The dielectric properties of ice and snow at 3.2 centimetres as related to the reflection coefficient of snow-covered surfaces

Abstract

A study has been made of the reflecting properties of snow- and ice-covered surfaces at a wavelength of 3.2 centimeters. In making this study, two lines of investigation have been followed. In one, controlled laboratory measurements were made of the permittivity and loss tangent of ice and snow of varying density and crystal structure over the temperature range 0° to -20° C, using waveguide techniques. In the other investigation, direct measurements were made, on an outdoor range, of the reflection coefficients of a flat metallic surface covered with snow.