Influence of propagation phase-shifts in polarimetric SAR interferometry

Differential and absolute phase shifts of vv and hh SAR echoes due to propagation through a stratiform rain were estimated using coherent C-band weather radar data. Differential phase shifts of about 40/spl deg/ and absolute phase shifts of 800/spl deg/-1600/spl deg/ were found. The phase shift estimates reveal propagation phase errors that can occur in SAR interferometry.