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Effect of texture on microwave emission from soilsThe intensity brightness temperature, T(B), of the microwave emission from the soil is determined primarily by its dielectric properties. The large difference between the dielectric constant of water and that of dry soil produces a strong dependence of the soil's dielectric constant on its moisture content. This dependence is effected by the texture of the soil because the water molecules close to the particle surface are tightly bound and do not contribute significantly to the dielectric properties. Since this surface area is a function of the particle size distribution (soil texture), being larger for clay soils with small particles, and smaller for sandy soils with larger particles, the dielectric properties will depend on soil texture. This dependence has been demonstrated by laboratory measurements of the dielectric constant for soils which are briefly summarized. The dependence of the microwave emission on texture is demonstrated by measurements of T(B) from an aircraft platform for a wide range of soil textures. It is concluded that the effect of soil texture differences on the observed T(B) values can be normalized by expressing the soil moisture values as a percentage of field capacity for the soil.
Document ID
19810027570
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Schmugge, T. J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Hydrological Sciences Branch, Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing
Volume: GE-18
Subject Category
Earth Resources And Remote Sensing
Accession Number
81A11974
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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