High-Resolution Ocean Wave and Wind Characteristics Determined by the ICESat-2 Land Surface Algorithm

The Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) is a revolutionary remote sensing tool designed to provide high-resolution height estimates of the Earth's surface. The photon counting LiDAR instrument onboard collects data over various surfaces and provides detailed information on regions where present observations are sparse or nonexistent. ICESat-2 is initiating a wave of new science, and this study examines a methodology for deriving ocean surface wave and wind characteristics. Using a modified version of the ICESat-2 land surface algorithm, individual waves are mapped along the ICESat-2 track. Significant wave features, associated ocean wind speed, and wave energy spectra are determined from the ocean data. Validation against trustworthy data sources indicate the root mean squared error of significant wave heights is 0.3 m and is 2.4 m s⁻¹ for wind speed. Wave spectra are more variable but peak swell and wind seas generally agree within ±8–13% of buoy estimates.