AIRBORNE MEASUREMENTS OF THE OCEAN RADAR CROSS-SECTION AT 5.3 GHZ AS A FUNCTION OF WIND-SPEED

Measurements of the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) at 5. 3 GHz (C band) of the sea surface as a function of wind speed and direction are presented. The data were obtained by a coherent scatterometer mounted on a small two-engine airplane performing circle flights over the Atlantic. Our data show that the wind speed exponent at 5. 3 GHz is typically 20% smaller than at 13. 9 GHz (K//u band). The upwind/crosswind ratio of the NRCSs at C band is typically 20% smaller, and the upwind/downwind ratio typically 30% smaller than at K//u band.