Bistatic scattering forward model validation using GNSS-R observations

TL;DR

This paper enhances a bistatic scattering model for GNSS reflectometry by including circular polarization, enabling soil moisture retrieval from GNSS-R signals, and validates it against real measurements.

Contribution

It introduces a circular polarization extension to the bistatic scattering model and validates it with GNSS-R data for soil moisture applications.

Findings

Model accurately predicts Radar Cross Section (RCS)

Validation shows good agreement with measured data

Enables reliable soil moisture retrievals from GNSS-R

Abstract

In this paper we advance a previously developed bistatic scattering forward model to include the circularly polarized incident and scattered waves, which is the case for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reflectometry. This model development enables retrieval of soil moisture from Signals of Opportunity (SoOp) bistatic observations, e.g., from the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) observations and GNSS Reflectometer Instrument for Bistatic Synthetic Aperture Radar (GRIBSAR). In order to validate the forward model with measured data, we present a method to construct the Delay Doppler Map (DDM) from simulations of the forward model. The forward model Radar Cross Section (RCS) predictions will be compared with actual measurements. The validated model is intended for use in soil moisture retrievals.