X-band marine radar as a site assessment tool in the Minas Passage
LE3 .A278 2019
2019
Karsten, Richard
Acadia University
Master of Science
Masters
Mathematics & Statistics
X-band marine radar is investigated as tidal energy site assessment tool in the Minas Passage. The three-dimensional wavenumber-frequency image spectrum can be extracted from radar backscatter timeseries data via Fourier analysis. The doppler-shifted dispersion relation can be extracted from the image spectrum and used to estimate surface current. A novel method entitled Geometric Current Triangulation (GemCuT) is highlighted in this thesis. A necessary component of estimating surface current is the presence of a wave field, meaning velocity estimates are not always accurate. This thesis investigates environmental conditions required for GemCuT to be accurate. The best method of isolating accurate radar data was able to isolate 10% of overall radar data. Although 10% is a small fraction of the data, this thesis found that it is sufficient for several practical applications in the Minas Passage including spatial mapping, island wake characterization and data prediction when combined with prediction software called LunaTide.
The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.
https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3214
