Resource Mapping in Afghanistan Using HyMap Data

T.V.V. King, R.F. Kokaly, T.M. Hoefen, and D. H. Knepper , U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado
80225, USA

The U.S. Geological Survey collected HyMap hyperspectral data for the entire country of Afghanistan in
2007. Initial analysis of these data has recently been completed and will be released to the public after
review and approval from the Afghan Minister of Mines. The HyMap data were collected between August
22 and October 2, 2007, using the NASA WB-57 aircraft temporarily based at Kandahar Airfield. Data
were collected from 50,000’ altitude in 28 sorties. This collaborative effort involved the USGS, NASA,
and the Office of Secretary of Defense with support from the Afghanistan Ministry of Mines, USAID, and
the DOD Task Force For Business and Stability Operations. This is the first hyperspectral survey of an
entire country and represents the single largest volume of hyperspectral data collection by any agency or
organization. This legacy data set will provide tangible support for economic decisions by both the
government of Afghanistan and other public sector parties interested in the development of the nation’s
natural resources. To best represent the data, the USGS has completed two surficial material maps of the
country: one map represents the distribution of Fe-bearing materials; the other map details the distribution
of carbonate, sulfate, phyllosilicate, and other hydrothermal alteration materials. The materials chosen for
inclusion in the whole-country maps represent commonly occurring mineral phases useful for resource
evaluations. These maps, along with detailed mapping in selected areas of Afghanistan that have been
identified as high potential sites for mineral resource development, will be discussed. Both the whole-
country and detailed mapping using the HyMap data provide more detailed surficial composition
information than is presently available. The hyperspectral data for Afghanistan identifies centers of
hydrothermal alteration in formerly undifferentiated volcanic rocks and maps wide expanses of minerals
associated with advanced argillic alteration.