The Antarctic Peninsula is larger than the UK and with limited geological
mapping campaigns since the 1940s significant gaps in coverage remain, particularly
in areas where access is difficult. Remote sensing offers potential
for improving geological mapping on the peninsula but has not been used for
these purposes. This thesis describes the use of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal
Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data for lithological mapping of
predominantly calc-alkaline subduction-related igneous rocks on the Antarctic
Peninsula. The research encompassed lithological mapping of four study areas
selected to provide an appropriate test of the potential of ASTER. Processing
of ASTER reflectance and thermal emission data used spectral enhancement
procedures and the matched filter (MF) spectral mapping method. This was
supported by reflectance spectroscopy of rock samples, Hyperion data, thin
section petrography, geochemical data for acid volcanic rocks, and fieldwork
on Adelaide Island. The research shows although outcrop is limited in the
polar context, weathering effects and vegetation cover do not cause significant problems. ASTER provides a range of lithologic information enabling
validation of inferred field mapping and new observations of unmapped geology
in the study areas. Granitoids and silicic volcanic rocks display distinctive
spectral properties and are newly identified from unmapped parts of
the Oscar II, Foyn, and Lassiter coasts. Areas of localised alteration in these
rocks are readily discriminated based on the distinctive absorption features
of the alteration mineral assemblages. ASTER is less successful at discriminating
intermediate-mafic igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic lithologies
that display more ambiguous spectral features. For these rocks lithological
mapping is strongly reliant on existing field observations to resolve ambigious
results. The research shows that although ASTER is limited in its ability to
uniquely discriminate different rock types it can provide important lithological
information in support of geological mapping on the Antarctic Peninsula.