Hyperspectral remote sensing and geological applications

This article reviews the potential of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing (HRS) technique in various geological applications ranging from lithological mapping to exploration of economic minerals of lesser crustal abundance. This work updates understanding on the subject starting from spectroscopy of minerals to its application in exploring mineral deposits and hydrocarbon reservoirs through different procedures such as atmospheric correction, noise reduction, retrieval of pure spectral endmembers and unmixing. Besides linear unmixing, nonlinear unmixing and parameters attributed to nonlinear behaviour of reflected light are also addressed. A few case studies are included to demonstrate the efficacy of this technique in different geological explorations. Finally, recent developments in this field like ultra spectral imaging from unmanned aerial vehicles and its consequences are pointed out.