Identifying areas of high economic-potential copper mineralization using ASTER data in the Urumieh–Dokhtar Volcanic Belt,Iran

This study investigates the application of spectral image processing methods to ASTER data for mapping hydrothermal alteration zones associated with porphyry copper mineralization and related host rock. The study area is located in the southeastern segment of the Urumieh–Dokhtar Volcanic Belt of Iran. This area has been selected because it is a potential zone for exploration of new porphyry copper deposits. Spectral transform approaches, namely principal component analysis, band ratio and minimum noise fraction were used for mapping hydrothermally altered rocks and lithological units at regional scale. Spectral mapping methods, including spectral angle mapper, linear spectral unmixing, matched filtering and mixture tuned matched filtering were applied to differentiate hydrothermal alteration zones associated with porphyry copper mineralization such as phyllic, argillic and propylitic mineral assemblages.     

Mapping hydrothermal alteration zones and lineaments associated with orogenic gold mineralization using ASTER data: A case study from the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone,Iran

The Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SSZ) is considered as an important region for gold exploration in the western sector of Iran. Its mountainous topography and unpaved routes make its study challenging for researchers and raise the costs for mining companies strating new exploration plans. Gold mineralization mainly occurs as irregular to lenticular sulfide-bearing quartz veins along shear zones in deformed mafic to intermediate metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks. In this investigation, ASTER data are used for mapping hydrothermal alteration minerals and to better discriminate geological structural features associated with orogenic gold occurrences in the area. Image transformation techniques such as specialized band ratioing and Principal Component Analysis are used to delineate lithological units and alteration minerals. Supervised classification techniques, namely Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) and Spectral Information Divergence (SID) are applied to detect subtle differences between indicator alteration minerals associated with ground-truth gold locations in the area. The directional filtering technique is applied to help in tracing along the strike the different linear structures. Results demonstrate that the integration of image transformation techniques and supervised classification of ASTER data with fieldwork and geochemical exploration studies has a great efficiency in targeting new prospects of gold mineralization in the SSZ. The approach used in this research provides a fast, cost-efficient means to start a comprehensive geological and geochemical exploration programs in the study area and elsewhere in similar regions.     

Integrating aeromagnetic data and Landsat-8 imagery for detection of post-accretionary shear zones controlling hydrothermal alterations: The Allaqi-Heiani Suture zone,South Eastern Desert,Egypt

The Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS) underwent a regional carbonation event with CO₂ fluxes derived from the mantle and circulated along post-accretionary shear zones, thus affecting the redistribution of gold mineralization. Formerly, the analyses of remotely-sensed data have suggested regions of gold mineralization linked to the post-accretionary structured framework, but the results were insufficient for detailed prospecting in the ANS. In this research, aeromagnetic data and Landsat-8 imagery were integrated for delineating new high potential zones of gold mineralization in the Allaqi-Heiani Suture (AHS) zone, the ANS, South Eastern Desert (SED) of Egypt. Aeromagnetic data were enhanced using the Center for exploration targeting (CET) grid enhancement technique to detect the main structures that control hydrothermal alterations in the study area. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique and ratios of spectral bands were applied to Landsat-8 data for mapping zones of hydrothermal alteration associated with gold mineralization. The traced structural elements from RTP, CET and Landsat-8 maps were statistically plotted and interpreted using rose diagrams. These diagrams indicated that the NW and NE trends are the most dominant in the RTP map and that the intersection zones obtained from the CET analysis are aligned along the NW-oriented trend. While the NNW, WNW and NE trends were the most dominant ones in Landsat maps. The integration of the results indicates several new high potential zones of gold and Cu/Ni mineralization types, which are mostly concentrated at the western part of the AHS zone. The hydrothermal alteration zones and associated gold mineralization are strongly linked to NW, NE, E-W and WNW trending lineaments. The approach used in this study can be applied to other parts of the ANS and other regions with similar geological conditions around the world.     

Calcium-tracers disclose the site of biomineralization in inner ear otoliths of fish.

