Interpretation of polarimetric radar signatures of mangrove forests

Polarimetric AIRSAR data acquired over a variety of mangrove forests are analyzed with the assistance of a three-layer radiative transfer model. The necessary input parameters to the model come from detailed ground measurements performed in 12 mangrove stands that are representative of the different successional stages of the mangrove forest dynamics. On the whole, P-band provides the most pronounced polarimetric signatures. Among the polarimetric parameters, the polarization ratio is found to be useful for analyzing scattering mechanisms and for discriminating between various forest stages. Comparison between AIRSAR data and simulations shows that the model is able to describe the overall radar signature of mangrove forests at P-, L- and C-band. However, this study also points out the limitation of such models. (C) Elsevier Science Inc., 2000.