Modulation of Radar Backscatter from the Ocean by a Variable Surface Current
Abstract
Calculations of surface wave and radar cross section modulation induced by a spatially varying surface current have been compared with field measurements made with SAR (X- and L-bands), real aperture radar (X-band), laser slope guage, and CCD video camera during the Joint Canada/U.S. Ocean Wave Investigation Project (JOWIP) which took place in August 1983. The comparison reveals that (i) many existing wind-relaxation models underpredict the hydrodynamic effect of the current, (ii) simple Bragg scattering model underpredicts radar backscatter modulation for higher frequency radars (e.g., X- band) but appears acceptable at lower radar frequencies (e.g., L-band), (iii) the discrepancy between measurements and calculations at high radar frequency is reduced, but not eliminated, when the effects of long surface waves have been accounted for. Keywords include: Radar backscatter, Surface wave modulations, Wave-current interactions, Georgia strait experiment, and JOWIP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 27, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA196952
Entities
People
- D. R. Crawford
- E. A. Caponi
- H. C. Yuen
- P. G. Saffman