Relevant polarimetric parameters for surface characterization using SAR data

The first part of this work introduces the Integral Equation Model (IEM) in order to characterize the polarimetric behaviour of backscattered signals from rough surfaces. In a second step, from the Cloude/Pottier Eigenvector/value based Polarimetric decomposition theorem, polarimetric descriptors sensitive to surface parameters are presented. The particular case of the parameter called anisotropy is studied in depth. In order to take into account the reflexion symmetry hypothesis considered for natural surfaces, a new polarimetric parameter, the ERD, is presented and compared to anisotropy.