Exploring the complementarity of SWIR and TIR for airborne hyperspectral mineral mapping :abstract

Abstract

This research examines which minerals can be identified by SWIR and TIR airborne hyperspectral data, and how information from both wavelength ranges can be combined into effective mineral maps that help the geoscientists on the ground. We use the Yerington district as a test area for two reasons: a) excellent exposure of different alteration systems and zones in one area and b) ongoing economic interests in the area. We determine spatial distribution and patterns of alteration minerals using SWIR and TIR airborne data, relate mineralogy to lithology and alteration, and compare mineral distribution pattern interpreted from SWIR and TIR data to distribution pattern derived from ground samples analysis and “traditional” alteration mapping.