Studies of Ocean Surface Profile Retrieval from Simulated LGA Radar Data

Retrieval of one dimensional ocean surface profile information is studied through the use of S and X band radar backscattering data at low grazing incidence. The required backscatter data is obtained through the use of numerical electromagnetic scattering codes. The simulations compute backscatter at multiple frequencies in each time step, so that range-resolved radar cross sections are obtained after an FFT operation. Profile retrievals are obtained through a simple "tilted Bragg" assumption, which allows local incidence angles on the surface to be directly determined from RCS data. These local incidence angles are then translated into surface slopes, and further integrated to construct the estimated profile. Initial results from this process are reported in this paper; further studies are in progress to quantify the overall accuracy achieved as a function of various surface and sensor parameters.