Wave heights retrieval from space using the bistatic cross-correlation function of two reflected signals separated in frequency

To solve the problem of measuring the significant wave height in the bistatic formulation of the problem, it is proposed to use an approach based on measuring the cross-correlation function of two reflected signals close in frequency. This approach is well known and has been successfully tested in experiments on aircraft carriers. The advantage of this approach over the traditional one based on the analysis of the shape of the reflected pulse is a simpler theoretical description, within which, in the bistatic formulation of the problem, an explicit relationship is obtained between the significant wave height and other wave parameters from the measured parameter, the modulus of the cross-correlation coefficient. The formula for the shape of the pulse reflected in the bistatic formulation of the problem has not been obtained to date. The proposed approach has difficulties when implemented on a satellite carrier in a monostatic formulation of the problem, since it requires an ultra-narrow antenna pattern. In this paper, we consider a variant of the implementation of a satellite bistatic formulation of the problem for measuring the significant wave height based on the approach of measuring the cross-correlation function of two reflected signals spaced in frequency.