Wind Dependence of L-Band Radar Backscatter

Abstract

Like other microwave frequency bands, L-band scattering coefficient (~`) measurements have shown a definite dependence on ocean surface wind speed (W).The relationship between the two depends on the observation angle of the radar.The satellite-borne L-band radars SEASAT-SAR and SIR-A made observations at fixed incidence angles, while the just completed SIR-B mission has made observations at multiple incidence angles. The present work uses the theory of scattering from a composite surface and generates an analytic function of ~" - W relationship for varying incidence angle at L-band by the method of empirical curve fitting.