Surface and internal ocean wave observations

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews a study of the accuracy of ocean surface significant wave height derived from the radar altimeter data and appropriate scattering models. An accuracy study implies that there is an independent source to compare experimental measurements with and that the accuracy of the independent sources is known. In the past, these independent sources have been hindcast estimates based upon numerical models, ship reports, and buoy measurements. Numerical model hindcast estimates and ship-reported measurements were useful in initial comparison studies. Buoy measurements are considered to be the best source of comparative data. This study considers only buoys as an independent source of surface measurements. The field observations of ocean surface waves by Seasat and airborne SAR are presented with emphasis on the satellite measurements. Ocean surface wave measurements as well as internal wave measurements are elaborated. A description of the physical characteristics of the surface waves, altimetric measurements of wave height, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) theory is presented in this chapter. The inferred internal wave results using SAR are also presented. Observations, ancillary oceanographic information, interpretation, and theoretical considerations are discussed for ocean internal waves.