Sedimentology Mapping
Unconsolidated sediments, such as those deposited by glaciers, are often manifested as topographic relief. The ability to image sedimentological units is a result of the side-looking configuration of radar which highlights topographic relief. Sediments also have characteristic grain sizes with different moisture holding capacities, and they may produce a characteristic surface roughness. Radar is sensitive to changes in Moisture and roughness, which results in contrasting backscatter between different sediments. Each consolidated type shows unique erosional patterns, including karsting in carbonates and bedding in clastic environments.

RADARSAT beam mode - All beam modes are suitable for sedimentology mapping. The final beam mode selection is dependent on the areal coverage and level of detail required. Generally, Fine and Standard beam modes are best suited for detailed sedimentology mapping, while Wide and ScanSAR are better for basin-wide sedimentology mapping.

RADARSAT incidence angle - If sedimentology mapping is carried out based on the delineation of topographic relief, shallow incidence angles are ideal for enhancing subtle terrain features. If sedimentology mapping is carried out based on soil moisture differences, steep incidence angles are preferred to minimize backscatter associated with soil roughness. If sedimentology mapping is carried out based on the determination of surface roughness, shallow incidence angles are better as they maximize the contrast in surface roughness.

Look direction - In areas of moderate to high relief, acquisition of both ascending and descending passes allows the true form of topographic features to be represented.

When to acquire RADARSAT data - If sedimentology mapping is carried out based on soil moisture or surface roughness, then the data should be acquired when vegetation is at a minimum to avoid having the vegetation response to RADARSAT's energy dominate the backscatter.