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Using Radar Images as a Tool to Study Geomorphology and Geology of the

Chaiyaphum Area, Thailand

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International Conference on Geology, Geotechnology and Mineral Resources of Indochina(Geo-Indo’95)
22-25 November1995, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Using Radar Images as a Tool to Study Geomorphology and

Geology of the Chaiyaphum Area, Thailand.
Sunya Sarapirome
Geologic Survey Division, Department of Mineral Resources, Bangkok, Thailand

Aim-orn Tassanasorn
School of Geotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Rasamee Suwanwerakamtorn
Remote Sensing Division, National Research Council, Bangkok, Thailand

1995

Abstract

This study concerns the attempt to use the air-borne radar images as a tool to
investigate geomorphology and geology of the Chaiyaphum area, Thailand, mainly on
the basis of visual interpretation. Limited field check was additionally carried out. As
a result, seven geomorphic units, six rock units and four units of unconsolidated
sediments are classified. They are described in terms of variations in surface
expression, relevant geomorphic processes, lithology and its resistance, image
characteristics, and relations of units. Structures such as curvilinear features,
lineaments and bedding are examined. Comparison of the radar images to other
available remote sensing data used for this activity is made as well.

1. Introduction

Radar imagery has been recorded as useful data for geologic and
environmental applications for quite a long time. For example, Parry (1974)
reported that the radar imagery is considered advantageous for terrain analysis
particularly in the reconnaissance stage. Simonett and Davis (1983) discussed
utilization and techniques of radar imagery for geologic features interpretation,
landscape analysis, integrated reconnaissance natural resource surveys, etc.
Singhroy et al.(1993) evaluated the encouragement of SAR (Synthetic Aperture
Radar) data for multi-disciplinary geologic applications in a number of different
geologic areas. The result has shown their utilities in fields of geologic
mapping, mineral and hydrocarbon explorations as well as geologic hazard
studies. Radar data are advantage as an exploration tool in tropical
environments as well (Dekker and Nazarenko, 1994). They help solve problems
on difficult traversability, cloud cover and the presence of a dense canopy.
 2

In Thailand, geologic study using SAR data is very limited. Feasibly, a

good example is the study of Udomratn, et al.(1983). They used 1:500,000- and
1:250,000-scaled radar images to study geology, by means of visual
interpretation, of Takua Pa - Songkhla area in southern peninsular Thailand.
They found these images are effective data source for regional mapping, within
such a long-period cloudy area, particularly in terms of lithologic and structural
discriminations.
In this study, an attempt has been made to use the air-borne radar images
as a tool to interpret geomorphology and geology of the Chaiyaphum area. The
images used were acquired in the Phase I of the GlobeSAR Project which is a
part of the preparation for the launch of Canada’s RADARSAT satellite (Bayer
et al., 1993; and Lapp et al., 1994). The result of the study would be used to
simulate the applications of these data with data being acquired from the
RADARSAT in the near future.
The air-borne radar images used in this study are parallel-polarized
(HH) of C-band with no geometric correction. This HH mode always produces
the strongest return signal which is good for mapping system. The images'
resolution is as fine as 6x6 m and their scale is approximately 1:100,000. They
were acquired in the approximately west looking.
The study is carried out entirely based on visual interpretation, previous
geologic work consultation and field check. The result of the study will reveal
the value of radar images used for geomorphic and geologic interpretation. The
method used and categorization designed, particularly in terms of
geomorphology, in this study would possibly be useful for further study in the
areas with similar geologic setting.

