Interpretation of Polarimetric Radar Signatures of Mangrove Forests

Polarimetric AIRSAR data acquired over a variety of mangrove forests are analyzed with the assistance of a three-layer radiative transfer model. The necessary input parameters to the model come from detailed ground measurements performed in 12 mangrove stands that are representative of the different...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Remote sensing of environment 2000, Vol.71 (1), p.56-66
Main Authors: Proisy, C., Mougin, E., Fromard, F., Karam, M.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied geophysics
Brackish
Computer simulation
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Ecosystems
Exact sciences and technology
Forestry
Internal geophysics
Light polarization
Light scattering
Mathematical models
Polarimeters
Radar imaging
Rhizophoraceae
Soils
Surficial geology
Synthetic aperture radar
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Summary:Polarimetric AIRSAR data acquired over a variety of mangrove forests are analyzed with the assistance of a three-layer radiative transfer model. The necessary input parameters to the model come from detailed ground measurements performed in 12 mangrove stands that are representative of the different successional stages of the mangrove forest dynamics. On the whole, P-band provides the most pronounced polarimetric signatures. Among the polarimetric parameters, the polarization ratio is found to be useful for analyzing scattering mechanisms and for discriminating between various forest stages. Comparison between AIRSAR data and simulations shows that the model is able to describe the overall radar signature of mangrove forests at P-, L- and C-band. However, this study also points out the limitation of such models.
ISSN:0034-4257
1879-0704
DOI:10.1016/S0034-4257(99)00064-4