C-band polarimetric scatterometer for soil studies

The aim of this study is to evaluate the performances of a polarimetric scatterometer. This sensor can measure the. module of the electromagnetic bnkscattering matrix elements. The knowledge of this matrix permits the computation of all the possible polarisation combinations of transmitted and received signals through a Polarisation Synthesis approach. Scatterometer data are useful for monitoring a large number of soil physical parameters. In particular, the sensitivity of a C-band radar to different growing conditions of vegetation depends on the wave polarisation. As consequence, the possibility of acquiring both polarisation components presents a great advantage in the vegetation studies. In addition, this type of ground-sensor can-permit a fast coverage of the areas of interest. A first test of the polarimetric scatterometer has been performed over an asphalt surface, which has a well-known electromagnetic response. Moreover, a calibration procedure has been tested using both passive (Trihedral Corner Reflector, TCR) and active (Active Radar Calibrator, ARC) radar calibrator.