Reflection coefficient of natural vegetation, crops and urban surfaces in Nigeria

Reflection coefficients measured over a wide variety of natural and agricultural vegetation surfaces in Nigeria (lat. 4° 40′ to 13° 30′N) were between 0.057 to 0.251; and were inversely related to the vegetation height. Considerable seasonal differences were found with unexpected low values of reflectivity during the harmattan haze in the dry season. Possible reasons for these seasonal differences are discussed. The weighted mean annual reflection coefficient for Nigeria was calculated to be 0.178. This value was consistent with the relationship between surface reflection coefficient and latitude found from similar results from six other locations in the Northern Hemisphere. Urban coefficients were found to be lower than those for rural settlements or temperate zone urban centres.

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