A numerical, phase summation model of radar backscatter from a rough sea surface

Whilst scatterometry can proceed with empirical calibrations, the development of algorithms for interpreting and calibrating SAR (synthetic aperture radar) images requires a sound and satisfactory theoretical model of radar backscatter from the sea surface. For example, if Bragg scattering is the dominant factor, it is important to know how sharply defined is the spectral sensitivity of the radar to the surface waves. The authors describe the numerical simulation approach which starts as a simple attempt to explore the frequency sensitivity of the Bragg response, and develops into a model which is capable of accounting for empirically derived backscatter/sea state relationships