Decimeter-Wavelength Polarimetric Radar Imaging of the Icy Moons of JupiterImaging radars with wavelengths in the range of 10 cm to 1 m can deeply penetrate the surface of an icy body, revealing details of the geomorphology, local structure, and electrical properties of the upper layers. Radar studies of icy surfaces on Earth have used the polarization state of backscatter echoes at multiple frequencies to characterize the surface and subsurface properties of glaciers, showing relatively smooth surfaces on the scale of radar wave-lengths, and subsurface scattering from volume scatterers consistent with ice pipes and lenses. These volume scattering effects are evident in enhanced polarization ratios over a limited range of backscatter incidence angles. The Galilean satellites exhibit similarly enhanced polarization ratios and volumetric scattering effects, but the observations are limited in angular resolution, leading to ambiguity in interpreting the scattering mechanisms and their structural implications.
Document ID
20030066086
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rosen, P. A. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Wrightwood, CA, United States)
Gurrola, E. M. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Wrightwood, CA, United States)
Madsen, S. N. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Wrightwood, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Forum on Concepts and Approaches for Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter