J Indian Soc Remote Sens (June 2013) 41(2):391404 DOI 10.

1007/s12524-012-0237-0

RESEARCH ARTICLE

ASTER Data Analysis for Mineral Potential Mapping Around Sawar-Malpura Area, Central Rajasthan
B. K. Bhadra & Suparn Pathak & G. Karunakar & J. R. Sharma

Received: 24 February 2012 / Accepted: 27 September 2012 / Published online: 1 November 2012 # Indian Society of Remote Sensing 2012

Abstract Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) SWIR bands are used in identification of alteration zones which have developed during hydrothermal activity. Among the available methods of hyperspectral data analysis, PCA and RBD techniques are found to be useful in delineation of clay alteration and iron oxide zones. ASTER data analysis by PCA and RBD of (B5+B7)/ B6 shows delineation of two distinct alteration zones with characteristic mineral assemblages viz. propylitic zone (chlorite, epidote, montmorillonite and calcite) and phyllic zone (illite, kaolinite, white mica and quartz). Iron oxide rich zones (gossans) have been delineated using ASTER band ratio technique (B2/ B1). Geochemical dispersion of soil samples shows that Pb and Zn concentration is higher in phyllic and propylitic zones around Sawar and Malpura area respectively. Thus, ASTER data shows the potential in discrimination of metasedimentary rocks and delineation of alteration zones for targeting base metals around Sawar-Malpura area in central Rajasthan.

Keywords ASTER . Principal Component Analysis (PCA) . Relative absorption-Band Depth (RBD) Ratio . Clay Alteration zones . Geochemical Analysis

Introduction Multispectral as well as hyperspectral satellite data are used to identify a variety of rocks and minerals viz. OH-bearing minerals, carbonates, sulphates, olivines, pyroxenes, iron oxides and hydroxides (Gupta 2003; Rowan and Mars 2003; Zhang and Pazner 2007; Liu et al. 2011). However, Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data with specific bands are suitable for detecting iron oxides in VNIR band (0.4 1.0 m), hydroxidebearing clay and carbonate minerals in SWIR band (0.92.5 m) and silica in TIR band (814 m). Hydrothermal alteration zones due to Pb-Zn-Cu sulphide mineral deposits have distinct alteration zones (Plumlee et al. 1995; Azizi et al. 2007) with a set of mineralogical assemblage viz. Propylitic Zone and Phyllic Zone. In a typical model of epithermal sulphide mineral deposit (Plumlee et al. 1995), a central argillic zone is flanked by distal phyllic and propylitic zones with decreased Cu and As abundances and increased Zn and Pb abundances. Spectral pattern of different OH-bearing clay minerals shows gradual decrease in reflectance (%) from kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite to alunite (Ranjbar et al. 2003). Thus, identification of alteration zones (iron

B. K. Bhadra (*) : S. Pathak : J. R. Sharma Regional Remote Sensing Centre (West), NRSC/ISRO, CAZRI Campus, Jodhpur 342003, India e-mail: bkbhadra63@gmail.com G. Karunakar Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Udaipur 313004, India

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oxides and clay minerals) is important in targeting any sulphide mineral deposit. Potential areas of hydrothermal alteration minerals can be assessed through image processing techniques such as Band Ratioing and PCA. PCA is a powerful statistical technique that can be used for suppressing background reflectance to enhance spectral reflectance features of geological materials (Crosta et al. 2003). This technique is widely used by Crosta and Moore (1989), Loughlin (1991), Hubbard and Crowley (2001), Crosta et al. (2003), Rowan and Mars (2003), Ranjbar et al. (2003), Rouskov et al. (2005), Azizi et al. (2007), Baloki and Poormirzaee (2009) and others. Crosta and Moore (1989) developed a technique based on PCA for mapping iron oxide/hydroxides related sulphide ore bodies. The technique, called Feature-oriented Principal Component Selection (FPCS), is based on the relationship between the spectral responses of target materials (ferric-oxide-rich soils) and numeric values extracted from the eigenvector matrix, used to calculate the principal component (PC) images. Using this relationship, they were able to discriminate which PCs contained the spectral information due to iron minerals and whether the DNs of pixels containing the target materials had high (bright) or low (dark) values. Loughlin (1991) modified FPCS technique by selecting specific Landsat TM band sets and applying PCA separately to them, to ensure that certain materials (e.g. vegetation) would not be mapped and that spectral information due to target materials (alteration minerals) would be mapped into a single PC. Liu et al. (2011) observed that band combination with Landsat TM-1, 3, 4 and 5 are suitable for ferric oxides/ hydroxides and Landsat TM-1, 4, 5 and 7 for hydroxylbearing minerals and carbonates, as shown by PC3 or PC4 due to highest eigenvector loading. PCA technique is also used for preparing mineral abundance images for kaolinite, illite and alunite using ASTER band combinations. Hubbard and Crowley (2001) shows the potential of AVIRIS data with Hyperion, ALI and ASTER data for mapping alteration minerals in the Central Andes using a combination of spectral shape-fitting and partial spectral unmixing algorithms. Crosta et al. (2003) used the PCA technique for targeting key alteration minerals in epithermal deposits in Patagonia, Argentina. Rowan and Mars (2003) used different RBD ratio images to distinguish limestone (Ca-CO3 by (B7+B9)/B8), dolomite (Ca, MgCO3 by (B6+B8)/B7), muscovite (Al-O-H by (B5+B7)/ B6) and hematite/goethite (Fe+3 by B2/B1). Ranjbar et al. (2003) have compared ASTER and ETM data over

porphyry copper mineralization in Sar Cheshmesh areas of Iran and found that ASTER data has better capability for recognition of hydrothermal alteration and delineation of iron oxide and hydroxyl minerals through PC transformation technique. Simon et al. (2004) used Landsat TM, ASTER and Hyperion data to identify hydrothermal alteration zones around Bull Creek area, Mount Isa Block. Band ratios and spectral mixing techniques are the promising techniques to discriminate between different lithologies and mineralogies. Band ratio technique has been used by Rouskov et al. (2005) to identify iron oxides and clay alteration minerals in the area of Assarel and Medet porphyry Cu ore deposits. ASTER VNIR-SWIR reflectance data and spectral matched-filter processing were used to map several lithologic sequences characterized by distinct suites of minerals that exhibit diagnostic spectral features (e.g. chlorite, epidote, amphibole and other ferrous-iron bearing minerals); other sequences were distinguished by their weathering characteristics and associated hydroxyl and ferric-iron minerals, such as illite, smectite, and hematite (Hubbard et al. 2007). The main objective of the present study is to delineate mineral potential zones for base metal deposits using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Further, satellite derived alteration zone maps are integrated with the field data such as litho-tectonic structures, field spectral characteristics, geochemical analysis of soil samples, clay-mineralogy through XRD etc.

Study Area The study area lies around Sawar-Malpura area in parts of Ajmer and Tonk districts of Rajasthan (Fig. 1). Lithological map of Geological Survey of India (GSI 2001) shows that Sawar-Malpura area is comprised of oldest basement rocks of Magalwar Complex (quartzite/ schist, granite/migmatite gneiss, dolomite/calc-silicate rocks etc.), belonging to Bhilwara Supergroup of Archaean age (Table 1). Sawar metasedimentary rocks (marble, in mica schist, quartz reef and silicified quartzite) form the Proterozoic cover over the basement gneissic rocks (Fig. 2). A vast stretch of the older rocks are overlaid by alluvium of Quaternary Formation. The central part is covered by a huge water body (Bisalpur reservoir) which is formed by dam construction across the flowing water of Banas River.

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RAJASTHAN

Fig. 1 Location map of the study area around Sawar-Malpura area in central Rajasthan

Structural disposition of Sawar area shows largescale complex fold geometry as revealed by upper and lower marble bands (Ray 1988). An antiformal closure near Sawar and synformal closure near Bajta are the dominant fold features of the area. The Sawar metasedimentary sequence forms a large basin structure, developed by superposed folding. The Sawar area comprised of marble and schist rock exposures with known deposits of Pb-Zn-Cu minerals (Fig. 3). Genesis of this deposit is believed to be sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) type. Drilling and geochemical analysis of core samples and field exposures show significant concentration of sulphide mineral deposit around Sawar-Bajta area (Fig. 4a to f). However, Malpura area is mostly covered with soil with numerous tiny exposures of granite

gneiss which is present as basement rock. This area is not known for any significant sulphide mineral deposits, so far. Sulphide mineral deposits such as porphyry Cu or Pb-Zn sulphides have very complex alteration systems containing several types and combinations of alteration suits. Each alteration type (Azizi et al. 2007) has fairly distinctive mineralogy viz. Propylitic Zone (Chlorite, Epidote, Zeolite, Montnorillonite, Illite, Carbonate), Potassic Zone (Feldspar, Biotite, Phlogopite, Chlorite, Vermiculite, Anhydrite, Gypsum), Phyllic Zone (Illite, Muscovite, Kaolinite, Quartz), Argillic Zone (Kaolinite, Smectite/Montmorillonite, Zunite, Diaspore, Topaz), Advanced Argillic (Pyrophyllic, Dickite, Alunite, Zunite, Diaspore, Topaz). An attempt has been made to identify these alteration zones around Sawar-Malpura area with similar litho-tectonic set-up.

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Table 1 Stratigrahpy of Sawar-Malpura Area (Source: Ray 1988 and GSI 2001) Litho code Lithology Al Q P Pt1bsm2 Pt1bsm1 Pt1bsrg2 Pt1bsrg1 Abm Alluvium and aeolian sands Quartz Reef and silicified quartzite Pegmatite Quartz-biotite schist, Amphibolite, Quartzite Marble, Banded calc-silicate marble Quartz Biotite Magnitite schist (Calcareous) Marble, Calc-Silicate marble and thin quartzite Formation Alluvium Formation Vein quartz and silicified zone Upper Schist Member Upper Marble Member Lower Schist Member Intrusive Stratigrahpy Quaternary

Morhi Formation Morhi Formation

Sawar Group Bhilwara Supergroup (Lower Proterozoic) Sawar Group Bhilwara Supergroup (Lower Proterozoic)

Ghantiyali Formation Sawar Group Bhilwara Supergroup (Lower Proterozoic)

Lower Marble Member Ghantiyali Formation Sawar Group Bhilwara Supergroup (Lower Proterozoic) Kekri Formation Mangalwar Complex Bhilwara Supergroup (Lower Proterozoic)

Granitoid gneiss, Biotite gneiss Magalwar Complex with Pegmatite, Amphibolite and Calc-gneiss

Methodology Data Used In the present study, satellite data of IRS-P6 LISS-III (23.5 m) & LISS-IV (5.8 m), Landsat ETM (30 m) and

ASTER (30 m) have been used. GIS layers have been created for lithology, structures, geomorphology, soil and base map information by image interpretation from LISS-III, LISS-IV and ASTER images. Multispectral satellite data from IRS LISS-III and LISS-IV have proved to be useful in lithological

Malpura

Sawar

ASTER Image (May, 200607)

Geological Map

Fig. 2 ASTER image and geological map of Sawar-Malpura area (GSI 2001), showing different lithological units

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Lithological Units
Reef quartz and silicified quartzite Upper Schist Member Upper Marble Member

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Bajta

Lower Schist Member Lower Marble Member Mangalwar Complex (Gneiss)

Bajta

Sawar

(a)

ASTER Image (May, 200607)

Sawar

(b)

Location of base metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni) occurrence NS - Not Significant conc.

Fig. 3 a ASTER image showing different rock exposures around Sawar-Bajta area. b Geological map of Sawar-Bajta area with location of base metal concentration (>500 ppm). (Source: Ray 1988)

mapping in parts of Rajasthan (Bhadra et al. 2007 and 2008). However, ASTER data have been analyzed (Bhadra et al. 2009) exclusively for lithological discrimination, identification of mineral alteration and gossan zones related to base metal deposits around Sawar-Malpura area. In the study area, eight scenes of ASTER Level-1B product of May, 2006 and 2007 have been used. Detailed specifications of these ASTER
Fig. 4 ( a ) Sawar Hill as viewed from Deoli-Sawar road. (b) Marble with veins of toumaline and specks of pyrite/sphalerite/pyrrhotite, S of Sawar (c) Pb, Zn, Cu mineralization along veins in marble quarry, south of Sawar (d) Stains of malachite on epidotised schist surface, old working pit, east of Sawar (e) Jerosite/calcite in quartz reef, NE of Tikhi Hill (f) Mineralized zone (gossan?) in quartz reef, NE of Tikhi Hill

datasets are given in Table 2. The techniques used in ASTER data processing are described below. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) Technique The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is a multivariate statistical technique that selects uncorrelated linear combinations (eigenvector loadings) of variables in

