Fuzzy Logic Modeling for Integrating the Thematic Layers Derived From ASTER and WorldView-3 Remote Sensing Satellite Imagery: A Mineral Exploration Technique

In this study, fuzzy logic modeling was applied to integrate the thematic layers produced by Principal Component analysis (PCA) technique for generating Pb-Zn mineral prospectivity maps using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and WorldView-3 satellite remote sensing data. A spatial subset zone of the Central Iranian Terrane (CIT), Iran was selected in this study. For the processing of the satellite remote sensing datasets and producing alteration thematic layers, PCA techniques was implemented. The PCA4, PCA5 and PCA8 were selected as the most rational alteration thematic layers of ASTER for generating prospectivity map. The fuzzy gamma operator was used to fuse the selected alteration thematic layers. The PCA3, PCA4 and PCA6 thematic layers (most rational alteration thematic layers) of WV-3 were fused using fuzzy AND operator. Field reconnaissance, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Analytical spectral devices (ASD) spectroscopy were carried out to verify the occurrence of alteration zones and high prospective locations of Pb-Zn mineralization in the study area. Subsequently, mineral prospectivity maps of the study area were generated showing high potential zones of Pb-Zn mineralization.