Mapping of clay soils by remote sensing in the area of Mers El Kébir, Algeria

The identification of clay soils is of great importance for the construction industry. Indeed, this type of soil presents an economic interest related to the exploitation of its clayey materials. Furthermore, the assessment of the potential for differential ground movement through the dryness of the soils and their rehydration is also an important issue to identify in order to reduce the swelling-shrinking hazard. The region of Mers El Kébir located in northwest Algeria, is at risk of this phenomenon because it is known for its marly clay compositions. Mapping this type of soil using satellite imagery offers an alternative to the engineering practice of establishing soil mineralogy, based on X-ray diffraction analysis, which is expensive and time-consuming. The objective of this research is to use ASTER satellite images to map different clay minerals. This analysis is based on remote sensing of spectral signatures corresponding to illite, kaolinite, and montmorillonite.The study of satellite images of the Mers El Kébir region validates the methodology developed, which could be used to help in the development and planning of new infrastructures adapted to the different types of soil.