Work

Global SAR Spectral Analysis of Intermediate Ocean Waves: Statistics and Derived Real Aperture Radar Modulation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has been proven capable of observing the directional ocean wave spectrum across the global ocean. Most of the efforts focus on the integrated wave parameters to characterize the imaged ocean wave properties. The newly proposed spectrum-based radar parameter mean cross-spectrum (MACS) is investigated using SAR image spectral properties of range-traveling waves at a wavelength of 20 m, based on Sentinel-1 wave mode acquisition of high spatial resolution (5 m). The magnitude of MACS is documented relative to environmental conditions (wind speed and direction) in terms of its variation for two polarizations at two incidence angles. This parameter exhibits distinct upwind–downwind asymmetry and polarization ratio at two incidence angles (23.8° and 36.8°). In addition, by comparing the SAR measurements with simulated MACS, we derive an improved real aperture radar modulation transfer function. Results obtained in this study shall help obtain a more accurate ocean wave spectrum based on the improved RAR modulations.

Source: Remote Sensing

DOI: 10.3390/rs17081416

Authors: Kehan Li, Huimin Li

Institution: Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Ocean Waves and Remote Sensing

Subfield: Oceanography

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China