Datensatz

Zusammenfassung

Basic concepts of SAR imaging theory of ocean surface waves are reviewed. The effects of orbital velocity and acceleration on the imaging mechanism are discussed in simple physical terms. The spatially varying orbital velocity contributes to the imaging through ``velocity bunching,'' while the effect is relatively small and still in the linear range, but produces nonlinear image distortions and smearing for larger orbital velocities. The spatially varying orbital acceleration results in a nonuniform azimuthal image smear. Image contrast enhancement by azimuthal focus adjustment of the SAR processor is attributed to this spatial variability of the orbital acceleration effects.