Accession Number:

ADA000901

Title:

Evaluation of Index Properties of Natural Formations by Polarimetric Studies.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 1 Aug 73-30 Jun 74,

Corporate Author:

CALIFORNIA UNIV LOS ANGELES ATMOSPHERIC OPTICS AND RADIATION LAB

Personal Author(s):

• Rao,Nagaraja C. R.

Report Date:

1974-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

52.0

Abstract:

The dependence of the polarization of radiation reflected by surfaces composed of naturally occurring soils on index properties such as moisture water content, texture and composition of the soil sample has been examined in detail in the laboratory in selected spectral intervals over the visible and near infrared regions of the spectrum. It is found the polarization of the reflected radiation increases with increasing surface roughness and moisture content. The onset of water-material behaviour occurs at different levels of water content for different samples. Reflection of radiation is governed by the Umow law which establishes the reciprocal relationship between surface brightness and the polarization of reflected radiation. These findings will be the basis for a series of field experiments designed to evaluate the feasibility of detection and estimation of changes in the index properties--primarily the moisture content--of the underlying surface from photopolarimetry of the radiation diffusely reflected into space by the atmosphere-ground system.

Descriptors:

• *POLARIZATION
• *ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
• *SOIL TESTS
• REFLECTION
• FEASIBILITY STUDIES
• SURFACE PROPERTIES
• REMOTE DETECTORS
• VISIBLE SPECTRA
• MOISTURE
• NEAR INFRARED RADIATION
• AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Subject Categories:

• Hydrology, Limnology and Potamology
• Soil Mechanics
• Optical Detection and Detectors

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE