Hyperspectral sensing in support of northern mineral exploration

对北方魁北克镍铜（PGE）镁铁质-超镁铁质拉格兰带的地质样品实验室数据和来自两个成像系统（AISA和SEBASS）的机载高光谱图像进行了综合研究。机载高保真成像光谱测量技术已经成熟，但从数据中提取地质信息所需的理论和算法仍处于早期发展阶段。很少有成像光谱仪的研究表明，在广泛的岩石结壳地衣涂层的存在下，岩性映射。计划中的研究将解决三个基本科学问题：1）岩石结壳地衣（0.4-20微米）的光谱特征及其在掩盖基岩基底矿物学方面的作用，2）从光谱成像中检测和区分镁铁质-超镁铁质岩石（纯橄榄岩，橄榄岩，辉石岩，辉长岩，玄武岩）的潜力，以及3）矿化寄主岩石的潜在划定。将岩石样品的光谱特征与其变质矿物学联系起来，将是发展用于从航空图像绘制矿物和岩性单位的光谱探测方法的关键。镁铁岩和超镁铁岩在矿物学上的内在相似性可能导致岩石单元之间的低光谱对比度。因此，建立基岩类型，地衣丰度和地衣物种组合之间的联系，从图像可能会导致一个增强的岩性判别能力。本提案中概述的研究解决了在加拿大北方运营的矿业公司对支持勘探活动的详细岩性和矿物绘图信息的需求。本建议书中所列的高素质人员将包括一名博士后研究员和一名研究生。

An integrated study of laboratory data from geological samples and airborne hyperspectral imagery from two imaging systems (AISA and SEBASS) is proposed for the Ni-Cu-(PGE) mafic-ultramafic Raglan belt of northern Quebec. Airborne high fidelity imaging spectrometry has come of age technologically, but the theories and algorithms required to extract geological information from the data remains in the early stages of development. Rarely have studies with imaging spectrometers demonstrated lithologic mapping in the presence of extensive rock encrusting lichen coatings. The planned research will address three fundamental scientific issues: 1) the spectral characterization of rock encrusting lichens (0.4-20 um) and their role in masking the mineralogy of the bedrock substrate, 2) the potential detection and discrimination of mafic-ultramafic rocks (dunite, peridotite, pyroxenite, gabbro, basalt) from spectral imaging, and 3) the potential delineation of mineralized host rocks. Linking the spectral characteristics of rock samples to their metamorphic mineralogy will be key to the development of spectral detection methods used for mapping minerals and lithologic units from airborne imagery. The inherent similarity in mineralogy between mafic and ultramafic rocks could result in low spectral contrast between rock units. Thus, establishing links between bedrock type, lichen abundance and lichen species assemblages from imagery may lead to an enhanced lithologic discrimination capability. The research outlined in this proposal addresses needs of mining companies operating in northern Canada for detailed lithologic and mineral mapping information in support of exploration activities. The highly qualified personnel listed in this proposal will include a post-doctoral fellow and one graduate student.