A Theoretical Model for Scattering From Rough Surfaces, With Applications to the Moon and Sea

The problem of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with non-uniform surfaces is approached statistically. By suitable choice of the second probability distribution for the surface one finds the calculated back-scattering cross-section to depend exponentially on the angle of incidence.

Upon comparison of the calculated scattering cross-section and measured lunar and terrestrial returns, one finds that the model can account for the scattering from a rough surface out to incidence angles of nearly 30°; the model prescribes slopes for the lunar surface of up to 15°. One finds also that the model can account for the measured power reflection coefficient of the lunar surface.