The significant wave height estimation by the azimuth cutoff of the quad-polarization SAR image

Abstract

This paper primarily proposes simple C-band empirical models between ocean wave significant wave height (Hs) and SAR azimuth cutoff using RADARSAT-2 fine quad-polarization mode data. The empirical models of VV, HH and VH polarization relate the Hs to the cutoff divided by range-velocity-ratio with approximatly linear relationships. Compared from NDBC buoy data, retrieved Hs by empirical models have the root mean square (Rms) errors of 0.62 m, 0.52 m and 0.70 m for VV, HH and VH polarization, respectively. Particularly, HH polarization presents the best Hs retrieval performance.