Millimetric radar clutter measurements from desert surfaces

Describes millimetric data gathering trials carried out by British Aerospace and Edinburgh University over a varied range of desert terrains. An initial reconnaissance survey located 8 sites giving maximum variability of topography and rock or surface sediment. Subsequently, a detailed programme of field recording and analysis was carried out during 22 days of field trials in Autumn 1987. One of the principal aims of the trial was to make a detailed investigation into the correlation between radar reflectivity and ground conditions over desert surfaces. Radar reflectivity was measured over a range of depression angles using an airborne W-band radar. These measurements were supported with aerial photography and detailed ground truth study. A description of the airborne and ground data gathering procedures is given together with a brief indication of the data analysis. This is followed by an investigation into the correlation between backscatter measurements and ground truth parameters and modelling of the backscatter returns using both physical and empirical models