Geomorphometric pattern recognition of SRTM data applied to the tectonic interpretation of the Amazonian landscape

The Amazon landscape spatial variability and anisotropic trends in the Uatumã and Urubu River regions are evaluated using geomorphometric techniques such as fractal dimension, drainage network density and semivariogram. These procedures were applied to the digital elevation model (DEM) of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). This evaluation facilitated the definition of geomorphometric domains with different degrees of roughness (fractal dimension) and elevation (semivariogram). These areas are consistent with known qualitative relief types. Furthermore, known geological structures in the subsurface and surface apparently influence the spatial variability of these geomorphometric variables. This is the Silves area case, where the hilly topography exhibits several annular and radial rivers, denoting subsurface control due to faults and folds that were mapped by seismic surveys. Another possible influence example is the spatial coincidence between structures mapped by magnetic data with low dissection zones delineated as a result of drainage network density analysis. In addition to the spatial distribution, the anisotropic trends of these geomorphometric variables were analyzed and compared with geological and geophysical information. Results indicate that the predominant directions for topographic semivariance anisotropy are NNE–SSW and NE–SW for the interfluvial regions, as well as NW–SE for the alluvial plains. The highest agglomeration direction in the drainage network, as shown by its anisotropy, coincides with the studied region’s current maximum horizontal stress direction, except in the floodplains. The direction with the most pronounced roughness, NNE–SSW, coincides with the direction of waterfalls and rapids. This study demonstrates that spatial variability knowledge and anisotropic trends of geomorphometric parameters is useful to understand the geology and geomorphology of the Central Amazon region.     

基于ASTER的蛇绿混杂岩带岩性识别

本文运用ASTER遥感数据识别与提取新疆南天山铜花山地区蛇绿混杂岩带岩性信息。首先,利用比值法快速区别岩性,并比较了识别同一种岩性的不同指数的性能;然后,将对数残差算法应用在ASTER数据的短波红外波段上,在区域尺度上把蛇绿岩杂岩体同围岩区分开来;最后,运用标准光谱数据和光谱角填图法识别出多种蛇绿岩成分及其空间分布。现有地质图和野外验证反映出该方法有一定效果。利用混淆矩阵对光谱角填图法分类结果定量评价,结果表明,把ASTER的可见光-近红外、短波红外波段数据结合在一起进行岩性分类,可以达到比单独用短波红外数据分类更高的分类精度。     

The application of day and night time ASTER satellite imagery for geothermal and mineral mapping in East Africa

There is considerable interest in optimizing geothermal exploration techniques via the mapping of alteration and evaporate mineralisation, as well as of thermal emissions associated with geothermally active areas on the Earth’s surface. Optical and thermal satellite sensor technologies, improvements in processing algorithms and the means for large scale (e.g. 1:250,000) spatial data distribution are required for detecting both these attributes. The extensive visible, -near, -shortwave and thermal infrared (VNIR-SWIR-TIR) data archive acquired by the multi-spectral Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission Reflectance Radiometer (ASTER) provides a rich source of geoscience related imagery for geothermal exploration. Examples of generating large scale mosaicked ASTER imagery to provide province to continental mineral mapping have been undertaken in areas including such as Australia, western USA, Namibia and Zagros Mountains Iran. In addition, ASTER’s thermal infrared imagery also provides night time land surface temperature (LST) estimates relevant for detecting possible geothermal related anomalies.This study outlines existing methods for the application of ASTER data for geothermal exploration in East Africa. The study area encompasses a section of the East African Rift System across the Tanzanian and Kenyan border. The area includes rugged volcanic terrain which has had geological mapping of limited coverage at detailed scales, from various heritages and mapping agencies. This study summarizes the technology, the processing methodology and initial results in applying ASTER imagery for such compositional and thermal anomaly mapping related to geothermal activity. Fields observations have been used from the geothermal springs of Lake Natron, Tanzania, and compared with ASTER derived spectral composition and land surface temperature results. Published geothermal fields within the Kenyan portion of the study area have also been incorporated into this study.     

