Analysis of the Canadian boreal forest using enhanced resolution ERS-1 scatterometer imagery

Scatterometer backscatter measurements (σ°) are primarily and traditionally used to estimate wind speed and direction over the ocean. This paper presents an investigation of the backscatter coefficient of boreal forest and neighboring vegetation regions. ERS-1 backscatter A-values of the Canadian boreal forest are imaged using a resolution enhancement algorithm for this analysis. Regions of boreal forest, tundra, and grassland are individually analyzed over the extent of the ERS-1 scatterometer´s data set (1992-1995). The annual variation of the mean σ° value for each region is presented. Distinct seasonal variations exist for these vegetation types. Boreal forests exhibit a stronger response (~2.5 dB) during warm summer months than during the snow and ice covered winter months. The results of this study indicate good potential for further analysis of boreal forest regions using ERS-1 scatterometer data