Spectral delineation of albite zone using ASTER data in Khetri Copper Belt

Abstract

The Khetri Copper Belt is well known because of its economically viable Cu deposits. In this region, there is a linear narrow zone following a major crustal fracture. Along this zone, due to hydrothermal activity and subsequent alteration, a new rock, albitite has formed. The study presents an account of the spectral analysis of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) dataset for albitite mapping in the Khetri Copper Belt. Spectral angle mapper algorithm is applied on the ASTER data taking the ground sample reflectance spectra (VNIR–SWIR) and image derived spectra (TIR) as reference spectra. The albitite-classified areas are analyzed spatially and statistically to determine the extent of albitite zone in the study area. This research is to contribute to the better understanding of the spatial extent of the albitite zone which will assist in determining the potential for the mineralization in the area. The remote sensing approach of utilizing multichannel data offers the capability to resolve the key geological features of this geologically dynamic area. © 2013, Saudi Society for Geosciences.