On the Interpretation of Coherent Marine Radar Backscatter From Surf Zone Waves

Observations of microwave backscatter from shoaling and breaking surface waves acquired with a shore-based, coherent-on-receive X-band marine radar are presented. The was located at the dune cliff sandy beach two breaker bars. Waves were approximately shore-normal (inclination < 10°) during study period. Consistent other studies, intensity is significantly increased ( $\approx 10$ dB compared to nonbreaking) Doppler velocities close wave phase velocity in shallow water. strong active breakers can cause significant amount signal artifacts due leakage pulse energy into adjacent range cells, particular behind crests. In near range, undisturbed such smearing appear as distinct peaks inside spectra. Thus, both sources scatterering be retrieved using dedicated peak separation algorithm. far notation="LaTeX">$r &gt; 500$ m), dominate Therefore, when investigating spatio-temporal evolution wave-induced radar, analysis should restricted crests well-illuminated front faces waves. spectra tracked along crest an exemplary individual extracted steepening, active- post-breaking stage.