Combined dielectric model of sandy soils in the frequency range from 10 kHz to 8 GHz

Abstract The results of experimental measurements in the frequency range 10 kHz–8 GHz of the complex dielectric permittivity of quartz globule powders and sands with different particle sizes moistened with distilled water are presented. On the basis of these results, a dielectric model that combines elements of refractive and relaxation models is constructed. The model makes it possible to separate the influence of the relaxation processes caused by the polarization of the water-mineral and water-air interfaces on the complex dielectric permittivity. The values of the relaxation times of these processes are found, and it is shown that they decrease with decreasing particle sizes. This allows to estimate the average particle size by the dielectric method.