Tropical PeatLand Forest Biomass Estimation Using Polarimetric Parameters Extracted from RadarSAT-2 Images

Mirza Waqar,Rahmi Sukmawati,Yaqi Ji,Josaphat Sri Sumantyo

doi:10.3390/land9060193

Mirza Waqar, Rahmi Sukmawati + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/land9060193

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Journal: Land	Publication Date: Jun 10, 2020
Citations: 7	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: State University of Padang, Chiba University

Abstract

This paper was aimed at estimating the forest aboveground biomass (AGB) in the Central Kalimantan tropical peatland forest, Indonesia, using polarimetric parameters extracted from RadarSAT-2 images. Six consecutive acquisitions of RadarSAT-2 full polarimetric data were acquired and polarimetric parameters were extracted. The backscattering coefficient ( σ o ) for HH, HV, VH, and VV channels was computed respectively. Entropy (H) and alpha ( α ) were computed using eign decomposition. In order to understand the scattering behavior, Yamaguchi decomposition was performed to estimate surface scattering ( γ s u r f ) and volume scattering ( γ v o l ) components. Similarly following polarimetric indices were computed; Biomass Index (BMI), Canopy Structure Index (CSI), Volume Scattering Index (VSI), Radar Vegetation Index (RVI) and Pedestal Height ( p h ). The PolSAR parameters were evaluated in terms of their temporal consistency, inter-dependence, and suitability for forest aboveground biomass estimation across rainy and dry conditions. Regression analysis was performed between referenced biomass measurements and polarimetric parameters; VSI, H, RVI, p h , and γ v o l were found significantly correlated with AGB. Biomass estimation was carried out using significant models. Resultant models were validated using field-based AGB measurements. Validation results show a significant correlation between measured and referenced biomass measurements with temporal consistency over the acquisition time period.

Highlights

Aboveground biomass is an important biophysical describing all living biomass above the soil that includes stems, branches, leaves, barks, seeds and foliage in terrestrial ecosystems [1]
Regression analysis was performed between referenced biomass measurements and polarimetric parameters; Volume Scattering Index (VSI), H, Radar Vegetation Index (RVI), ph, and γvol were found significantly correlated with aboveground biomass (AGB)
We described the results of regression between polarimetric parameters and reference biomass measurements

Summary

Introduction

Aboveground biomass is an important biophysical describing all living biomass above the soil that includes stems, branches, leaves, barks, seeds and foliage in terrestrial ecosystems [1]. It plays an important role in maintaining the carbon cycle by removing CO2 from the atmosphere by the process of photosynthesis and storing it in the components of trees. The tropical rainforests are the most significant carbon reservoir They are home to gigantic trees, world-famous plants, birds and a variety of fascinating mammals. Tropical rainforests have the largest living biomass and home to the highest rate of terrestrial biodiversity they are the most endangered habitat and vulnerable to deforestation and degradation.

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