NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
(abstract) Sensitivity to Forest Biomass Based on Analysis of Scattering MechanismThe estimation of forest biomass on a global scale is an important input to global climate and carbon cycle models. Remote sensing using synthetic aperture radar offers a means to obtain such a data set. Although it has been clear for some time that radar signals penetrate forest canopies, only recently has it been demonstrated that these signals are indeed sensitive to biomass. Inasmuch as the majority of a forest's biomass is in the trunks, it is important that the radar is sensing the trunk biomass as opposed to the branch or leaf biomass. In this study we use polarimetric AIRSAR P- and L-band data from a variety of forests to determine if the radar penetrates to the trunk by examining the scattering mechanism as determined using van Zyl's scattering interaction model, and the levels at which saturation occurs with respect to sensitivity of radar backscatter to total biomass. In particular, the added sensitivity of P-band relative to L-band is addressed. Results using data from the Duke Forest in North Carolina, the Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest in Alaska, Shasta Forest in California, the Black Forest in Germany, the temporate/boreal transition forests in northern Michigan, and coastal forests along the Oregon Transect will be presented.
Document ID
20060038700
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Way, JoBea
Bachman, Jennifer E.
Paige, David A.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1993
Subject Category
Communications And Radar
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
forest canopy biomass radar scattering mechanism

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available