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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 67 (1983)

Issue: 3. (March)

First Page: 410

Last Page: 410

Title: New Techniques for Clay Mineral Identification by Remote Sensing: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Michael J. Abrams, Alexander F. H. Goetz, H. Lang

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

In the past three years there have been major advancements in our ability to identify clay minerals by remote sensing. Two different technologies have been used--imaging broad-band multispectral scanners and non-imaging narrow-band radiometers and spectrometers.

Multispectral scanners, including NASA's Thematic Mapper Simulator (analog for Landsat-D Thematic Mapper) have had several broad-band channels in the wavelength region of 1.0 to 2.5 µm. In particular, the wavelength region 2.0 to 2.5 µm contains diagnostic spectral-absorption features for most layered silicates. Computer processing of image data obtained with these scanners has allowed the identification of the presence of clay minerals, without, however, being able to identify specific mineralogies. Studies of areas with known hydrocarbon deposits and porphyry copper deposits have demonstrated the value of this information for rock-type discrimination and recognition of hydrothermal alteration zones.

Non-imaging, narrow-band radiometers and spectrometers have been used in the field, from aircraft, and from space to identify individual mineralogical constituents. This can be done because of diagnostic spectral absorption features in the 2.0 to 2.5 µm region characteristic of different clay types. The Shuttle Multispectral Infrared Radiometer (SMIRR), flown on the second flight of the space shuttle Columbia in 1981, had 10 narrow-band channels specifically chosen to evaluate the ability to identify directly clay minerals and carbonates. Preliminary analysis of SMIRR data over Egypt showed that kaolinite, carbonate rocks, and possibly montmorillonite, could be identified directly.

Plans are currently under way for development of narrow-band imaging systems which will be capable of producing maps showing the surface distribution of individual clay types. This will represent a major step in remote sensing, by allowing unique identification of minerals rather than the current ability only to discriminate among materials. Applications of this technology will provide geologists with a powerful new tool for resource exploration and general geologic mapping problems.

The research described in this abstract was carried out by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

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