Simulation of RAR reflectivity maps of the sea surface for remote sensing applications

A numerical procedure for simulating the scattering from the sea surface is applied to the case of real aperture radar (RAR) systems operating at low and intermediate incidence angles. The simulation scheme is based on a physical model of the sea surface derived from its two-dimensional directional spectrum. The scattered electromagnetic field is evaluated by resorting to a two-scale electromagnetic model. Physical parameters can be taken into account in simulations, as for instance the local wind velocity direction and intensity. Numerical results are presented and compared with experimental data available in the literature, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the simulation procedure proposed.