Mapping Boreal Wetlands Using Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar

Carbon and methane emissions from wetlands and lakes can have a large impact on global climate. These ecosystems are dominant features in the northern high latitudes hence the importance of assessing their spatial and temporal extent to improve upon global net carbon exchange estimates. Spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is an effective tool for this purpose since large inaccessible areas can be monitored on a temporal basis regardless of atmospheric conditions or solar illumination and it is sensitive to vegetation and standing water. We employ ERS (C-band, 100 m, VV-polarization) and JERS (L-band, 100 m, HH-polarization) in this study to map wetlands within boreal sub-regions. Large scale L-band SAR mosaics assembled over boreal regions are used with supplementary multi-temporal data for the analysis. Path to path and year to year radiometric differences due predominantly to seasonal changes were a source of confusion. Decision tree classification tools are used to alleviate this problem. Digital elevation models (where available) and derived slope aspect are used to better distinguish drainage patterns. Texture images are used to help differentiate different wetland classes (e.g. fens, bogs, swamps, marshes, and open water). Examples of validated test regions are presented. This work was performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology and the University of Washington under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.