Sensitivity to forest biomass based on analysis of scattering mechanism

Uses polarimetric AIRSAR P- and L-band data collected over a variety of forests and van Zyl´s scattering interaction model to determine if the radar penetrates to the trunk. The model is applied to the AIRSAR data and the results indicate the dominant scattering mechanism for each forest unit. If the scattering is from the trunk, a trunk-ground scattering mechanism is clearly indicated. Total radar backscatter is also examined; the level at which saturation occurs is determined for each frequency, polarization and forest type. In particular, the added sensitivity of P-band relative to L-band is assessed. Results using data from the Duke Forest in North Carolina, the Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest in Alaska, the Shasta Forest in California, the temperate/boreal transition forests in northern Michigan, and coastal forests along the Oregon Transect are presented