Significant Wave Height Estimation from Joint CYGNSS DDMA and LES Observations

Area of Science:

• Oceanography
• Remote Sensing
• Geophysics

Background:

• Significant Wave Height (SWH) is crucial for ocean models, navigation, and transportation.
• Traditional SWH estimation methods lack sufficient spatial and temporal resolution.
• Spaceborne Global Navigation Satellite System reflectometry (GNSS-R) offers a promising alternative for high-resolution sea state monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate SWH using CYGNSS data and validate its accuracy against established datasets.
• To explore the relationship between CYGNSS Delay-Doppler Map Average (DDMA) and Leading Edge Slope (LES) with SWH.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a polynomial function to correlate CYGNSS DDMA and LES with ERA5 SWH data.
• Validated CYGNSS-derived SWH against ERA-Interim, AVISO, and buoy data.
• Employed statistical metrics including correlation coefficient and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE).

Main Results:

• CYGNSS SWH demonstrated a high average correlation coefficient (0.945) and low RMSE (0.257 m) compared to ERA-Interim.
• Validation against AVISO data yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.849 and RMSE of 0.423 m.
• Comparison with buoy data showed a correlation coefficient of 0.907 and RMSE of 0.247 m.

Conclusions:

• The CYGNSS GNSS-R method provides accurate and high-resolution SWH estimations.
• This technique enhances capabilities for ocean dynamics research and environmental prediction.
• GNSS-R significantly improves upon the limitations of traditional sea state monitoring methods.