SLAR and in situ observations of ocean swell modification by currents and bathymetry at the Columbia river entrance

This report demonstrates the value of side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) as an effective research tool which can provide important directional wave information needed in nearshore studies. SLAR-derived directional wave measurements and in situ wave height data are utilized in a one-dimensional model of wave-current-bathymetry interaction on the Columbia River Bar. Good qualitative agreement is found with the observations, and moderate discrepancies are interpreted in terms of two-dimensional processes not accounted for by the theory.