Refinements and tests of a microwave emission model for forests

This paper shows model simulations of forest emissivity at L-band and at global scale. The electromagnetic model developed at Tor Vergata University has been combined with information available from forest literature. Using allometric equations and auxiliary information, the geometric and dielectric inputs required by the model have been related to global variables available at large scale, such as Leaf Area Index. Simulations indicate that, at L-band, leaves are almost transparent, attenuation is mostly due to branches, and soil contribution can be still appreciable, unless the forest is dense. The model is being refined, to consider seasonal variations of foliage cover, subdivided into arboreous foliage and understory contribution. Parametric simulations, as well as comparisons with experimental data, are shown.