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SHUTTLE IMAGING RADAR PROVIDES FRAMEWORK FOR SUBSURFACE GEOLOGIC EXPLORATION IN EGYPT AND SUDAN.

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Abstract

Shuttle Imaging Radar provides a pictorial framework to guide exploration for mineral resources (potential placers), groundwater sources, and prehistoric archaeological sites in the Western Desert of Egypt and Sudan. Documented penetration by the SIR-A signal of dry surficial sediment to depths of a meter or more revealed bedrock geologic features and networks of former stream valleys otherwise concealed beneath windblown sand, alluvium, and colluvial deposits. 'Radar units' mapped on SIR-A images according to relative brightness and degree of mottling correspond to subsurface geologic and topographic features identified in more than 50 test pits. Petrologic examination of pit samples confirms that a variety of depositional environments existed in this now hyper-arid region before it was mantled by windblown sand sheets and dunes. Wet sand was discovered in two buried valleys shown on the radar images and located in the field with the aid of co-registered maps and Landsat images, and a satellite navigation device. Buried valleys whose streams once traversed mineralized zones are potential sites of placers (gold, tin).

Suggested Citation

Breed, C.S., McCauley, J., Schaber, G.G., 1984, SHUTTLE IMAGING RADAR PROVIDES FRAMEWORK FOR SUBSURFACE GEOLOGIC EXPLORATION IN EGYPT AND SUDAN., Proceedings of the International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, Third Thematic Conference: Remote Sensing for Exploration Geology., Colorado Springs, CO, USA.

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title SHUTTLE IMAGING RADAR PROVIDES FRAMEWORK FOR SUBSURFACE GEOLOGIC EXPLORATION IN EGYPT AND SUDAN.
Year Published 1984
Language English
Publisher Environmental Research Inst of Michigan
Publisher location Ann Arbor, MI, USA
First page 949
Conference Title Proceedings of the International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, Third Thematic Conference: Remote Sensing for Exploration Geology.
Conference Location Colorado Springs, CO, USA
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