Diffuse Scattering
Figure 1: Diffuse scattering
When electromagnetic waves are reflected from a flat surface, the angle of reflection of each ray equals the angle of incidence. When electromagnetic waves are reflected from small particles distributed in the air, however, the reflected beam is scattered, or diffused, as shown in figure 1. The transmitted energy is broken up into many beams that are reflected in all directions.
Water droplets and dust particles diffuse radar energy through absorption, reflection, and scattering so less energy strikes the target. The higher the frequency of radar system, the more it is affected by weather conditions such as rain or clouds.
(Feet)
Figure 2: Attenuation from distributed water particles
(Feet)
Figure 2: Attenuation from distributed water particles
(Feet)
Figure 2: Attenuation from distributed water particles