'''Backscattering cross section''' is a property of an object that determines what proportion of incident wave energy is scattered from the object, back in the direction of the incident wave. == Definition == === Physics === In physics generally, it is defined as the area which intercepts an amount of power in the incident beam which, if radiated isotropically, would yield a reflected signal strength at the transmitter of the same magnitude as the actual object produces.<ref>Stout, G. E., & Mueller, E. A. (1968). Survey of relationships between rainfall rate and radar reflectivity in the measurement of precipitation. Journal of Applied Meteorology, 7(3), 465-474.</ref> === Underwater acoustics === In fisheries acoustics, the same term is used to mean the same area but divided by 4π.<ref>Clay, C. S., Medwin, H., & Urick, R. J. (1978). Acoustical oceanography: principles and applications.</ref><ref>MacLennan, D. N., Fernandes, P. G., & Dalen, J. (2002). A consistent approach to definitions and symbols in fisheries acoustics. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 59(2), 365-369.</ref> In other areas of underwater acoustics, the general physics definition is used.<ref>Ainslie, M. A., Halvorsen, M. B., & Robinson, S. P. (2021). A terminology standard for underwater acoustics and the benefits of international standardization. IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering, 47(1), 179-200.</ref>
== See also == * Radar cross-section * Target strength
== References == {{reflist}}
Category:Radar theory Category:Radiation