The potential of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for quantifying the biomass of Australia's woodlands

The potential of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for estimating the above gr ound and component biomass of woodlands in Australia is demonstrated using two case studies. Case Study I (Injune, central Queensland) shows that JERS -1 SAR L HH data can be related mole to the trunk than the leaf and branch biomass of woodlands. A strong relationship between L HH and above ground b iomass is obtained when low biomass pasture sites are included. Case Study LI (Talwood, southern Queensland) determines that L and P band data can be related both to trunk and branch biomass, due to the similarity in the orie ntation and size of these scattering elements, and also to total above grou nd biomass. Saturation of the C, L and P band data occurred at approximatel y 20-30 Mg/ha, 60-80 Mg/ha and 80-100 Mg/ha. These preliminary results indi cate that data from SAR are useful for quantifying changes in carbon stocks resulting From land use change in Australia's woodlands and for applicatio ns in rangeland assessment and management.