On the Characterization of Frequency-Persistent Scatterers in Split-Band Interferometry

Split-Band Interferometry (SBInSAR) requires the presence of reliable frequency-persistent scatterers within the studied scene. However, the physical nature of such reflectors is still poorly known. In this work, we perform a temporal analysis over the region of the Virunga Volcanic Province (Democratic Republic of Congo - DRC) and we show that frequency-persistent scatterers are not necessarily stable over time. We study and quantify the effect of the range resolution loss due to the bandwidth degradation in the SBInSAR process. Finally, radiometric information and spectral coherence are used to show that frequency-persistent scatterers cannot be associated to a specific scattering mechanism.