Abstract: In this study, the third-generation wave model, WAVEWATCH-Ⅲ, was used to simulate the wave field in the South China Sea during 1988?2009 with wind input of the CCMP (Cross-Calibrated, Multi-Platform ) wind field. An assessment system was then established, and the characteristics of wave energy resources were analyzed, which can provide guidance to wave power plant location, desalination and so on. Synthetically considering the energy density, the frequency of energy level, long-term trend of significant wave height (SWH) and wave energy density, the stability of energy density, it is found that the South China Sea is rich in wave energy resources, especially the northern waters of the South China Sea. Our results are as follows. 1) Wave energy density in most of the South China Sea is 2?16kW?m?1, with a large area located in the Lvsong Strait. 2) Most waters in the South China Sea have significant increasing trends in SWH (of 0.005?0.025 ma^?1) and wave energy density (of 0.05?0.55 kWm^?1a^?1). 3) Frequency of wave energy density above 2 kWm^?1 is large than 60% in most of the South China Sea. 4) Coefficient of variation in most of the South China Sea is below 0.9, monthly variability index below 6, and seasonal variability index below 4. 5) The northern sea area is a relatively richer region in wave energy resource.

Key words: WAVEWATCH-Ⅲ, CCMP wind field, South China Sea, wave energy resource, assessment system