A Radar Vector Slope Gauge for Ocean Measurements
Abstract
The radar images of the ocean surface are modulated about the mean brightness by variations in radar signal associated with the large-scale ocean waves. Controlled radar experiments with simultaneous surface measurements allow quantifying the modulation of the radar signal by the ocean waves. Current attempts at describing this modulation often depend on point measurements of wave height. The important vector slope of the ocean must usually be derived either from point measurements and linear assumptions or from arrays of wave wires or pitch-and-roll buoys that cannot be in the radar footprint. We developed a 35-GH vector slope gauge/scatterometer using a single switched-beam antenna. It can measure three adjacent height profiles of the ocean, from which we can derive two orthogonal components of the slope. We used the vector slope gauge during the North Sea SAXON-FPN experiment in November, 1990. Simultaneous measurements of the orthogonal components of the long-wave slopes and the backscattered power permit determination of the relative contribution to the overall modulation of the radar signal by slope modulation and hydrodynamic modulation of Bragg-resonant ripple amplitude. Some examples of results are given
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA280942
Entities
People
- Vahid Hesany
Organizations
- University of Kansas