Improving lineament mapping using RISAT-1 SAR data, Nagpur and surrounding area in central India

Lineaments are the linear geological features can extend from few meters to hundreds of kms. Geologically lineaments are either structural or stratigraphical, typically it will comprise fault, fold axis, bedding contacts, dyke intrusions, shear zone or a straight coast line. Mapping lineaments using remote sensing is economical, faster can act as a preliminary study for geophysical survey such as gravity, electrical, magnetic and seismic etc. Generally, lineaments have been mapped using the optical remote sensing data such as Landsat, Resourcesat etc. For India, Lineaments were mapped using the LISS III and LISS IV of Resourcesat-1 & 2 at a scale of 1:50k. However in tropical region like India, limited exposure of ground due to vegetation cover, lineaments may go unnoticed in optical remote sensing data. This problem can be overcome by Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, which can penetrate ground significantly. With the launch of RISAT-1 satellite, data availability of SAR data is immense for Indian region. Aim of this study to explore the SAR data and merged SAR and optical data for lineament mapping.