Depolarization ratio

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-004929",
  "term": "Depolarization ratio",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A quantitative measure of the degree of depolarization, typically expressed as the ratio of the power of the cross-polarized component to the co-polarized component of a scattered electromagnetic wave. In lidar and radar applications, this ratio is used to infer the shape and orientation of atmospheric particles. A high depolarization ratio indicates the presence of non-spherical particles, such as ice crystals or dust.",
  "see_also": [
    "circular depolarization ratio",
    "linear depolarization ratio",
    "elliptical depolarization ratio"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/depolarization-ratio/"
}