Non-stationarity analysis of real X-Band clutter data at different resolutions

This work deals with the problem of providing a statistical model of the backscattering from marine surface for low-grazing angle and high resolution radar systems. Based on the electromagnetic two-scale model, we analyzed both the amplitude and frequency modulations induced on the small-scale Bragg resonant waves by the large-scale surface tilt and advection, due to the swell presence. Evidence of marine clutter non-stationarity and the relationship between the variations of clutter texture, Doppler centroid and bandwidth have been investigated by processing measured data, recorded by the IPIX radar of McMaster University in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada. Our results demonstrate that sea/lake clutter at different range resolutions is non-stationary and is better modeled by a hybrid AM/FM modulated process.