Investigating correlations between radar data and mangrove forests characteristics

Presents a statistical analysis of multifrequency and multipolarisation SAR data acquired over mangrove forests of French Guyana. A large SAR data set, acquired by both spaceborne (ERS-1, JERS-1, SIR-C) and airborne (NASA/JPL AIRSAR) systems has been collected. Different test sites were selected in French Guyana, in order to picture the successional stages of mangrove dynamics, characterized by their specific floristic, structural and functioning parameters. Intensive field measurements were performed over these sites. Standing biomass values are then derived. This data set is used to assess the capability of SAR systems to retrieve structural parameters of mangrove forests. Statistical relationships between AIRSAR multipolarisation data and mangrove parameters are shown.