Imaging spectroscopy of jarosite cement in the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone

摘要: Abstract Imaging spectroscopy is a powerful tool for mapping surface mineralogy. Interactions of energy and materials on atomic molecular levels result in specific absorption features that are diagnostic Hyperspectral airborne sensors such as HyMap have sufficient spectral resolution to identify subtle over narrow wavelength ranges. An anomalous zone jarosite cement within the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone southern Utah was identified with hyperspectral data. To date no other locations sulfate-rich cements this been documented Sandstone. Here, we use multiple analysis techniques micro macro spatial continuum order focus our evaluation distribution relative abundance area. In study, imaging used help determine extent [KFe 3 (SO 4 ) 2 (OH) 6 ], at “Mollie's Nipple” (MN), significant geomorphic landmark located Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, south central Utah. The across butte study by two features, referred ∼ 2.26 μm near-infrared ferric iron (∼ 0.70–1.15 μm), independently. This shows there single circular abundant ∼ 1 km diameter includes both in-situ weathered out accumulations. Jarosite formation requires acidic fluids, which unusual field provides needed map analyze mineralogic characteristics area; may constrain conditions under atypical formed.