COASTWATCH´95: modeling of ocean fronts imaged by SAR

In order to interpret SAR images of marine processes, it is necessary to have available suitable models which can retrieve from SAR images quantitative estimates of the relevant geophysical parameters such as e.g. horizontal current shear across ocean fronts. At present only forward models exists for ocean fronts. Such a model computes SAR backscatter values and image features, from numerical values of the geophysical parameters, background environmental conditions, and radar system parameters. The Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM) Ocean Model (EOM) is one such forward model that can be used for estimating SAR backscatter changes when crossing ocean fronts. The EOM is a composite surface model, which accounts for tilting of Bragg scattering facets by the slopes of longer waves and for spatial intensity variations of all wave components. In an extended version of this model, the mean effect of the hydrodynamic modulation of the Bragg waves by longer waves is included. The effect on modeling results for some ocean current fronts are tested