Detection of wave fronts in the Indian Ocean from geostationary sunglint satellite imagery

We demonstrate the potential of monitoring coherent wave fronts on the tropical ocean surface using an advanced detection algorithm applied to visible sunglint-affected imagery from geostationary satellites. Data from MeteoSat are processed with the advanced analysis technique to reveal transient wave activity near and to the west of the Mascarene Ridge of the western Indian Ocean. The technique is based on a wavelet-based singularity analysis which enhances the subtle but highly coherent wave patterns in the meteorological satellite data. It is likely that the patterns represent internal ocean waves, a pathway to ocean mixing and climate. The prospect for using this detection algorithm in greatly expanded satellite global surveys of wave activity is outlined.