The integration of optical and radar data to characterize mineralogy and morphology of surfaces in Death Valley, California, U.S.A.

Abstract

AVIRIS, TIMS, and AIRSAR data were integrated to provide a better understanding of surface variations in Death Valley, California, U.S.A. Inversion models were used to obtain quantitative measures of surface mineralogy and morphology from the data. The data inversion results were integrated for an alluvial fan site showing that the fan morphology is affected by the mineralogy of the surface. A more accurate geologic map and the relative ages of the fan surfaces were determined. Integrating the inversion results for a portion of the salt flats showed morphological and mineralogical variations that were caused by surface washing and flooding.