396 Table 2 Specification of ASTER Satellite Data, used in the study area Satellite/Sensor Spectral Bands with Wavelength Range (m) 14 Bands VNIR Bands (ASTER-1 to 3) (0.41.0 m) SWIR Bands (ASTER-4 to 9) (0.92.5 m) TIR Bands (ASTER-10 to 14) (8.111.0 m) 15 m 6060 Resolution (m)

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Swath (Sq. km)

Product/Scene ID

Path/Row

Date of pass

Terra ASTER

ASTER level 1B 1. ID: 2043052189 2. ID: 2043052194 3. ID: 2043052198 30 m 6060 4. ID: 2043052199 5. ID: 2034410229 6. ID: 2034410232 90 m 6060 7. ID: 2034410233 8. ID: 2034410236 147/41 147/41 147/42 147/42 147/41 147/41 147/42 147/42 12.5.2007 12.5.2007 12.5.2007 12.5.2007 25.5.2006 25.5.2006 25.5.2006 25.5.2006

such a way that each successively extracted linear combination, or principal component, has a smaller variance (Smith 2002; Ranjbar et al. 2003). Principal Component (PC) is used to produce uncorrelated output bands, to segregate noise components and to reduce the dimensionality of data sets. Because multi-spectral data bands are often highly correlated, the principal components transformation is used to produce uncorrelated output bands. This is done by finding a new set of orthogonal axes that have their origin at the data mean and that are rotated so the data variance is maximized. PC bands are linear combinations of the original spectral bands and are uncorrelated. One can calculate the same number of output PC bands as input spectral bands. The first PC band contains the largest percentage of data variance and the second PC band contains the second largest data variance, and so on. The last PC bands appear noisy because they contain very little variance, much of which is due to noise in the original spectral data.
Fig. 5 NASA/JPL standards spectral curves (resampled from ASTER) for constituent minerals of (a) phyllic and (b) propylitic alteration zones (Source: Azizi et al. 2007)

PC generated from the ASTER band combinations is used to generate eigenvector matrix (including + ve and ve values) for each subset. The PC having highest eigenvector loadings coincide with the targets most diagnostic features which are highlighted after appropriate thresholding. Standard spectral curves of NASA/JPL (resampled from ASTER) for the constituent minerals of phyllic and propylitic alteration zones have been referred as a reference (Fig. 5) for selection of a PC (after Azizi et al. 2007). The spectral pattern shows good absorption in B7 and B8 and high reflection in B5 and B6 for propylitic minerals (Chlorite, Epidote, Montmorillonite and Carbonate). On the contrary, phyllic minerals (Muscovite, Kaolinite, Alunite, Illite and Quartz) show good absorption in B6 and high reflection in B5 and B7. Thus, B6 is a unique band for discrimination of phyllic and propylitic zones. Crosta et al. (2003) used ASTER SWIR data for spectral characterization of surface targets such as phyllosilicates (clay minerals), sulphates and

J Indian Soc Remote Sens (June 2013) 41(2):391404 Fig. 6 a VNIR-SWIR bands (ASTER-5,3,2) able to discriminate between lower (whitish yellow) and upper (sea green) marble bands. b SWIR (ASTER6,4,8) bands discriminate marble bands (yellow green tone) and quartz reefs (sea green)