Since changing gravity (concerning direction and amplitude) strongly affects inner ear otolith growth and otolithic calcium incorporation in developing fish, it was the aim of the present study to locate the site of mineralization in order to gain cues and insights into the provenance of the otoliths inorganic compounds. Therefore, larval cichlid fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) were incubated in the calcium-tracer alizarin complexone (AC; red fluorescence). After maintenance in aquarium water for various periods (1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h; 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 15, 29, 36 and 87 d), the animals were incubated in the calcium-tracer calcein (CAL; green fluorescence). AC thus labeled calcium being incorporated at the beginning of the experiment and would subsequently accompany calcium in the course of a possible dislocation, whereas CAL visualized calcium being deposited right at the end of the test. Subsequently, the otoliths were analyzed using a laser scanning microscope and it was shown that the initial site of calcium incorporation was located directly adjacent to the sensory epithelium and the otolithic membrane. Later, calcium deposits were also found on further regions of the otoliths' surface area, where they had been shifted to in the course of dislocation. This finding strongly indicates that the sensory epithelium plays a prominent role in otolithic biomineralization, which is in full agreement with an own electron microscopical study [ELGRA News 23 (2003) 63].     

Structural geology mapping using PALSAR data in the Bau gold mining district,Sarawak, Malaysia

The application of optical remote sensing data for geological mapping is difficult in the tropical environment. The persistent cloud coverage, dominated vegetation in the landscape and limited bedrock exposures are constraints imposed by the tropical climate. Structural geology investigations that are searching for epithermal or polymetallic vein-type ore deposits can be developed using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing data in tropical/sub-tropical regions. The Bau gold mining district in the State of Sarawak, East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo has been selected for this study. The Bau is a gold field similar to Carlin style gold deposits, but gold mineralization at Bau is much more structurally controlled. Geological analyses coupled with the Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) remote sensing data were used to detect structural elements associated with gold mineralization. The PALSAR data were used to perform lithological-structural mapping of mineralized zones in the study area and surrounding terrain. Structural elements were detected along the SSW to NNE trend of the Tuban fault zone and Tai Parit fault that corresponds to the areas of occurrence of the gold mineralization in the Bau Limestone. Most of quartz-gold bearing veins occur in high-angle faults, fractures and joints within massive units of the Bau Limestone. The results show that four deformation events (D1–D4) in the structures of the Bau district and structurally controlled gold mineralization indicators, including faults, joints and fractures are detectable using PALSAR data at both regional and district scales. The approach used in this study can be more broadly applicable to provide preliminary information for exploration potentially interesting areas of epithermal or polymetallic vein-type mineralization using the PALSAR data in the tropical/sub-tropical regions.     

一种行星安全着陆点综合评估方法

随着精确着陆技术的发展,探测器在行星表面可到达的地区形貌状况越来越复杂。为了保障着陆的安全性,在下降过程中探测器需要结合敏感器信息对视野范围内的着陆区形貌进行评估分析,从而选取出最适宜着陆的地区。针对这一问题,本文提出一种行星安全着陆点选取思路,并设计出着陆点选取的参考指标,通过对形貌以及燃耗的评估,实时选取安全着陆点。MATLAB仿真结果表明,针对快速选取过程和遍历选取过程,该方法均能够在两种过程中有效选取出满足要求的着陆点,从而提高了任务的成功率与安全性。     

Merging Landsat and spaceborne radar data over Tunisia

Synthetic Aperture Radar data were acquired over Tunisia by Seasat in Aug. 1978 and by SIR-A in Nov. 1981. The radar images are contrasted to the Landsat scenes overlapping the same area. The Landsat images were taken in Aug. 1978 and in Sept. 1981. In this study, subareas of the SIR-A and MSS images are registered to the corresponding Seasat data (1313 lines by 1970 samples). The test site is located East of Kairouan, Tunisia. It is a low relief area with subdesertic climatic conditions. This region was selected for it has been surveyed by both Seasat and SIR-A providing perpendicular radar illumination directions. The multispectral and multitemporal coregistered data set enables comparisons between the systems (radar versus MSS, and Seasat versus SIR-A), and change detection in the desertification processes and on the surface of the playas.     

Population dynamics of transgenic strain Escherichia coli Z905/pPHL7 in freshwater and saline lake water microcosms with differing microbial community structures.

Populations of Escherichia coli Z905/pPHL7, a transgenic microorganism, were heterogenic in the expression of plasmid genes when adapting to the conditions of water microcosms of various mineralization levels and structure of microbial community. This TM has formed two subpopulations (ampicillin-resistant and ampicillin-sensitive) in every microcosm. Irrespective of mineralization level of a microcosm, when E. coli Z905/pPHL7 alone was introduced, the ampicillin-resistant subpopulation prevailed, while introduction of the TM together with indigenous bacteria led to the dominance of the ampicillin-sensitive subpopulation. A high level of lux gene expression maintained longer in the freshwater microcosms than in sterile saline lake water microcosms. A horizontal gene transfer has been revealed between the jointly introduced TM and Micrococcus sp. 9/pSH1 in microcosms with the Lake Shira sterile water.     

