Hi everyone,
I need someone to write report for Remote Sensing according the instractions and the sample below;
Sultan Qaboos University
Collage of Science
Department of Earth Sciences
Remote Sensing Course (ERSC3061)
The Application of Remote Sensing in Mineral Exploration
Ibrahim Al Jabri (ID: 120991)
Abdullah Al Maashari (ID: 119315)
❖ Introduction:
Remote sensing is obtaining information about areas or objects without direct
contact. The main elements of remote sensing are the sensor, the sensing, and the
signal. There are many types of sensors such as satellite, airborne, and some types can
be on the ground like mounted on a tripod. The data that took by remote sensing are
very helpful for the scientists and countries. Remote sensing is very important in
numerous aspects because it is faster and cheaper than other methods. This technology
used for studying the environments, oceans, natural phenomena, and for mineral
exploration.
Figure 1: this image shows the various methods of remote sensing (H. S. Lim et al., 2009).
We choose this subject because of the big effect of remote sensing on the mineral
industry. In this report, we will discuss the relationship between remote sensing and
mineral exploration, how we can improve mineral exploration by remote sensing, the
advantages of remote sensing in the mining industry, and finally, examples of using
remote sensing for mineral exploration in Oman.
❖ Methods:
In this report, we investigate the influence of remote sensing methods on
mineral exploration and mining industry based on the data obtained from scientific
papers, articles, and satellite images. We concluded that there is an evolution in
mineral exploration due to the support from remote sensing technology, which
increased mining.
❖ Discussions and Result:
▪ The connection between remote sensing and mineral exploration:
There is a rich history between remote sensing and mineral exploration.
Airborne and ground-based are the two main remote sensing types used for
exploration. The sensors send or reflect various kinds of waves to studying the surface
and subsurface, which provide information about geology and mineralogy of specific
areas (Corine et al., 2018). the strategy of remote sensing to differentiate between the
heterogeneous minerals is by characteristic absorption countenance in the spectrum of
the minerals. Remote sensing also gives feedback about mineral concentration in the
studied area, which can be very helpful for the mining companies. The famous satellites
that provide geological mapping are ASTER, Hyperion, Landsat (Corine et al., 2018).
Figure 2: this picture shows the classification of minerals according to their color (Cudahy, and Thomas 2016).
▪
The advantages of remote sensing in the mining industry:
The mining industry considered as one of the lucrative business in the world,
some countries economy is linked to mining. From 1960 to 2010, remote sensing
technology has been evolved to become more effective and efficient (R.Baumann 2009).
There are a lot of advantages of remote sensing in the mining industry such as high
temporal frequency, and covering sizable lands more and faster than other methods,
this feature can reduce costs and save time (k. Koruyan et al., 2012). Also, the satellite
can provide 2D and 3D images with various depths.
The data that are taken from remote sensing that related to the mining industry
not gust about mineral exploration, but also about the negative impacts of mining. By
using various remote sensing methods (mostly satellite), the scientists studying the
mining lands, and they found a decrease in natural vegetation and destroying of animal
habitats (k. Koruyan et al., 2012).
Figure 3: this image shows the impact of gold mining on the tree cover in Myanmar (Cudahy, and Thomas 2016).
▪
How remote sensing help mining field?
Optical remote sensing can be used for a wide range of applications that can be
relevant to the mining industry. It helps for mineral exploration by mapping surface
mineralogy and geology, which can be an indicator for subsurface geology and the
presence of ore bodies. (Davids, C., Rouyet, L. 2018.)
Figure 4: left: Illustration of the general effect of vegetation stress on the reflectance spectrum. Right: examples of
reflectance spectra of vegetation and minerals, with specific spectral features (Davids,C.et al, 2018 ).
This technique is based on the characteristic absorption features in the spectrum
for the different minerals or mineral groups (see e.g. Figure 4, right). A standard digital
camera records the visible light and uses filters to separate the light in red, green, and
blue (e.g. Figure 4, left). In addition, Optical remote sensing gives us detailed knowledge
of the change in surface topography, and this results in topographical maps and 3D
models that can be used to study geomorphological features and assess mineral
resource and pit layouts in open-pit mines.( Davids, C., Rouyet, L. 2018).
Figure 5: Detailed topography of mine tailings derived from drone-based images and SFM modelling. Modified after
Rauhala et al. (2017).
In addition to conventional methods of surveying, which are often laborious and
require access to the site, 2 methods are often used: 1. Laser scanning or LIDAR (Light
Imaging Detection A Ranging), either ground-based/terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) or
airborne laser scanning (ALS); and 2 Photogrammetry from manned or unmanned
aircraft (Figure 5). I addition, it is possible to derive a digital elevation model from very
high-resolution stereo satellite imagery, such as Worldview or SPOT. ( Davids, C.,
Rouyet, L. 2018).
▪
Are there any examples of using remote sensing for mining in Oman?
