Can you see waves from space?

Yes, waves can be observed from space using satellite technology. Satellites equipped with radar altimeters, like the ones launched since the 1970s, measure sea surface height and provide data about ocean circulation and wave dynamics. These measurements are crucial for understanding various oceanic processes, including tides and internal waves, which can be tracked using altimetric data^[3].

Additionally, stereo imaging techniques have been employed to monitor ocean surface elevation and wave fields in detail, allowing researchers to analyze wave patterns and dynamics at high frequency and across large areas^[2]. This combination of remote sensing technologies enables scientists to gather essential information about marine conditions globally^[1].