Backscattering cross section

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-003772",
  "term": "Backscattering cross section",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A measure of the effective area of a target that intercepts and scatters electromagnetic radiation directly back toward the source. In weather radar and lidar applications, this value quantifies the reflectivity of atmospheric particles like raindrops, ice crystals, or aerosols. The backscattering cross section is dependent on the size, shape, orientation, and composition of the scatterer, as well as the wavelength of the incident radiation.",
  "see_also": [
    "differential backscattering cross section",
    "radar cross section"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/backscattering-cross-section/"
}