2. Interpretation techniques and criteria

As same as normal optical sensor images, basic image elements used in

interpretation include tone, texture, pattern, size, shape, shadow, and
association. However, tone, the primary element, apparent on radar image is the
result in essence of backscattering radar energy instead of light energy
reflection. These basic elements further provide information which includes
drainage, relief, slope, vegetation, and rock and soil, which reflect geomorphic
and geologic features (Gupta, 1991). Several useful examples of radar data
interpretation for different geologic terrains and structural features are provided
by Sabins (1987).
Principally, the radar return is influenced by the physical characteristics
of the terrain surfaces illuminated by radar beam. The characteristics consist of
complex dielectric constant of material, surface geometry, and local relief and
slope (Parry, 1977). The dielectric constant will increase with the increasing
material moisture. This electrical property of material controls the radar
penetration and return. When other factors remain identical, material with
 3

higher dielectric constant can reflect more radar energy than the one with lower
dielectric constant.
Surface geometry which comprises roughness and orientation relatively
plays more important role in controlling radar return than the dielectric constant
of material. For example, a smooth surface, with even though higher dielectric
constant, provides lower return than a rough surface. With identical surface
roughness, material with the higher dielectric constant/moisture content
provides higher radar return.
Look direction of radar images is significant to the linear geologic
feature as well. These features such as faults, lineaments, ridges and valleys are
strongly enhanced in the image if they are oriented at a normal or oblique angle
to the radar look direction. Local relief, slope, and aspect as well as orthogonal
orientation of facets are characteristics of these features related to the amount
and pattern of the radar return. These characteristics also cause producing
shadowing, layover and fore-shortening effects on images which in turn
influence the interpretation. In addition, depression angle of radar will affect
the micro relief detection. The detection will be better when the angle is
decreased.
The above-mentioned criteria generate diversified nature of basic
elements on images, which link to variations of attributes of the geomorphic
and geologic features. Examples of the attributes to be interpreted are
morphology, lithology, structure, etc. However, to intensify the interpretation
ability, an experience geoscientist who comprehends general geologic
background of the study area is preferred.

3. Geomorphology of the study area

The Mekong Secretariat (1978) classified the geomorphology of the

Khorat plateau to be five main landform types, namely, hill and mountain, high
terrace, middle terrace, low terrace and alluvial plain. The purpose of this
classification is more or less related to the presentation of salt. In 1986, Tamura
introduced an interesting hypothetical geomorphologic development in
changing environment and related soil formation. He suggested a series of
processes of regolith and landform formations in northeast Thailand.
In this study, geomorphology of the area (Fig. 1) is considered to be
characterized by different landforms transitional changing from highland
through structure-controlled terrain, erosional upland to plain. The geometry,
surface expression, materials and processes affecting are used as criteria to
classified the area into seven geomorphic units. They can be described as
follows:
4
 5

Highland
The mountainous part in the north of the study area is present in forms of
the cuesta which is composed of an escarpment and a dipslope of sandstone
beds. Trend of its ridge lies approximately in the northeast direction. The aspect
of the dipslope is facing to the southeast while of the escarpment is to the
northwest. The intensively erosional process plays an important role in this unit.

Bed-controlled rolling terrain

The unit is extended from the highland but lower elevation due to its less
resistance. Differential resistance of the unit itself results in a series of small
ridges and valleys. The orientation of this alternating ridges and valleys
conforms to the bedding, which exhibits open folds of the rock sequence. This
causes the development of parallel to subparallel drainage pattern. Differential
weathering and erosion are predominantly active processes in the unit.

Undulating terrain
The unit is southerly adjacent to the former unit. Its surface expression
becomes undulating as a result of more subhorizontal bedding. Mostly, trends
of small valleys which are composed to be trellis drainage pattern are closely
related to the traces of bedding and fractures. Weathering and erosion are still
active in the unit.

Dissected upland
Most of separate hills are the erosional remnants of the dissection. They
express relatively low relief with very gentle slope as the same morphology as
mound. Their shapes are irregular with partly controlled by curvilinear features
and some lineaments. On the images, pattern of the unit shows less complicated
than of erosional lowland and low-lying plain.

Erosional lowland
The unit is mainly formed as a residual of weathering and erosion of
soft, fine-grained clastic rocks of the Mahasarakham Formation. This gently
undulating terrain is apparently encompassed those dissected remnants.
Recently, the unit is partly inundated in the wet season. Compared to the low-
lying plain, it shows darker tone and less complicated pattern on the images.

