Sea surface short-period roughness unsteadiness

The effect of spatial inhomogeneity sea waves on the accuracy determining level surface is studied. Based data direct wave measurements, variability statistical characteristics scales smaller than size area illuminated by radar was analyzed. case considered when radio sounding carried out at low angles incidence located a spacecraft. It shown that displacement distribution median elevations, which determines skewness bias, alternating. absolute value shift reaches two percent significant height. In most cases, signs bias and electromagnetic coincide.