The Use of GPR at the Interpretation of Radar Images of Forest at Meter Wavelength Range

Inhalt:
The analysis of seasonal radar images of forestland obtained by multy-frequency polarimetric SAR complex IMARC (imaging was performed in autumn and winter) revealed a number of specific features which are particularly obvious for VHF band at HH polarization. In order to develop interpretation techniques seven patches of pine-forest were chosen. In the selected regions ground-based measurements of forest parameters were carried out. The comparison of forest reflectivity with measured parameters showed that additional study was required. It was supposed that inhomogeneities of upper soil layer may influence the backscattering. The study of hydrological regime of forest soil cover showed the location of root system in the upper ground layer. The analysis of permittivity spatial fluctuations at different depths was performed by GPR and showed their difference in two forest regions. It could influence the reflectivity of forestland.