A Bayesian Approach for Estimation of Directional Wave Spectra with HF Radar

A new method for estimating directional wave spectra from the Doppler spectra by HF radar is proposed. This method is developed by introducing a Bayesian approach, previously proposed by one of the authors (Hashimoto et al., 1987), as one of the most accurate and reliable methods for estimating directional wave spectra for in situ measurements. The principal advantage of the new method is that it can be applied without introducing empirical weighting coefficients. Applicability, validity and accuracy of the proposed method axe demonstrated with numerically simulated data for various wave conditions.