Mapping of Intrusive Complex on a Small Scale Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing Images

Abstract

Multi-stage intrusive complex mapping plays an important role in regional mineralization research. The similarity of lithology characteristics between different stages of intrusions necessitates the use of richer spectral bands, while higher spatial resolution is also essential in small-scale research. In this paper, a multi-source remote sensing data application method was proposed. This method includes a spectral synergy process based on statistical regression and a fusion process using Gram–Schmidt (GS) spectral sharpening. We applied the method with Gaofen-2 (GF2), Sentinel-2, and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data to the mapping of the Mountain Sanfeng intrusive complex in northwest China in which Carboniferous intrusions have been proven to be directly related to the formation of Au deposits in the area. The band ratio (BR) and relative absorption band depth (RBD) were employed to enhance the spectral differences between two stage intrusions, and the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) false colour of the BR and RBD enhancement images performed well in the west and centre. Excellent enhancement results were obtained by making full use of all bands of the synergistic image and using the Band Ratio Matrix (BRM)-Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method in the northeast part of the study area. A crucial improvement in enhancement performance by the GS fusion process and spectral synergy process was thus shown. An accurate mapping result was obtained at the Mountain Sanfeng intrusive complex. This method could support small-scale regional geological survey and mineralization research in this region.