The Application of Remote Sensing Techniques for Identification the Gypsum Rocks in the Qara Darbandi Anticline, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract

The application of remote sensing techniques in geological investigation are used to determine the prospected area of gypsum rocks in the Qara Darbandi Anticline, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) supervised classification in mapping gypsum rocks applying Landsat Imagery. Rapid-Eye and Landsat multispectral satellite images are used. Image enhancement techniques such as Minimum Noise Fraction (PCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were employed to perform image transformation methods. The spectral data was collected using an Analytical Spectral Devices (ASD) field spectrometer, and the spectra of gypsum rocks were utilized as the training area zone for the classification of SAM. SAM output map displays the best indication of the gypsum rocks distribution in the southwestern part of Qara Darbandi anticline. Results showed that the FCC (R:3; G:4; B:1); MNF (R:1; G:2; B:3 and R:4; G:3; B:2) and PCA (R:3, G:1, B:2) are the best compositions to determine the outcrop of the Gypsum rocks within the selected area. These findings show the capability of spectral bands of the Rapid-Eye sensors, and Landsat imagery, in addition to the capability of the image processing methods to detect and map the exposed Gypsum rocks. In conclusion, the findings of this study are supported by the fieldwork conducted, the analysis of geochemistry data, and the examination of available geological maps.