Discrete Random Media Techniques for Microwave Modeling of Vegetated Terrain

Microwave remote sensing of vegetated terrain has been studied. Vegetation is modeled so that backscattered radar signals can be used to infer parameters which characterize the vegetation and underlying ground. The vegetation is modeled by discrete lossy dielectric scatterers with prescribed characteristics. The goal of the modeling effort is to remotely sense vegetation type (classification), growth stage, and plant/ground moisture. This information can then be used as input into agricultural, forestry and global circulation models. The microwave frequency spectrum, particularly L and C bands, are especially appropriate for this purpose since the wavelength is comparable to plant leaf and stem size. The resulting resonant interaction leads to backscattered data highly depend on plant shape and orientation. In addition, the transparent nature of the atmosphere in this frequency regime allows for algorithm development which requires no atmospheric correction.