spatial structure and environmental asymmetry of the storm, rather than focusing solely on reproducing maximum wind speed, particularly in semi-enclosed coastal waters.