TanDEM-X Across-Track Interferometry over Dry Snow Covered Terrain

We analyse bistatic HH-polarised TanDEM-X interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data acquired over winter, dry snow conditions in a sub- Arctic site in Norway. Exploiting the principles of across-track interferometry, the elevation of the scattering phase centre estimated by the phase difference between the two SAR acquisitions. Interference patterns were assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Clearings and forest stands, were analysed. Interferometric phase uncertainty and spatio-temporal consistency were analysed by means of scattering phase centre elevation accuracy and coherence degree, γ with respect to hydro-meteorological conditions. Clearings displayed absolute height errors of < 1 m. The sole approximation was to consider volume decorrelation effects as main source of elevation ambiguities and coherence decay. Principal Component Analysis was conducted to identify the combined influence of variables describing the radar response and scattering centre. However, the derived DEMs attained high vertical accuracy, the sub-meter height errors might relate to snowcover effects. Coherence was strongly influenced by snowpack parameters suggesting TDM coherence inversion may enable snow cover monitoring.