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Seasat synthetic aperture radar: ocean wave detection capabilities
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 29, 1979
Summary
Seasat synthetic aperture radar (SAR) can detect ocean waves. SAR measurements of wave length and direction showed good agreement with surface and aircraft data in the Gulf of Alaska.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Remote Sensing
- Geophysics
Background:
- Ocean wave detection is crucial for maritime safety and research.
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) offers a potential method for global ocean wave monitoring.
- Previous capabilities of satellite-based radar for wave measurement were limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the capability of the Seasat SAR for detecting and measuring ocean waves.
- To compare SAR-derived wave data with in-situ measurements.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from five passes of the Seasat satellite over the Gulf of Alaska.
- Compared Seasat SAR measurements with concurrent surface and aircraft-based wave data.
- Focused on waves with lengths of 100-250 meters and significant wave heights of 2-3.5 meters.
Main Results:
- Seasat SAR demonstrated capability in detecting ocean waves.
- Agreement within approximately -15% for wavelength was achieved.
- Agreement within approximately +/- 25 degrees for wave direction was observed.
- Results were consistent for waves propagating predominantly across the satellite track.
Conclusions:
- Seasat SAR is a viable tool for preliminary ocean wave assessment.
- The study validates SAR's potential for wave monitoring under specific sea state conditions.
- Further research can refine SAR's application in diverse oceanic environments.
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