Research on the Characteristics of Hydrothermal Alteration Minerals in the Qiucun Gold Deposit, SE China: Based on Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology

Authors

  • Hongliang Zhang

    Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China; Department of Geophysical Exploration and Information Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Nanjing Center of China Geological Survey, Nanjing 210016, China
  • Liancun Xiu

    Jiangsu Sanshen Spectral Sensing Technology Research Institute, Nanjing 210016, China
  • Yan Zhou

    Nanjing Center of China Geological Survey, Nanjing 210016, China
  • Kai Yang

    Jiangsu Sanshen Spectral Sensing Technology Research Institute, Nanjing 210016, China
  • Bin Yang

    Nanjing Center of China Geological Survey, Nanjing 210016, China
  • Yan Lu

    Department of Surveying Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Henan University of Engineering, Zhengzhou 451191, China
  • Liang Yin

    Nanjing Center of China Geological Survey, Nanjing 210016, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i2.12880
Received: 15 December 2025 | Revised: 2 February 2026 | Accepted: 9 February 2026 | Published Online: 28 February 2026

Abstract

This review summarizes studies of hydrothermal alteration minerals at the Qiucun gold deposit in southeastern China and focuses on characterization and mapping of the deposit using hyperspectral remote sensing. The deposit exhibits multistage fluid-rock interaction, as evidenced by systematic alteration assemblages, including silicification, sericitization by white micas, the development of argillaceous clays, variable chloritization, and locally significant carbonate alteration. We describe the genetic importance of such mineral groups and emphasize their diagnostic Visible and Near-Infrared to Short-Wave Infrared (VNIR–SWIR) spectral signatures, especially Al-OH, Mg-OH/Fe-OH, and CO3 absorption bands, which make it possible to distinguish between minerals, not to mention the fact that, in some instances, compositional trends may be predicted. This review’s methodological advances are discussed beginning with data collection at satellite, airborne, and ground levels, proceeding to processing procedures, such as atmospheric and topographic correction, and culminating in spectral analysis, including continuum removal, spectral matching, and unmixing/classification techniques. An integrated study of hyperspectral findings reveals that alteration minerals develop spatially coherent zones that are strongly controlled by fault/fracture structures and host-rock reactivity, producing proximal silicification/sericitization cores and larger silicified/larcenies of argillaceous rocks owing to diverse apex coverings of carbonate. This should be combined with petrography and geochemistry to address overprinting, mixed pixels, and surface weathering, and to couple mineral maps with ore-forming processes. The review finds that hyperspectral remote sensing offers a solid modeling platform for the deposit-scale alteration at Qiucun and other hydrothermal gold systems, and outlines the directions for future research to integrate quantitatively and more three-dimensional alteration characterization.

Keywords:

Hyperspectral remote sensing, Hydrothermal alteration, Qiucun gold deposit, Alteration mineral mapping, VNIR–SWIR spectroscopy

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How to Cite

Zhang, H., Xiu, L., Zhou, Y., Yang, K., Yang, B., Lu, Y., & Yin, L. (2026). Research on the Characteristics of Hydrothermal Alteration Minerals in the Qiucun Gold Deposit, SE China: Based on Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 8(2), 361–378. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i2.12880

Issue

Vol. 8 , Iss. 2 (February 2026)

Article Type

Review

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Copyright © 2026 Hongliang Zhang, Liancun Xiu, Yan Zhou, Kai Yang, Bin Yang, Yan Lu, Liang Yin

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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