Search results for "loss coefficients"

Estimation of vegetation loss coefficients and canopy penetration depths from SMAP radiometer and IceSAT lidar data

2017

In this study the framework of the τ — ω model is used to derive vegetation loss coefficients and canopy penetration depths from SMAP multi-temporal retrievals of vegetation optical depth, single scattering albedo and ICESat lidar vegetation heights. The vegetation loss coefficients serve as a global indicator of how strong absorption and scattering processes attenuate L-band microwave radiation. By inverting the vegetation loss coefficients, penetration depths into the canopy can be obtained, which are displayed for the global forest reservoirs. A simple penetration index is formed combining vegetation heights and penetration depth estimates. The distribution and level of this index reveal…