High Resolution Current & Bathymetry Determined by Nautical X-Band Radar in Shallow Waters

Abstract

The wave and current monitoring system WaMoS II is a remote sensing system based on a nautical X-Band radar generally used for navigation and ship traffic control. It has been used in recent years to monitor sea state information from moored platforms, coastal sites and moving vessels. A nautical radar can scan the sea surface over a large area (~ 10km2 ) with a high spatial (~7.5m) and temporal resolution (~2s). Directionalwave spectra and standard sea state parameters such as significant wave height, peak wave period and direction can be derived by analyzing the sea surface image sequences. Using the temporal and spatial evolution of the sea surface wave images it is also possible to determine high resolution current and bathymetry information. In the paper a brief introduction into the measuring principle of WaMoS II is given and results of a high resolution current and bathymetric mapping technique for shallow water areas (<20m) are presented. For validation these results are compared with model data and in-situ measurements