Estimating and understanding vertical structure of forests from multibaseline TanDEM-X Pol-InSAR data

TanDEM-X (TDX) forms with TerraSAR-X (TSX) the first single-pass synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometer in space with polarimetric capabilities. The availability of such system allows for the first time the acquisition and analysis of X-band Pol-InSAR data from space without the disturbing effect of temporal decorrelation. After two years of mission, time series with variable baseline over the same forest sites are available, allowing to (1) explore their information content, (2) assess penetration capabilities, (3) assess scattering model assumptions, and (4) estimate vertical structure and monitor its dynamics. This paper discusses for the first time the potential of estimating forest vertical structure from spaceborne single-pass interferometers, extending classical tomographic concepts. Results of first experiments with TSX/TDX multibaseline Pol-InSAR data acquired over the Tapajos national forest (Brazil) are shown. Especially regarding tropical forests, potentials and applications of X-band for forest structure monitoring will also be discussed.