Validation of the Satellite Method for Measuring Spectra of Spatially Inhomogeneous Sea Waves

Abstract

A method for retrieving 2D spatial spectra of sea wave elevations and slopes from high resolution (about 1 m) satellite imagery has been developed that also allows for assessing sea wave angular distributions. A validation of the suggested method was carried out based on the results from a comprehensive experiment that included both satellite imaging of the Black Sea water area and sea truth under controlled conditions. The retrieval of spatial wave spectra from fragments of a satellite image and comparison with the results of measuring the frequency spectra from sea truth data obtained using an array of string wave recorders were carried out. Wave spectra from remote and in situ data are consistent in the frequency range of 0.2–1.1 Hz, corresponding to wavelengths from 1.3 to 39 m.