Wave monitoring based on a Dopplerized marine radar

At the Helmholtz Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG), Germany an oceanic monitoring system, based on a Dopplerized microwave radar was developed. The focus of this paper is on the wave measurement methodology and applicability of this system. In addition, to the spectral wave properties such as peak wave period, peak wave direction and significant wave height, the system is capable of measuring, wave breaking, wind fields, near-surface currents, and bathymetry in shallow water. Due to the diversity of measurements that can be obtained with the system it is very well suited to be used to better understand hydrographic and oceanographic process studies in particular in the coastal zone.