Estimation of Postfire Reforestation with SAR Polarimetry and NDVI Time Series

Abstract

This communication is devoted to the methodology of remote complex analysis of forest restoration after strong wildfires. It is proposed to quantify the projective leaf/needles area index by multispectral optical images. The increase in dimensions of trunks and branches commensurate with a radar wavelength of 24 cm is estimated using radar polarimetric data. It is shown that the growth’s potential of aboveground biomass in different spots of test site ranges from 35 to 70% in the case under consideration. Such a new approach will make it possible to further consider more accurately the role of boreal forests as one of the largest carbon stocks.