Statistical polarimetric radar detection of submerged obstacles via perturbed flows on the ocean surface

Abstract

The ability of microwave radar to detect and characterize obstacles below the sea surface is dependent on the extent to which perturbations of the surface geometry and dynamics resulting from either movement of the obstacle or disruption of waves and currents due to the presence of the obstacle can be discriminated from the natural state of the surface in the absence of such obstacles. In this paper we report recent results from a systematic investigation of the radar signatures of some classes of submerged obstacles and examine some of the practical issues which can arise in operational implementation of a sensing capability.