Remote sensing of wave patterns with oceanographic implications

Abstract

First, a general review is presented of wave-current interaction processes ( for horizontal shears) and their effect on radar backscatter and radar imagery ( SAR/ RAR ) Then numerical results on the refraction of wave energy trajectories by complex bottom topography (finite depth) and a linear shear current are presented. For deep water, the wave-energy trajectories are given for mesoscale currents ( e.g. eddies and double-vortex configurations). The focusing of wave energy by variable currents found here should have important influence on the spatial scale of wind stress over the ocean, and on optical and acoustic properties of the upper layer of the ocean.