Microwave backscatter from the sea surface at grazing incidence

As part of the Sea Truth and Radar Systems ´94 experiment on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland in December, 1994, the authors collected high resolution digital images of radar backscatter from the sea surface at low grazing angle incidence. Analysis of these images and other data collected concurrently allowed validation of certain theories of formation of the two chief components of low grazing angle sea clutter. The modulation of the low amplitude distributed scatter is strongest near the crests of the waves. The association of “sea spikes” with the crests of breaking waves was confirmed, and the amplitude and distribution of these spikes was related to both wind speed and to maximum breaking crest length. These observations favour the cylindrical plume model for the formation of spikes