Detection of sand-covered geologic features in the Arabian Peninsula using SIR-C/X-SAR data

Eolian sand covers a large part of the Arabian Peninsula. The flow of eolian sand is ongoing, and sand covers bedrock as well as fluvial features of the Peninsula; consequently, there is a gap in the understanding of the geological processes shaping the region. The extensive coverage of Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR-C/X-SAR) data over the Arabian Peninsula has provided a new means of mapping sand obscured features. The preliminary interpretation of the data has identified several sites where L-band reveals sand-covered geological structures and drainage channels that are not shown on published maps and are not traceable with more conventional methods. The indications are that these radar data may lead to improving the geological and fluvial geomorphic understanding of the region.