A simple and accurate model for radar backscattering from vegetation-covered surfaces

A simple and accurate microwave backscattering model for vegetation-covered soil surfaces is developed in this study. A vegetated surface is modeled as a two-layer structure comprising a vegetation layer and an underlying ground layer. This scattering model includes five main scattering mechanisms including the first-order multiple scattering. The vegetation layer is modeled by random distribution of mixed scattering particles, such as leaves, branches and trunks, and its radar backscatter is computed using the first-order vector Radiative Transfer model. The number of input parameters has been minimized to simplify the scattering model, and its accuracy has been improved by comparing with the experimental measurements.