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Determination of mean surface position and sea state from the radar return of a short-pulse satellite altimeterUsing the specular point theory of scatter from a very rough surface, the average backscatter cross section per unit area per radar cell width is derived for a cell located at a given height above the mean sea surface. This result is then applied to predict the average radar cross section observed by a short-pulse altimeter as a function of time for two modes of operation: pulse-limited and beam-limited configurations. For a pulse-limited satellite altimeter, a family of curves is calculated showing the distortion of the leading edge of the receiver output signal as a function of sea state (i.e., wind speed). A signal processing scheme is discussed that permits an accurate determination of the mean surface position--even in high seas--and, as a by-product, the estimation of the significant seawave height (or wind speed above the surface). Comparison of these analytical results with experimental data for both pulse-limited and beam-limited operation lends credence to the model. Such a model should aid in the design of short-pulse altimeters for accurate determination of the geoid over the oceans, as well as for the use of such altimeters for orbital sea-state monitoring.
Document ID
19730006658
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Barrick, D. E. (Battelle Memorial Inst. Columbus, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1972
Publication Information
Publication: NOAA Sea Surface Topography from Space, Vol. 1
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
73N15385
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle19730006642Collected WorksSea Surface Topography from Space, Volume 1
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