Editing Radar (section)

===Polarization===
{{further|Polarization (waves)}}
In all [[electromagnetic radiation]], the electric field is perpendicular to the direction of propagation, and the electric field direction is the [[Polarization (waves)|polarization]] of the wave. For a transmitted radar signal, the polarization can be controlled to yield different effects. Radars use horizontal, vertical, linear, and circular polarization to detect different types of reflections. For example, [[circular polarization]] is used to minimize the interference caused by rain. [[Linear polarization]] returns usually indicate metal surfaces. Random polarization returns usually indicate a [[fractal]] surface, such as rocks or soil, and are used by navigation radars.