A Model for Backscattering Characteristics of Tall Prairie Grass Canopies at Microwave Frequencies
Abstract
We have developed a discrete microwave scattering model, describing the radar backscattering coefficient from two treatments (burned and unburned) of tall prairie grass canopies at VV (electric field vector of the transmitted and received signals are vertically oriented) and HH (electric field vector of the transmitted and received signals and horizontally oriented) polarizations, based on the physical, biophysical, and geometrical characteristics of such canopies. Grass blades are modeled as thin and finite dielectric ellipsoids with arbitrary orientations. Scattering by an individual grass blade is formulated using a generalization of the Rayleigh-Gans approximation with a quasistatic solution for the expansion of the interior field. By associating, with each grass blade, various appropriate distribution functions, the relative orientation, location, height, cross section, and permittivity of each grass blade is taken into account. This makes for a more realistic overall description of the canopy. Kirchhoff's surface scattering is used to model the backscatter from the soil surface. An incoherent summation of the effect of grass blades and soil surface is adopted to obtain the total canopy backscattering coefficient, taking into account the attenutaion experienced by the signal as it travels through the canopy. The results of this model are given for 1.5, 5, and 10 GHz (L-, C-, and X-band). Although for the shorter wavelengths (X-band) the Rayleigh-Gans criteria is not totally satisfied, nevertheless, the limited available measured X-band data compare relatively well with the results of this model both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Recommended Citation
S. Bakhtiari and R. Zoughi, "A Model for Backscattering Characteristics of Tall Prairie Grass Canopies at Microwave Frequencies," Remote Sensing of Environment, vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 137 - 147, Elsevier, May 1991.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/0034-4257(91)90036-6
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Backscattering; Grass Canopy; Microwave Scattering; Prairie Grass
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0034-4257
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 1991 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 May 1991