Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of the Electromagnetic Scattering and Radiative Properties of Terrain, with Emphasis on Lunar-Like Surfaces

摘要

This report summarizes the work carried out during the past six months on studies of the relations between the electromagnetic scattering properties of the lunar surface and its physical characteristics. During this period major emphasis was placed on how much information can be obtained about the physic a l characteristics of a planetary or lunar surface from remotely sensed information. such as radar return. The principle areas of study and investigation have been (1) theoretical studies of the scattering from statistically rough surfaces including the depolarized components, (2) measurements of the scattering properties of the lunar surface utilizing the Ohio State University 'Saucer Field' array. and (3) development of data reduction techniques for the lunar radar experiments. Several significant accomplishments have been achieved during this period; one is a major theoretical advance in the calculation of backscattering from statistically rough surfaces. These accomplishments are outlined in the following sections of the report.