Analysis of a microwave backscattering mechanism from a small urban area imaged with SIR-C

We analyzed the Spaceborne Imaging Radar C (SIR-C) imagery of a small urban area to characterize backscattering mechanisms. The results were compared with the building density so that we could relate the polarimetric backscattering characteristics with urban structures. Relative contributions of odd-bounce, double-bounce, and cross-polarized scatterings were evaluated as a function of the building density for small and large incidence angles. Their behaviors were characterized with respect to urban structures at small and large incidence angles.