Observations of swell off Mauritania by ERS1 synthetic aperture radar

摘要

Addresses the study of coastal swells by SAR imagery. The principles for the determination of swell parameters from image data are recalled. Then, the author presents results on swell events observed by ERS1 off Arguin Bank (Mauritania). These results are analyzed and compared with estimates from the wave prediction model of Meteofrance and from a model of swell propagation in finite-depth water. The study leads the author to conclude that SAR can be considered as a quasi-operational instrument for swell monitoring, and that scientific applications, in addition to economical applications, can henceforth be envisaged.