Abstract
Since the launch of ERS-1 in 1991, a number of studies
have yielded experimental correlations between the
observed radar backscatter and soil moisture prevalent at
the time of the image acquisition. However at the same
time these empirical results appear to be both site and
time dependent and difficult to generalise unless the
resolution is degraded in order to average out roughness
influences.
Surface roughness is known to play an important role in
the scattering of electromagnetic waves from natural
surfaces. The relative sensitivity of the radar
backscatter to surface roughness compared to that of the
soil moisture depends on the wave characteristics
(frequency, polarisation, incidence) and on the geometric
and dielectric properties of the soil surfaces.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 20-24 |
| Journal | Earth Observation Quarterly |
| Issue number | 62 |
| Publication status | Published - 1999 |
| MoE publication type | B1 Article in a scientific magazine |