SOIL-MOISTURE PROFILES FROM MULTIFREQUENCY RADAR DATA AT BASIN-SCALE

Multifrequency radar data are used to investigate the possibility offe red by microwave remote sensing in estimating soil moisture on bare so il fields. Surface soil moisture values obtained from the inversion of a theoretical scattering model for the MAC-Europe '98 airborne campai gn are compared with sampled ground measures of soil moisture for the Virginiolo experimental catchment (Tuscany, Italy). The radar signal p enetration depth is then analysed for the examined fields comparing so il moisture values measured at two different depths and simulated valu es retrieved from the inverted radar data at different frequencies. Th e experienced soil moisture exfiltration profiles are detected by the radar signal in L and P band.