Coastal Significant Wave Height Retrieval Using Ground-Based GNSS Interferometric Reflectometry

Significant wave height (SWH) is a crucial parameter that characterizes oceanic wave behavior, playing a pivotal role in oceanic research and disaster management strategies. Currently, the observation of SWH predominantly relies on both buoy and spaceborne microwave remote sensing techniques. However, these techniques face challenges when applied in coastal regions. Addressing this issue, this study introduces an innovative approach leveraging reflected signals to estimate SWH based on coastal Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations. We establish a model for wave height retrieval by examining the temporal variation in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data related to SWH, drawing upon the GNSS interferometric reflectometry (GNSS-IR) method for SWH retrieval. Experimental findings highlight the efficacy of the multisystem GNSS-IR SWH inversion. It demonstrates an accuracy of 12 cm, coupled with an average temporal resolution of 29 min, and exhibits a strong correlation coefficient of 0.95 when compared to ocean buoy measurements. The deployment of coastal GNSS stations emerges as a promising source for obtaining true and reliable data on coastal SWH.