Interannual variability in global wave climate from satellite data

David P. Cotton; David J.T. Carter

doi:10.1117/12.197283

21 December 1994 Interannual variability in global wave climate from satellite data

David P. Cotton, David J.T. Carter

Proceedings Volume 2319, Oceanic Remote Sensing and Sea Ice Monitoring; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.197283
Event: Satellite Remote Sensing, 1994, Rome, Italy

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of altimeter wave height data, spanning a period of 9 years, provided by the Geosat, ERS-a and Topex/Poseidon satellite programs. Monthly means are derived for 2 degree latitude by 2 degree longitude bins from data for each of the three satellites, and these data sets are then intercompared with each other and against NOAA buoy wave height month means. Consistent differences are shown to exist between the various data sets, and correction factors to adjust the satellite data to the buoy measurements are suggested. These correction factors are applied to the monthly mean satellite data, which are then analyzed to investigate interannual variability since 1986. Analysis of Geosat data (for 1986- 1989) has suggested the possibility of a negative correlation between the mean winter wave heights in the NE Atlantic and the NE Pacific, and a positive correlation between the NE Atlantic values and the El Nino Southern Oscillation Index. As preliminary study with ERS-1 and TOPEX data has shown similar wave climate patterns over the period 1991-1994.

Citation Download Citation

David P. Cotton and David J.T. Carter "Interannual variability in global wave climate from satellite data", Proc. SPIE 2319, Oceanic Remote Sensing and Sea Ice Monitoring, (21 December 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.197283

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