ASTER Mineral Alteration Maps for Southeastern Afghanistan

ASTER satellite data processed with logical operator algorithms map phyllic and argillic-altered rocks in southeastern Afghanistan. The analysis identifies two areas, the Argandab igneous complex and the Katawaz basin, as potential sites for polymetallic vein and porphyry copper deposits. The dataset was summarized by the USGS based on work from the CEOS_EXTRA organization.

Use Cases

• Identify potential polymetallic vein deposits by analyzing alteration patterns in the Argandab igneous complex from the ASTER-derived vector data.
• Map the extent of phyllic-altered rocks in the Katawaz basin to assess porphyry copper deposit potential.
• Compare alteration intensity between the Chagai Hills and other regions using the generated argillic and phyllic byte ASTER images.
• Validate geological fault patterns by overlaying alteration vector data on coregistered Landsat TM base imagery.
• Train a classifier to detect argillic alteration using spectral signatures from the ASTER bands corrected with Hyperion data.

Strengths

• Data integrates multiple satellite sources, with ASTER data corrected using Hyperion and georegistered to orthorectified Landsat TM.
• Analysis provides specific geological interpretations, identifying two distinct areas with potential for mineral deposits.

Limitations

• The spatial extent of phyllic and argillic-altered rocks in the Chagai Hills is noted as less extensive, and alteration patterns there are inconclusive.
• Sample size and resolution of the derived vector data are unknown, limiting quantitative assessment.
• Temporal coverage and date of the underlying ASTER data acquisition are unspecified.

Provenance

Source

CEOS_EXTRA, with summary provided by the USGS.

Collection Method

Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite data processed with logical operator algorithms to create alteration maps, converted to vector data.

Geography

Southeastern Afghanistan, specifically the Argandab igneous complex, Katawaz basin, and Chagai Hills.