The relationship between ERS-2 SAR backscatter and soil moisture: Generalization from a humid to semi-arid transect

Abstract

Abstract. A linear relationship between ERS-2 SAR backscattering coe cient (s0) and volumetric soil moisture was determined at both ends of a rainfall gradient in Israel. A Normalized radar Backscatter soil Moisture Index (NBMI) was derived and related strongly to soil moisture concentration. This index may allow the mapping of soil moisture conditions over large areas with C band SAR data. 1.