Abstract: The method improves the signal-to-clutter ratio of an airborne earth penetrating radar for distinguishing subsurface objects from surface clutter or above-ground objects. The method relies on the dispersive response of the signals returned from an subsurface object to distinguish these subsurface signals from the non-dispersive response signals returned by surface clutter. The electromagnetic response from a subsurface object is spread out over time in comparison to the response from surface clutter. A correlation coincidence detection methodology discriminates surface clutter based on the temporal persistence of a subsurface object. The correlation procedure produces a sequence of values which are used as the basis for detection. If the radar pulses detect a subsurface object, the sequence of values persists beyond the interval of integration containing the clutter response.