Comparison of ETM+ and ASTER data for hydrothermal alteration mapping in the central part of the Dehaj-Sarduyeh belt, Kerman Province

The study area is located in the Dehaj-Sarduyeh belt in Kerman province. This belt forms the south eastern part of the Central Iranian Volcanic Belt. Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) and Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data have been used for this study. Different image processing techniques such as false color composite, band ratioing and principal component analysis are used for recognizing the alteration zones related to the copper mineralisation. The aim of this investigation is to compare ETM+ and ASTER data and finding out their capabilities to recognize the altered and iron oxide bearing areas. This investigation showed that ETM+ data due to its blue region spectral band can enhance the iron oxide rich areas much better than ASTER data. ASTER data due to its various spectral bands in the short wave infrared is more capable of enhancing clay bearing areas.