Enhanced Landsat and HCMM imagery for mineral exploration in contrasting areas of subtropical humid and semi-arid terrain

The role of multispectral and thermal imagery in mineral exploration is evaluated for two areas with favourable geological conditions within contrasting physical environments — one in the semi-arid low tree and shrub savannas of western Queensland and northern South Australia, the other in the humid subtropical forest zone of western Yunnan, China.For both areas Landsat imagery was used to identify structures and lithologies favourable for mineralization and locate ironstones/gossans indicative of mineralized bedrock. HCMM imagery was used alongside Landsat imagery to identify former and ephemeral drainage patterns important for the interpretation of geochemical data over covered ground in Australia. Interpretations were made of enhanced colour composites, outputs of MSS band ratios and colour rotated images generated from both NASA film products and CCTs. These were checked by field studies during which plant, soil and rock chip samples for subsequent metals analyses were collected from areas of anomalous vegetation and from barren ironstones. Some rock chip samples from Australia contained concentrations of copper or lead or small amounts of other metals. In China geobotanical anomalies over ironstones from which soil and rock samples yielded copper, lead, zinc, tin and silver suggest the presence of a major belt of potential multi-metal mineralization.     

Remote sensing and mineral exploration in China

In recent years, considerable efforts have been exerted in China in the application of remote sensing in regional geological survey and geotectonic research with some results. Case histories of some areas with different geologic problems are presented. Remote sensing as a means for mineral reconnaissance is still in tentative stage, as its current applications are largely restricted to the study of geologic conditions relating to metallogeny or mineralization so as to delineate prospective areas. Examples are given to illustrate its actual use or trial in energy or mineral exploration and its great potential.     

Azimuth selection for sea level measurements using geodetic GPS receivers

Based on analysis of Global Positioning System (GPS) multipath signals recorded by a geodetic GPS receiver, GPS Reflectometry (GPS-R) has demonstrated unique advantages in relation to sea level monitoring. Founded on multipath reflectometry theory, sea level changes can be measured by GPS-R through spectral analysis of recorded signal-to-noise ratio data. However, prior to estimating multipath parameters, it is necessary to define azimuth and elevation angle mask to ensure the reflecting zones are on water. Here, a method is presented to address azimuth selection, a topic currently under active development in the field of GPS-R. Data from three test sites: the Kachemak Bay GPS site PBAY in Alaska (USA), Friday Harbor GPS site SC02 in the San Juan Islands (USA), and Brest Harbor GPS site BRST in Brest (France) are analyzed. These sites are located in different multipath environments, from a rural coastal area to a busy harbor, and they experience different tidal ranges. Estimates by the GPS tide gauges at azimuths selected by the presented method are compared with measurements from physical tide gauges and acceptable correspondence found for all three sites.     

Detection of hydrothermal alteration zones using ASTER data in Nimu porphyry copper deposit,south Tibet,China

Advanced space-borne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER) data were evaluated for the hydrothermal alteration mapping of the Nimu porphyry copper deposit, southern Tibet. According to the metallogenic model for porphyry copper, we chose hydrothermal alteration mineral association and then established a remote sensing model. Relative absorption-band depth (RBD) and simple band combination methods in visible near infrared (VNIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands were used to retrieve information about lithological distributions. Principal component analyses (PCA) were applied to extract the prospecting information based on the spectral information of argillization mineral association, propylitization mineral association, and iron stained (limonite) effects. Results of the study match up well with known copper occurrences and a circular structure in study area, while circular structures usually have close relationship with mineralization. Combined with field validation, ASTER data are proved able to characterise the alteration zone of these porphyry deposits. With VNIR and SWIR bands, argillic, propylitic and ferritization alterations in a single deposit can be effectively discriminated.     

Relationships of mineral deposits and lineament analysis of the Red Sea region,northeastern Sudan

The Red Sea region of northeastern Sudan is the most favorable target for mineral prospection. It is the place where almost all types of mineral deposits, so far recorded in Sudan, were represented. Lineament analysis of a 1:1,000,000-scale Landsat image mosaic indicate, among others, two prominent N-S and ENE structural trends to control magmatic activities and the related mineralization in the Red Sea region. Mineralization, tectonic, and magmatic activities in the Proterozoic appear to be closely correlative with the recent events connected with the formation of the Red Sea.     

