Ocean Internal Wave Observations Using Space Shuttle and Satellite Imagery |
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| Authors: | Victor V Klemas Quanan Zheng Xiao-Hai Yan |
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| Institution: | 1. Center for Remote Sensing, College of Marine Studies , University of Delaware , Newark, DE, 19716-3501, U.S.A. E-mail: klemas@udel.edu;2. Center for Remote Sensing, College of Marine Studies , University of Delaware , Newark, DE, 19716-3501, U.S.A. E-mail: zheng@triton.cms.udel.edu;3. Center for Remote Sensing, College of Marine Studies , University of Delaware , Newark, DE, 19716-3501, U.S.A. E-mail: xiaohai@udel.edu |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Space shuttle photographs and satellite radar (SAR) images provide an excellent view of high‐contrast ocean features such as internal waves, fronts, eddies, oil slicks, and cloud patterns which contain the signatures of atmospheric processes. Since ocean internal waves generate local currents which modulate surface wavelets and slicks, we have been able to detect packets of internal waves in space shuttle photographs and radar imagery of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. A global database on internal waves has been developed at our center with support from ONR and NASA, and is accessible on the Internet. The database includes visible and radar imagery. To test the database, digitally orthorectified images were used for dynamic and statistical analysis of internal waves. In the deep ocean we found the wavelength distribution to be Gaussian while in the coastal ocean it is Rayleigh. Results have also been applied to non‐linear evolution studies of ocean internal waves, atmospheric solitary waves and to estimate ocean currents. |
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