Satellite radar anisotropy observed in urban areas

QuikSCAT backscatter is generally higher over urban areas than surrounding vegetated areas. Azimuthal anisotropy has been observed over some urban areas, but the strength of the azimuthal anisotropy in the urban backscatter signal has not been well quantified. This study investigates radar azimuthal anisotropy in urban areas. QuikSCAT L1B σ observations are compared for urban, non-urban, and uninhabited regions to identify the magnitude and possible causes of anisotropic responses. The possible cause of azimuthal variations (AVs) in the data is the presence of corner reflectors, resulting from urban infrastructure and land use, including buildings, roads, and road structure. Backscatter characteristics for each urban area are shown to be closely related to road orientation and organization. Each region is found to have a unique backscatter signal and azimuthal response.