Geology

Geological research based on imaging spectrometry considers mainly the detection and discrimination of minerals and their typical assemblages in hydrothermally altered areas (propylitic, argillic, sericitic, potassic). The minerals are characterized by their unique spectral signatures. These spectral characteristics can be identified by hyperspectral data provided by the EnMAP imager.

Accordingly, the following scientific and application objectives will be pursued:

• Development of expert systems for mineralogical mapping with emphasis on waste deposits, alteration zones and index minerals of metamorphic zonations
• Further development of new algorithms and models for non-linear, weighted unmixing and quantification approaches
• Quantitative estimation of the influence of external (weathering crusts, lithobionts) and internal (organic matter, opaque accessory minerals) parameters on the spectral signature of rocks and soils – creation of pedo-transfer functions
• Investigation of the effects of mineral-induced stress on the spectral signature of dense vegetation canopies to establish a link between vegetation stress and specific minerals
• Development of geospatial tools and integration techniques for sustainable mine site management.