Satellite Imagery Application for Searching Buried Intrusive Structures

Abstract

Introduction. At the current stage of information technology development, methods for remote sensing have been increasingly used for mineral exploration.Problem Statement. Significant capital intensity of geological works for intrusive bodies search when the crystalline basement is overlapped by a thin sedimentary cover requires the implementation of advanced methods that, on the one hand, allow reducing the costs of exploration and, on the other hand, enable increasing theaccuracy of objects identification.Purpose. The development of methodological framework for the application of remote sensing data to identify prospective areas in search of buried intrusive bodies.Materials and Methods. Medium (Landsat, Sentinel) and high (WorldView) resolution optical satellite imagery data in the thermal infrared and visible ranges of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum; radar satellite data (SRTM), multispectral aerial survey data obtained by unmanned aerial vehicles; methods for structuralinterpretation, digital terrain model analysis, results of field thermometry have been used in this research.Results. A few prospective sites for the search for buried intrusions within the Hubkivska and AnastasivskoBolyarska squares of the Novohrad-Volynskyi block of the Ukrainian Shield, regardless of the geophysical data, have been identified. These objects were later confirmed by detailed geomagnetic surveying and drilling. Withinthe detected thermal anomalies, several small (60—120 m long and 30—50 m wide) dikes have been detected. Four of the 5 wells drilled have confirmed the presence of dike bodies, and 1 well enters the fracture zone. In other areas, where detailed geophysical survey was carried out within the detected thermal anomalies, new dike bodieshave been discovered.Conclusions. The developed technique may be used as an additional tool in geological prospecting.