L-band polarimetric SAR-signatures of lava flows in the Northern Volcanic Zone, Iceland

Studies of radar scattering signatures typical for lava surfaces are needed in order to interprete SAR images of volcanic terrain on the Earth and on other planets, and to establish a physical basis for the choice of optimal radar configurations for geological mapping. The authors focus on a study of polarimetric L-band radar signatures observed over different lava flows located in the Northern Volcanic Zone in Iceland. Intensity images with a high spatial resolution are well suited for geological interpretation, both in the discrimination of lava flows from the surrounding terrain and in the recognition of different morphologic types within a flow. The largest contrasts are observed at cross-polarization. The phase difference between the VV- and HH-channels may provide information about a vegetation cover on the lava. The radar signal scattered from the flows is dominated by surface scattering contributions with a comparatively large fraction of multiple scattering. Other scattering mechanisms can not be recognized.