Synergy between synthetic aperture radar and other sensors for the remote sensing of the ocean

Over the last decades, satellite remote sensing has proved to be a valuable and effective tool for monitoring physical and biological ocean processes. However there are cases where data from one remote sensor alone cannot be interpreted unambiguously. In these situations the combination of data from different sensors can help to understand the observed processes due to the combined benefits of the various strengths and advantages of individual instruments. This paper illustrates the potential of synergy between synthetic aperture radar data and data from thermal and optical satellite sensors. Different aspects of oceanic and atmospheric fronts, eddies, upwelling, internal waves and surface films are imaged by the sensors and combined data give a broader picture of the physical processes involved. While the strengths of synergy are demonstrated in several examples, more frequent coincidence of data from existing and future sensors will be necessary before the benefits of synergy occur on an operational basis

A Study on Coastal Winds and Wind Waves UsingHigh-Resolution SAR Images

Tohoku University課

Satellite measurement of ocean turbulence

Turbulence and mixing in the surface layer of the ocean is a significant element in the combined ocean-atmosphere system, and plays a considerable role in the transfer of heat, gas and momentum across the air-sea boundary. Furthermore, improving knowledge of the evolution of energy within the ocean system, both globally and locally, holds importance for improving our understanding of the dynamics of the ocean at large- and small-scales. As such, insight into turbulence and turbulent flows at the ocean surface is becoming increasingly important for its role in ocean-atmosphere exchange and, from a wider perspective, climate change.A research project was initiated to understand the role that spacecraft remote-sensing may play in improving observation of “turbulence” (in a broad sense) in the ocean, and for identifying how steps towards such observation may be made. An initial, exploratory study identified the potential benefit of Synthetic Aperture Radar in “bridging the gap” between in-situ and remote observations o