Characterization of Ultramafic-Alkaline-Carbonatite complex for radiation shielding competencies: An experimental and Monte Carlo study with lithological mapping

The Pakkanadu Ultramafic-Alkaline-Carbonatite complex of Salem district has been studied using geochemical and remote sensing aspects. The samples collected from different locations of Pakkanadu were taken for mineralogical and geochemical analysis (XRF). Visible Near Infrared (VNIR) and Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) region of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data were used to retrieve the different band combinations to demarcate the carbonatite rock from adjacent lithologies. The image processing analysis of True Color Composite (1, 2, 3), False Color Composite (3, 2, 1), PCA derived band combinations of (3, 4, 8), and band ratio (2/1, 5/4, 8/2) outputs have given enhanced images which helped to demarcate the boundaries of litho units. Moreover, gamma-ray shielding competencies of studied complex materials were determined in the 0.015-15 MeV photon energy range. Our finding showed that the dunite sample, which has the maximum Fe2O3 amount in composition, has superior shielding properties among the investigated materials. It can be concluded that nominal compositions and material densities of studied natural materials have a direct impact on investigated properties. It can also be concluded that dunite's superior shielding properties are worth investigating for other types of radiations such as neutron and heavy ions.