Wave observation at sea with the Dutch Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR)
Abstract
Theoretical limits for sea wave observation with SLAR systems were investigated by modeling the interaction between microwave radiation and the sea surface. A description of the SLAR, in which three-dimensional spatial wave extension, two-dimensional antenna variations, pulse modulation, and platform movements are assimilated is given. A two-dimensional collection of equidistant point objects for microwave scattering at the rough sea surface is given. Resolution characteristics and speckle behavior were analyzed. Spatial resolution in range and azimuth is limited by pulse width and azimuth aperture angle of the antenna. As the modulation transfer function amplitude has a low value, small variations are lost in noise and speckle. Image error as a result of the observation of moving wave patterns with a flying radar are discussed. Recommendations to improve the radar characteristics are given.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- March 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984STIN...8630063P
- Keywords:
-
- Modulation Transfer Function;
- Ocean Surface;
- Side-Looking Radar;
- Water Waves;
- Antenna Radiation Patterns;
- Apertures;
- Azimuth;
- Earth Resources;
- Pulse Modulation;
- Radar Resolution;
- Radar Scattering;
- Random Noise;
- Sea Roughness;
- Speckle Patterns;
- Surface Waves;
- Communications and Radar