Analysis of ASTER data for mapping bauxite rich pockets within high altitude lateritic bauxite,Jharkhand, India

Bauxite deposits of Jharkhand in India are resulted from the lateritization process and therefore are often associated with the laterites. In the present study, ASTER (Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) image is processed to delineate bauxite rich pockets within the laterites. In this regard, spectral signatures of lateritic bauxite samples are analyzed in the laboratory with reference to the spectral features of gibbsite (main mineral constituent of bauxite) and goethite (main mineral constituent of laterite) in VNIR–SWIR (visible-near infrared and short wave infrared) electromagnetic domain. The analysis of spectral signatures of lateritic bauxite samples helps in understanding the differences in the spectral features of bauxites and laterites. Based on these differences; ASTER data based relative band depth and simple ratio images are derived for spatial mapping of the bauxites developed within the lateritic province. In order to integrate the complementary information of different index image, an index based principal component (IPC) image is derived to incorporate the correlative information of these indices to delineate bauxite rich pockets. The occurrences of bauxite rich pockets derived from density sliced IPC image are further delimited by the topographic controls as it has been observed that the major bauxite occurrences of the area are controlled by slope and altitude. In addition to above, IPC image is draped over the digital elevation model (DEM) to illustrate how bauxite rich pockets are distributed with reference to the topographic variability of the terrain. Bauxite rich pockets delineated in the IPC image are also validated based on the known mine occurrences and existing geological map of the bauxite. It is also conceptually validated based on the spectral similarity of the bauxite pixels delineated in the IPC image with the ASTER convolved laboratory spectra of bauxite samples.     

An Introduction to MODISI and SCMOD Methods for Correction of the MODIS Snow Assessment Algorithm

Detection, monitoring and precise assessment of the snow covered regions is an important issue. Snow cover area and consequently the amount of runoff generated from snowmelt have a significant effect on water supply management. To precisely detect and monitor the snow covered area we need satellite images with suitable spatial and temporal resolutions where we usually lose one for the other. In this study, products of two sensors MODIS and ASTER both on board of TERRA platform having low and high spatial resolution respectively were used. The objective of the study was to modify the snow products of MODIS by using simultaneous images of ASTER. For this, MODIS snow index image with high temporal resolution were compared with that of ASTER, using regression and correlation analysis. To improve NDSI index two methods were developed. The first method generated from direct comparison of ASTER averaged NDSI with those of MODIS (MODISI). The second method generated by dividing MODIS NDSI index into 10 codes according to their percentage of surface cover and then compared the results with the difference between ASTER averaged and MODIS snow indices (SCMOD). Both methods were tested against some 16 MODIS pixels. It is found that the precision of the MODISI method was more than 96%. This for SCMOD was about 98%. The RMSE of both methods were as good as 0.02.     

Mapping the heterogeneity of natural and semi-natural landscapes

Natural and semi-natural landscape cover is heterogeneous. Ideally, mapping land cover requires an approach that represents both gradients and land covers spatiotemporal variability. These aspects can be visualized and depicted by applying a new spatio-temporal analysis based Landscape Heterogeneity Mapping (LaHMa) method to natural and semi-natural landscapes. Using MODIS NDVI 16-day imagery (February 2000–July 2009) for Crete, a 65-cluster image was selected from ISODATA classification results using the separability values of the divergence statistics. The 65 clusters appropriately generalize the spatial and temporal variability in land cover. Using classified outputs from 10 to 65 clusters, the frequency of pixels identified as boundaries of homogeneous land cover classes was translated into the form of a landscape heterogeneity map, which was then validated using field data. The results show that the heterogeneity map had moderate correlation (R² = 0.60 and 0.63 in two transects) with the sum of differences between neighbouring transect pixels in all land cover components. In general, the study found this new approach (LaHMa) to be suitable for mapping landscape heterogeneity in the natural and semi-natural landscape of Crete, Greece. The new method appears to be of potential use for informing gradient analyses in landscape ecological studies.     

Neural Network Estimation of Urban Leaf Area Index

Leaf area index (LAI) is a critical parameter for urban forest monitoring. The goal of this study in Terre Haute, Indiana, USA was to develop algorithms to model gap-fraction LAI measured on sample plots as a function of radiometric response measured by the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). Two neural networks facilitated the modeling. The first was trained to detect sites dominated by bare ground using ASTER visible, infrared, and thermal channels. The second estimated LAI as a function of vegetation indices. When the field sample sites were resubmitted to the two networks, the resulting systemwide standard error of the estimate was 1.25 LAI units.     

