Geological and geomorphological significance of a few mega-lineaments of Northeastern Rajasthan

The Precambrian metamorphites of Northeastern Rajasthan belonging to Pre-Aravalli, Aravalli and Delhi Supergroups exhibit a mature topography where the physiography has faithfully depicted the major structures of area. Few important megalineaments demarcated on the imagery either represent major fault zones or the zones of intense granitic activity. Some of these are oblique to the regional strike of rocks and support drainage running in diagonally opposite direction within the same lineament, indicating thereby upheavels subsequent to the lineament formation. The lineaments fall broadly in two sets which are correlatable to the two major phases of Delhi orogeny. The lineaments of the first set trend NE-SW and are more prominent: than the NW-SE and WNW-ESE running lineaments. The major lineaments such as Sabi-Sota, Mendha and Kakor-Lalsot lineament together with other regional lineaments depict appreciable geomorphological expressions and significant geological evidences.     

Remote detection of geological structures: an application to the Aravalli region,western India

Optical and microwave remote sensing data are used in conjunction with a digital elevation model to map lineaments in the central parts of the Aravalli region, Rajasthan, western India. Lineament maps interpreted from each data-set are subsequently combined to derive a composite lineament map of the area. Rose plots are used to identify the prominent trends of the lineaments and compared with published structural map of the study area. Three major trends are identified, namely, the NE–SW, NNE–SSW and EW, which are interpreted to be, related to the DF1, DF2 and DF4 deformation phases identified by the previous workers through field studies. The lineaments are classified as fold axes or faults, and a total of 10-fold axes and 30 faults mapped in the area.     

遥感影像定向光照增强及构造解译

多光谱假彩色合成遥感影像已经广泛应用于线性构造解译,受构造应力场制约,区域构造均具有显著的定向性,当卫星影像拍摄时光照方向与区域线性构造方向不能匹配时,构造特征常常不能很好显示,从而影响解译效果。文章提出一种利用数字高程模型模拟特定方向光照模型增强多光谱影像的新方法,用垂直于解译目标的最佳光照模型替代原光照模型以增强区域构造线性特征,同一地区对不同方向的构造解译采用了不同方向的光照模型,有效提高了线性构造信息的可解译程度。以四川盆地西侧的龙门山以南地区为例,进行了断裂构造的遥感解译,对该区地震研究和油气勘探工作具有参考意义。     

Assessing image processing techniques for geological mapping: a case study in Eljufra,Libya

Various image processing techniques were experimented with in this study to evaluate their efficiency for geological mapping in the Eljufra area of northwest Libya. Remote sensing data including multi-spectral optical Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+), Synthetic Aperture Radar (ERS-2 SAR) and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) extracted from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data were used to trace different lithological units as well as extracting geological lineaments in the study area. The study area is located in an arid environment mostly devoid of any vegetation. Most lithological and structural units are distinguishable based on their topographic form and spectral properties. Fusion of ETM+ and ERS-2 images was experimented with to further identify lithological units. Shaded relief techniques were implemented to enhance terrain perspective views and to extract geological lineaments. The results discriminated different rock units and modified formation boundaries and revealed new geological lineaments. Nine rock units were identified and plotted in the new geological map defined by the new boundaries. The dominant lineaments tend to run in the NNW-SSE and NNE-SSW directions. Analysis and interpretation of the lineaments provided information about the tectonic evolution of the study area.     

Application of Supervised Classification and CrostaTechnique for Lithological Discrimination in Parts of South Khetri Belt,Sikar District,Rajasthan

Supervised classification and Crosta technique is widely used for lithological and alteration zone mapping respectively. Landsat ETM+ digital imagery has been used to generate Crosta and Supervised classification image using digital image processing (DIP) technique. In the study, The Crosta technique has been used for the first time in lithological mapping. These techniques were applied to distinguish the litho-contacts between Alwar and Ajabgarh quartzite in the south-western part of North Delhi Fold Belt (NDFB) on the basis of argillaceous and arenaceous nature of the rocks. Litho contacts between Alwar and Ajabgarh groups are varying from quartzite to biotite schist in the Khetri basin whereas in the study area the litho-contacts are Alwar quartzite to Ajabgarh quartzite which are very difficult to classify on naked eye. Therefore, this area has been selected for this study. Several authors have studied the geological setting of Khetri sub basin and classified on the basis of argillaceous, arenaceous nature and primary sedimentary structural features like ripple marks and cross bedding. This is the first attempt in the Khetri sub basin for lithological classification based on remote sensing and digital image processing technique. This study revealed that Crosta image has significant spatial correlation with the lithology discriminated using Supervised classification technique. Lithological variations were clearly demarcated using these technique around Rahunathgarh and Golyana areas. The litho units between these areas were marked under the Group of Ajabgarh quartzite by the GSI people during 1994. However, the present study classified those area under the Group of Alwar quartzite. Similar type of studies can also be carried out where these type of lithological problems arises.     

Application of Remote Sensing in Studying Holocene Sediments and Tectonic Episodes at Kelshi,Ratnagiri District,Maharashtra, India

Kelshi is a coastal village, located on the southern bank of the Bharja river in Dapoli taluka of Ratnagiri district. All along the coast occurs a habitation site which is overlaid by a sand deposit having a thickness of +20 m. The archaeological artifacts collected around the site are found to be significant in understanding the antiquity of the site. It also substantiates that, human occupation survived here for seven centuries. Remote sensing data interpretation carried out has revealed the existence of three lineaments in this area. In the field, the lineaments have been confirmed as faulted surfaces and the magnitude of the movements along are measurable. A geophysical survey was conducted by using ABEM WADI equipment for confirmation of outcome of the aerial-photo interpretation. It confirms that the area had undergone three tectonic activities after 1524 A.D. The inferences based on the investigations convinced us to study the historical seismicity of this region. A comprehensive and exhaustive investigation in such areas is necessary to know the evolution of the west coast of India and the tectonic activity during the late Holocene.     

