The use of digitally-processed SPOT data in the geological mapping of the ophiolite of northern Oman

Abstract

Detailed geological mapping of the Shinas area close to the border with the United Arab Emirates, covered the Samail ophiolite sequence that is fully exposed in this region. The digital data from the SPOT satellite were subjected to geometric and radiometric digital processing. The boundary between crustal and mantle sequences (petrological Moho) is clearly shown on the images. At the base of the mantle sequence, the Banded Unit is well seen on the image in the west, and a vertical zonation seems related to serpentinization gradient according to mylonitization. Within the crustal sequence, only the major lithological units can be recognized. The sheeted dyke complex is well differentiated from gabbros in the west and volcanic rocks in the east. The highly reflectant trondhjemites are easy to map. Some of the late-intrusive peridotite bodies can be seen within the gabbros, as well as late-intrusive uralitic gabbros within the sheeted dyke complex. Several gossans can be clearly identified. -from Authors