The upcoming launch of the German hyperspectral satellite: Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) will provide potential for producing improved remotely sensed maps in areas of exposed bedrock in advance of Arctic geology programs. This study investigates the usefulness of this moderate resolution (30m) sensor for predictive lithological mapping using simulated imagery to classify a map area dominated by mafic and felsic volcanics and minor sedimentary and volcaniclastic rocks in the Hope Bay Greenstone Belt of the Northwest Territories. The assessment also included the classification of high resolution and fidelity airborne (ProSpecTIR–SPECIM Dual sensor) hyperspectral imagery for comparison to understand the impact of combined lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and spectral and spatial resolutions associated with EnMap. The performance of both sensors was assessed through statistical analysis of the classification results based on partial unmixing of the data as well as common geological band indices. The results obtained from these analyses were compared to a detailed published geological map of the study area. Both sensors, the airborne ProSpecTIR–SPECIM and spaceborne EnMap, provided good results however despite the simulated EnMap data’s lower resolution and SNR, the results showed it to have greater statistical accuracy and to be visually representative of the mapped geology. The results demonstrated that EnMap satellite hyperspectral technology is an effective tool for mapping lithology in the Canadian North. The discrimination of rock compositions was successful when their occurrences were spatially large and abundant; however, it was identified that spectral similarity between unit classes and spectral variability within classes are critical factors in mapping lithology. / Graduate

The Early Cretaceous (Berriasian) Hope Bay flora is one of the most diverse assemblages from the Mesozoic of Antarctica. Collected in 1902 by the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-1903 from Hope Bay at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, and described in 1913 by T. G. Halle, it has served as a classic reference collection for Jurassic and Cretaceous southern hemisphere paleobotanical studies. Because the systematics of the flora were outdated by the enormous advances in our understanding of fossil plants during the last 70 years, it was in serious need of revision. This revision has reduced the number of taxa from 61 to 42 species. Newly erected species are Otozamites rowleyi, Kachchhia schopfii, Ticoa jeffersonii, and Araucaria antarctica. New combinations are Todites grahamii and Thinnfeldia salicifolia. The genera Kachchhia, Ticoa, and Weltrichia are new occurrences at Hope Bay. Represented in the flora are members of the Hepatophyta, Arthrophyta, Pteridophyta, Pteridospermophyta, Cycadophyta, Cycadeoidophyta, and Coniferophyta. Not surprisingly, when compared with other Gondwana floras, the Hope Bay flora shows the greatest similarity with other Antarctic floras. There is also a close affinity with the floras of South America and New Zealand. Taxonomic similarity between these floras is best explained by paleogeographic proximity. / text