An investigation of the multispectral response patterns of west Australian bauxite deposits

Document Type

Article

Department or Administrative Unit

Geography

Publication Date

2005

Abstract

A more complete understanding of the spectral response patterns of bauxite‐rich rocks (and the vegetation associated with these rocks) aided the development of small‐scale bauxite exploration models in Western Australia. In all cases, Landsat TM data were used to map the regolith and vegetation characteristics. All band combinations were tested for relationships with both aluminium concentrations and each other.

This project focused upon three areas: Cape Bougainville, the Mitchell Plateau, and the Darling Range in Western Australia. At Cape Bougainville, the bauxitic laterite was easy to distinguish; it was found in spectrally (and geomorphically) distinct areas. The Mitchell Plateau results were not as successful. This region is much larger, more varied, and includes at least some human alteration. The Darling Range area had the best control (detailed bauxite grade maps), but the worst results of the three regions – presumably because of extensive human alteration in the area.

Comments

This article was originally published in Journal of Spatial Science. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.

Due to copyright restrictions, this article is not available for free download from ScholarWorks @ CWU.

Journal

Journal of Spatial Science

Language

English

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