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The reflection of impulses from a nonlinear random seaA model of the reflection of radar impulses from the sea at near-vertical incidence is used to account for non-Gaussian ocean waves statistics. The joint probability density function (pdf), of wave height and slope, is calculated according to the theory of Longuet-Higgins (1963) on the distribution of variables in a 'weakly nonlinear' random era. The long-crested approximation is made, a Phillips wave spectrum is assumed, and the Gram-Charlier series is truncated after skewness terms. It is found that the height and height-slope skewness coefficients bear the ratio 1:2 and that the derived impulse response and conditional cross section versus wave height are in excellent agreement with previous observations. Finally, it is suggested that the empirically determined and theoretically predicted sea state bias be corrected for in the routine processing of satellite radar altimeter data.
Document ID
19790064741
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Jackson, F. C.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
August 20, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 84
Subject Category
Oceanography
Accession Number
79A48754
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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