Experiments on Tree Reflectivity at C, X, K and Ka-bands

Abstract

Dedicated field portable radars have been used to measure the reflectivity of identified deciduous and coniferous trees at C to Ka frequency bands with perpendicular illumination. Actual test radars, their electrical parameters including antennas and calibration devices are described. First results show summer time reflectivities from −30 to −10 dB (m2/m2) for deciduous trees and from −30 to 0 dB (2/m2) for coniferous samples, depending on frequency band. Late autumn and spring measurements show particularly well in Ka-band the absence of leaves. Variations in histogram detail, from one frequency to another, exceed 10 dB despite the cumulative probabilities for all bands are quite similar. The measured power spectral density of deciduous trees in the spring was typically 20 dB/Hz at X-band and 30 dB/Hz in Ka-band. Midsummer tests gave values close to 15 and 25 dB/Hz.