Coastal observing systems: The role of synthetic aperture radar

The availability of cloud- and light-independent synthetic aperture radar ( SAR) data has for nearly a decade provided regular and global observation o f ocean wave spectra. Furthermore, the radar's capability to detect and loc ate oil spills, bathymetric features in shallow water, and ships has also l ed to systematic use of SAR images in operational surveillance associated w ith marine coastal pollution control, bottom mapping, and fisheries. Recent ly, a new application has been developed for monitoring atmospheric boundar y-layer processes and mesoscale coastal wind fields. With the capability to further advance the regular application of SAR data for upper ocean curren t and feature monitoring, it is evident that SAR will play a vital role in coastal ocean observing systems.