MODELING OF GEOMETRIC-PROPERTIES OF LOBLOLLY-PINE TREE AND STAND CHARACTERISTICS FOR USE IN RADAR BACKSCATTER STUDIES

An approach is presented to physically describe the tree and canopy components within loblolly pine forests in studies of microwave backscattering from forested canopies. The approach is based on a set of algorithms which describe the biomass characteristics of individual trees using measurements of tree diameter, height, and canopy depth. These algorithms predict bole, branch, and needle biomass; number, sizes, and orientations of primary and smaller branches; and number and density of needle clumps. Methods are discussed to aggregate the individual tree measurements into stand measurements (i.e., measurements per unit area). The results of the model clearly show how biomass distribution between tree components and canopy layers varies as a function of stand age for loblolly pines. The results also show the approach can be used to predict changes in the branch size and orientation within the canopy as a function of stand age, both on an individual tree basis as well as an entire stand basis.