Spatial variations of sea surface microwave backscatter in response to wind, wind stress and surface current variations

Comparisons among submesoscale sea surface K/sub u/-band backscatter, wind speed, air and sea temperatures and friction velocity were made to observe the dynamic responses in time and space of the centimeter waves within kilometer sized areas. A unique experimental configuration using a Blimp as a radar platform has made it possible to conduct K/sub u/-band radar cross section observation with a full 360/spl deg/ azimuth sweep, for simultaneous vertical and horizontal polarizations. Measurements were made in October 1993 off the Oregon coast from an airship that also carried a suspended package of meteorological and physical instruments that is positioned close to the sea surface.