Multi-Dataset Analysis of Idunn Mons: Integrating SAR Look Angle, Dielectric, Topography, and Emissivity Data for Volcanic Terrain Mapping on Venus

Understanding the geological evolution and current activity of Venusian volcanoes is essential for constraining the planet's resurfacing history and interior dynamics. This study presents a focused multi-dataset remote sensing analysis of Idunn Mons, one of Venus’ most prominent volcanic edifices, leveraging multi-angle Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data alongside dielectric property maps, topographic data, and VIRTIS-derived spectral emissivity layers.

The core objective of this investigation is to detect anisotropic radar backscatter patterns caused by slope orientations, surface textures, and material flow directions on Idunn Mons, while also identifying regions of potential recent volcanic resurfacing. Aligned and co-registered left-looking and right-looking Magellan SAR images are processed to calculate a Radar Asymmetry Index (RAI), differentiating east- and west-facing slopes and highlighting variations potentially linked to surface anisotropy or resurfacing events.

These radar datasets are subsequently stacked with dielectric maps, GTDR topography, and VIRTIS FFT emissivity layers to create a multi-dimensional dataset. Unsupervised clustering techniques, including Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) and K-means clustering, are applied to this dataset both with and without the RAI as an input parameter. The study evaluates the effectiveness of these clustering methods in delineating volcanic flow textures, unit boundaries, radar-dark backscatter zones, and potential volcanic features.

Preliminary results demonstrate that integrating RAI enhances the detection of flow-like structures and flank asymmetries, while clustering outputs overlaid on topography and slope direction maps reveal correspondences between cluster classes and geomorphological features such as radial flows, summit regions, and dielectric anomalies. The analysis further explores potential spatial relationships between low backscatter zones and high emissivity areas detected by VIRTIS, which may indicate recent or ongoing volcanic activity.

This study advances geological mapping methodologies for Venus by integrating radar asymmetry analysis with multi-layered clustering-based terrain segmentation. The findings contribute to refining remote sensing techniques for planetary surfaces lacking in-situ observations and provide valuable insights for future mission planning and Venusian volcanology research.