Hyperspectral sensing in support of northern mineral exploration

针对加拿大魁北克省北部的Ni-Cu-(PGE)基性-超基性拉格兰带，提出了一种综合研究实验室数据和两个成像系统（AISA和SEBASS）机载高光谱图像的方法。航空高保真成像光谱技术已经成熟，但从数据中提取地质信息所需的理论和算法仍处于发展的早期阶段。很少有成像光谱仪的研究表明，存在广泛的岩石覆壳地衣涂层的岩性测绘。计划中的研究将解决三个基本的科学问题：1)岩石包覆地衣（0.4-20微米）的光谱特征及其在基岩基底矿物学掩盖中的作用；2)从光谱成像中检测和区分基性-超基性岩石（dunite，橄榄岩，辉石岩，辉长岩，玄武岩）的潜力；3)矿化寄主岩石的潜在圈定。将岩石样品的光谱特征与其变质矿物学联系起来，将是开发光谱检测方法的关键，用于从航空图像中绘制矿物和岩性单元。基性岩和超基性岩在矿物学上的内在相似性可能导致岩石单元之间的光谱对比较低。因此，从影像中建立基岩类型、地衣丰度和地衣种类组合之间的联系可能会提高岩性识别能力。本建议中概述的研究解决了在加拿大北部经营的采矿公司对详细岩性和矿物测绘资料的需要，以支持勘探活动。本建议书所列高素质人才包括博士后1人、研究生1人。

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.