The Contribution of Wedge Scattering to the Radar Cross Section of the Ocean Surface

• Published in: IEEE transactions on geoscience and remote sensing Vol. GE-21; no. 4; pp. 502 - 505
• Main Authors: Lyzenga, D. R., Maffett, A. L., Shuchman, R. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Legacy CDMS IEEE 01-10-1983; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Subjects: cross sectional measurement; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Marine; Oceanography; Oceans; Optical scattering; Optical surface waves; Physics of the oceans; Polarization; radar; Radar cross section; Radar scattering; Rough surfaces; scattering; Sea measurements; Sea surface; Surface waves; Surface waves, tides and sea level. Seiches; Sea surface; Cross section; Backscattering; Radar observation; Sea state; Microwave; Influence
• ISSN: 0196-2892; 1558-0644
• DOI: 10.1109/TGRS.1983.350513

This letter considers the contribution to the radar cross section of the ocean surface due to scattering from edges for which the local radius of curvature is small compared with the radar wavelength. An analytic expression based on the method of equivalent currents is given for such scattering and is evaluated for several assumed sets of parameters. This contribution is shown to augment the Bragg scattering cross section in regions where the latter underestimates the measured radar cross section, while remaining smaller than the Bragg component elsewhere.