Use of the Sentinel-2A Multispectral Image for Litho-Structural and Alteration Mapping in Al Glo’a Map Sheet (1/50,000) (Bou Azzer–El Graara Inlier, Central Anti-Atlas, Morocco)

Abstract The discovery of natural resources remains the main mission of Earth observation satellites, especially in geographical areas that have a very difficult accessibility as those of the Bou Azzer–El Graara inlier (Central Anti-Atlas, Morocco). This work investigates the use of different satellite data, such as Sentinel-2A’s multispectral imagery, in order to direct the prospection program in an efficient manner, saving both time and cost. The image processing methods of Landsat 7, 8, and “Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER)” (30 m/15 m) were used to create methods for Sentinel-2A images (10 m). The red, green, blue (RGB) image 12.8.2, 11/12.11/2.11/8, principal component (PC) 1,2,3(11.12.2), and other new images were the result of principal component analysis (PCA), and classification by the Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique (ISODATA) and K-Means allowed realization of a lithological cartography as well as maps of lineaments through directional filters and the ratio of 11/12 for hydrothermal alteration zone mapping. The assembly of lithological, structural, and hydrothermal alteration data gave an idea of the mineralogy of the study area. Validity of the results was tested by comparison with the field data and the geological maps of the studied site (62% for the hydrothermal alteration zone, 81% for the lithological map, and 74% for the structural map).