Significant wave height assessment using multi mission satellite altimeter over Malaysian seas

Abstract

Satellite altimeter is one of the useful technique to study the variation of ocean parameters with a good temporal and spatial measurements. In situ measurements such as buoy has own disadvantages in terms of spatial observations. Thus, with the combination of satellite altimeter and buoy can improve the significant wave height measurements for both spatial and temporal over the seas. Generally, the measurement of significant wave height from altimeter using the Ku-band signal, while SARAL is borne with Ka-band altimeter (AltiKa). The aim of this research is to study the reliability of wave height data from the satellite altimeter to support marine renewable energy development. This Significant wave height (Hs) is retrieved from multi mission satellite altimeter by Radar Altimeter Database System (RADS) and evaluated using in-situ measurement over the Malaysian seas (0°N - 14°N and 95°E - 126°E). A validation with selected buoys located at Sabah Sea (5.83 N, 114.39 E) and Sarawak Sea (5.15 N, 111.82 E) is performed by statistical approach and presenting good correlation of 0.92 and 0.18 for RMSE. A climatology assessment is performed by analyzing the condition of significant wave height during monsoons. This paper highlighted, collocation between altimeter and buoy are well-correlated and reliable to use for a marine analysis for renewable energy development.