Radar clutter refers to unwanted signals or echoes that appear on a radar screen due to reflections from stationary objects or environmental disturbances. These reflections can obscure the detection of genuine targets, making it difficult for radar systems to distinguish between clutter and real moving objects. Common sources of radar clutter include ground yields, sea clutter (waves and rough seas), precipitation, birds, insects, atmospheric phenomena, and terrain features.
Clutter management is crucial for radar systems to maintain accurate target detection and tracking capabilities in various operational environments.
The difference between radar noise and clutter is their sources and characteristics. Radar noise refers to random variations or fluctuations in the received radar signal that originate from electronic components, thermal noise, or electromagnetic interference in the radar system itself. It usually manifests itself as a background signal that adds uncertainty or reduces the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the radar system.
In contrast, radar clutter comes from reflections off stationary objects or environmental factors such as terrain, vegetation, buildings or atmospheric disturbances. Clutter signals can appear structured and persistent relative to noise, affecting radar performance by masking or distorting signals from moving targets.
Wave clutter refers specifically to radar clutter caused by wave reflections off water surfaces, such as oceans, lakes or rivers. When radar beams intersect water surfaces, they can reflect off waves, generating unwanted echoes that appear as clutter on radar screens.
Wave clutter is particularly prevalent in maritime radar applications, where the roughness of water surfaces and wave patterns can produce strong and persistent radar yields. Managing wave clutter is essential in maritime surveillance and navigation to maintain clear radar displays and ensure accurate detection of ships and other maritime targets amid harsh sea conditions