Observation of mesoscale eddies by using SAR data complemented with optical remote sensing and in situ measurements

Mesoscale eddies were observed in the Baltic Sea using optical remote sensing, SAR imagery and high resolution in situ measurement from an autonomous system on a passenger ferry. Comparison between SAR data and in situ measurements was carried out to analyze the manifestation of sea surface temperature differences and biological surface slicks on SAR imagery. Correlation between radar backscatter and biological parameters (chlorophyll a and turbidity) was observed. Locations of upwelling related cold eddies and low temperature areas were clearly detectable on radar imagery as well. Therefore, SAR data complemented with in situ measurements enables to observe the evolution of mesoscale eddies in case there is no optical remote sensing data available (i.e.under cloud cover).