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carbonates. PCA is one of the important image processing techniques for the extraction of spectral information related to the alteration zones. However, contextual information should be corroborated to select a suitable PC image output, depicting the spatial distribution of a particular alteration mineral. Relative absorption-Band Depth (RBD) Ratio Technique Band ratio and Relative absorption-Band Depth (RBD) ratio techniques involve band arithmetic with the given
Fig. 7 a FCC of ASTER PC-2,3,4 with histogram equalization stretching highlights the hinges of the upper marble band. b Band Depth Ratio for ASTER (B5+B7)/B6 with linear Stretching (2 %) discriminate marble bands (dark blue) and silicified quartz reefs (yellowish red)

knowledge of the absorption features of a target mineral. Band rationing is a simple operation with division of two bands of highest reflectance and highest absorption of the same material, which is given by Band Ratio Band with high reflectance feature Band with high absorption feature

Ratio images are suitable to display the spectral contrast of specific absorption features which have been used extensively in geological remote sensing. The combination of three band ratio images as Red-

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Table 3 Eigenvector Statistics for PC of ASTER SWIR Bands for Alteration Zones Bands (wavelength, m) Band 4 (1.6001.700) Band 5 (2.1452.185) Band 6 (2.1852.225) Band 7 (2.2352.285) Band 8 (2.2952.365) Band 9 (2.3602.430) Covariance Eigenvalue Variance % PC1 0.873 0.460 0.148 0.046 0.037 -0.022 218.536 45.65 PC2 0.275 -0.373 -0.272 -0.814 0.169 -0.137 0.099 14.39 PC3 0.259 -0.362 -0.217 0.129 -0.851 0.117 0.011 13.57 PC4 0.241 -0.369 -0.460 0.430 0.472 0.432 0.004 12.58 PC5 0.162 -0.458 0.212 0.351 0.140 -0.759 0.003 8.51 PC6 0.101 -0.414 0.775 -0.100 0.057 0.452 0.001 5.3

Eigenvector Loading Highest -ve (Reflection B5 (None) B5 (-0.373) B5 (-0.362) B6 (-0.460) B6 (-0.458) B5 (-0.414) for Propylitic Minerals in B5 or B6) Highest +ve (Absorption B7 (0.046) B8 (0.169) B7 (0.129) B8 (0.472) B7 (0.351) B8 (0.057) in B7 or B8) Loading Range Nil 0.542 0.491 0.932 0.809 0.471 Highest Loading for Phyllic Minerals Highest +ve (Reflection in B5 or B7) Highest-ve (Absorption in B6 or B9) Loading Range B5 (0.460) B5 or B7 (None) B7 (0.129) B7 (0.430) B7 (0.351) B5 or B7 (None)

B9 (0.022) B6 (-0.272) B6 (-0.217) B6 (-0.460) B9 (-0.759) None 0.482 Nil 0.346 0.890 1.110 Nil

Fig. 8 Phyllic alteration zones are identified from PCA technique with SWIR bands (ASTER-4,5,6,7,8,9). PC-5 image with 2 % linear stretching, smooth median filtering (33) and ENVI Color Table (BGRY) shows possible Phyllic alteration zones in Sawar-Malpura area

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Green-Blue (RGB) is very useful for the interpretation of the results. RBD is the representation of three-point ratio formulation for displaying Al-O-H, Mg-O-H and CO3 absorption intensities (Crowley et al. 1989; Rowan and Mars 2003). RBD images have the numerator as the sum of the bands representing the shoulders (Bands 1 and 3) and the denominator as the band located nearest the absorption feature minimum (Band 2). RBD Band 1 Band 3 Band 2

continuum and is determined by mathematic operation. Several RBD images may be created to highlight certain minerals like Al-O-H, Mg-O-H and CO3 bearing minerals. The RBD with (B7+B9)/B8 is a suitable combination to highlight CaCO3 and Mg-O-H bearing minerals by the sharp absorption feature at B8 compared to B7 and B9. Similarly, RBD images with (B5 +B7)/B6 highlight Al-O-H bearing clay minerals due to strong absorption feature in band 6.

