Mapping of Geomorphological Features and Surface Sediments in Nekhel Area, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt Using Integration between Full-polarimetric SAR (RADARSAT-2) and Optical Remote Sensing Data

Abstract

Key element for developing countries in remote sensing research is the availability of data particularly the newly developed sensors such as SAR data. This research aims at exploring the potentiality of utilising RADARSAT-2 (which is obtained freely from Canadian Space Agency) in integration with optical data from Landsat 8 and ASTER sensors for lithological mapping of the Nekhel area, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. Optical enhancements such as Principal Component Analysis together with Spectral rationing of selected bands of Landsat 8 and ASTER data provided an active approach in characterising the surface sediments and mapping the lithology of the area of study. Data fusion of optical and radar remote sensing data using Color Normalization Transformation aided for further characterization and improvement of identification of lithological units. The Freeman-Durden decomposition method used to determine the dominant scattering mechanisms and to outline the current state of the surface cover. Mapping and characterising surface sediment of desert environments regarding their spectral and backscattering characteristics provide essential information on the geomorphology and depositional history to assess their potential use for economic development.