Low-lying plain
The unit is prevalently formed both sides of the main streams and
bounded by elevated areas. It is flat and mostly inundated in the wet season that
causes deposition of fine-grained sediments. The stream channels of the unit
show high sinuosity. Also, natural levees and oxbow lakes are common. The
unit mainly displays irregular texture of white and gray tones in the images as a
result of harvest and plough.
 6

Solution depressions
The irregular-shape solution depressions are always confined scatteredly
in the low-lying plain which is postulated to overlie mainly on the
Mahasarakham sediments. The depressions are normally inundated and show
dark tone on the images. Their development is the result of the solution process
and the mobility of the underneath rock salt.

4. Geology of the study area

The study area is a part of the western Khorat-Ubon basin of which

stratigraphic sequence is composed of alternating resistant and less-resistant
rock units. According to such a differential resistance, the sequence of six
sedimentary bedrock units can be recognized from the radar images covering
the study area.
In addition to the bedrocks, younger unconsolidated sediments are found
regularly cover lower lying areas. Four units of these sediments can be
categorized. The image interpretive geologic map of the study area is displayed
in Figure 2.

Bedrocks

The bedrock geology of this area and the surroundings was previously
mapped by Nakornsri (1977), Chonglakmani and Sattayarak (1979),
Chonglakmani et al. (1979), and Yuyen and Sirinawin (1979). Later, the
stratigraphic sequence of the northeast Thailand was perfectly reviewed by
Sattayarak (1985). The main part of the sequence which is prominent in terms
of spatial presence in the northeast includes the Phu Kradung, Phra Wihan, Sao
Khua, Phu Phan, Khok Kruat, and Mahasarakham Formations. Based on
different image characteristics, the interpretive bedrocks of this study are
fortunately corresponded to these formations.
The followings are description of bedrocks present in the study area.

Bedrock Unit 1
The oldest Unit 1 with low resistance can be compared to the Phu
Kradung Formation. It is located in the northern most of the study area.
Although the relief of the unit is not distinct, low topographic expression of
smooth-textured resistant beds show NE-axis anticline. Rocks are composed of
interbedding of claystone and massive sandstone. Subdendritic pattern is well
developed on this formation. This unit is overlain by the more resistant Unit 2.
7
 8

Bedrock Unit 2
The Unit 2 is matched to the Phra Wihan Formation, which consist of
massive, resistant, light-colored sandstone with some interbedded siltstone and
conglomerate. The unit forms as cuesta of which dip slope obliquely faces to
the look direction of the air-borne radar. The shadow appears as dark stripe on
the escarpment. Comparatively smooth texture indicates less vegetation.
Poorly-developed subparallel drainage pattern are apparent.

Bedrock Unit 3
The less resistant siltstone confining between two resistant formations
essentially characterizes this formation which is equivalent to the Sao Khua
Formation. Weak rectangular drainage appeared as light and smooth-textured,
medium-gray stripes is obviously controlled by bedding and joint. Similar to the
Unit 1, the signature of the unit area shows more spatial variations due to
branches and twigs of trees.

Bedrock Unit 4
The unit is equivalent to the Phu Phan Formation. On the image, massive
beds of pebbly sandstone and conglomerate, formed as explicitly traceable
exposures, are typical for this formation. The alignment of relatively high
topographic expression indicates resistant beds. In contrast, siltstone and shale
occur as low land. Trellis drainage pattern is developed in the unit.

Bedrock Unit 5
This unit, the Khok Kruat Formation, overlies the Phu Phan Formation.
Predominantly, sandstone, siltstone, and claystone form red bed of the
formation. Trellis drainage pattern is distinctively developed and shows as light
stripes due to surface roughness of plough for cultivation.

