Temporal Land Cover Dynamics: A Time Series Analysis of Sentinel-3 SAR-Altimetry Backscatter in Ku and C-Band

This study aims to advance the application of state-of-the-art Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-altimetry for inland purposes, focusing on the interaction of signals with arid surfaces. A critical parameter in this exploration is the backscatter coefficient. Our analysis encompasses a thorough examination of C- and Ku-Band backscatter coefficients across diverse land cover types in Africa and South America. Emphasizing the temporal aspect, we assess the behavior of backscatter coefficients over the course of a year. The sensitivity of the backscatter coefficient to surface moisture content reveals distinct patterns associated with varying land cover types. Additionally, our findings contribute significantly to the understanding of SAR-Altimetry signals over non-water surfaces, offering valuable insights into the dynamic nature of these signals over time.