Modelling of microwave backscatter using a tree-growth model for boreal forests within the NOPEX Test Site

The use of a tree growth model to provide statistical information about the scattering components of boreal-type forests is described. Such data is used as input to a radar backscatter model as an alternative to data obtained through intensive fieldwork and has been used to predict the total backscatter from three test stands at C-band frequency for three polarisation combinations (HH, VV and HV). The test sites consisted of two stands of scots pine and one of Norwegian spruce. The modelled backscatter values are compared to measured C-band data from a polarimetric airborne synthetic aperture radar (EMISAR). Differences between modelled and simulated backscatter values compare favourably with previous studies, with like- and cross-polarisation differences less than 2.5 dB, with the modelled backscatter values generally less than those observed.