Serpentinization Mapping Using Drone Hyperspectral Data

Recent advances in drone hyperspectral technology have led to increased research in the geological community, such as resource exploration and mineral mapping.The dark mineral assemblages found in ultramafic rocks can pose challenges for spectral analysis using drone hyperspectral imagery.This study used the Serpentine Mine as a test site to test drone-based hyperspectral technology for mapping serpentinization in ultramafic rocks.Hyperspectral data were collected using a hyperspectral camera with 490 spectral channels in the wavelength range of 400-2,500 nm.The minimum wavelength mapper technique demonstrated that the drone hyperspectral system can be effectively used to identify serpentinization associated with absorption features occurring at 2,325 nm.Field observations and spectroscopic measurements of rock samples supported the performance of hyperspectral imaging for serpentinization detection.However, reduced sunlight due to cloud cover weakened the absorption characteristics of serpentinization.