Assessment of polarimetric SAR data for fuel moisture estimation: Analysis of wet versus dry conditions

Laura Louise Bourgeau-Chavez, Michigan Tech Research Institute, laura.chavez@mtu.edu (Presenter)

Radarsat-2 imagery from extreme dry versus wet conditions are compared in an effort to determine the value of using polarimetric SAR data for estimating ground fuel moisture in a chronosequence of Alaskan boreal black spruce ecosystems (recent burns, regenerating forests dominated by shrubs, open canopied forests, moderately dense forest cover). Results show utility of C-HH and C-RR polarized backscatter, as well as Freeman Durden and van Zyl Odd bounce decomposition parameters, for direct evaluation of within site surface soil moisture for the lower biomass vegetated and sparse canopy forest sites. These parameters also showed utility across sites for relative distinction between wet and dry conditions, however biomass and moisture interactions are not eliminated by a single decomposition variable. Future research will evaluate the use of multiple parameters in algorithm development.

Presentation: 2011_Poster_BourgeauChavez_115_330.pdf (2556k)

Presentation Type:  Poster

Session:  Global Change Impact & Vulnerability   (Tue 11:30 AM)

Associated Project(s): 

• Bourgeau-Chavez, Laura: Vulnerability of North American Boreal Peatlands to Interactions between Climate, Hydrology, and Wildland Fires ...details

Poster Location ID: 115