Electromagnetic wave scattering from a forest or vegetation canopy:ongoing research at the University of Texas at Arlington

A scattering model for forest or vegetation, based on the theory of electromagnetic wave scattering in random media, is described. The model generalizes the assumptions imposed by earlier models, and the results compare well with measurements from several forest canopies. It is shown how the model elements are integrated to obtain the scattering characteristics of different forest canopies. The scattering characteristics may be displayed in the form of polarimetric signatures, represented by like- and cross-polarized scattering coefficients, for an elliptically polarized wave, or in the form of signal distribution curves. Results illustrating both types of scattering characteristics are given