A model relating VHF-band backscatter to stem volume of coniferous boreal forest

A physical model is presented describing the backscatter from coniferous bo real forests in the lower VHF-band in terms of Stem volume. By using measur ements of mean amplitude in high-resolution SAR images (rather than intensi ty), a linear dependence on stem volume can be obtained. The model fits wel l with the measurements made using the coherent all radio band sensing (CAR ABAS) SAR in the southern boreal forest, indicating the possibility of retr ieving stem volume, and hence biomass, with an accuracy similar to that rea ched by standard ground-based measurements. No saturation of the scattering is seen up to biomasses of 550 m(3)/ha.