GROUND-BASED SEBASS THERMAL INFRARED MEASUREMENTS AT HELL'S GATE, DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA

Ground-based remote sensing is a novel concept for the mapping of horizontally-oriented geological features not apparent from the more conventional birds-eye view. SEBASS (Spatially Enhanced Broadband Array Spectrograph System), a hyperspectral thermal-infrared (TIR) sensor which measures wavelengths from 7.5 to 13.5 µm, was utilized at Hell's Gate, Death Valley National Park, California in order to image a folded sedimentary outcrop comprised of alternating limestone and sandstone layers. Bulk rock samples were collected and laboratory measurements were made using a Nicolet Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. These measurements were combined to create a spectral library which was subsequently used to match with image spectra. SEBASS was successful in mapping common minerals such as quartz and calcite, using diagnostic emission characteristics in the thermal-infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.