Toward global measurements of ocean wave spectra

The development of a microwave radar technique for global, satellite measurement of ocean wave directional spectra has been a NASA goal for some years now. Our work at NASA Goddard, both experimental and theoretical, leads us to believe that we have found a simple, accurate, and economical solution to the global waves measurement problem. With some relatively minor modifications, these measurements can be made with existing satellite radar altimeters operating in a conical scan mode near nadir. The predictions of theory are confirmed by an extensive set of aircraft flight data. This paper provides a brief overview of our work in its historical context.