Utilizing HyspIRI Prototype Data for Geological Exploration Applications: A Southern California Case Study

Wendy Calvin,Elizabeth Pace

doi:10.3390/geosciences6010011

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the value of the proposed Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) instrument for geological mapping applications. HyspIRI-like data were collected as part of the HyspIRI airborne campaign that covered large regions of California, USA, over multiple seasons. This work focused on a Southern California area, which encompasses Imperial Valley, the Salton Sea, the Orocopia Mountains, the Chocolate Mountains, and a variety of interesting geological phenomena including fumarole fields and sand dunes. We have mapped hydrothermal alteration, lithology and thermal anomalies, demonstrating the value of this type of data for future geologic exploration activities. We believe HyspIRI will be an important instrument for exploration geologists as data may be quickly manipulated and used for remote mapping of hydrothermal alteration minerals, lithology and temperature anomalies.

Highlights

Geologic exploration has taken advantage of satellite and airborne sensors to map structure, lithology and hydrothermal alteration for many decades (e.g., [1], and references therein)
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We focused our study of the land surface temperature data collected by MASTER

Summary

Introduction

Geologic exploration has taken advantage of satellite and airborne sensors to map structure, lithology and hydrothermal alteration for many decades (e.g., [1], and references therein). ASTER has been widely used for lithologic and geologic studies (e.g., [4,5,6,7,8]), often in conjunction with airborne imaging spectrometer systems, such as the Advanced Visible/Infrared Imaging Specrometer (AVIRIS). Several efforts are currently underway to develop and launch the generation of imaging spectrometer systems on satellite platforms for a wide range of Earth Observation goals. Many of these systems are confined to wavelengths less than approximately 1.0 μm, but several planned instruments include the full range up to 2.5 μm and will be useful for geologic exploration.

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Discussion

Conclusion