Sub-satellite measurements: New possibility of the advanced underwater acoustic wave gauge

Theoretical model for return waveform was developed for underwater ultrasonic sonar with wide antenna beam at vertical sounding. First time the analysis of return waveform was used in acoustic system for measurement of significant wave height as in radio altimeter. New retrieval algorithm was developed for scheme of measurement and the advanced underwater acoustic “altimeter” can measure the significant wave height of sea waves. The numerical simulation confirmed this conclusion. The first experiment was carried out and data processing confirmed the efficiency of retrieval algorithm. Underwater acoustic system can measure significant wave height at any sea states and wind speeds and therefore exceed the conventional sea buoys.