Wide Swath Sea Surface Topography Mapping via Ka-band SAR Interferometry

Abstract

Ka-band Interfeometry SAR (InSAR) is a promising technique for global submesoscale sea surface tomography mapping, which still remains blank today. In this paper, we will introduce the arrangement, key techniques and preliminary results of our airborne Ka-band InSAR experiment. In the condition of small look angle, we have demonstrated good coherence of the two SAR images. To inverse precise sea surface tomography uncontrolled condition, we have proposed a nadir track based calibration method. By comparing to the buoy data, the inverse error is demonstrated to be less than 10cm. These results have established a solid foundation for the design and data processing of the global submesoscale oceanographic phenomenon by the Ka-band SAR Interferometry payload of the future Chinese Guanlan satellite.