The radiation shielding proficiency and hyperspectral-based spatial distribution of lateritic terrain mapping in Irikkur block, Kannur, Kerala

Abstract

The practice of identifying the potential zones for mineral exploration in a speedy and low-cost method includes the use of satellite imagery analysis as a part of remote sensing techniques. It is challenging to explore the iron mineralization of a region through conventional methods which are a time-consuming process. The current study utilizes the Hyperion satellite imagery for mapping the iron mineralization and associated geological features in the Irikkur region, Kannur, Kerala. Along with the remote sensing results, the field study and laboratory-based analysis were conducted to retrieve the ground truth point and geochemical proportion to verify the iron ore mineralization. The MC simulation showed for shielding properties indicate an increase in the linear attenuation coefficient with raising the Fe2O3+SiO2 concentrations in the investigated rocks where it is varied at 0.662 MeV in the range 0.190 cm−1- 0.222 cm−1 with rising the Fe2O3+SiO2 content from 57.86 wt% to 71.15 wt%. The analysis also revealed that when the γ-ray energy increased from 0.221 MeV to 2.506 MeV, sample 1 had the largest linear attenuation coefficient, ranging from 9.33 cm−1 to 0.12 cm−1. Charnockite rocks were found to have exceptional shielding qualities, making them an excellent natural choice for radiation shielding applications. © 2023 Korean Nuclear Society