Spectroscopy of Gossans and associated lithology and its implication in geo exploration- A Case Study in the Parts of Rajpura-Dariba Group, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The gossan exposures are sparsely distributed in the Dariba area and for detection and mapping of gossan and its associated lithology, spectral signatures have been used. Spectral reflectance and absorption features in VNIR-SWIR (visible and near-infrared - shortwave infrared) domain provide the scope for delineating the mineralogy of rocks. In the study, a few spectral mapping methods like Spectral angle mapper, Spectral information divergence and Band ratio indices were applied to ASTER (Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission Reflection Radiometer) calibrated data for delineating the lithology. These mapping methods could delineate boundaries for gossan and its associated rocks of Dariba; but above out of all mapping methods, spectral angle mapper spatial map has been validated with base detailed geological map in quantitatively and accuracy much better than spectral information divergence indices. The band ratio can demarcate the boundaries for gossans in the 4/2 ratio map, in the same way for associated rocks of Carbonates were well delineated in the (7+9)/8 ratio map and Quartzite 4/6 ratio map. Finally, the overextended boundaries of Dariba gossans and associated units found in the above validated spatial map, can be confirmed with field evidence can be helpful to update the base map of Dariba