ERS-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of atmospheric gravity wav
es over the ocean are discussed, Several case studies are presented in
detail, It is shown that the well-organized long wavelength (1 to 10
km) wave phenomena which often are seen in SAR images over the ocean m
ay be atmospheric gravity waves, The waves appear in the SAR images be
cause they modulate the surface wind speed which in turn modulates the
surface roughness and the radar cross section, The wavelength may be
measured directly from the SAR image, and the mean wind speed and wind
speed modulation near the ocean surface may be estimated from the obs
erved radar cross section modulation using a wind retrieval model, The
atmospheric gravity waves usually were generated by the approach or p
assing of a meteorological front. Atmospheric soundings and a two-laye
r model for the lower troposphere indicate that, in general, the obser
ved atmospheric wave phenomena could have been supported by accompanyi
ng temperature inversion layers and wind shears.