EMIT for lithological mapping

Mapping surface minerology in Arabian-Nubian Shields using imaging spectroscopy

This project evaluates NASA EMIT hyperspectral products for lithologic mapping, mineral exploration, and tectonic interpretation across arid and hyperarid terrains, with focus on the Arabian-Nubian Shield.

DOI

Project Snapshot

Funding Agency: NASA
Grant Number: 80NSSC24K0863
Period: 2024-2027
Scope: EMIT-based lithologic discrimination, mineral system mapping, and regional geologic interpretation in arid environments.

What This Project Delivers

  • Evaluation of EMIT Level 2A reflectance and Level 2B mineral products for geologic mapping.
  • Interactive spectral analysis workflows using USGS reference spectra and diagnostic absorption features.
  • Integrated geospatial context layers (geology, DEM, drainage, and mineral occurrence datasets).
  • Reproducible web-based analysis for research, training, and applied exploration workflows.

Why It Matters

The project improves access to imaging spectroscopy workflows for Earth science applications by translating high-dimensional hyperspectral data into interpretable products for mineral exploration, tectonic analysis, and regional geologic decision support.

AGU 2025 abstract: Interactive EMIT spectral analytics application
A sample view from the web application.

References

  1. Alshakr, A., Sultan, M., Emil, M. K., Alharbi, H., Alshehri, F., Alotaibi, A. A., Mohammad, A. T., Yildirim, A., and Sturchio, N. C. (2026). Hyperspectral Fingerprinting of Dune Sediments Across the Arabian Peninsula: Insights Into Sediment Provenance and Transport Pathways From NASA’s EMIT Data. Geophysical Research Letters, 53(12). https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL121122
  2. Emil, M. K. (2025). mkemalemil/SpectralViewer: A web application for interactive visualization of imaging spectroscopy data and spectral library references. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17703128