Integrated analysis of high-resolution field and airborne spectroradiometer data for( mineral) alteration mapping ( Oatman gold deposit, Arizona).

This study presents the results of our investigation into the development and application of high-spectral resolution field and airborne infrared spectroradiometers for mapping mineral alteration. The study demonstrated 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 NW 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. -from Authors