Satellite Remote Sensing of Surface Winds, Waves, and Currents: Where are we Now?

• DOI: 10.1007/s10712-023-09771-2
• Publication Date: 2023-03-18T14:02:21Z
• Authors: Danièle Hauser; Saleh Abdalla; Fabrice Ardhuin; Jean-Raymond Bidlot; Mark Bourassa; David Cotton; Christine Gommeng...; Hayley Evers-King; Harald Johnsen; John Knaff; Samantha Lavender; Alexis Mouche; Nicolas Reul; Charles Sampson; Edward C.C Steele; Ad Stoffelen
• Keywords: Sea state

Abstract This review paper reports on the state-of-the-art concerning observations of surface winds, waves, and currents from space their use for scientific research subsequent applications. The development sea state parameters dates back to 1970s, with a significant increase in number diversity missions since 1990s. Sensors used monitor sea-state are mainly based microwave techniques. They either specifically designed or abilities provide opportunistic measurements complementary primary purpose. principles which is estimation first described, including performance limitations each method. Numerous examples references these operational applications then given. richness linked importance knowledge many fields. Firstly, wind, factors influencing exchanges at air/sea interface, impacting oceanic atmospheric boundary layers, contributing level rise coasts, interacting sea-ice formation destruction polar zones. Secondly, ocean combined wind- wave- induced drift contribute transport heat, salt, pollutants. Waves also impact sediment erosion coastal areas. For applications, necessary one hand constrain numerical solutions predictive models (numerical wave, oceanic, models), other validate results. In turn, guarantee safe, efficient, successful offshore operations, commercial shipping energy sector, as well tourism activities. Long-time series global becoming increasingly important analyze climate change our environment. All aspects recalled article, relating both historical contemporary activities