Mapping Geology of Rugged Terrains Using Remote Sensing Techniques: Case study, Yellowjacket Mountains of Central Idaho High topography in mountainous terranes causes radiometric distortion in remote sensing data. This effect reduces the ability to map lithology based on unique spectra. Numerous workers have created four techniques that minimize the topographic effect in areas with steep slopes. Generally these techniques reduce the ''topographic effect'' in satellite imagery for mapping, although there are extreme radiance values which are unaccountable. For this study, the leader four methodologies for rugged topography will be tested, and because these methodologies have known limitations, a new technique will be developed for mapping lithology and structures using multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing data in rugged Salmon River Mountains. This research will also solve a geological controversy related to the identity of rocks on each sides of a major fault (Iron Lake Fault). The methodologies will be tested in the rugged Himalayas. This work has the potential to greatly improve image classification in rugged terrains.

Grad. Student: Yardenia Martinez Primary Advisor: Dr. Shuhab Khan