Application of Supervised Classification and CrostaTechnique for Lithological Discrimination in Parts of South Khetri Belt, Sikar District, Rajasthan

Abstract

Supervised classification and Crosta technique is widely used for lithological and alteration zone mapping respectively. Landsat ETM+ digital imagery has been used to generate Crosta and Supervised classification image using digital image processing (DIP) technique. In the study, The Crosta technique has been used for the first time in lithological mapping. These techniques were applied to distinguish the litho-contacts between Alwar and Ajabgarh quartzite in the south-western part of North Delhi Fold Belt (NDFB) on the basis of argillaceous and arenaceous nature of the rocks. Litho contacts between Alwar and Ajabgarh groups are varying from quartzite to biotite schist in the Khetri basin whereas in the study area the litho-contacts are Alwar quartzite to Ajabgarh quartzite which are very difficult to classify on naked eye. Therefore, this area has been selected for this study. Several authors have studied the geological setting of Khetri sub basin and classified on the basis of argillaceous, arenaceous nature and primary sedimentary structural features like ripple marks and cross bedding. This is the first attempt in the Khetri sub basin for lithological classification based on remote sensing and digital image processing technique. This study revealed that Crosta image has significant spatial correlation with the lithology discriminated using Supervised classification technique. Lithological variations were clearly demarcated using these technique around Rahunathgarh and Golyana areas. The litho units between these areas were marked under the Group of Ajabgarh quartzite by the GSI people during 1994. However, the present study classified those area under the Group of Alwar quartzite. Similar type of studies can also be carried out where these type of lithological problems arises.