Mesoscale structures detected with ERS-1 SAR images in the alboran sea verified by ATSR ERS-1 and on site measurements

A study was done during September-October, 1992 in the Alboran Sea comparing ship data with SAR.FDC images for detecting mesoscale features. The results have shown good correlation between' in situ data mainly from ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) and the obscure lines (low backscatter intensity) and other means of recognition of items in the SAR images. The two big western and eastern anticyclonic gyres, some eddies attached to both gyres, the jet associated with the wave-like front coupled to both gyres, and the beginning of the Algerian Current were identified in both satellite and ship data sets. Wind conditions played an important role in detecting the marine mesocale features.