Estimates the Forest Canopy Loss using Space Borne C Band SAR Images

During the recent years, it was occurred a large number of natural disasters throughout the world. One of the major reasons behind this is the disturbance in the equilibrium of the natural ecosystems. Deforestation can be identified as a main anthropogenic activity causing destruction of the natural environment. So, the studies on the deforestation have become a timely topic. Sri Lanka is one of the few remaining countries in the world with extensive natural forest cover, but much of the existing forests have been destroyed, mainly by shifting cultivation, logging and by the growth of number of people involved in agriculture. Therefore, the magnitude of deforestation and its consequences on natural processes need to be investigated. So, an attempt was taken in this research to understand the changes in forest cover throughout the study area using Microwave Remote Sensing techniques. The study area was selected in the Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka, because the area is highly deforested due to the human activities.