Use of multifrequency, multipolarization shuttle imaging radar for volcano mapping in the Kunlun Mountains of Western China

A group of volcanoes northeast of Aksayqin Lake, in the western Kunlun Mountains, China, have been identified on multifrequency, multipolarization spaceborne imaging radar-C/X-band synthetic aperture radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) images. Field observations made on the volcanic morphology and terrain features are described in this paper. Analysis of single-band, single-polarization radar backscatter coefficients (σ°) shows that LHV best discriminates the two types of lava flows (pahoehoe and aa lavas), alluvium, and bedrock. The factors affecting the radar backscatter coefficient also are analyzed. Finally, this paper presents KAr isotopic ages of volcanic samples collected in the field and discusses the volcanism in the area.