Correlating radar backscatter with components of biomass in loblolly pine forests
- Environmental Research Institute of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States). Center for Earth Sciences
- Duke Univ., Durham, NC (United States). School of the Environment
A multifrequency, multipolarization airborne SAR data set was utilized to examine the relationship between radar backscatter and the aboveground biomass in loblolly pine forests. This data set was also used to examine the potential of SAR to estimate aboveground biomass in these forests. The total aboveground biomass in the test stands used in this study ranged from <1--50 kg m{sup {minus}2}. Not only was total aboveground biomass considered, but the biomass of the tree boles, branches, and needles/leaves. Significant correlations were found in all three frequencies of radar imagery used in this study. At P- and L-bands, the greatest sensitivity to change in biomass occurred in the HH and VH polarized channels, while at C-band, the greatest sensitivity was in the VH polarized channel. The results of the correlation analyses support modeling studies which show the dominant scattering mechanisms from these pines should be double-bounce, ground-trunk scattering and canopy volume scattering. To produce equations to estimate biomass, a stepwise, multiple-linear regression approach was used, using all the radar channels as independent variables, and the log of the biomass components as the dependent variables. The authors conclude from this analysis that the image intensity signatures recorded on SAR imagery have the potential to be used as a basis for estimation of aboveground biomass in pine forests, for total stand biomass levels up to 35--40 kg m{sup {minus}2}.
- OSTI ID:
- 137128
- Journal Information:
- IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Vol. 33, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: May 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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