FURTHER ANALYSIS OF RADAR TERRAIN RETURN,
Abstract
The paper presents additional steps in progress toward a fuller understanding of terrain and sea reflectivity at microwave frequencies. Large amounts of new data are being studied to test existing theories. The prevailing 'interference' explanation regarding polarization differences is shown to be inadequate. Detailed study of circular disk reflectivity is being carried out to help explain adequately the polarization dependence. Terrain is categorized as 'rough' or 'smooth'; one may select between them by the slope of the cross section vs depression angle curve. Whether a terrain is rough or smooth also depends on the radiated wave length. Previous theoretical work led one to expect a cross section vs depression angle, theta, dependence of exp(- k cot to the 2nd power theta) for water surfaces. The data indicate this should be modified to exp(- k cot theta). (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 10, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD0654355
Entities
People
- I. Katz
- L. M. Spetner
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory