The sensitivity of SIR-C backscatter to fire-related forest spatial patterns

Abstract

This research investigates the use of Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR-C) data to analyze spatial patterns in forests experiencing different fire histories between 1943 and 1994. C-HH, C-HV, L-HH, and L-HV band data were used to calculate mean backscatter (σ°) and several landscape metrics (e.g., largest patch index, mean patch size, edge density, and patch richness). We assessed the relationship between σ° and fire history, as well as spatial patterns and fire history. Significant (p < 0.05) results were obtained for landscape metrics derived from σ° and several fire history variables, although we did not find significant relationships (p < 0.05) between mean backscatter and fire occurrence. Copyright © 2005 by V. H. Winston & Son, Inc. All rights reserved.