DocumentCode :
1047473
Title :
The effect of microwave backscatter uncertainty of satellite radar altimeter accuracy
Author :
Miller, Lee S. ; Parsons, Chester L.
Author_Institution :
Applied Sci. Associates, Inc., Apex, NC
Volume :
10
Issue :
4
fYear :
1985
fDate :
10/1/1985 12:00:00 AM
Firstpage :
438
Lastpage :
442
Abstract :
The effect of variations in ocean surface roughness characteristics with upwind/downwind direction, reported by other investigators, is used to compute radar cross section ( 
) and to assess the errors which may arise in present and planned altimeter sensors. Based on an analysis of the rough surface impulse response, the uncertainty between attitude angle and asymmetry is found to cause height errors as large as 12 cm, depending on off-nadir angles and sea state. Additionally, the previously reported data in conjunction with computed facet backscatter are found to produce characteristics at large off-nadir angles which are in better agreement with experimental results than those predicted by physical optics Gaussian theory.
) and to assess the errors which may arise in present and planned altimeter sensors. Based on an analysis of the rough surface impulse response, the uncertainty between attitude angle and asymmetry is found to cause height errors as large as 12 cm, depending on off-nadir angles and sea state. Additionally, the previously reported data in conjunction with computed facet backscatter are found to produce characteristics at large off-nadir angles which are in better agreement with experimental results than those predicted by physical optics Gaussian theory.Keywords :
Sea surface electromagnetic scattering; Backscatter; Oceans; Radar cross section; Rough surfaces; Satellites; Sea surface; Sensor phenomena and characterization; Spaceborne radar; Surface roughness; Uncertainty;
fLanguage :
English
Journal_Title :
Oceanic Engineering, IEEE Journal of
Publisher :
ieee
ISSN :
0364-9059
Type :
jour
DOI :
10.1109/JOE.1985.1145127
Filename :
1145127
Link To Document :
