FY 1979

Seasat synthetic aperture radar: Ocean wave detection capabilities

González, F.I., R.C. Beal, W.E. Brown, J.F.R Gower, D. Lichy, D.B. Ross, C.L. Rufenach, and R.A. Schuchman

Science, 204(4400), doi: 10.1126/science.204.4400.1418, 1418–1421 (1979)

A preliminary assessment has been made of the capability of the Seasat synthetic aperture radar to detect ocean waves. Comparison with surface and aircraft measurements from five passes of the satellite over the Gulf of Alaska indicates agreement to within about ±15 percent in wavelength and about ±25° in wave direction. These results apply to waves 100 to 250 meters in length, propagating in a direction predominantly across the satellite track, in sea states with significant wave height (H_1/3) in a range of 2 to 3.5 meters.