Forest discrimination using SAR multifrequency and multipolarization data

A description of a low to medium frequency forest backscatter model developed by the authors is given. Total backscattering from four forest components through six mechanisms is obtained using techniques including the Stratton-Chu integral, distorted Born and Kirchhoff approximations. Backscattering coefficient, polarization phase difference and polarization index analyses are reported. Simulated results agree with SAR data acquired by the JERS-1 and NASA/JPL AirSAR systems. Discrimination between different forest species, eucalypts and pines, for example, is demonstrated.