Radar polarization signatures of vegetated areas

A simple model is presented for the prediction of the full polarization signature of vegetation resembling tall grass. This polarization signature can be used to detect the presence of vegetation even in those cases in which the vegetation layers are comparatively thin. Also presented is a model which predicts the polarization dependence of different tree types. Attention is given to the cases of pine and deciduous forest model predictions; both types of forest can be expected to contain terms representing the scatter from the ground, as well as forward, double reflections from the ground and limbs/trunk.