Application of DPCA technique in Khetri Copper Belt, India for alteration zones

Abstract

An automatic technique for using Landsat TM data to extract hydrothermal alteration zones in subtropical rock area covered by vegetation is utilized here in Khetri Copper belt, Rajathan, India. Principle component analysis of ratio images was done to discriminate hydroxyl bearing clay minerals from vegetation areas. It was seen that the technique works well in sparsely vegetated areas. The use of satellite images during the early stages of mineral exploration has been very successful in pointing the hydrothermally altered rocks. We can conclude here that Crosta technique can be used as a very reliable method for enhancing the areas with hydroxyl-bearing clay minerals as a fast and cheap tool for exploration minerals. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.