ESTIMATION OF OCEAN WAVE PERIODS BY SPACEBORNE ALTIMETERS

The wave period values computed from GEOSAT altimeter data over the In dian Ocean are found to be highly underestimated and skewed. A semi-em pirical Approach, through a set of regional coefficients obtained usin g multi-year GEOSAT altimeter data and climatological region-specific wave period distribution, capable of improved retrieval of wave period s, is examined. The accuracy of the retrieved wave periods, when compa red with available wave period measurements in the Indian seas, are sh own to be around 2 seconds as against 5.4 seconds (by moments' ratio a pproach).