Effects of sand grain shape on the spectral signature of sandy landscapes in the visible domain

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the effects of sand grain shape on the reflectance of sandy landscapes within the visible domain. Our investigation is supported by computer simulations performed using SPLITS (Spectral Light TransportModel for Sand) and taking into account actual sand characterization data. Our findings indicate that the spectral effects of grain shape may vary considerably depending on the distribution patterns of iron oxides present in sand-textured soils. These patterns and grain shape properties, namely roundness and sphericity, are largely determined by the formation processes of these soils. Hence, we believe that their interplay should be carefully taken into account in the retrieval of information about the mineralogy and morphology of sandy terrains.