One of the easiest ways to obtain data on winds and waves along the coasts of Crete is by using online sources and applications. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Windfinder (www.windfinder.com): Windfinder provides real-time wind and weather information, including wind speeds and directions, for various locations worldwide. You can search for specific spots along the coast of Crete to get accurate wind data.

2. Magicseaweed (magicseaweed.com): Although primarily focused on surfing conditions, Magicseaweed also provides wave height and direction information for coastal areas. It can be useful for obtaining wave data along the coasts of Crete.

3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (www.noaa.gov): NOAA offers a wide range of weather-related data, including wind speeds and directions, wave heights, and directions. You can access their website or use their mobile app to get detailed information about coastal conditions in Crete.

4. Windy (www.windy.com): Windy is a popular weather forecasting platform that provides detailed wind information, including speed and direction, as well as wave heights and directions. It offers an interactive map with customizable layers to visualize the data effectively.

5. Local meteorological stations: Check if there are any local meteorological stations or observatories in Crete that provide public access to their weather data. These stations often have instruments installed near the coast to measure winds and waves accurately.

Remember that while online sources can provide valuable real-time or forecasted data, it's always advisable to cross-reference multiple sources for more accurate information on winds and waves along the coasts of Crete.

Thank you. I need some generalized, averaged over a multi-year period data, not the current state, and the ones that can be extracted as a grid of points and processed. But thank you anyway

Anna Novikova Getting wind and wave data for assessing coastal vulnerability along the coasts of Crete can be simplified by using readily available data sources. Here's a straightforward approach:

1. National Weather Service or Meteorological Agencies: Contact the national or regional meteorological agencies in Greece. In this case, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) would be a primary source. They provide weather and climate data, including wind speeds and directions.

2. Online Data Portals: Explore online platforms that offer access to weather and oceanographic data. Websites like Windy.com and WindGuru provide easy-to-use tools for accessing wind and wave information for specific locations.

3. Open Data Sources: Check for open data initiatives related to oceanography and meteorology. Organizations like NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) provide free access to a wide range of environmental data, including wind and wave data.

4. Universities and Research Institutions: Collaborate with local universities or research institutions in Greece. They often have access to valuable datasets and may provide assistance in data retrieval and interpretation.

5. Commercial Weather Data Providers: Consider commercial weather data providers like The Weather Company (IBM Weather) or other similar services. While they may require a subscription, they offer user-friendly interfaces and APIs for accessing weather and oceanographic data.

6. Consult with Oceanographers: Reach out to oceanographers or researchers with expertise in coastal studies. They can guide you in selecting the most relevant datasets and assist with data processing if needed.

7. Data Visualization Tools: Utilize data visualization tools like QGIS, which is an open-source GIS software. It can help you visualize and analyze the data you obtain.

Remember to specify your location of interest (coasts of Crete) and the specific parameters you need (wind speeds, wind directions, wave heights, and wave directions) when searching for data sources. Additionally, inquire about the temporal resolution and format of the data to ensure it aligns with your research needs.