The landscape-unit approach applied to geology, on SPOT images, in temperate climate zones using a test-area in the Cévennes (Massif Central, France)

Classification image processing is based mainly upon spectral features but this information alone is inadequate for drawing comprehensive maps or reliably distinguishing lithological or structural targets, especially in vegetation-covered areas. It is therefore of interest to explore an approach in which subtle features of the image are matched with field data in a variety of parameters either measured or assessed qualitatively. This approach is necessarily multidisciplinary, the three basic aspects being geomorphological, botanical and geological.The Cévennes massif, in southern France, with its sedimentary margins was selected as a test area, having both varied geology, giving a variety of landscapes, and a range of climatic zones, from Mediterranean to sub-Alpine.The present work is distinguished by its use of the landscape unit, which is rarely considered in geology. Landscapes units are recognized and defined, and the spectral homogeneity of the units is then assessed. They are combined with satellite and other data in order to improve the digital processing for geological purposes.The parameters characterising each landscape unit define the various elements contributing to the landscape, the most important of which are morphology, vegetation and geology, and their interactions. Our results using these parameters show the interest of the management of both the satellite (SPOT in this case) and non-satellite (exogenous) data.     

Mapping alteration mineral zones and lithological units in Antarctic regions using spectral bands of ASTER remote sensing data

Abstract

Geological mapping is one of the primary tasks of remote sensing. Remote sensing applications are especially useful when extreme environmental conditions inhibit direct survey such as in Antarctica. In this investigation, a satellite-based remote sensing approach was used for mapping alteration mineral zones and lithological units using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data in the Oscar II coast area, north-eastern Graham Land, Antarctic Peninsula. Specialized band ratios and band combinations were developed using visible and near infrared, shortwave infrared (SWIR) and thermal infrared spectral bands of ASTER for detecting alteration mineral assemblages and lithological units in Antarctic environments. Constrained Energy Minimization, Orthogonal Subspace Projection and Adaptive Coherence Estimator algorithms were tested to ASTER SWIR bands for detecting sub-pixels’ abundance of spectral features related to muscovite, kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite, epidote, chlorite and biotite. Results indicate valuable applicability of ASTER data for Antarctic geological mapping.     

Lithological Mapping in the Eastern Part of the Central Iranian Volcanic Belt Using Combined ASTER and IRS data

The study area is located in the eastern part of the central Iranian volcanic belt. Advanced Space-borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS ) pan images were used for applying several image classification methods for lithological mapping. ASTER visible-near infrared and shortwave infrared bands were sharpened using IRS pan image. We used classification methods such as Maximum likelihood, Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) and Spectral Information Divergence (SID) in order to evaluate the usefulness of these methods for geological mapping. The classification results showed that MLC has the best accuracy and the classified image closely resembles the previously prepared geology map of the area.     

Evaluation of ICA and CEM algorithms with Landsat-8/ASTER data for geological mapping in inaccessible regions

Many regions remain poorly studied in terms of geological mapping and mineral exploration in inaccessible regions especially in the Arctic and Antarctica due to harsh conditions and logistic difficulties. Application of specialized image processing techniques is capable of revealing the hidden linear mixing spectra in multispectral and hyperspectral satellite images. In this study, the applications of Independent component analysis (ICA) and Constrained Energy Minimization (CEM) algorithms were evaluated for Landsat-8 and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) remote sensing data for geological mapping in Morozumi Range and Helliwell Hills areas, Northern Victoria Land (NVL), Antarctica. The results of this investigation demonstrate the capability of the two algorithms in distinguishing pixel and subpixel targets in the multispectral satellite data. The application of the methods for identifying poorly exposed geologic materials and subpixel exposures of alteration minerals has invaluable implications for geological mapping and mineral exploration in inaccessible regions.     

