Integration of SIR-C/X-SAR and Landsat TM data for geologic mapping and resource exploration

The synergetic approach of optical and microwave remote sensing data has established a new dimension in remote sensing due to the availability of different sensor systems for Earth observation. For the present investigation TM data as well as multifrequency and multipolarization SIR-C/X-SAR data were used. On the basis of the Timna Complex in Israel, a copper-manganese-uranium ore deposit, the advantage of this synergetic approach is demonstrated. The study area is located North of Elat and West of the Dead Sea Rift. Due to the fact that the mineralization is controlled mainly by well-defined horizons and structures, the integrated utilization of Landsat TM and SIR-C/X-SAR data allows a far-reaching verification of this deposit. While different rocks can be separated with optical data by their spectral signatures as well as their albedo, the tectonic inventory can be detected by SAR data. Besides structural information multifrequency SAR data provide also important physical information about the surface roughness and the dielectricity as well as the morphology. These parameters can be used also as additional parameters for the mapping of geologic units