Wave scattering modeling of a natural target under time evolution: a test case towards the physical interpretation of multi-temporal ERS-1 images over tropical forest

Presents some results of a study carried out in the MTV (Monitoring of the Tropical Vegetation) unit of the Institute for Remote Sensing Applications at the JRC Ispra in the context of the TREES project (Tropical Ecosystem Environment observations by Satellites). The goal of the study is to reach a physical interpretation of the observed time and space changes in the radar cross section, which is an indicator for discriminating forest from other land cover types. The authors' approach entails the combination of remote sensing data (SAR data from the ERS-1 satellite) and models of the electromagnetic wave scattering and the ecosystem. The main lines of research are explained, and a test case described, where they apply this technique to the interpretation of the seasonal evolution of a teak plantation located in the Sassandra Forest of Cote d'Ivoire.