Farouk El-Baz

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1998

Abstract

This paper describes remotely sensed data that are applicable fothe study of desert geomorphology. The descriptions are intended to allow nercade select the type of data for a particular application, with emphasis on both spatial and spectral resolutions. Although mention is made of photographs obtained by the astronauts, emphasis is placed on automated systems in manned spacecraft (c,g,, the Large Format Camera of the Space Shuttle) and unmanned satellite (such as che digital systems of Landsat and SPOT). Data from the latter satellites are particularly suited to the study of arid surfaces (the multi- spectral data of the Landsat Thematic Mapper) and desert landforms (the sterco images of SPOT). The higher orbit of NOAA's AVHRR Instruments allows a better understanding of regional patterns. Furthermore, the ability of radar wayes to penetrate sand sheets in the desert reveals buried topography. In addition, Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques allow the merging of the image data with other information. Integration of such multiple data-sets into a common GIS nccessitatcs both geo-referencing and data or- ganization. The result assists greatly in the selection of well sites for groundwater explo- ration in drylands, as exemplified by the Sinai Peninsula, Both satellite image data and GIS methodologies should be utilized in the study of desert landforms and the interpreta- tion of desert landscapes This is truc, particularly, for the purpose of development, as in the location of groundwater resources for land reclamation projects.

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