Analysis of Morphodynamical Processes with a Nautical X-Band Radar

Abstract

In coastal waters, radar signatures are generated by hydro- dynamic interactions of the tidal current with the variable bottom topography. The analysis of radar signatures is performed in order to detect changes in the bathymetry.A nautical X-band radar was mounted on the island of Sylt in the German Bight in the period from February to June 1997, and from December 1998 to April 1999. The observed area is of high interest because morphological changes, altering the flood stream situation, have taken place in recent years and are still in progress. The radar signatures altered in a noticeable way between the two observation periods.The image sequences were analyzed using basic statistical methods. In addition, the structure tensor method was used to indicate the orientation of the signatures linked with the bottom slopes. The tidal variability of the radar signatures was determined by an EOF (Empirical Orthogonal Function) analysis.