Bedrock Unit 6
This soft bed of Mahasarakham Formation is mainly composed of
siltstone and claystone. Poorly-developed drainage pattern and irregular texture
are obviously evident of the unit. This would be because of poor cementation of
rocks and various types of cultivation. The Mahasarakham Formation in the
southernmost part of the study area appears as low hills which are the remnants
of weathering processes. Also, the rock structures of the unit are hardly visible
on the image compared to the others.
It is significant to consider the report of Sattayarak and Polachan(1990).
They concluded from the drill hole for petroleum exploration, geophysical
loggings, and seismic profiling data that there is sandstone and siltstone bed of
the Phu Tok Formation generally overlying the Mahasarakham Formation,
particularly the central area of the basin. It is, therefore, possible that sediments
 9

of the Phu Tok Formation might exist in the southern part of the study area
instead of being sediments of the Mahasarakham Formation.

Unconsolidated sediments

The Quaternary geology of northeast Thailand described in terms of

lithostratigraphic units and their characteristics were remarkably summarized
by Boonsener (1991). Apparently, some units of the present study correspond to
the summarization. Using radar images, unconsolidated sediments of the area
can be interpreted to be fluvialtile, residual, and wind deposits as follows:

Gravel deposits
These moderately sorted gravels are composed of quartz, chert and
small content of petrified wood. The sequence of this unit is represented by silt
with secondary pisolitic layers overlying the gravel. In this unit, relatively
smooth texture and poorly developed drainage pattern are apparent on the
images. The interesting hypothesis of the origin of gravels in the northeastern
region has been proposed by Parry (1992).

Residual deposits
The deposits are mainly derived from the Mahasarakham siltstone and
shale. Therefore, their lithology is essentially silt with plenty of lime nodules
and iron oxide pellets. The salt crust is often observed as white patches on the
unit surface. On the images, the unit area fairly shows dendritic drainage
pattern. Its texture and pattern are obviously different from of red silt and
floodplain deposits.

Red silt deposits

The deposits are evidently transported materials covering gravel deposits
and the Mahasarakham Formation at some locations. Boonsener (1977) noticed
that these sediments are the product of loessial deposit. They are relatively
homogeneous and no-internal-structure red silt and less fine sand. The
thickness varies and can be more than 5 m. The morphology of the deposits
express as elongated mounds with regular texture.

Floodplain deposits
The deposits are generally found on both sides of main streams and
mainly composed of silt and clay. Natural levee, particularly both sides of the
Chi River, shows coarse texture because of the presence of big trees. This
deposit is considered as the youngest in the stratigraphic sequence in the study
area.
 10

5. Geologic structures within the study area.

In the study area, structures visible on the images include a part of

anticlinorium, bedding, curvilinear features and lineaments.
The study area is situated on the southeastern flank of an anticlinorium.
Two southerly plunging synclines which are a part of the anticlinorium are
apparent as high elevated area in the north. The bedding plane of the Bedrock
Unit 2 and bedding traces of other bedrock units are obviously recognized on
the images. Few lineaments are present whereas a number of curvilinear
features can be detected. Examples of them are shown in Figure 3. Both
lineaments and curvilinear features frequently appears on the Mahasarakham
Formation and its derivatives. The recent field investigation reveals that they
occur associatedly with salt-crusted area. The area normally shows no
vegetation but a sparsely typical tree - Azimasarmentosa (Bl.)- Benth. & Hook.,
Family SALVADORACEAE or in Thai called Hnam Pung Dor which is
commonly found. Theoretically, the small-scale and large-scale curvilinear
features could be closely related to underneath salt domes as mentioned in the
studies of Supajanya et al.(1992); and Hisao and Wichaidit (1989).
 11

6. Comparison of radar images to other remote sensing data

Other remote sensing data available for comparison to radar images are
airphotos and composite color (band 2, 3, and 4) Landsat 5 TM images.
Unfortunately, this comparison might not be fair due to the fact that some
characteristics e.g. scale, date acquired, and geometric correction of data used
are not exactly alike. Therefore, the comparison made may present the general
idea. In addition, the geomorphic and geologic features including structures of
this area are somewhat understandable that there is no chance for typically
enhancing characteristics of these data to play important role. In other word,
they are not necessarily required. It is, therefore, acceptable that the comparison
result of other areas with different geology might not be the same. Thus, the
comparison of possible advantages and disadvantages of radar images to other
remote sensing data, in terms of applications to geomorphic and geologic
interpretations of the study area, was made and shown in Table 1.