Oman has the potential occurrence of industrial minerals and ore deposits which
mostly occur in inaccessible mountains and desert regions where it is difficult to do the
conventional geological mapping. By knowing the absorption characters of spectral
bands of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER)
and selected imaging processing methods, it reduces the time to discover the wide-area
and save a lot of time and money that spent in the past for minerals exploration. (Nasir,
S. J., & Sankaran’s, R. 2017).
Figure 6: The country is rich with occurrences of economic industrial minerals and ore deposit namely chromite,
copper, gold, lead, zinc, iron, coal, magnetite, manganese, silica, barite, clay, dolomite, gypsum, kaolinite, limestone,
and marble.
❖ Here we have some examples of using remote sensing for mining in Oman:
Figure 7: Principal Components RGB image (R: PC1, G: PC2 and B: PC3) showing the
occurrence of manganese deposits in Ras Al Hadd region, Oman (Qf –Alluvial; Qb- Sabkhah; QeAeolian; MF2 – Middle Fars Group (Miocene to Pliocene); MF1 – Lower Fars Group (Miocene to
Pliocene); EMD – Dhofar Group (Late Eocene to Early Miocene); EHT3 – Upper Hadhramut Group
(Paleocene to Eocene); EHT2 – Middle Hadhramut Group (Paleocene to Eocene); TRKAR – Al
Aridh Group; PKHD – Hamrat Duru Group) (Rajendran and Nasir, 2013a).
Figure 8: ASTER SWIR RGB (PC5, PC3 and PC1) image showing the presence of
hydrothermal altered rock (listwaenite in dark red color marked as Li) and mineralized areas in
range of colors interpreted along the thrust fault zones (dotted lines in yellow color) of the
Fanjah area (Rajendran et al., 2013).
Figure 9: ASTER RGB band ratios (4/7, 4/1, 2/3*4/3) image (Rajendran and Nasir, 2014a)
showing the hydrothermally altered serpentinized peridotites of the study area. T – Tertiary
formations; E- Basic extrusives mostly spilites with pillow lava; D- Diabase dike swarms; HGGabbroid hypabyssal rocks; G- Gabbro; Pg- Peridotites with gabbro intrusions; P – Peridotites
partly serpentinized; P’ – strongly sheared serpentinized harzburgite, Ha- Haliw Formation; OMOman Melange; and HD – Hamrat Duru Formations.
Figure 10: SAM classified image (Rajendran and Nasir, 2014a) showing the occurrence of
hydrothermal altered serpentine minerals (cyan in color) within the serpentinized zone. The
abbreviations of the image are T – Tertiary formations; E- Basic extrusives mostly spilites with
pillow lava; D- Diabase dyke swarms; HG- Gabbroid hypabyssal rocks; G- Gabbro; Pg- Peridotites
with gabbro intrusions; P – Peridotites partly serpentinized; P’ – strongly sheared serpentinized
harzburgite, Ha- Haliw Formation; OM- Oman Melange; and HD – Hamrat Duru Formations.
Figure 11: RGB image of band ratios (R: (b1+b2)/b3; G: (b2+b4)/b5; B: (b4+b6)/b5) showing
the VMS mineralized zone and dashed line is the recommended zone for exploration (SE1 and
SE2 are extrusives and * Cu occurrences; Rajendran et al., 2013b).
❖ Conclusion :
Briefly, this report has shown the engagement of remote sensing in mineral exploration
since the sixties, the benefits of this technology in the mining industry, plus some examples in
Oman. We finished up with the remote sensing help to reduces expenses, cover a large area in
the shortest time, and proof of mining damage. We must raise awareness of the increased use
of remote sensing methods to monitor the impact of mining on vegetation and animal habitats.
References:
Cudahy, & Thomas. (2016, November 29). Mineral Mapping for Exploration: An
Australian Journey of Evolving Spectral Sensing Technologies and Industry
Collaboration. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/6/4/52/htm#
Cudahy, & Thomas. (2016, November 29). Mineral Mapping for Exploration: An
Australian Journey of Evolving Spectral Sensing Technologies and Industry
Collaboration. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/6/4/52/htm#
Davids, C., Rouyet, L. (2018). Remote sensing for the mining industry. Northern
Research Institute, 36. Retrieved from
https://www.oulu.fi/sites/default/files/36/RESEM_EOReview.pdf
HISTORY OF REMOTE SENSING, SATELLITE IMAGERY, PART
II.R,Baumann. (2009). Retrieved from
http://employees.oneonta.edu/baumanpr/geosat2/RS History II/RS-History-Part2.html
Koruyan, K., Deliormanli, A. H., Karaca, Z., Momayez, M., Lu, H., & Yalçin, E.
(2012). Remote sensing in management of mining land and proximate
habitat. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 112(7),
667-672.
