Geological mapping and mineral prospectivity using remote sensing and GIS in parts of Hamissana, Northeast Sudan

Mohamed Taha Almakki Mohamed,Latifa Shaheen Al-Naimi,Tochukwu Innocent Mgbeojedo,Chidiebere Charles Agoha

doi:10.1007/s13202-021-01115-3

Abstract

In recent years, various geological activities and different mineral prospecting and exploration programs have been intensified along the Red Sea hills in order to elucidate the geological maps and to evaluate the mineral potentials. This study is therefore aimed at testing the viability of using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques for geological mapping and prospecting for gold mineralization in the area. The study area is located in northeast Sudan and covers an area of about 1379 km2. Different digital image processing techniques were applied to Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager image in order to increase the discrimination between various lithological units and to delineate wall rock alteration which represents target zones for gold mineralization. Image sharpening was performed to enhance the spatial resolution of the images for more detailed information. Contrast stretching was applied after the various digital processing procedures to produce more interpretable images. The principal component analysis transformations yielded saturated images and resulted in more interpretable images than the original data. Several ratio images were prepared, combined together and displayed in RGB color composite ratio images. This process revealed the existence of alteration zones in the study area. These zones extend from the northeast to the southwest in the acid meta-volcanic and silica barite rocks. The enhanced satellite images were implemented in the GIS environment to facilitate the final production of the geological map at scale 1:400,000. X-ray fluorescence analyses prove that selected samples taken from the wall rock alteration zones are gold-bearing.

Highlights

Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques have been used for geologic interpretations with resounding success
Using data acquired from remote sensing, geologists have focussed on global experiences in several fields of earth science such as environmental, mineral ore and
The different RGB combinations discriminate the rock types which is useful in geological application

Summary

Introduction

Remote sensing and GIS techniques have been used for geologic interpretations with resounding success. Multispectral and high-resolution data are available with digital image processing techniques with advanced capabilities These have further enlarged the potential of remote sensing in delineating geological structures and lithologies by generating enhanced and interpretable images with a better accuracy level (Drury 1987). Other studies utilized band ratioing method to delineate alteration zones around eastern Red Sea Hills (Elsayed Zeinelabdein and Albiely 2008), while lithological mapping was accomplished through image processing techniques in North Sudan (Ali et al 2012). GIS and geochemical techniques were used in prospecting for gold mineralization in North Kordofan, Sudan, with results revealing favourable hydrothermal mineral alteration signals, and the presence of auriferous host rocks (Elsayed Zeinelabdein et al 2020) These studies reveal that the spectral characteristics of TM bands make them well suited for lithological mapping.

Results and discussion

Methodology

Conclusion