Recognition of shallow karst water resources and cave potentials using thermal infrared image and terrain characteristics in semi-arid regions of Iran

Shallow karst water resources and caves may influence land surface temperatures due to cold transfer property of rocks and evaporation from buried karst. The objective of this research was to develop a method for recognition of karst areas based on evaluating the surface characteristics that manifest itself by low land surface temperature in the satellite images. Investigation of thermal ETM⁺ image of the study region in Iran showed that parts of carbonate rocks that bear karst water are relatively cooler compared to areas with similar terrain conditions. Relational modeling provided useful information on spatial distribution of areas that have the potential to hold karst water resources and/or caves. Further inspection of ASTER images, along with geotechnical, geophysical and geological field surveys verified the approach. Significant correlation was found between electrical resistivity and thermal band values. The method may be used as a primary exploratory tool for shallow karst water explorations in similar areas.     

结合PCA、多尺度分割及SVM的ASTER遥感蚀变信息提取

为了利用遥感影像进行更加精确的找矿预测,本文选择新疆东天山尾亚地区ASTER数据进行矿化蚀变信息提取方法研究。为了提高信息提取精度,本文提出了结合主成分分析(PCA)、多尺度分割和支持向量机(SVM)的遥感矿化蚀变信息提取方法。首先,分析ASTER数据的特征,选取各矿化蚀变信息的特征波段,对组合波段进行主成分分析,获得主分量图像;然后,对各主分量图像进行多尺度分割,并获得分割之后的均值图像;接着,提取训练样本,利用SVM对训练样本进行训练,采用试验方法求得最优核参数和松弛变量,构造最优SVM模型;最后,运用最优SVM模型完成矿化蚀变信息的提取。进行主成分分析时,铁染蚀变信息选择Band1、2、3、4组合,Al-OH基团蚀变信息选择Band 1、4、6、7组合,OH和CO32-基团蚀变信息采用Band 1、2、8、9组合。在运行SVM时采用了序列最小优化算法(SMO)进行求解,速度提高了12%。实验结果表明,与波段比值法、主成分分析法及基于光谱角和SVM的方法等3种方法相比,本文方法提取铁染蚀变信息、Al-OH基团蚀变信息及OH和CO32-基团蚀变信息的总体精度可达到87.98%、 90.01%及88.93%,Kappa系数分别为0.8011、0.8134及0.8023,与成矿区带、已知矿点和已有不同地质背景成矿特征相关性较好。     

应用ASTER数据提取矽卡岩型锡矿蚀变遥感异常信息——以滇东南马关都龙锡矿为例

运用多光谱遥感数据进行矿化蚀变信息提取,对圈定找矿预测区具有重要意义.采用ASTER数据及其矿化蚀变信息提取原理,对滇东南马关都龙锡矿含矿岩体分布区分别提取了方解石化、白云岩化、绿泥石化等3类蚀变遥感异常信息.所提取的蚀变异常与野外调查发现的矿化点吻合性好,蚀变信息可靠,对指导找矿有较好的效果,为该地区矿产资源潜力评价...     

Calibration of ASTER and ETM + imagery using empirical line method—A case study of north-east of Hajjah, Yemen

This study is aimed at using the Empirical Line Method (ELM) to eliminate atmospheric effects with respect to visible and near infrared bands of advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER) and enhanced thematic mapper plus (ETM+) data. Two targets (Amran limestone as light target and quartz-biotite-sericite-graphite schists as dark target), which were widely exposed and easy to identify in the imagery were selected. The accuracy of the atmospheric correction method was evaluated from three targets (vegetation cover, Amran limestone and Akbra shale) of the surface reflectance. Analytical spectral devices (ASD) FieldSpec3 was used to measure the spectra of target samples. ETM+ data were less influenced by the atmospheric effect when compared to ASTER data. Normalized differences vegetation indices (NDVI) displayed good results with reflectance data when compared with digital number (DN) data because it is highly sensitive to ground truth reflectance (GTR). Most of the differences observed before and after calibration of satellite images (ASTER and ETM+) were absorbed in the SWIR region.      

