Oil slicks on the ocean surface: A SAR raw signal simulator

The interpretation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images relative to ocean scene is extremely complex, due to the high number of physical phenomena that contribute to the signal formation. SAR simulation tools, if appropriately based on sound models, can provide extremely fruitful results to improve the comprehension of the physics and to interpret the SAR images. In this paper we present a SAR raw signal simulator of ocean scenes, whose surface is covered by oil slicks. We investigate how oil influences both the physics of the ocean and the electromagnetic mechanisms that govern the scattering from the ocean surface. Significant simulations are presented. Obtained results are compared with those published in literature and discussed.