Integration of space images and airborne radiometric data for discrimination of radioactive mineralizations at Wadi Araba area, North Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract This research aims at integrating airborne gamma-ray spectrometric and remote sensing satellite data to appointment radioactivity of the rocks at Wadi Araba, which is located in the North Eastern Desert of Egypt. Airborne gamma-ray spectrometric data of the ore as well as construction of lithological and structural maps from Landsat ETM + image are used to achieve the present study. The processing of airborne gamma-ray spectrometric data covering the area produced maps that showed the distribution and intensities of (eU), (eTh) and ( 40 K%). These maps were correlated with lithologic and structural maps, which were interpreted from Landsat ETM + image, to show the probably hosting zones of radioactive materials. This study is based on the differences of radiometric data, brightness Digital Number (DNs) values of the rocks, predominant trends and densities of the structural lineaments, shape and type of weathering products. The study area is divided into nine lithologic units according to the physical characteristic differences as well as gamma-ray spectrometer measurements to reveal the mineralized units and zones as well as the best conditions for exploration of radioactive materials. These studies recorded some uranium anomalies distributed along NE-SW trending fault zones. These occurrences are hosted in Rod El-Hamal, El Galala and Duwi Formations. The gamma-ray spectrometer measurements for some representative zones indicate the presence of eU up to 20 ppm in the northeast direction and exceeding more than 35 ppm along zones fault cutting G. El Galala El Bahariya and G. El Galala El Qibliya. The characteristic features responsible for the uranium mineralization are the high fracture density of the Rod El-Hamal, Sudr and Duwi Formations. These fractures acted as good channels for hydrothermal ascending fluids and/or the percolating meteoric water. The hematitization accompanied these zones leached uranium which is redeposited and adsorbed onto hematite especially at the sites of intersection of the main fractures. The study shows that integrated application of satellite remote sensing techniques and airborne processed data is a powerful tool in the exploration of radioactive materials.