Estimation of surface reflection parameters over lands using linear polarization data by airborne POLDER

This paper shows the estimated results of surface reflection parameters, such as the leaf inclination distribution function (LIDF) and the mixing ratio (α) of specular to diffuse component for a vegetated area, using the observed linear polarization data at 550 nm and 650 nm over lands measured by the airborne POLDER. The main results in this study can be summarized as follows: 1) The authors found the simplified Rondeaux-Herman model for “Forest01” and “Rice Field01” is able to show similar polarization variations against zenith viewing angles in the principal plane to the observed one. 2) The isotropic assumption of LIDF seems to be valid. The values of α for “Forest01” are estimated to be α-0.50 and 0.20<α<0.40 at 550 nm and 650 nm, respectively. Those for “Rice Field01” are to be α~0.50 and α0.40 at 550 nm and 650 nm, respectively