Table 1 The comparison of using radar images and other remote sensing data
for geomorphic and geologic interpretation.

Remote sensing data Radar images Air photos TM images

Characteristics:

Scale 1:100,000 1:50,000 1:50,000

Ground resolution (m) 6x6 (1-2)x(1-2) 30x30

Date acquired February 1994 January 1955 March 1992

Geometric correction no acceptable yes

Stereoscope no yes no
requirement

Drainage pattern comparatively poor but provide more detail provide detail but not
recognition good enough for aiding crispy
in geologic unit
discrimination

Water body recognition fair good better

Geomorphic unit better in regional good for detail fair to poor for both
discrimination mapping mapping; fair for detail and regional
regional mapping mappings
 12

Table 1 (cont.)

Remote sensing data Radar images Air photos TM images

Characteristics:

Geologic better; e.g. separating fair to good; can be fair to poor for
(lithologic)unit residual deposits from confused sometimes, unconsolidated
discrimination floodplain deposits; particularly sediments
easy to distinguish/ unconsolidated discrimination;
group bedrocks with sediments fair for bedrocks
different resistance discrimination discrimination

Curvilinear recognition good for medium to good for small scale fair for small scale,
large scale poor for medium and
large scale

Lineament detection very poor in detail provide relatively more fair

information,
particularly for small
scale ones

Bedding recognition good for regional better for detail good for detail

Macro/micro relief better good fair to poor

detection

Details in shadow area contain no detail contain a certain contain a certain

amount of detail amount of detail

Interpretation time faster slower slower

consuming

7. Conclusion and discussion

Using radar images as an interpretation tool, geomorphology of the study

area can be classified into seven units i.e. highland, bed-controlled rolling
terrain, undulating terrain, dissected upland, erosional lowland, low-lying plain,
and solution depressions. Whereas geology can be principally separated to be
bedrocks and unconsolidated sediments. Six bedrock units classified and their
relations are corresponded to the Phu Kradung, Phra Wihan, Sao Khua, Phu
Phan, Khok Kruat, and Mahasarakham Formations of previous geologic works.
Unconsolidated sediments are classified, mainly based on lithology and
environment of depositions, into gravel, residual, red silt, and floodplain
deposits.
Air photos and TM images are used to compare with radar images. It
confirms that radar is relatively good data source for regional mapping. The
 13

image scale which is 1:100,000 is appropriate for such a type of geology.

However, the result of comparison is considered not absolutely successful
because of the differences in certain characteristics such as scale, date acquired
and geometric correction of the data. The better or more useful result can be
achieved if the data with identical or similar characteristics previously
mentioned are available. Further, the interpretation will be more accurate and
the result of comparison will be more discussible and successful if digital data
of these images are brought to consideration. This is because more
enhancement and interpretation techniques are present in the area of digital
image processing.

Acknowledgments : We would like to express our thanks to NRCT for providing radar
images and let us participate in the Thai GlobeSAR project. Sincere thanks are also due to
Khun Prayong Angsuwathana, Deputy Director General of the Department of Mineral
Resources, Khun Phisit Dheeradilok, Director of the Geological Survey Division, and Khun
Sang-athit Chuaviroj, Chief of the Photogeology and Remote Sensing Section for their
encouragement during the study. Special thanks are forwarded to Khun Angkana Boonrod
for her help in discussion and figures preparation.

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 14

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