Military Hydrology. Report 16. Assessment of Shuttle Imaging Radar and Landsat Imagery for Ground-Water Exploration and Arid Environments

摘要

This report provides: 1) an evaluation of suitability of Landsat imagery to bridge the gap between shuttle radar flight lines; 2) a discussion of the circumstances under which either remote sensor may be superior for detecting relict drainage systems; and 3) an assessment of the value of imaging radar for ground-water exploration in arid regions. The investigation indicates that relict fluvial channels initially inferred on shuttle imagery can be extended and mapped on a regional basis if the Landsat imagery data base is properly selected and processed. Success of military operations in such desert areas depends on the location of sufficient quantities of water to sustain the force. The utility of SIR and Landsat imagery for mapping relict fluvial channels in arid regions is therefore important to the military, particularly with the attention currently being directed toward Southwest Asia. Keywords: Aircraft radars; Arid terrain; Ground-water exploration; Imaging radar; Landsat; Radar remote sensing; Radar rivers; Relict fluvial channels; Satellite remote sensing; shuttle radars. (EDC)