Using SnowScat to characterize the backscatter response of water stress in an agricultural canopy
Abstract
SnowScat is a ground-based, fully polarimetric, coherent stepped frequency continuous wave scatterometer operating in the range of 9-18GHz. Since 2009, it has been employed in several field campaigns in Switzerland and Finland to investigate the backscatter characteristics of snow. In this presentation, we will give an overview of its first deployment in an agricultural application. In July 2013, it was installed above a maize canopy in Flevoland in the Netherlands. The objective is to characterize the backscatter response of vegetation in response to natural variations in moisture availability. Backscatter is measured hourly at a range of incident and elevation angles. Meteorological data, soil moisture profiles and vegetation stage are combined to quantify water stress. Regular destructive vegetation sampling and dielectric property measurements are used to monitor variations in the canopy water content. Additional ancillary measurements include temperature profiles and NDVI measurements. Here, we will present a description of the installation, a summary of the data collected and some preliminary results.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013AGUFM.H43G1556S
- Keywords:
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- 1855 HYDROLOGY Remote sensing;
- 1880 HYDROLOGY Water management;
- 1818 HYDROLOGY Evapotranspiration;
- 1812 HYDROLOGY Drought