Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS in Geological Mapping, Mineral Prospecting and Groundwater Investigations in the Arabian-Nubian Shield: Cases from the Red Sea Hills of NE Sudan

Autor: Abdalla E. M. Elsheikh, Khalid A. Elsayed Zeinelabdein, Eiman A. Mohamed
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: The Geology of the Arabian-Nubian Shield ISBN: 9783030729943
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-72995-0_25
Popis: This chapter covers the applications of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) in geological mapping, mineral prospecting and groundwater investigations in the Red Sea Hills (RSH) of north-east Sudan. RS and GIS-aided geological mapping was presented, and the various steps were thoroughly discussed, with examples of actual work conducted in Kadaweib area. The employment of RS-GIS techniques provided benefits during the field work in terms of reducing both field duration and expenses. The use of the enhanced satellite images as base maps assisted in the interpretation and delineation of the boundaries of the various lithological units. Visual interpretation of various enhanced imageries, petrographic investigations and on-screen type of digitization in the GIS environment facilitated the production of the geological map. The obtained map is of good quality and represents a real contribution to the understanding of the geology of the region. Mineral potentiality of the RSH of Sudan is well-known since the ancient times. Many RS-based geological studies disclosed the discovery of new mineral resources in the Nubian-Arabian Shield. This is exemplified by the gossan types of gold deposits, which were discovered merely recently in Ariab and Orshab Mining Co. licence areas making use of RS and GIS techniques. Likewise, the porphyry cooper of Jebel Oheir was discovered by GRAS using similar procedures. The current exploration activities carried by QMSD in Ohier mineralization are greatly supported by the use of RS and the creation of GIS-based geologic geodatabase. Scarcity of fresh water in the RSH region due to geologic as well as climatic factors is renowned. Special techniques for groundwater investigations in basement terrains were presented. Mapping of lithological and structural elements of an area is important when carrying out water harvesting or groundwater investigations. In this regard, lineament mapping may provide insights into the potentiality of groundwater accumulation and storage capacity of the water bearing formation in the basement rocks. Watershed mapping via DEM additionally provides information about the sustainability of groundwater supply.
Databáze: OpenAIRE