Integrated application of alteration information from Landsat8-OLI remote sensing images and geochemical singularity anomaly information for the Shuiyuesi area of western Hubei Province

Prolonged intense magmatic-hydrothermal activity and regional metamorphism in western Hubei Province created favorable conditions for the formation of gold deposits. As the Shuiyuesi area witnessed a thorough exploration of surface and outcrop mines, the prospecting of gold deposits in the area has shifted to overburden and deep zones in recent years. However, the prospecting in the Shuiyuesi area becomes gradually complicated due to significant topographic relief, high vegetation coverage, and severe terrain cutting. Hence, efficient prospecting approaches are urgently needed to achieve breakthroughs in ore prospecting. Through geological survey and analysis, this study statistically analyzed the alteration types intimately associated with gold mineralization in nine gold veins of the Shuiyuesi area. It extracted alteration information from Landsat8-OLI remote sensing images using methods like numerical operations, and weak anomaly information of element distribution using methods like multivariate statistical analysis and local singularity analysis. Employing the data integration technology, it integrated the alteration anomaly information from remote sensing images and the singularity anomaly information. Based on comprehensive information, such as geological settings for mineralization and metallogenic regularity, this study identified 19 metallogenic prospect areas and new anomaly clues in the Yangjiatang-Caishenmiao area. The novel approach combining singularity analysis and data integration enhanced the spatial resolution of geochemical anomalies, the spatial details of surface features, and weak anomaly information associated with gold mineralization, thus enabling rapid and efficient identification and extraction of comprehensive anomalies and prediction of metallogenic prospect areas.