Wind direction estimation from SAR images of the ocean using wavelet analysis

We present a method for the automatic estimation of wind directions from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of the ocean. The method is based on a wavelet analysis and assumes that the wind direction aligns with boundary-layer atmospheric roll vortices, which often appear as streaks at kilometre scales in SAR images of the ocean, and measures the orientation of the streaks. Unlike estimation methods that use the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), the streaks in SAR images are described quantitatively as a natural output of this method. Furthermore, more optimal wind directions are obtained by comparing the directional orientation of the streaks at different spatial scales. Sub-scenes in which the streaks are too weak to determine wind direction do not return a direction, as governed by a user-selected threshold. Wind directions for these sub-scenes are based on those in neighbouring sub-scenes by using an adaptive smoothing technique. Quality control involves tuning the threshold level. We apply the method to two examples of RADARSAT-1 SAR images. The results are compared with those of a DFT-based wind direction analysis, and it is shown that a robust wind direction field is obtained. Mesoscale wind structures can be described by using a finer computing grid. The estimated wind directions still include a 180° direction ambiguity.