Citation :

Shubhachintani Bhukta, Basavarajappa H. T, Manjunatha M. C, Sadiq Ali Nawabi, "ASTER-PCA for Lithological Discrimination in Holenarsipura Schist Belt (HSB), Dharwar Craton, Karnataka, India," International Journal of Geo-informatics and Geological Science, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 1-13, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939206/IJGGS-V13I2P101

Abstract

Lithological discrimination in complex Precambrian terrains is important for understanding geological evolution and assessing mineral resource potential. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) applied to multispectral ASTER data for lithological mapping in Holenarasipur Schist Belt of Western Dharwar Craton. Although ASTER- and PCA-based lithological studies have been carried out in different parts of the Dharwar Craton and Karnataka, their application to the Holenarasipur Schist Belt remains limited. ASTER Level-1T VNIR and SWIR datasets were processed using PCA to reduce spectral redundancy and enhance lithological contrasts. The derived principal components were examined to identify the spectral behavior of major lithological units, and selected RGB composites were generated for geological interpretation. Field validation was carried out using representative rock samples collected along the NE–SW-trending schist belt. Among the derived components, PC-2, PC-3, and PC-4 were the most useful for lithological discrimination. PC-2 highlighted iron-bearing formations such as banded magnetite quartzite, whereas PC-3 enhanced silica-rich lithologies, including gneisses and granitoids. PC-4 emphasized hydroxyl- and magnesium-bearing units such as ultramafic rocks and talc schists. The RGB composite generated from these components clearly differentiated the main lithological units, and field observations showed good agreement with the satellite-based interpretation. The results indicate that PCA of ASTER multispectral data provides a practical, efficient, and cost-effective approach for lithological mapping and mineral exploration in complex Precambrian terrains.

Keywords

ASTER Image Interpretation, PCA, Precambrian Terrain, Spectral Enhancement Technique, VNIR--SWIR Bands.

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