Observations and simulations of the ERS wind scatterometer response over a Sahelian region

ERS-1 wind-scatterometer data acquired over a saharo-sahelian region located in the Gourma (Mali) during the period 1992-1995, are analysed. Experimental observations show that σ°(45°) temporal data display a marked seasonality associated with the development and senescence of annual grasses during the rainy seasons. The interpretation of the temporal σ° plots is performed with the assistance of a semi-empirical backscattering model combined with an ecosystem grassland model. The use of this model allows the total biomass to be estimated with a 33% error