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Wave Analysis with Radar
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Top: Portions of single
radar images expanded to show the area near Benson Beach, WA.
Waves were consistently breaking as far out as 1 km from shore
leading to the bright radar returns as far out as the end of the
north jetty.
Bottom: Frequency spectra
calculated from radar pixel time series located approximately
600 m offshore of Benson Beach. Estimated peak periods are compared
with those measured by NDBC Buoy 46029 located xxx.
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The flow out of the Columbia River varies depending
on the stage of the tide and during periods of strong currents the
wave field can be significantly modified. For example, during strong
ebb flows waves over the Columbia River Bar are highly steepened
and often break, which leads to dangerous navigational conditions.
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Left: Radar image taken
Jan 18th during a mid-tide condition when currents were not strong
shows little breaking offshore.
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Left: Radar image taken
on Jan 18th at 705PM during a strong ebb tide current shows a strong
increase in wave breaking just offshore of the river mouth.
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