Combined extraction of high spatial resolution wind speed and wind direction from SAR images : a new approach using wavelet transform

Abstract : Low spatial resolution wind extraction from scatterometer data has reached an operational status and the results are widely used in global-scale meteorological models. A new need is emerging concerning high spatial resolution wind fields extraction for the offshore industry. This need can be managed using high spatial resolution data, such as those from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors. This paper presents a combined wind parameters extraction algorithm at high spatial resolution from a single SAR image. This algorithm makes use of advanced signal-processing tools. The results are compared with in situ data and future prospects are presented.