Spectral mapping of rock weathering degrees on granite using hyperspectral DAIS 7915 spectrometer data

Abstract Rocks are weathered by chemical and physical processes into a mixture of loose material that produces soil. Mineralogical and textural changes are involved, which can be detected by imagery through digital image processing based on rock spectral behaviour as recorded by ground and laboratory spectrometers. Different densities of vegetation cover can be mapped qualifying further evolution of the area in terms of erosion, transport and sedimentation. Hyperspectral imagery helps to map the weathering front and different degrees of weathering on granite rock through mineralogical and textural associations related to the geomorphological processes in the area on various granitic facies. Abundance of feldspar and porfidic texture on the fresh rock are the critical parameters conditioning intensity of weathering in the area. Maps spectrally elaborated gather information on lithologies, mineralogical changes produced by geomorphological processes associated to landforms, topography and climate. Such maps contribute to estimating the spatial controls of erosion, suggesting soil particle size distribution, soil aggregation, soil depth, and consequently, helping to elaborate soil loss and soil conservation maps.