Analysis of spectral signatures obtained from Sentinel-2 images and their relationship with sediment transfer in the Lower Valley of the Chubut River, Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract

This article analyzes the characteristics of the surface cover and the lithostratigraphic units present in a particular sector of the Valle inferior del Rio Chubut (VIRCH) in Argentina, Patagonia based on reflectance values obtained from Sentinel-2 multispectral images. The aim of the study is to identify the main lithostratigraphic units that contribute sediments to tributaries rivers of the Rio Chubut through the analysis of the spectral signatures of a fluvial–alluvial fan. In turn, the accuracy of the used supervised classification algorithms for the study area is discussed. The obtained results suggest that the fluvial – alluvial fan would be composed almost entirely of sediments from Sarmiento and Río Chico groups. Therefore, these units would be, at least in the study area, the main sources of sediments.