Hydrodynamic effects in low-grazing angle backscattering from the ocean

Time series of returned power, Doppler spectra and range versus time intensity (RTI) images collected from low-grazing angle radar backscattering from the ocean present features which cannot be explained solely within the framework of resonant Bragg scattering. We propose that most of the observed characteristics are a consequence of the way in which waves evolve on the surface of the ocean. We have built a model consisting of a hydrodynamic module and a radar response module. The hydrodynamics module includes most of the physics thought to be relevant to the evolution of a wavefield (i.e., nonlinear interactions, wind, and wavebreaking). The radar module computes the backscattering as the accumulation of Bragg response from every tilted facet of the reconstructed surface, except for those locations where hydrodynamic conditions leading to wavebreaking are detected. Facets involved in wavebreaking are assumed to contribute to the backscattering in a quasi-specular polarization independent fashion. The hydrodynamics module is used to simulate the evolution of a nonlinear wave field, starting from essentially monochromatic conditions. The evolution reproduces known characteristics of these systems, including the generation of sideband instabilities and downshifting. The radar response module is then exercised on the resulting surface at various stages of development. Simulated RTIs at very low-grazing angles reproduce the observed polarimetric characteristics, as well as their behavior when the grazing angle is increased. Simulated Doppler spectra reproduce the peak separation phenomenon observed in field measurements at very low-grazing angles and also show a behavior similar to that shown by field data when the grazing angle is increased.