SPATIAL-TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERNAL WAVES IN THE OKHOTSK AND JAPAN SEAS STUDIED BY ERS-1/2 SAR AND ENVISAT ASAR

摘要

Numerous packets of internal waves (IWs) were revealed on the ERS-1 and ERS-2 SAR and Envisat ASAR images of the Okhotsk and Japan Seas. High-resolution and quick look images were used for their detection and analysis. To improve temporal and spatial resolution, the visible images obtained by Terra and Aqua MODIS were also screened. Parameters of IWs such as number of waves in a packet, their wavelengths, a crest length, propagation velocity, etc. were estimated from the images. Propagation velocity of IWs in the open sea was computed from spacing between packets generated by successive tides as well as from displacement of internal wave signatures on Envisat and ERS-2 SAR images taken 30 min apart and on Terra and Aqua MODIS images taken in about 100 min apart.