Using the concept of a geophysical model function for the interpretation scatterometer data
Within the framework of a two-scale Bragg (resonant) scattering model, the relationship between the spatial characteristics of sea surface waves and the geophysical model function (GMF) is analyzed. The dependence of the GMF on the angle between the direction of sounding and the wind velocity vector is determined by the function of the angular distribution of Bragg waves and the angular distribution of longer waves. In strong winds, the wave breaking makes a noticeable contribution to the radar signal. With calm and moderate winds, the main characteristics of the GMF can be interpreted within the framework of a two-scale Bragg scattering model. The exception is the appearance of negative values of the longitudinal-transverse asymmetry of GMF, which is observed in the L band of radio waves. Negative longitudinal-transverse asymmetry corresponds to lower values of the normalized cross-section of backscattering when probing along the wind direction than in the transverse direction.