Distribution functions of a 3-cm radar signal backscattered by the sea surface at small angles of inclination

The dependence of the distribution function of a backscattered radar signal on the duration of sampling has been experimentally determined, with the signal normalized to the median value. Analysis of the data indicates that a two-scale statistical model may be applied in the conditions being considered and that an essential contribution to the statistics is from the signal variations induced by swell. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.