Observations of surf infrasound in Hawai‘i

[1] Comparison of ocean buoy measurements with infrasonic array data collected during the epic winter of 2002–2003 shows a clear relationship between breaking ocean wave height and infrasonic signal levels. In addition, infrasonic arrays allow the identification of distinct breaking zones along the shoreline. Our observations suggest that infrasonic measurements can be used in conjunction with buoys to estimate wave heights, identify regions of high wave action, and validate surface wave propagation models.