Results and Discussion ASTER Data Analysis for Mineral Potential Zones In the present study, ASTER data have been analysed for discrimination of rocks, altered clay minerals and gossans with identification of base metals around Sawar-Malpura area in central Rajasthan. Amongst the available methods of hyperspectral data analysis,

RBD is a good method for removing albedo and topographic effects and is known as continuum-removal procedure. The continuum consists of the background reflectance which extrapolates the baseline of the general curve i.e. it fits a smoothed curve to the general trend so as to extend across the base of absorption bands. This local reduction specifies the
Fig. 9 PCA technique with SWIR bands (ASTER4,5,6,7,8,9) discriminate two possible hydrothermal alteration zones (Propylitic and Phyllic) in Sawar-Malpura area in RGB image (PC-5, PC-4 and PC-3 combination) with histogram equalization and smooth median filtering (33)

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PCA and RBD techniques are found to be useful for delineation of clay alteration zones and iron oxide zones. (a) LithologyIt has been observed that images with VNIR (ASTER-3, 2 and 1) as well as VNIRSWIR (ASTER-5, 3 and 2) band combinations are able to discriminate between Lower Marble and Upper Marble bands (Fig. 6a). Similarly, SWIR bands (ASTER-6, 4 and 8) are found to be suitable in discriminating marble and quartz reef (Fig. 6b). Similar lithological discrimination is also observed using PC and BDR images (Fig. 7a and b). (b) Alteration zones Out of the 14 bands of ASTER data, SWIR bands show absorption features by the OH-bearing minerals which are indicative of hydrothermal alteration zones. Hence,
Fig. 10 ASTER Band Ratio (B2/B1) with histogram stretching and median filtering showing brighter areas (yellow-red) as Fe-rich zones (Gossans?) in (a) Sawar-Malpura area (b) Sawar area and (c) Thresholded Fe zones around Sawar

in discriminating different alteration zones, 6 PC images with eigenvector statistics have been generated using SWIR Bands (ASTER-4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9). The eigenvector matrix (Table 3) was used to calculate PCA to identify PC containing the mineral information. The first PC does not contain relevant spectral features, as it is a combination of all bands having variance of 45.65 %. PC1 gives information on albedo and topography. However, the PC that has the highest eigenvector (either + ve or ve eigenvalue) is important for discrimination of alteration zones such as phyllic and propylitic. Eigenvector loading (highest +ve, highest ve and their maximum range) have been calculated for phyllic and propylitic minerals respectively. Since spectral patterns of propylitic minerals (Fig. 5) show reflection in B5 and B6 in comparison

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to absorption in B7 and B8, highest ve and highest +ve eigenvalues of the corresponding bands have been selected while choosing the best suitable PC for the propylitic alteration zone. Similarly, highest +ve and highest -ve eigenvalues with corresponding high absorption in B6 or B9 and high reflection in B5 and B7 have been selected for phyllic alteration zone. At the same time, highest loading ranges of the respective propylitic and phyllic zones have been calculated. Thus, characteristic features of these two alteration zones are illustrated by eigenvalues with opposite sign. From the given matrix, it has been observed that highest loading range for propylitic and phyllic zones corresponds to PC4 (0.932) and PC5 (1.110) respectively. For example, PC5 image around Sawar area highlighted the phyllic alteration zone, marked by quartz reef and silicified quartzite (Fig. 8). It has been observed that colour composite in RGB mode (R 0 PC5, G 0 PC4 and B 0 PC3) shows two distinct alteration zones viz. Propyllitic zone in bluish green colour and phyllic zone in magenta colour (Fig. 9). Similarly, Band Depth Ratio (BDR) images with (B5+B7)/B6 are found to be useful in discriminating Phyllic and Propylitic alteration zones. Because of high reflection in B5 and B7 and high absorption in B6, Phyllic zone appears as bright white. In contrary, low reflection in B7 and B8 and high reflection in B5 and B6, Propylitic alteration zone appears darker than Phyllic zone. The demarcated alteration zones on BDR image (B5+B7)/B6 (Fig. 7b) is well matched with the RGB image of PC-5, 4 and 3 (Fig. 9). In the study area, phyllic alteration zones have been identified along the patches of silicified quartzite and quartz reef in Sawar-Tikhi range of metasedimentary rocks as well as a few exposures around Tordi village. The propylitic alteration zones are identified mainly in the north in Malpura area, having basement rocks of granite-migmatite gneiss. (c) Gossan ZonesGossan zones are the leached and oxidized near-surface part of a concealed deposit, containing base metal sulphides. ASTER band ratio images have been used in delineating Ferich zones which may be a part of the gossan of

