Tidal Current Measurement Using the TanDEM-X Satellite Formation

Kurzfassung

Spaceborne remote sensing offers the possibility to measure tidal currents with large spatial coverage. The localization of suitable sites and their characterization are important aspects for power generation from tidal streams. Along-track interferometric synthetic aperture radar (ATI SAR) is a suitable technique to map surface current velocities. In this paper we describe the potential usage of the two SAR satellites of the TanDEM-X formation for this purpose. We present results of tidal current mapping around the Orkney Islands with the TerraSAR-X satellite. Beside the wide-area mapping capability, the advantage of the method is the availability of an operational sensor with easy access to any marine site in the world.