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A spectral reflectance study (0.4-2.5 μm) of selected playa evaporite mineral deposits and related geochemical processes

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https://doi.org/10.1109/IGARSS.1990.688652

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Abstract

Playa evaporite mineral deposits show major compositional variations related to differences in lithology, hydrology, and groundwater geochemistry. The use of visible and near-infrared (VNIR) spectral reflectance measurements as a technique for investigating the mineralogy of playa efflorescent crusts is examined. Samples of efflorescent crust were collected from 4 playa: Bristol Dry Lake, Saline Valley, Teels Marsh, and Rhodes Marsh--all located in eastern California and western Nevada. Laboratory and field spectral analyses coupled with X-ray diffraction analyses of the crusts yielded the following observations: VNIR spectra of unweathered salt crusts can be used to infer the general chemistry of near-surface brines; VNIR spectra are very sensitive for detecting minor hydrate mineral phases contained in mixtures with anhydrous, spectrally featureless, minerals such as halite (NaCl) and thernardite (Na2So4); borate minerals exhibit particularly strong VNIR spectral features that permit small amounts of borate to be detected in efflorescent salt crusts; remote sensing spectral measurements of playa efflorescent crusts may have applications in global studies of playa brines and minerals.

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title A spectral reflectance study (0.4-2.5 μm) of selected playa evaporite mineral deposits and related geochemical processes
DOI 10.1109/IGARSS.1990.688652
Volume 2
Year Published 1990
Language English
Publisher Publ by IEEE
Publisher location Piscataway, NJ, United States
Larger Work Title Digest - International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS)
First page 965
Conference Title 10th Annual International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium - IGARSS '90
Conference Location College Park, MD, USA
Conference Date 20 May 1990 through 20 May 1990
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details