ASTER数据在北方铝土矿预普查中的应用——以豫西渑池地区为例

ASTER数据的光谱和空间分辨率均具有一定优势,适合于中等比例尺的矿产预普查。为了探讨ASTER数据应用于铝土矿预普查的效果,通过对ASTER图像彩色合成、地质解译及异常信息提取,对豫西渑池地区的铝土矿进行了预普查试验。结果表明,在北方基岩裸露地区,应用ASTER数据圈定"赋矿影像单元"和提取铝土矿遥感找矿信息能获得较好的效果。     

MODIS土地覆盖分类的尺度不确定性研究

以空间异质性较强的枯水期鄱阳湖为研究区,以搭载于同一卫星平台、具有同一观测时间和较高空间分辨率的ASTER数据为参照,分析研究了MODIS数据在土地覆盖分类中由空间尺度带来的不确定性。首先基于MODIS三角权重函数,建立了从ASTER到MODIS的尺度转换方法;然后对不同空间分辨率的数据进行土地覆盖分类,并基于误差矩阵和线性模型分析了MODIS土地覆盖分类结果的误差来源。结果表明,空间分辨率和光谱分辨率与成像方式这两类因素对MODIS与ASTER分类结果差异的贡献比例约为(6.6—11.2):2;MODIS像元尺度对研究区水体的分类不确定性影响较低,而对森林的不确定性影响可达63%。由此可见,在基于MODIS数据的土地覆盖分类研究中,空间尺度所产生的不确定性是比较显著的。这些研究结果对于土地覆盖分类及变化检测、尺度效应和景观生态学不确定性研究,有积极的参考意义。     

The effectiveness of richness,diversity and dominance textural indices when applied on digital ground photographs using a GIS for landscape visual analysis purposes

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of three main textural indices for the automatic evaluation and classification of landscape scenic quality using digital ground photographs. Based on the textural indices that are commonly used in landscape ecology, the richness, diversity and dominance indices were selected to be examined, and the results from the application of these indices to a sample of ground photographs are described in this paper. The application of the textural indices to the sample of photographs takes place in two different ways, using a geographic information system (GIS) that aims to describe the general and partial heterogeneity of the landscape appearing in each photograph. Furthermore, we investigate the effectiveness of the indices selected as to the classification of the landscape's scenic quality, with the results being compared to other results derived from a research programme of the National Technical University of Athens. Comments and suggestions are presented for further investigation. The main conclusion of the investigation is that the texture indices are sensitized in the landscape's scenic quality, a fact that is positive and encourages the pursuit of further research.     

基于ASTER遥感影像的西昆仑岩性信息提取方法研究

基于西昆仑西段布伦口地区各岩性段内岩石样品的矿物组成及其光谱特征分析,提取代表各岩性单元的岩性端元波谱曲线;对研究区内ASTER可见光(VNIR)和短波红外(SWIR)数据进行匹配滤波处理,成功提取了研究区内9种重要的岩性单元(包括古元古界布仑阔勒群的黑云石英岩、黑云斜长片麻岩、黑云石英片岩和黑云角闪斜长片麻岩,志留系温泉沟群的绿泥石绢云母板岩、黑色千枚岩和绢云母石英片岩,以及石英闪长岩和英云闪长岩)。经已知地质资料和野外查证资料分析证明,用上述方法提取岩性信息的结果可靠,能为岩性填图及矿床勘查工作提供参考。     

Exploring relation of land surface temperature with selected variables using geographically weighted regression and ordinary least square methods in Manipur State,India

In the present study, relationship between Land surface temperature and selected indices, vegetation index (VARI), built-up index (BUI) and elevation (DEM) is investigated. Ordinary least square method and geographically weighted regression are used to analyse the spatial correlation between the indices with surface temperature. Subsequently, temporal trends (2001–2015) in surface temperature and vegetation are explored after every two years of interval. LANDSAT image and ASTER DEM are used to extract LST and additional indices. The selected variables (Built-up, vegetation and topography) explain 69% of the variation in surface temperature. The OLS and GWR revealed that topography and vegetation are the significant factor of LST in Manipur State. Topography being a constant parameter, its effect is constant over time. The changing scenario of vegetation is significantly contributing to LST. The surface temperature over a period of 15 years show increasing trend and is negatively and strongly correlated to vegetation cover.