Mapping patterns of mineral alteration in volcanic terrains using ASTER data and field spectrometry in Southern Peru

Abstract Because formation of ore deposits is linked to volcanic and post-volcanic processes, an understanding of alteration style in volcanic regions has important applications in economic geology. We use ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) data and field spectrometry for mineral mapping in selected Miocene to Quaternary volcanic areas in Southern Peru to better characterize and understand the Tertiary volcanic evolution in this region. Our goal is to characterize volcanic regions near Puquio (Ayacucho) by correlating areas of intense alteration and related ignimbrite outflow sheets. In particular, we spectrally and mineralogically map different types and intensities of alteration based on remote sensing and ground-truth data. ASTER ratio images, alteration indices and false color composites were used to select ground-training areas for sample collection and field spectrometry. Alteration samples were characterized geochemically, mineralogically and spectrally. Absorption features correlate with chemical properties (e.g. iron content). Hyperspectral data from field spectrometry allow identification of important alteration minerals such as kaolinite and smectite. Alteration mineral assemblages range from silicic to argillic to “zeolite-type”. Using a support vector machine classification (SVM) algorithm on ASTER data, we mapped the different types and intensities of alteration, along with unaltered ignimbrite and lava flows with an accuracy of 80%. We propose a preliminary model for the interpretation of alteration settings, discuss the potential eruption sites of the ignimbrites in the region and, propose pH and temperature estimates for the respective classes based on the mineral assemblages identified.