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On Modeling of Quad‐Polarization Radar Scattering From the Ocean Surface With Breaking Waves
Author(s) -
Zhang Biao,
Zhao Xiaolu,
Perrie William,
Kudryavtsev Vladimir
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: oceans
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-9291
pISSN - 2169-9275
DOI - 10.1029/2020jc016319
Subject(s) - radar , scattering , polarization (electrochemistry) , wind wave , breaking wave , microwave , synthetic aperture radar , surface roughness , optics , physics , remote sensing , geology , engineering , wave propagation , telecommunications , chemistry , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
Accurate estimates of microwave radar returns based on theoretical electromagnetic scattering models are of great benefit to obtain insight into the microwave scattering mechanism at the ocean surface. In this study, quad‐polarized radar backscatters from the regular ocean surface (no breaking waves) are first simulated using a composite surface Bragg model and a second‐order small slope approximation model, using three different surface roughness spectral models. The copolarized and cross‐polarized radar backscatters, induced by breaking waves, are then quantitatively estimated using two recent empirical models, which are dependent on incidence angles, wind speeds, and wind directions. Model‐simulated total radar backscatters, from regular surface waves and breaking waves, are statistically compared with measurements from spaceborne C‐band quad‐polarization RADARSAT‐2 synthetic aperture radar and also calculations from copolarized and cross‐polarized geophysical model functions. Results show that simulations of quad‐polarization radar backscatter are significantly improved when the effects of breaking waves are incorporated, especially for HH and VH polarizations.