SURFACE CIRCULATION ESTIMATION USING IMAGE-PROCESSING AND COMPUTER VISION METHODS APPLIED TO SEQUENTIAL SATELLITE IMAGERY

Two methods of automating the process of ocean feature tracking for es timating surface currents in coastal areas are outlined. These methods involve pattern recognition and have certain advantages over the more familiar maximum cross-correlation technique of Emery et al. (1986). The first method requires three steps in its application-pattern selec tion, pattern recognition, and geometrical calculations-to determine b oth the cross- and the along-isotherm displacements. The second method calculates certain surface motion parameters, including rotation and translation in Hough parameter space. Each method is applied to sequen tial AVHRR IR satellite imagery off the U.S. east coast. Finally, some of the practical problems encountered in the application of these met hods are described.