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Spectroscopy of olivine basalts using FieldSpec and ASTER data: A case study from Wadi Natash volcanic field, south Eastern Desert, Egypt

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Abstract

This paper aims at revealing the spectral characteristics of the olivine basalts exposed at Wadi Natash area, Egypt, using FieldSpec spectroradiometer. It also evaluates band ratios and fusion techniques for mapping purposes using ASTER data. Several volcanic episodes occurred during Early- to Late-Cretaceous are recorded in the study area. Early-Cretaceous olivine basalts are highly carbonated. Late-Cretaceous eruptions took place throughout several volcanic cones aligned in NW direction. Based on FieldSpec measurements and petrographic data, two groups of olivine basalt namely ‘A’ and ‘B’ are recognized. Fresh olivine basalt (group A) is characterized by low flat spectral profile with overall low reflectance values (∼20%). Spectral profile of altered olivine basalt (group B) shows moderate reflectance values (∼37%) with four little absorption features around the 1.10, 1.40, 2.00 and 2.35 μm wavelength regions. These absorption features are attributed mainly to the presence of chlorite and carbonate alteration products as indicated by petrographic examination. ASTER false colour composite band ratio image (3/2:R, 8/1:G and 8/5:B) discriminates easily the fresh and altered basalts by deep blue and reddish blue colours respectively. Image fusion between previously mentioned FCC ratios image and high spatial resolution ASTER panchromatic image are carried out using brovey and HSV transformation methods. Visual and statistical assessment methods proved that HSV fusion image yields better image interpretability results compared to brovey image. It improves the spatial resolution of original FCC ratios image with acceptable spectral preservation. The present study proved the usefulness of FieldSpec spectral profiles and the processed ASTER data for discriminating different olivine basalt groups exposed at the study area.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Water Research Center, King Abdul Aziz University, P.O. Box 80200, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.

    Ahmed Madani

  2. Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

    Ahmed Madani

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  1. Ahmed Madani
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Correspondence to Ahmed Madani.

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Madani, A. Spectroscopy of olivine basalts using FieldSpec and ASTER data: A case study from Wadi Natash volcanic field, south Eastern Desert, Egypt. J Earth Syst Sci 124, 1475–1486 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-015-0618-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-015-0618-1

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