Pb-Zn-Cu mineralization. In the present study area, B2/B1 ratio images are produced to show the distribution of Fe+3 absorption (Fig. 10a). Histogram stretching with appropriate thresholding of the B2/B1 image product shows isolated patches of possible gossan zone in the basement gneissic rocks around Sawar (Fig. 10b, c). Field verification at two places near Tikhi Hill and Bajta village in Sawar area indicate the presence of ferruginous substance along with suphide bearing

Fig. 11 Location of soil sample overlaid on ASTER image of Sawar-Malpura area

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quartzose rocks (possible gossan zones). As these two localities also confirm the presence of base metal deposits, it is expected that similar spectral signature in the northern part belongs to gossan-like features. A few patches of iron oxide rich zones are also found around the exposed quartzite/schist in the north at few localities in Malpura area.

Geochemical Data Analysis Hydrothermal alteration zones such as propylitic and phyllic zones have been identified from PC analysis of ASTER SWIR bands. Around 30 soil samples were collected in a grid pattern from Sawar-Malpura area (Fig. 11) and their elemental concentration in each

Fig. 12 Contour pattern of elemental distribution of base metals (a) Pb (b) Zn and (c) Cu in soil samples, overlaid on geological map around Sawar-Malpura area. Enlarge view of Pb, Zn, Cu distribution patterns in Sawar area are also shown

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403 Acknowledgements Authors are thankful to Dr. V. K. Dadhwal, Director and Dr. Y.V.N Krishnamurthy, Dy. Director (RS-AA), NRSC, Hyderabad for their constant inspiration to carry out hyperspectral data analysis. Fruitful discussion with Dr. Vinod Kumar, NRSC, Hyderabad and Dr. A. K. Joshi, RRSC, Nagpur was very much helpful in this study. Active association with Shri L.K. Gurjar and Shri N. Kavadia, HZL Officials, Udaipur is highly acknowledged. Dr. A. K. Gupta, Ex. ISRO Scientist, RRSC-W helped during conceptualization of the project.

samples were analysed. The dispersion pattern of the major base metals (Pb, Zn and Cu) along with the occurrence of clay minerals is studied for any possible correlation with the alteration zones. Illite and kaolinite are commonly found around Sawar and Deoli area. Montmorillonite is found around Malpura and Toda Rai Singh area and a few places around Sawar. Mica, chlorite and calcite are the common minerals found throughout the area. The delineated alteration zones are also verified with the major metal concentration of soil samples. Contour pattern has been generated for 3 base metals (Pb, Zn and Cu) which are the target minerals of the study area (Fig. 12a, b and c). It has been observed that Pb and Zn concentration is higher in phyllic and propylitic zones around Sawar area where significant Pb (~156 ppm) and Zn (~98 ppm) concentration is found in the soil samples. Geological set-up indicates that Tikhi Hill area comprised of silicified quartz with reef but the southern Malpura area has smaller plutons of granitic gneisses. Occurrence of Pb concentration around Tikhi Hill is quite known (Ray 1988). But the Pb (~59 ppm) and Zn (~77 ppm) concentration of southern Malpura area is quite new which might has some affinity with the granitic plutons. Hence, the area has to be re-looked for any occurrence of altered/ gossan zone. Apart from some old workings area, Cu concentration is found to be higher in and around Tikhi Hill.

References
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Conclusions ASTER data is very much useful in lithological discrimination such as lower and upper marble bands, marble and quartz reef etc. PCA and RBD techniques are found to be useful for delineation of alteration zones and iron oxide zones. Hydrothermal alteration zones such as Propylitic zones and Phyllic zones can be identified from PC analysis of ASTER SWIR bands. The same is also found true in BDR technique with ASTER bands i.e. (B5+B7)/B6. The delineated zones are verified with the metal concentration of soil samples. It has been observed that Pb and Zn concentration is higher in phyllic and propylitic zones around Sawar and Malpura area respectively. Apart from known Sawar deposits, Malpura is the new promising area where detailed exploration work can be taken up.

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