On the SAR Backscatter of Burned Forests: A Model-Based Study in C-Band, Over Burned Pine Canopies

A discrete scattering model, based on the radiative-transfer theory, is used to simulate the backscattering of burned pine canopies at C-band. The model is first parameterized either with direct field measurements on a selected burned area in Greece or with proper estimations of the required variables, for which direct measurements were not possible. The simulated backscatter at VV polarization was compared against European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS-2) observations. The comparison was based on the observed backscattering of nine burned plots, during four different postfire acquisitions (n = 36). In general, the model provides satisfying estimations of the backscattering with a root-mean-square error of 1.01 dB. The copolar signal for both HH and VV showed a mild decrease with increasing fire impacts and was considerably affected by the incidence angle. From the experiments performed in the simulated environment, it is concluded that the SAR copolar (C-band) backscatter varies with respect to certain fire impact levels. Other important acquisition- or stand-dependent variables (such as incidence angle and snag age) were also found to impact the relationship between backscatter and fire impacts. Finally, the backscattering variability on increasing volumetric soil moisture (VSM) and snag moisture was examined. The increase of VSM from 20% to 30% amplified the signal in both copolarized bands by 1.2-1.5 dB. This amplification was more apparent on VV polarization than in HH polarization. Instead, the HH signal proved to be more sensitive on the increase of snag moisture, which was tested under a stable dry soil.