ABSTRACT
Chapter 6 Surface and Volume Clutter
6.1. Clutter Definition Clutter is a term used to describe any object that may generate unwanted
radar returns that may interfere with normal radar operations. Parasitic returns that enter the radar through the antenna’s main lobe are called main lobe clutter; otherwise they are called sidelobe clutter. Clutter can be classified into two main categories: surface clutter and airborne or volume clutter. Surface clutter includes trees, vegetation, ground terrain, man-made structures, and sea surface (sea clutter). Volume clutter normally has a large extent (size) and includes chaff, rain, birds, and insects. Surface clutter changes from one area to another, while volume clutter may be more predictable.
