Data for A Review of Wave Spectra Models as Applied to the Problem of Radar Probing of the Sea Surface in JGR: Oceans

Paper sent to the Journal of Geophyscal Research: Oceans.Abstract: The most common models of wind wave spectra are reviewed and the compliance of the studied spectra with several fundamental criteria is estimated. These criteria are the ability to simulate a diverse wave climate and agreement between model-based calculations of mean square slope and experimental data. The spreading function of the spectrum should also correspond to the experimentally measured Doppler spectrum, while the dependence of the radar backscatter cross section should conform to geophysical model functions for various wavelength ranges of incident electromagnetic radiation at moderate incidence angles (20°? 60°). An analysis has shown that none of the considered spectrum models fully satisfies all the criteria, thus a new spectrum model for wind waves was developed. Boundary wavenumbers for various wavelength ranges of incident electromagnetic radiation within the framework of a two-scale surface model were determined for the new model. The spectrum model can be used to simulate ripple attenuation in oil slicks and to calculate the radar backscatter cross section inside slick.