Integrated analysis of high-resolution field and airborne spectroradiometer data for alteration mapping, Econ

This study presents the results of our investigation into the development and application of high-spectral resolution field and airborne infrared spectroradiometers formapping mineral alteration. The study demonstrates that these prototype field and airborne systems can identify individual alteration minerals and assemblages and thus provide the exploration geologist with detailed reconnaissance information on surface alteration. Field and airborne spectral surveys were carried out over the Oatman epithermal gold deposit in northwest Arizona. The high-resolution systems have demonstrated the ability to delineate pervasive argillic and wall-rock phyllic and propylitic alteration at this test site. Discrimination of these zones rests upon our ability to correctly identify the dominant alteration minerals--alunite, illite (mica), and chlorite. Use of both advanced field and airborne remote-sensing systems have, for the first time, helped to create accurate alteration maps based upon the identification of specific minerals characteristic of the hydrothermal alteration zones. Though we still have much to learn about the capabilities of these systems, their ultimate application to reconnaissance exploration map-ping is established