Wind and wave observations off the south Pacific Coast of Mexico using TerraSAR-X imagery

Díaz Méndez GM, Lehner S, Ocampo-Torres FJ, Li XM, Brusch S (2010)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2010

Journal

International Journal of Remote Sensing Taylor & Francis: STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles / Taylor & Francis

Book Volume: 31

Pages Range: 4933-4955

Journal Issue: 17

DOI: 10.1080/01431161.2010.485217

Abstract

High-resolution TerraSAR-X images are analysed for the first time to investigate the effects of gap winds on the sea surface off the south Pacific Coast of Mexico. StripMap and ScanSAR scenes were acquired over the Gulf of Tehuantepec on March 2008, coinciding with a strong Tehuano event with a wind speed of about 24 ms-1. Although spatial variability of wind and wave parameters derived from the image analysis was fairly consistent with model data, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-derived wind speed was generally underestimated by 33%. The waveretrieval algorithm, contrastingly, performed well enough to show evidence of shoaling and refracting ocean swell close to the shore. Furthermore, spatial evolution of image intensity spectral peaks suggests the presence of wave energy propagating to the SW, closely aligned with the offshore winds. Although further analyses are required, it could be the first time that growing waves in fetch-limited conditions have been detected through SAR remote sensing. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.

Involved external institutions

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR) / German Aerospace Center DE Germany (DE) Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) MX Mexico (MX)

How to cite

APA:

Díaz Méndez, G.M., Lehner, S., Ocampo-Torres, F.J., Li, X.M., & Brusch, S. (2010). Wind and wave observations off the south Pacific Coast of Mexico using TerraSAR-X imagery. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 31(17), 4933-4955. https://doi.org/10.1080/01431161.2010.485217

MLA:

Díaz Méndez, Guillermo M., et al. "Wind and wave observations off the south Pacific Coast of Mexico using TerraSAR-X imagery." International Journal of Remote Sensing 31.17 (2010): 4933-4955.

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