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Envisat making first direct measurements of ocean surface velocities

27 March 2006

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Doppler-derived radial surface velocity (m/s) off the Florida strait based on an ASAR image 5 July 2005. The radial direction is mostly toward the east, northing about 10 degrees.

Credits: BOOST Technologies

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Examples of SAR backscatter depicting mesoscale features and schematic 3D structure of surface current fronts and eddies.

Credits: Richard Olsen

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Comparing an ASAR image to the output of a model current plus sea surface temperature (SST) for the coast of Norway, 9 May 2003.

Credits: BOOST Technologies

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Radar imaging modelling of tidal currents

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Radar imaging modelling (RIM) of tidal currents off Brest on the Atlantic coast of France. Segment of ASAR image (left) and simulated image (right).

Credits: BOOST Technologies

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Doppler-derived tidal surface current of the same location, off Brest on the Atlantic coast of France

Credits: BOOST Technologies

Envisat ASAR wave data sharpening Meteo France ocean forecasts

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Upgraded results from the Significant Wave Height (SWH) algorithm enhanced by NORUT IT, being applied to the sea state models of Meteo France.

Credits: NORUT IT

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Results from a French navy (SHOM) study to retrieve waves in limited depth. Wave spectra derived from Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images acquired by Envisat in narrow swath mode were compared to insitu measurements by seven sensors, deployed in a field experiment carried out on the French coast of the English Channel. Under the low to moderate wind speed observed conditions, overall good agreement were found between in-situ and ASAR observations, over a wide range of wave heights and directions, including waves propagating in the radar azimuth direction, and incidence angles different from the standard wave mode products.

Credits: SHOM