Wave and Current Observations in European Waters by Ground-Based X-Band Radar

Abstract

Radar remote sensing in Earth Observations means not only the global and regional survey of geophysical parameter by satellite or airborne radar, but also the local observation by ground based radar techniques. The information acquired by ground based instruments mounted at fixed coastal or offshore stations provide the potential for repeated or even permanent observation. The restriction of the limited insight of the ground based radar can be overcome by the use of ship borne radar techniques to extend the observation area along the ship’s track to a regional scale. This article gives examples using the cross section and the Doppler shift of X-band radar signal to observe the wave and the current field.