X-ray induced alterations in the differentiation and mineralization potential of murine preosteoblastic cells

To evaluate the effects of ionizing radiation (IR) on murine preosteoblastic cell differentiation, we directed OCT-1 cells to the osteoblastic lineage by treatment with a combination of β-glycerophosphate (β-GP), ascorbic acid (AA), and dexamethasone (Dex). In vitro mineralization was evaluated based on histochemical staining and quantification of the hydroxyapatite content of the extracellular bone matrix. Expression of mRNA encoding Runx2, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), osteocalcin (OCN), and p21^CDKN1A was analyzed. Exposure to IR reduced the growth rate and diminished cell survival of OCT-1 cells under standard conditions. Notably, calcium content analysis revealed that deposition of mineralized matrix increased significantly under osteogenic conditions after X-ray exposure in a time-dependent manner. In this study, higher radiation doses exert significant overall effects on TGF-β1, OCN, and p21^CDKN1A gene expression, suggesting that gene expression following X-ray treatment is affected in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we verified that Runx2 was suppressed within 24 h after irradiation at 2 and 4 Gy. Although further studies are required to verify the molecular mechanism, our observations strongly suggest that treatment with IR markedly alters the differentiation and mineralization process of preosteoblastic cells.     

Applicationof remote sensing techniques in geological studies of various mineralized belts in India. (National paper on IGCP — 143)

Geological interpretation, analysis and evaluation of LANDSAT and airborne MSS data, panchromatic and colour infrred photographs and spectral reflectance data for a number of test sites in different mineralized belts in India have led to certain significant results. Lithological discrimination on digitally processed enhanced MSS data products has helped in further subdivisions of major rock groups. Lineament pattern analyses reveals three prominent sets of fractures in Indian Precambrian Shield with predominant ENE-WSW megalineament probably representing earliest deep crustal fractures and subsequent NNW-SSE and NE-SW fractures, associated with polyphase tectonic movements. Correlation of structures and mineralization indicate structural control for most of the mineralized belts with intersecting locii type concentration of ore deposits in some cases. In a few cases control of mineralization is lithology and stratigraphy. Spectral groundtruth and laboratory studies indicate that major rock types have characteristic spectral patterns (signatures) which would be useful for lithological mapping by automatic classification techniques. The work also has led to the improvement of enhanced MSS data products for geological studies.     

Computer analysis of the lineaments of Nepal

Various information has been obtained by computer analysis of the lineaments of Nepal. The data were carefully studied and correlated to establish the relationships of lineaments with geological units, structure, mineralization, etc. The lineament map of Nepal was prepared during 1977–1978; the lineament data were digitized in 1982—using a Hewlett Packard system 45 desktop computer—separated by area (east, central and west Nepal) and also according to geological units. By trial and error and using all variables, the different preferred orientation classes were identified for east, central and west Nepal. Lineaments were grouped according to length into less than 10 km, 10–20 km, 20–30 km and more than 30 km, for the entire country and also for major geological units, i.e., Siwalik (sub-Himalaya), Lesser Himalaya (midlands) and Higher Himalaya. Various rose diagrams and histograms showing frequency and lengths of lineaments were plotted for the different geological units and the different sectors. Lineaments associated with granites of major subdivisions were plotted separately and analysed.     

Landsat 8地表温度产品验证与分析

Landsat系列卫星热波段具有60~120m的空间分辨率，对各种环境监测起到了重要的作用。随着Landsat系列卫星在全球范围内地表温度（land surface temperature，LST）产品的发布，其验证工作也随之展开，然而对于长时间序列的精度验证工作仍然缺乏。以黑河流域中游为研究区，利用研究区内湿地站（SD）、戈壁站（GB）和大满超级站（CJZ）三个气象站的地面测量数据对2013-2016年清晰无云的31景Landsat 8地表温度产品进行了验证与分析，并将Landsat 8地表温度产品与广泛使用的普适性单通道算法（JMS）反演结果进行了对比。结果表明，Landsat 8地表温度产品与普适性单通道算法反演结果精度均较高，在各个站点处R2均优于0.949。基于所有站点分析，Landsat 8地表温度产品精度稍高于普适性单通道算法反演结果。     

Induced geomagnetic variation and crustal evolution of the southern peninsula of India

The current thinking on crustal evolution and the influence of Precambrian lineaments on tectonism and mineralization provide support for the conjecture that zones of high electrical conductivity exist in the crust which are related to the tectonic and mineralized zones. Studies by the present authors using geological and tectonic data from remote sensing techniques, in particular, together with relevant data on anomalous geomagnetic variations reported in this paper would serve as additional contribution towards the global model.