Oceanographic phenomena caused by interaction of currents and bottom topography - historical notes and theoretical modelling

Over the last few centuries, different structures and colours of the ocean surface have fascinated sailors, fishermen, discoverers, and scientists. Variations of oceanographic parameters caused by the interaction of water currents with bottom topography are summarized based on measurements at different locations of the oceans. Eleven observation areas are presented here which reflect, in particular, the origin from identification, by just watching oceanographic phenomena in relation to the sea bed, until present day theoretical modelling. It is shown that marine remote sensing data are essential for the understanding of different imaging mechanisms in the electromagnetic spectrum. An up to date theory on the radar imaging mechanism of submarine sand waves applying quasi-specular scattering is outlined explaining surface current and bottom topography interaction.