Estimation of Whitecap Coverage Percentage Using Shallow Grazing‐Angle Video and FMICW Radar

Independent S-band radar and video estimates of active whitecap percentage are derived. The video estimate uses thresholding based on statistical normalization whilst the radar uses a combined velocity-power criterion. Both estimates are influenced by subjective thresholds. The techniques are applied to shore-based and open-ocean situations. Video estimates of whitecap coverage are generally larger than the radar estimates. The broad agreement of the S-band radar data with other published results suggests that radar at this frequency may be more useful than higher-frequency radars for the task.