Polarimetric signatures of a layer of random nonspherical discrete scatterers overlying a homogeneous half-space based on first- and second-order vector radiative transfer theory [geophysical radar remote sensing]

Complete polarimetric signatures of a layer of random, nonspherical discrete scatterers overlying a homogeneous half space are studied with the first- and second-order solutions of the vector radiative transfer theory. The vector radiative transfer equation contains a general nondiagonal extinction matrix and a phase matrix that are averaged over particle orientations. The nondiagonal extinction matrix accounts for the difference in propagation constants and the difference in attenuation rates between the two characteristic polarisations. The Mueller matrix based on the first-order and second-order multiple scattering solutions of the vector radiative transfer equation is calculated. The copolarized and depolarized returns are also calculated