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New Observing Technologies for the Future
Conventional marine radar technology is being adapted as a tool
for wave observing in coastal areas. Recently, researchers within
the Ocean Engineering Program at Oregon State University in cooperation
with Imaging Science Research, Inc. have developed a high-resolution
wave observation system using an X-band marine radar with a customized
data acquisition system. These observation systems offer the potential
for providing real-time wave information over large nearshore areas
(~20 km2). We expect that remote sensing technology such as this
can provide a considerable benefit at navigational entrances where
wave conditions are often hazardous and highly variable and where
traditional in-situ sensors are often ineffective or cannot be safely
deployed.
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Radar images from the mouth of the Columbia River. Images
span 6 km in range distance from the radar (located at center of
each image). The left image covers 170 degrees in azimuth, the right
covers 260 degrees. North Head is visible directly north from the
radar, to the south are the Columbia River jetties.
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Top
left: Aerial photo of the north
jetty;
Top right:
Temporary radar tower and support vehicles;
Bottom left:
View of waves at Benson Beach during the Jan. 16, 2006 storm.
Bottom right:
View of Benson Beach and north jetty from atop the radar tower
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