REMOTE SENSING

Remote sensing is the science of gathering data at a distance. Though this usually means by satellite or aircraft, it can also be as simple as taking a photo from your digital camera. Applications of remote sensing to geology include structural and lithologic mapping, lineament analysis, and spectral studies. Remote sensing is a great tool to study remote, inhospitable, and large areas. That is why studying Antarctica in this way is so beneficial!

Landsat ETM+ Satellite; from Drury

Terra Satellite, which carries the ASTER sensor.

In the recent past, the remote sensing research done in Terry’s Lab has involved passive satellite data, which includes multispectral imagery such as of Landsat and ASTER. An archive of data exists for portions of Antarctica and other areas of interest in Terry’s Lab for use at any time, including some photographic and radar data.

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data (from Sabins, 1997).

Image processing allows the interpreter to manipulate an otherwise normal satellite image in various ways in order to enhance the geological features being sought. This can include anything from adding false color to edge enhancement to utilizing the power of digital elevation models (DEMs).

ASTER imagery after false color has been applied (left) and an example of an edge-enhanced ASTER image (right)

Slope (left) and aspect (right), as calculated from a DEM using GIS.