Simultaneous radiometric and radar altimetric measurements of sea microwave signatures

We discuss the advantages provided by the combined use of a polarization microwave radiometer and a short-pulse radar altimeter for sea roughness monitoring. A brief analysis of the potential of each device taken separately is carried out, which shows the advisability of their combination. The method and the results of the experiment performed with an airborne
K
-band radiometer and an altimeter are described. It is shown that, in regions of fully developed roughness, a correlation exists between the polarization characteristics of the microwave radiation by the sea surface and the rms sea waveheight as measured by the altimeter. Correlation is not found in regions where the roughness is not developed. Therefore, the combination of the two instruments makes it possible to sense the regions of fully developed sea roughness.