Subcontinental Geologic Mapping using the MMRS Sensor (SAC-C Satellite Mission-Matutine Constellation). - An example of central regions of South America

Roberto Torra
Departamento de Geociencias.
Facultad de Ingeniería
Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Güemes st. No. 749.
H3500CBO, Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina.
E-mail: roberto_torra@arnet.com.ar
Introduction
This paper is focused in describe and interpret the main geologic features of about 500.000 km2 located at the central South America region. The study is mainly based on the use of remote sensing low resolution -throught with a large area coverage- satellital data and techniques.
The study area comprises a fair rectangle outlined between 22º 00’ - 33º 00’ South Latitude and 54º 00’ - 62º 00’ West Longitude.
The study area embrace all the northeastern sector of Argentina, the west of Uruguay, the south, west and east of Paraguay and some neighbouring small sectors belonging to Bolivia and Brazil (see Figure 1).
The study was carried out working on SAC - C Satellite Mission images raw data named as path 223/000, 224/000, 225/000, 226/000, 227/000, 228/000 and 229/000 (orbits) which belong to the multispectral medium resolution sensor (MMRS). This is a 125 meters on-board optical-pixel resolution scanner-instrument.
Techniques of digital image processing were used to handle the BSQ satellital acquired data. Therefore we were able to create the corresponding scene compositions, mosaicking and cutting them and so delimited all the study area by means of computational procedures.
The final composicion used was 4/5/3 which adapted adecuately to conspicuous physiographical conditions on the wet seasson (summer and automn). Anywere we too used a 3/4/5 composicion in order to compare with 4/5/3 and so be able to extrapolate some very well known trainning areas of wide typical cobertures. These cobertures were perfectly checked out into the field and learn us many keys to later interpretation.
The clouded areas were, in general, minus than 5-10 in percentage on the entire mosaick (small sectors located at the extreme north and south of the builded mosaick).
Few studies were maked in regard with the South American continent physical and geological main elements present into the specific literature and concerning with extensive large areas of this area. However, many semi-regional studies exists in all countries here involucred. This reason let us to intend to summarize a logical comprehension design of some geologic phenomena within a regional context. That is to say, we begun a preliminary synthesis by means of the use of remote sensing as a tool for helful investigations. However, many years of field work seve us for the support of several of presents interpretations.
Because its very low costs (SAC - C digital optical data), to present days result imperative use satelitary images which could enourmosly help us into regional until subcontinental studies and analyses conducting to quickly and precise interpretations. This is a primary steep to overcome the study and analyses of the reasonable land use and land management. Then, we be able to create logical proxies for long sustainable development.