Simulation of the sea state bias an original approach using sea surface modeling and altimeter waveform computation

This work deals with CNES studies of future altimetry missions and its main goal is to improve the accuracy of the estimated sea state bias (SSB). To this end, a method to calculate an altimeter waveform from a deterministic sea surface is performed by using radar equation. The sea surface heights and slopes are generated according to classic spectra. To understand and to simulate the SSB the sea surface characteristics and the electromagnetic model have been modified in agreement with statistical and physical theories and observations.