Simulation of Optimal Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Parameters for Mapping Underwater Bottom Topography
星载SAR水下地形和水深遥感的最佳雷达系统参数模拟

A simulation model for the radar backscattering cross section of the sea surface has been developed based on the radar imagingmechanismof underwater bottomtopography. The model consists of theNavier-Stokes equation, the ac- tion balance equation and the radar backscatter model. The simulation model is solved numerically using the method of characteristics. The results of the simulation model have been used to study the optimal SAR parameters (frequency, po- larization and incidence angle) for mapping underwater bottom topography. It is shown that long wavelengths are re- quired. P band is the optimal band formapping underwater bottomtopography, followed byL, C and X bands. Although mapping underwater bottom topography is independent of the polarization, the VV polarization is the best choice because of its large signal-to-noise ratio. The incidence angles between 20°to 40°are needed to map underwater bottomtopogra- phy by spaceborne SAR.