Level 3 Waves products from Wave Mode Level 2

One year of Wave Mode data is used to characterize the repartition of swell systems over the oceans. Taking benefit of the swell wave spectrum measured by SAR, the repartion of cross swells are highlighted. The maps resolution is 2 degrees by 2 degrees; Grid cells with less than 50 aquisitions are not considered for calculation (in white).

Number of swells

Number of significant swells detected with the Wave Mode for 2004. A significant swell is defined by a significant height and a wavelength respectively greater than 0.5 m and 200 m.

Percentage of cross swells

Several very distinct regions of cross swells can be identified depending on the significant wave height criteria applied to each individual swells systems.

Both swells have a significant wave height greater than 0.5 m.

Both swells have a significant wave height greater than 1 m.

Both swells have a significant wave height greater than 1 m. One of them is greater than 2 m.

Level 3 Waves products from ERS SLC Level 2 wave products

More than 790 SLC images are analysed to produce a map of cross swells for the west maritime facade of Norway.

Percentage of cross swells

Both swells have a significant wave height greater than 0.5 m.

Swell directional distributions

For the area considered the angular distribution of swell significant wave height (>0.5 m) is analysed for latitudes lower and higher than 59 °N. It shows the United Kingdom sheltering effect for pure westerly swells

South part of the Area

North part of the Area