Results

We can use satellite data to make lithologic interpretations about our areas. Both mines are surrounded by high-relief topographic areas shown in Figure 7 that contribute to drainage flows into the playas. The flat lines in the DEM correlate to the receiving basin, while the jagged lines represent mountainous areas. Notice the elevation difference between the Chilean and the Nevada mine. From the mountains, sediment is eroded and stored in geologic clay deposits towards the bottom of the valley. Here we found two types of lithium-bearing minerals and associated ash tuff deposits. Our lithologic spectral associations can be found in Figures 10-13, in which the x-axis is the wavelength (µm), and the y-axis is the reflectance.

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In Figure 8, we can see the proximal clay build-up (green) along the eastern side of the playa. We interpret the red color as iron-rich igneous geologic features. Furthermore, we interpreted the blue color as oxidized iron-rich sedimentary features. We assume the bluer regions experience less movement creating oxidation in ferrous minerals due to subaerial exposure. Therefore, we can imply that the regions in red have experienced faster erosional rates, delaying oxidation rates as a consequence. The clay samples we found in the Salar were distinguished with montmorillonite, but we also found Hectorite, another lithium-bearing mineral. The drainage flow comes from the Andes Mountains' high topography and into the Salar's clay build-up. 

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In Figure 9, the lush vegetation is green in the mountains, and we can determine that Clayton Valley experiences a higher rainfall rate than Salar de Atacama. In our methods, we used spectral profiles and NDVI measurements to distinguish clays from vegetation highlighted in our green band. Our data didn't show an extensive clay build-up, unlike the Salar, but we were able to make montmorillonite associations. We found an interesting result: the montmorillonite samples were situated near the hydrated volcanic tuff samples. This could indicate that the hydrothermal partially-altered rocks could be involved in the origin of the lithium-bearing minerals, but we don't know 100%. 

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