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Spatial variations of ocean wave directional spectra from the Seasat synthetic aperture radarSeasat synthetic aperture radar ocean wave spectra for a 900-km pass are analyzed and interpreted in the context of both their probable generation sources and their surface current and bathymetric modifiers. Systematic vector wavenumber variations of several times the standard error of determination (about 1.5 percent in magnitude and 0.9 deg in direction) occur along the entire 900-km pass. The large-scale spatial variation of a 200-m swell system can be accurately accounted for as a result of dispersion from a distant storm. The more local variations are qualitatively well correlated in position with known currents and bathymetry but show systematic biases that appear partly due to an environmentally dependent instrument transfer function in the regions of high current and highest sea state. There is also substantial evidence that a large angular deviation in the center of the pass is the result of a mesoscale eddy just to the east.
Document ID
19860043879
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Beal, R. C.
(Johns Hopkins Univ. Laurel, MD, United States)
Gerling, T. W.
(Johns Hopkins Univ. Laurel, MD, United States)
Irvine, D. E.
(Johns Hopkins Univ. Laurel, MD, United States)
Monaldo, F. M.
(Johns Hopkins Univ. Laurel, MD, United States)
Tilley, D. G.
(Johns Hopkins University Laurel, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
February 15, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 91
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Oceanography
Accession Number
86A28617
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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