The multiresolution time domain (MRTD) algorithm is applied for modeling scattering from a rough dielectric surface. We formulate the Haar MRTD model for an arbitrary interface between two dielectric media. The advantages of this formulation, as compared with the classic finite difference time domain (FDTD), are demonstrated on various types of surfaces. A detailed error analysis is performed for two versions of the MRTD algorithm and for the staircase FDTD model, at different discretization rates. ¿ 2000 American Geophysical Union