A stepped-frequency delta-K microwave radar for oceanographic studies

A stepped-frequency delta-K (SFDK) radar has been developed to remotely sense ocean surface characteristics. This C-band radar uses frequency diversity and real-time signal processing for improved Delta K measurements. It is shown how frequency diversity can be implemented to enhance the energy of the resonant peak of the cross-product spectrum relative to the background energy. This feature is essential for making real-time measurements of resonant peak frequency over extended time periods. SFDK was used in a month-long field experiment at North Truro, MA. The results presented show that the phase velocity of ocean surface waves could be precisely measured 87% of the time.<
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