Detection of kimberlitic rocks in West Greenland using airborne hyperspectral data: the HyperGreen 2002 project

Abstract

Previous investigations by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) and exploration companies have demonstrated that some of the kimberlites in West Greenland are diamond bearing, making the region an important target for diamond prospecting. High-resolution hyperspectral (HS) remote sensing data have been successfully used for the location of kimberlitic rocks, e.g. in Australia and Africa. However, its potential as a viable method for the mapping of kimberlite occurrences in Arctic glaciated terrain with high relief was previously unknown. In July–August 2002, GEUS conducted an airborne hyperspectral survey in central West Greenland (Fig. 1) using the commercially available HyMap hyperspectral scanner operated by HyVista Corporation, Australia. Data were processed in 2003, and in 2004 follow-up field work was carried out in the Kangerlussuaq region to test possible kimberlites indicated by the HS data (Fig. 1). The project was financed by the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum, Government of Greenland.