Table of Contents

Coastal waters and open oceans

RADARSAT imagery is an important source of new data for the world's oceans and coastal regions. Regardless of cloud, fog, or darkness, RADARSAT can accurately measure changes in ocean waves and winds—information that's useful for offshore oil exploration, ocean research operations, and locating potentially productive fishing areas.

The dark tones in this RADARSAT image, taken off the coast of Callao, Peru, are due to the decreased surface roughness by the wind lee effects. The lighter patches show where the wind has increased the surface roughness of the water. Ships appear as very bright spots in this image.

For more information on ocean and coastal applications, visit the MDA website.