Integration of multi-method ASTER data analysis and geometric average modeling for hydrothermal alteration mapping and mineral prospectivity assessment of copper deposits, Anti-Atlas, Morocco
Lahsen Achkouch , Ahmed Attou , Hafid Mezougane , Mohammed Ouchchen , Younesse El Cheikh , Younes Mamouch , Abdelhamid Bajadi , Bouchra Dadi , Rachid Ahmed , Behnam Sadeghi
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Satellite imagery is a crucial tool for mineral exploration, as it enables the identification of mineralization systems through hydrothermal alteration mapping. This study focuses on the Tikirt region within the Anti-Atlas belt, well-documented for its copper mineralization, to produce a predictive mineral prospectivity map. Advanced processing of ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) satellite imagery was conducted to detect key alteration minerals, including argillic, phyllic, propylitic, and iron oxide. Spectral analysis techniques such as Spectral Feature Fitting (SFF), Matched Filtering (MF), Least-Squares Fitting (LS-Fit), and Constrained Energy Minimization (CEM) were utilized alongside the references spectra from the USGS library to delineate alteration zones. These were integrated using the geometric average model to generate a comprehensive prospectivity map highlighting areas with high mineralization potential. Field validation and laboratory analyses, confirmed the accuracy of the predictive map, demonstrating a strong alignment between high-potential zones, mapped faults, and mineralization occurrences. Assessment of the accuracy of alteration mapping indicates a satisfactory level of consistency with reference data (overall accuracy = 80%) and a high level of agreement (Kappa coefficient = 73.3%). Notably, the study identified several new areas with significant potential for copper mineralization, particularly associated with Neoproterozoic formations located in the northeast, northwest, south, and southeast of the study area. The results revealed a strong correlation between ASTER image processing and field/laboratory data, underscoring the effectiveness of integrating ASTER imagery with advanced spectral analysis for regional-scale mineral prospectivity. This integrated approach offers significant potential for guiding future exploration projects.
期刊介绍：
The journal ''Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment'' (RSASE) focuses on remote sensing studies that address specific topics with an emphasis on environmental and societal issues - regional / local studies with global significance. Subjects are encouraged to have an interdisciplinary approach and include, but are not limited by: " -Global and climate change studies addressing the impact of increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, CO2 emission, carbon balance and carbon mitigation, energy system on social and environmental systems -Ecological and environmental issues including biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, land degradation, atmospheric and water pollution, urban footprint, ecosystem management and natural hazards (e.g. earthquakes, typhoons, floods, landslides) -Natural resource studies including land-use in general, biomass estimation, forests, agricultural land, plantation, soils, coral reefs, wetland and water resources -Agriculture, food production systems and food security outcomes -Socio-economic issues including urban systems, urban growth, public health, epidemics, land-use transition and land use conflicts -Oceanography and coastal zone studies, including sea level rise projections, coastlines changes and the ocean-land interface -Regional challenges for remote sensing application techniques, monitoring and analysis, such as cloud screening and atmospheric correction for tropical regions -Interdisciplinary studies combining remote sensing, household survey data, field measurements and models to address environmental, societal and sustainability issues -Quantitative and qualitative analysis that documents the impact of using remote sensing studies in social, political, environmental or economic systems
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