Geomorphology-

Applications of Remote Sensing
 
What is Geomorphology?

Geomorphology is the study of landforms and landscapes, including the description, classification, origin, development, and history of planetary surfaces.

~~NASA's Geomorphology From Space
   
What aspects of Remote Sensing make it useful in Geomorphology?

  • Satellite Images cover large areas

  • Digital format of images allows for quantitative measurements

  • Digital Image Processing Techniques pull information from imagery that may not be seen with the naked eye

  • Different types of Remote Sensing (radar, hyperspectral, multi-spectral, thermal) can be used to extract information

  • Remote Sensing is often cheaper than on-site analysis and useful in providing preliminary results
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Areas of Geomorphology that make use of Remote Sensing
 
  • Earth feature formation and change over time
  • Glacial Movement and Composition
  • Coastal Monitoring
  • Natural Hazards-Earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides
  • Soil Changes - Desertification
  • Erosion
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Types of Remote Sensing useful in Geomorphologic Interpretation of:
 
Radar
       
  • Active remote sensing system that sends energy out and senses energy returned
  • Spans electromagnetic spectrum from approximately 1 mm to 1m
  • Depending on the wavelength, microwave energy can be sensed at night, penetrate the atmosphere, clouds, and smoke
  • Side-looking radar accentuates topographic features
   Radar Links:

Geomorphic Applications of Digital Elevation Models Derived from ERS-1 and SAR-C

SIR-C/X-SAR Space Radar Images of Earth

Radarsat Interactive Classroom- Geologic Applications

NASA/JPL Imaging Radar Program
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Hyperspectral
   
  • Acquire images in narrow bands
  • Extract information that is typically 'lost' in wider bands
  • Creates data that can sometimes be substituted for ground site surveys
  • Spectral signatures have been developed for types of vegetation, minerals, rock types, and soils
  • Identification of soil and rock type lead geologists to information regarding their formation and future uses
   Hyperspectral Links:

Spectral International Inc.- Airborne Hyperspectral Mapping Case Study

University of Texas - Research Project on Coastal Morphology

University of New South Wales, Sidney, Australia-HyMap study of soil salinity
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Multi-Spectral
 

  • Operate in optical spectrum from approximately .3 to 14 µm

  • Includes UV, visible, near-IR, mid-IF, and thermal IR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum

  • Typically collect less than ten bands

  • Spectral signatures have been developed of earth materials

  • Satellite imagery allows for global coverage

   Multi-spectral Links:

ISRO-Geological and Geomorphologic Mapping

USGS-Using Remote Sensing to Detect Active Dust Storms and Map Areas Vulnerable to Aeolian Erosion

USGS-Forecasting Changes in the Southwest Under Future Climatic Scenarios

USGS-Wind Erosion Vulnerability/Change Detection
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Thermal
     
  • Detectors sense emitted energy
  • High atmospheric interactions restrict sensing to 3 to 5 µm, and 8 to 14 µm
  • Time of day is important when analyzing emitted energy
  • Spectral signatures have been developed for thermal remote sensing
  • Water temperatures are more constant than most earth materials
   Thermal Links:

Michigan Technological University -Remote Sensing Perspective, Report for EOS Volcanology Team

Airborne Data Systems Inc.- Thermal Sensing for Fire Detection

Educational Site-Thermal Radiation Principles

Kilauea Virtual Field Trip

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References
 
Information on this page was attained from the following sources:

NASA's- Geomorphology from Space: (http://daac.gsfc.nasa.gov/DAAC_DOCS/geomorphology/GEO_HOME_PAGE.html)

Kiefer, Ralph W. and Lillesand, Thomas M. Remote Sensing. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2000
 
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