SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR FOR GEOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS IN THE MOIST TROPICS: EXPERIENCES FROM THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON REGION

Abstract

A reasonable amount of airborne and orbital Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, with distinct characteristics (frequency, polarization, viewing terrain geometry, resolution, etc.), has been acquired over the Amazon Region during the last decade. As the region is involved in rain, cloud, haze and smoke, SAR images are invaluable in providing geological information due the enhancement of the terrain caused by the side-viewing geometry, and the all-weather sensing capability. In this paper, we discuss the effects of the sensor/terrain variables on geological mapping and exploration using C-band SAR examples from the Tapajós National Forest and Carajás Province. The experience with this kind of remote sensing data in the tropics has shown that an effective applicability of the technology is obtained when a consistent background in SAR imagery, digital image processing and photointerpreter´s skill are taken into account in the approach.