Radiowave Reflection from Structures with Internal Ruptures

Abstract

In some radar remote sensing problems connected with investigations of the earth’s surface, it is necessary to investigate reflections from structures with internal ruptures (e.g., fractures in ice ravines), or with all kinds of hollow spaces. Application of electrodynamic models of ruptures (fractures) in the form of an endless deep pit with vertical walls and with a reflection coefficient equal to zero, turns out to be ill-defined. Experimental data shows that the reflection coefficient may have quite a significant magnitude. A slight deviation of the pit walls parallel orientation can also cause this effect. Analysis based on models therefore must always be extended very carefully.