Observations of surface current and current shear using X-band radar

The collection and processing of X-Band radar backscatter in the frequency-wavenumber domain holds promise for extracting information about ocean surface currents and vertical shear. The ability to sense this information remotely has potentially significant impacts on scientific, navigational, and military operations, especially in areas of energetic currents. We present results from an experiment conducted in a shallow, tidally forced river inlet. First, X-Band observations of wave dynamics in the highly energetic region of the Columbia River Inlet (OR, USA) are presented. Second, a bulk current retrieval technique is discussed. Finally, the presence of vertical current shear is shown to affect X-Band observations in the wavenumber dependence of current-induced Doppler shifts.