Geological application for natural resource analysis with the PALSAR data

PALSAR (Phased Array L-band SAR) is planned to launch in the summer, 2002 as one of sensors carried by ALOS. L-band microwave can penetrate the thin forest to the ground. The bigger off-nadir angle realizes a less distorted image and 10 m ground resolution. These specifications are convenient for geological interpretation. And full polarization data could supply new information for geological study. The SAR can receive data from the Earth´s surface even under cloudy, rainy and dark conditions. The geological application field expected for PALSAR is rock type and geologic structures analysis. Multi-temporally acquired data are applied for the rock type classification. Interferometry is expected to extract the land deformation by faults, volcanic activity, subsidence, landslides, etc. The information is quite applicable for deciding access route locations, pipelines, and for observing areas/facilities after construction