On the ability of AirSAR to measure patterns of dielectric constant at the hillslope scale

Abstract

This paper assesses the potential for measuring spatial patterns of dielectric constant using AirSAR images at high spatial resolutions (up to 10 m pixel sizes). Dielectric constant is strongly related to soil moisture. Data from the 10ha Tarrawarra experimental catchment in south-eastern Australia are used. Ground data collected include detailed spatial patterns of dielectric constant measured with time domain reflectometry on a 10 m grid over the 10ha catchment (∼1000 measurements), as well as surface roughness and vegetation characteristics. The average dielectric constant was 16.9, soil moisture was 29.6% volumetric, rms surface roughness height was 1.7 cm and average pasture biomass was..