Simultaneous Retrieval of Surface Roughness Parameters from Combined Active-Passive SMAP Observations

Abstract

Soil roughness strongly influences processes like erosion, infiltration, moisture and evaporation of soils as well as growth of agricultural plants. An approach to soil roughness based on active-passive microwave covariation is proposed in order to simultaneously retrieve the vertical RMS height (s) and horizontal correlation length (l) of soil surfaces from simultaneously measured radar and radiometer microwave signatures. The approach is based on a retrieval algorithm for active-passive covariation including the improved Integral Equation Method (I2EM). It is tested with the global active-passive microwave observations of NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission. The developed roughness retrieval algorithm shows independence of permittivity for e s > 10 [-] due to the covariation formalism. Results reveal that s and l can be estimated simultaneously by the proposed approach since surface patterns of nonvegetated areas can be assessed on global scale. In regions with sandy deserts, like the Sahara or the outback in Australia, determined s and l confirm rather smooth to semi-rough surface roughness patterns with most frequent vertical RMS heights smaller 3 cm and corresponding higher horizontal correlation lengths (> 8 cm).