MEASUREMENT OF SEA LEVEL AND SURFACE WAVE PARAMETERS USING A VIDEO CAMERA AND A LEVELING ROD IN DAYLIGHT AND NIGHTTIME CONDITIONS

Authors

  • S. A. Myslenkov Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences; Lomonosov Moscow State University; Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences
  • S. M. Morozova Lomonosov Moscow State University
  • A. D. Rybalko Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences
  • Yu. V. Murzakova Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences
  • V. V. Ocherednik Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences
  • V. V. Mashura Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences
  • E. E. Kruglova Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences
  • V. A. Mikhailov Lomonosov Moscow State University
  • K. P. Myslenkova Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences; National Research University Higher School of Economics
  • I. A. Rybakov Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction
  • S. S. Mukhametov Lomonosov Moscow State University
  • A. G. Zatsepin Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29006/1564-2291.JOR-2025.53(4).13

Keywords:

sea level measurement, wind waves, frequency spectrum, video recording, automatic video processing, wave gauge rod

Abstract

The study demonstrates the possibility of using a video camera and a special leveling rod, installed in the coastal zone, to determine sea level, wind wave parameters, and wave frequency spectra. The method is based on frame-by-frame of 30 Hz video recordings and automatic detection of the water–air boundary using a brightness profile. The algorithm is adapted for both daylight and nighttime conditions due to the use of LED illumination, enabling a level determination with an accuracy of up to 2 cm. The methodology has been tested in the Black, Bering, Japan, and Baltic Seas using various types of rods and videos cameras. The article presents measurement results for sea level and wind wave parameters (significant and maximum wave heights, average and maximum wave periods) for the Black Sea. Waveforms with a sampling rate of 30 Hz are provided for several video sequences. One of the key advantages of the proposed approach is its low cost and ease of implementation: the system can be assembled using widely available components – a video camera, a metal or wooden rod, and a standard personal computer for data processing. Identified limitations include the need for stable rod fixation, the impact of biological fouling, the limited placement of equipment in remote areas, and errors caused by wave runup. However, the methodology can be adapted to various conditions. The results obtained may be useful for both scientific and applied purposes, including offshore engineering surveys and operational oceanography.

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Published

2025-12-21

Issue

Vol. 53 No. 4 (2025): Journal of Oceanological Research

Section

Marine techniques

License

Transfer of copyrights occurs on the basis of a license agreement between the Author and Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, RAS

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