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This study is an extension of earlier research which demonstrated the utility of ERS SAR data for detection and monitoring of re-disturbed boreal forests of Alaska. Fire scars were mappable in Alaska due to the ecological changes that occur post-burn including increased soil moisture. High soil moisture caused a characteristic enhanced backscatter signal to be received by the ERS sensor from burned forests. Since regional ecological di V erences in the global boreal biome may have an e V ect on post-re ecosystem changes, it may also a V ect how re scars appear in C-band SAR imagery. In the current study we evaluate the use of C-band SAR data to detect, map and monitor boreal re scars globally. Study sites include four regions of Canada and an area in central Russia. Fire boundaries were mapped from SAR data without a priori knowledge of re scar locations. SAR-derived maps were validated with re service records and eld checks. Based on results from test areas in Northwest Territories, Ontario, southeastern Quebec, and central Russia, C-band SAR data have high potential for use in detecting and mapping re scars globally.

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