Geological and vegetational applications of Shuttle Imaging Radar-B, Mineral County, Nevada

Multiple-incidence angle and multi-azimuth radar data were acquired from a Shuttle platform over test sites in Nevada in October 1984. An attempt was made to correlate these data with ground features for the purpose of evaluating the use of such data for geological and vegetational assessment. Standard ecological parameters with respect to the flora (community composition, dominance, and relative cover) were recorded in the field at the time of overflight. Although a total of 33 species representing 11 plant families were recognized, and plant cover ranged from 13 to 26 percent, radar data could not be used to separate plant communities. The signal return is more a function of abiotic conditions than vegetative characteristics. Illumination geometry plays an important role in the ability to detect strike-slip and dip-slip faults. Local incidence angle is the most important parameter, and SIR-B data takes with small incidence angles are superior for identifying certain styles of faulting. Look direction is critical for detecting faults with a dip-slip component. New structural features were not observed. Problems with radar antenna power and recording significantly affected data quality.