Evaluation of EnMAP hyperspectral satellite data for epithermal alteration mapping at Cuprite-Goldfield, southwestern Nevada, USA

Abstract

The Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) is a German hyperspectral satellite mission launched into orbit on April 1, 2022. The EnMAP records 246 hyperspectral channels in the 0.42-2.45 μm wavelength range, with a spatial resolution of 30 m. This wavelength range is useful for environmental and geological mapping. This study evaluates the application of the EnMAP data to the mapping of epithermal alteration systems at Cuprite and Goldfield in southwestern Nevada, USA. The Cuprite has served since 1980s as a test site of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the evaluation of airborne and satellite remote sensing sensors. The surface reflectance Cuprite-Goldfield EnMAP scene analyzed in this study was recorded on April 9, 2023. The EnMAP data were analyzed using the spectral mixture analysis technique. The results obtained from the EnMAP moderate spatial resolution satellite hyperspectral data show accurate detection of the alteration zones in the Cuprite-Goldfield study area. The study indicates the potential of the EnMAP data for various geological and environmental applications.