Incoherent target decomposition; an analysis of the physical scattering mechanisms.

Abstract:

Most natural target characteristics can only be extracted from a statistical approach due to the noise induced by coherent speckle. This is performed through the decomposition of the 3x3 coherency matrix [T], matrix which retains spatial-power information over a “target area”. This leads to the concept of distributed target which averaged backscattered power can be related to simple canonical targets. SAR data are in essence the coherent summation of backscattered signals from multiple scatterers. It follows that the concept of distributed target relies on the statistical variability of the physical scattering mechanisms within the target. In the present communication, we analyse the different physical scattering mechanisms which may be correlated with several sea ice environments as classified using a Wishart classifier. Results underline that the classification must be analysed as much in terms of backscattered energy as in terms of diffused energy away from the satellite.