High-Resolution Forward Modeling of Sentinel-1 Observations at High Altitude in Complex Topography

Yueqian Cao, Ana P. Barros

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Sentinel-1 C-band SAR observations over the high-altitude Senator Beck Basin in Colorado show spatial patterns strongly modulated by local topography. An uncalibrated coupled snow hydrology-radiative transfer model driven by downscaled atmospheric reanalysis data (30-m, 15-min) was applied to simulate the spatial and temporal evolution of the backscattering behavior of the seasonal snowpack without vegetation. Model simulations were corrected to capture the impact of complex topography on the viewing geometry. The moisture-attenuated background backscattering field was estimated from a small number of averaged summertime measurements under snow-free conditions. The comparison between the results shows good agreement (< 3 dB) between simulated and observed backscattering fields except in very steep slopes (> 25°). Localized higher discrepancies at lower elevations and relatively flat terrain can be unambiguously attributed to underestimation of snowfall in the reanalysis data.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIGARSS 2022 - 2022 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages6833-6835
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)9781665427920
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Event2022 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, IGARSS 2022 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Duration: Jul 17 2022Jul 22 2022

Publication series

NameInternational Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS)
Volume2022-July

Conference

Conference2022 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, IGARSS 2022
Country/TerritoryMalaysia
CityKuala Lumpur
Period7/17/227/22/22

Keywords

  • Forward Modeling
  • Sentinel-1
  • Snowpack Microwave Behavior
  • Topographic Correction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science Applications
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

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