Maximum Likelihood Extended Target Detection for Tsunami Warning Using Ocean Surface Radar

The ocean surface radar is used for tsunami early warning systems. This radar can measure radial current velocity at every range and azimuth resolution cell in radar coverage. However, the measured velocity has measurement errors, which might make the approach of a tsunami unclear. In this paper, we propose a tsunami detection technique that reduces false alarms by estimating tsunami parameters statistically by maximum likelihood estimation. Multiple detection points of a tsunami exceeding the range and azimuth resolution are integrated assuming the arrival wave front. The validity of the proposed algorithm is confirmed through Sumatra earthquake tsunami simulations. Keywords-Radar, tsunami, detect, extended target, maximum likelihood