Radar detection performance in sea clutter with discrete spikes

Previous work on radar scattering from the ocean surface has led to the identification of three distinct scattering mechanisms. These are: (1) resonant scattering from small ripples riding on top of longer ocean waves; (2) scattering from the very rough whitecaps of broken waves; and (3) specular scattering from the crest of a wave, just before it spills. We consider the implications of these components on the statistical distribution of sea clutter and the consequential effects on radar detection performance.