Analysis of sea waves and wind from X-band radar

This paper presents the results of a calibration study aimed at verifying the adequacy of a system to analyse images from a X-band radar in order to measure the ocean waves and wind fields. Spectral analysis of the time series of radar images is performed to determine directional spectra of the ocean wave fields and also their spectral parameters. The radar is calibrated to measure ocean waves and the results of a comparison with a directional waverider buoy located in an area close to the port are presented, evaluating the performance of the system as concerns the determination of sea-state parameters and directional spectra. A preliminary study of the capability of this radar system to estimate wind fields is also presented, showing the calibration results with measured wind fields for different directional sectors.