Simple algorithms for remote determination of mineral abundances and particle sizes from reflectance spectra

Abstract

Simple algorithms for quantitatively modeling the reflectance spectra of mineral particulates are tested. Although more sophisticated models exist, these algorithms are particularly suited for remotely sensed data, where little or no opportunity exists to independently measure reflectance versus particle size and phase function. Previously, we introduced this method in the analysis of the directional‐hemispherical reflectance spectra of binary mineral mixtures containing a single particle size distribution. In this study the technique is extended to multicomponent mixtures, various size separates, and spectra with differing illumination/viewing geometries. It is found that the theoretical calculations and measured data agree to nearly the level of experimental error. This method is also used to determine the threshold abundance at which a mineral can be detected when mixed with another mineral.