Microwave scattering model of sea foam

We consider a microwave scattering model of sea foam and whitecap designed for high-resolution (~1-3m) radar and/or scatterometer observations of the ocean environment. The classical Mie theory is applied to compute scattering and absorption characteristics of a polydisperse system of bubbles - hollow spherical particles with a water shell. This system represents a foam model at microwave frequencies. Our computations indicate specific variations and oscillations of the backscattering coefficient that can be used for evaluations of foam and whitecap backscatter signatures in the radar images. Theoretical formulation of the problem, model, and selected results are presented.