Polarimetric and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar ; a new way to quantify three-dimensional structure of Earth and planetary surfaces (Pol-InSAR)

The PolInSAR technique is designed to greatly improve estimates of forest biomass and ecosystem 3D structure . This application is also of special interest in the study of permafrost and analogs of planetary surfaces using radar. We will develop a new estimation technique to quantify three-dimensional radar scattering mechanisms using Polarimetric and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PolInSAR) measurements with GSFC's newly developed DBSAR and later ECOSAR.

This study will employ a three phased approach: SAR image formation and calibration. DBSAR polarimetric and interferometric data analysis. PolInSAR algorithm development, validation and extension.

This project benefits NASA EcoSAR IIP project and future airborne and spaceborne POLInSAR missions.

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