Numerical Studies of Sea Surface Scattering and Emission
Abstract
The long term goal of this project involves developing improved models for sea surface thermal emission and grazing angle scattering through the application of both analytical and efficient numerical methods for electromagnetics and hydrodynamics. These models can then be applied to improve clutter removal for radar systems operating at sea as well as to improve microwave active and passive remote sensing of the ocean surface. Although validated approximate models exist for microwave scattering from the sea surface at moderate to large grazing angles, no theory has been completely accepted for scattering at low grazing angles. The effects of breaking waves and hydrodynamic modulations have been established but their relative contributions and the physical scattering mechanisms remain a subject of debate given the uncertainty in approximate methods previously applied. This project seeks to apply numerically exact models to avoid the limitations of standard approximate methods so that the influence of different scattering mechanisms can be conclusively established in this angular regime, allowing realistic parametric models for remote sensing retrievals and clutter rejection to be created. Analytical theories are also available for the prediction of microwave sea surface brightness temperatures and have shown considerable success, but the underlying physics of the emission process remains unclear. Efforts in emission theory are focusing on studies and extension of the analytical models to provide improved understanding of the phenomena producing emission signatures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA572542
Entities
People
- Joel T. Johnson
Organizations
- Ohio State University