Internal waves, topography and ocean fronts and eddies observed with ERS synthetic aperture radar

Abstract

ERS Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images collected in the Bay of Biscay and the Gulf of Guinea were analyzed to study the internal waves, topography and ocean fronts and eddies. Sand band and internal waves are observed for different wind conditions: 3-10 ms/sup -1/. Under calm to moderate winds, i.e., 2-6 ms/sup -1/, characteristic expressions of upper ocean circulation features also include the manifestation of eddies through the presence of surface film which damps the Bragg waves. The principal conclusion in this study is that detection and characterization of internal waves, topography and ocean fronts and eddies can be done by SAR images. Quantitative analysis of these features will contribute to operational studies such as sand bank assessment and marine operation assistance.