Time domain numerical simulation technique has been developed to understand microwave backscattering mechanisms and evaluate sea surface observation methods. Backscattering coefficients and Doppler spectra can be obtained by this simulation technique. Physical optics approximation is applied to calculate scattering electric fields. The validity of the simulation has been verified by comparing with the results of the experimental basin. The results indicate that the simulation technique is effective to calculate microwave backscattering from the water surface changing in time. As an application of the simulation, we have simulated microwave backscattering with a pulse Doppler radar to evaluate sea surface observation methods. Radar images of backscattering coefficient and Doppler velocity have been generated. The results of the simulation show that radar images of Doppler velocity are more effective than images of backscattering coefficient for sea surface observation.
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