Assessing the Benefits of Simulated RADARSAT Constellation Mission Polarimetry Images for Structural Mapping of an Impact Crater in the Canadian Shield

Abstract

Traditional polarization architectures transmit and receive linear polarizations (LL). Canada’s RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) will be equipped with a hybrid architecture that will transmit a circular polarization and receive linear polarizations (CL). The objective of this study is to assess the benefits of CL polarization images, in comparison to LL, for automated structural mapping in Canadian Shield terrain. RADARSAT-2 data acquired over the Manicouagan impact crater are used to simulate RCM data through the Natural Resources Canada RCM-CP (compact polarimetric) v3 program. Circular transmit/receive (CC) polarization images were also generated and included in this study. The structural mapping benefits of each polarization architecture have been assessed via comparisons with a manually inferred fault map, escarpment map, and optical data illustrating faults indicated through extended linear waterbodies. The results demonstrate that the CL and LL architectures provide a complementary overview of the structural geology. CL, in relation to LL, provides a greater spatial extent of lineaments, better optimizes faults expressed through linear waterbodies, and highlights the largest number of manually inferred faults, while LL better recognizes faults related to moderate relief. We conclude that RCM’s CL architecture will provide an additional benefit for structural mapping in the Canadian Shield and equivalent terrains.