Acoustic scattering from composite wind-wave surfaces in `bubble-free´ regimes

The problem of underwater acoustic scattering from truly composite wind-wave surfaces under zero-gradient conditions (Δc=0) is examined. Here the dominant small-scale component is postulated to be a soliton surface ensemble, produced by the nonlinear wind-wave interactions and associated with the wind-drift surface layer riding on the underlying, mostly large-scale gravity-capillary component of the composite surface. A general bistatic analysis, based on the Kirchhoff approximation, is presented, which includes arbitrary geometries, beam patterns, and general signals. Both low-frequency O(0.2-1 kHz) and high-frequency O(≳3 kHz) signals are considered, and far-field (Fraunhofer) geometries are assumed. Surface Doppler, including Doppler spread and the modulation effects of the large-scale component, are examined. Both forward-scatter and backscatter regimes are considered in the determination of the scattered field and received wave intensities, scattering cross-sections, and coherency measures of surface scatter. Particular attention is given to the high-frequency cases, with small grazing angles, moderate-to-strong mean surface winds, and essentially bubble-free regimes. Recent empirical data appropriate to these conditions are included, which support the soliton conjecture and illustrate the general results. Both coherent and incoherent scattering are examined, along with relevant surface Doppler data