Lim, H. S., MatJafri, M. Z., Abdullah, K., & Wong, C. J. (2009, October 1). Air
Pollution Determination Using Remote Sensing Technique. Retrieved from
https://www.intechopen.com/books/advances-in-geoscience-and-remote-sensing/airpollution-determination-using-remote-sensing-technique
Nasir, S. J. (2018). Review of the Role of Remote Sensing Applications in Mineral
Exploration and Sustainable Development in Oman. International Journal of
Environment and Sustainability, 6(3), 24–55. doi: 10.24102/ijes.v6i3.896
Rajendran, S., Nasir, S. (2013a), “Mapping of manganese potential lithology using
ASTER satellite data in parts of sultanate of Oman”, Int. J. Geosci. Geomatics 1 (2),
92–101
Rajendran, S., Nasir, S. (2014a), “Hydrothermal altered serpentinized zone and a
study of Ni magnesioferrite– magnetite–awaruite occurrences in Wadi Hibi,
Northern Oman Mountain: discrimination through ASTER mapping”, Ore Geol.
Rev. 62, 211–226
Sultan Qaboos University
College of Science
Department of Earth Science
Introduction to Remote Sensing (ERSC 3061) 3.00 Credits
Spring 2021
Research Activity
Project Overview: With the use of your knowledge in Remote Sensing and your lab exercise,
students will create theoretical basis for applying Remote Sensing to a specific problem domain in
order to provide framework for its application to provide a solution to a real world problem.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Explain the Remote Sensing perspective and discuss why Earth Science applications are
fundamental to understanding our environment.
2. Obtain information, organize knowledge, analyze problems similar to your activity, synthesis
of various knowledge sources, representation of different research findings, interpretation of
different images, communicate findings and, and evaluate study objectives using Remote
Sensing.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how environmental, or Earth Science problems can be
solved by Remote Sensing technology.
Tentative Activity Milestones:
.
Activity Problem Statement — worth 4 points.
Methodology Methodology) –- worth 4 points.
Any visual products that can target your objective – worth 3 points.
Activity Report – worth 4 points – including referencing and presentation.
Project Due Tuesday, May 10= 15 points
Activity Description: Student will use Remote Sensing literature to produce Activity Report
based on basic theoretical research by addressing the application of Remote Sensing in Earth
Science and how it can be used to save the environment through this application. The topics of the
project can be in the following:
1- Applications of Remote Sensing in Geology
2- Applications of Remote Sensing in Vegetation Monitoring
3- Applications of Remote Sensing in Mining
4- Applications of Remote Sensing in Natural Hazards Mapping
The Project Problem Statement will guide the students’ project. The project topics will be
determined by the student from list above, however if you have any other topic, please let us
discuss it.
References are required.
Due to Distance Education restrictions, maximum 3 students can work on a selected or
proposed and approved topic.
—————————————————————————————————-SCORING GUIDE
OVERVIEW – The Activity Report is a scientific in nature, as oppose to opinionated. This
means that your problem statement, methodology, analysis must be clear and citation out
of reasonably reputable sources, and any tables and figures will provide the evidence for
your conclusion.
_____1. Title: Eye-catching and informative titles are specific and should characterize the main
theme of your activity. Is this section free of grammar and spelling errors?
_____ 2. Introduction & Motivation: Set the stage for the questions you are asking and give an
overview of why you are doing this research. Describe the context of your project (i.e. observations
that led you to the project or other relevant information) and present general description of your
site. Is this section free of grammar and spelling errors?
_____ 3. Literature review and citations: If any of your methods are drawn from prior work,
published protocols or instructions, you should cite the sources using a standard citation format.
Is this section free of grammar and spelling errors?
_____ 4. Problem Statement (Spatial Questions & Goals): State the specific spatial question
you tried to answer in your Activity, and what you did with this information? Include your problem
statement here. List your objectives, which maybe educational or scientific or a combination. Is
this section free of grammar and spelling errors?
_____ 5. Methods: Describe specifically what you did to accomplish your research goals. List the
specific the analysis methods and other relevant information. Is this section free of grammar and
spelling errors?
_____ 6. Results: Show what you came up with. This is most effectively done using maps, tables
and graphics (e.g., use pie or bar graphs), with brief summaries in text. Four maps and two tables
and/or graphics are required. Don’t explain or interpret anything here, just show what happened
in a way that can be read easily. All figures and tables should have a caption that makes the figure
self-explanatory. Is this section free of grammar and spelling errors?
_____ 7. Discussion: What do your results say in terms of your original questions? How confident
are you in your findings? What are some possible explanations for results that didn’t come out as
you expected? Were there any surprises? Is this section free of grammar and spelling errors? In
this section, you can reference reputable sources.
_____ 8. Implications, conclusions and possible future work: What implications do these
findings have in terms of your objectives? What new questions do they raise? What could be tried
next? What is the social, cultural, scientific or educational relevance of your findings? Is this
section free of grammar and spelling errors?