Ocean Surface Wave–Current Interaction Signatures in Satellite Data

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Ocean Surface Wave–Current Interaction Signatures in Satellite Data

This is a suggestion for a Degree Project for Bachelor's and Master's levels at the Department of Marine 91̽��s. Degree projects at the Department of Marine 91̽��s are done independently and must be written and assessed individually.

Subject: Oceanography 

Level and lenght: Bachelor’s (15hp) or Master’s (45-60 hp) thesis project
Supervisor: Anis Elyouncha 
Co-supervisor: Göran Broström

Project Background

The interaction between ocean surface waves and currents plays a critical role in shaping sea state, air–sea fluxes, and upper-ocean dynamics. When waves propagate over spatially varying currents, their height, direction, and spectrum can be strongly modified, leading to refraction, focusing/defocusing, or energy redistribution between swell and wind sea components. Such interactions often leave distinct signatures in high-resolution satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, which provides valuable information on sea surface roughness.

However, interpreting these signatures requires disentangling the effects of wind forcing, wave propagation, and current variability. A better understanding of wave–current interactions is essential for improving wave forecasting, satellite remote sensing, and our ability to quantify air–sea coupling under realistic ocean conditions.

Project Description

This project will combine satellite observations and numerical modeling to investigate signatures of wave–current interaction.

The student will:

Identify and analyze SAR images that exhibit evidence of wave–current interaction.
Use a spectral wave model (e.g., SWAN) with realistic wind forcing and ocean current fields to simulate the same events.
Quantify the impact of wave–current interaction on wave parameters such as significant wave height (Hs), peak period (Tp), and mean square slope (MSS).
Simulate synthetic SAR imagery from the modulated wave parameters and compare to observed SAR images.
Explore the dependence of wave–current interaction on environmental conditions, including wind speed and direction relative to the current, current divergence versus vorticity, and the response of different parts of the wave spectrum (swell vs. wind sea).

This project will provide hands-on experience in wave modeling, satellite data analysis, and the physical interpretation of wave–current processes.

Skills Required

Background in physical oceanography, ocean waves, or remote sensing.
Programming and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB).
Experience with numerical wave models (e.g., SWAN, WAVEWATCH III) is an advantage but not required.
Familiarity with satellite data formats and processing tools (SAR experience is a plus)