Statistical analysis and tectonic interpretation of the remotely sensed lineament fabric data associated with the North Almora Thrust,Garhwal Himalaya,India

A geostatistical analysis of the remotely-sensed lineament fabric data associated with the North Almora Thrust of Garhwal Himalaya has been carried out The analysis of data provided 18 major orientations of the lineament density girdles. Further statistical treatment of these derived lineaments using the method of analysts of directional data indicates that the lineaments can be classified into genetic groups. The result indicates that the North Almora Thrust and Kaliasaur Fault are not genetically related and occurred in separate phases of tectonic activities. The results also show that the Alaknanda river is flowing through a tectonically-controlled valley. The study suggests the suitability of statistical methods in lineament-fabric-data analysis for tectonic interpretations.     

Analysis of fractures inferred from DBTM and remotely sensed data for groundwater development in godavari sub-watershed, Giridih, Bihar

Godavari sub-watershed is a part of buried pediplain developed over ‘Chotanagpur’ granite gneiss. Aquifer is unconfined in nature and groundwater occurs under water table condition. In the study area, groundwater is being exploited only through dugwells which are not capable of sustaining long duration pumping. Groundwater exploration involves the investigation of depth and nature of weathered and fractured horizon. To understand the groundwater storage and retrieval in the area, the basement topography derived from Digital Basement Topography Modelling (DBTM), the lineaments identified on remotely sensed data and geohydrological and physiographic data have been analysed. From DBTM, fracture zones have also been inferred. Lineaments (probable fractures) identified with the help of remotely sensed data are linear features representated on a planner surface. Lineaments in the area are subtle in expression due to deeply buried pediplian. Correlation of lineaments with DBTM reveals that a few lineaments/fractures are deep seated and a few have no sub-surface extensions. Also some sub-surface fractures inferred from DBTM have no expressions on the image. Attempt has been made to delineate more authentic lineaments/fractures with the help of remotely sensed data and DBTM. Correlation of probable fractures inferred from remotely sensed data and fracture zones inferred from DBTM indicated that 40 per cent of lineaments seems to be real fractures. Higher correlation may be achieved where lineaments are prominent and reproducible. It has also been observed that those lineaments which correlate with the fracture zones inferred from DBTM, are also not completely traceable in their linear extent. The exaggeration in length of lineaments may be due to subtle nature of lineaments. Correlation shows that remotely sensed lineaments are improtant for groundwater exploration and its authenticity can be further ascertained with DBTM.     

Usage of ERS SAR data over the Singhbhum Shear Zone,India for structural mapping and tectonic studies

The extraction of lineaments and anomalous patterns in the Singhbhum Shear Zone, Jharkhand, India, has multifaceted applications for mineral exploration as well as for geological interpretation of neotectonic movements. ERS-1 SAR data are very useful for such applications because of their structural information content. A comparative study has been attempted with ERS, Landsat and IRS images for the interpretation of various geological structures over the Singhbhum Shear Zone. The Rose diagram generated from this study has shown major trends that matched well with the geological map of the area and the associated tectonic boundary as well as with the results obtained from ground based studies.     

Delineation and assessment of Central Indian Suture through lineament extraction approach using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System

Lineament extraction approach allowed mapping of larger number of lineaments in a classical manner in tectonic and structural studies. In the present study, various techniques were adopted to extract lineaments using Landsat ETM+ images. To remove the biasness of the images, some pre-processing techniques like stream ordering, band differencing, colour texturing were employed to enhance the edges of the structural features. Extracted lineaments and its distribution and orientation were mapped using ArcGIS Spatial analyst tool. Results of the study showed maximum number of lineaments were oriented in the ENE–SWS direction with 63° overall inclination. Accuracy assessment and validation were made with respect to visual interpretation and overlaying the lineament on Digital Topographic Model as well as with respect to an existing geological lineament map of the study site. The result of accuracy assessment indicates higher compatibility of Central Indian Suture with the geological map of the study area.     

Use of remote sensing in lineament analysis for tectonic evolution and resource study of a part of Vindhyan Basin,Jhalawar area,India

Synoptivity and the exemplified fracture systems exhibited by the space borne imagery data has helped in solving many of the geological enigma in various parts of the world. The study conducted, using such remotly sensed data, in Jhalawar anticline, part of Proterozoic Cratonic Vindhyan Basin, Rajasthan, India, led to infer the history of tectonic evolution of peribasinal deformation which has been a matter of controversy for a century and more. In Landsat MSS data the Jhalawar region displays a panorama of lineaments and their analysis through azimuthal frequency diagrams, isofracture, lineament incidence and lineament intersection incidence density maps shows that the mean orientation of the lineaments fall in NW-SE and NE-SW and the shape of the various lineament density contours also show NE-SW and NW-SE orientations. In aerial photographs the area exhibits four sets of lineaments in NE-SW, NW-SE, N-S and E-W directions. Amongst these the former two sets are expressed as wide open master fracture systems with prolific vegetation fills along them and the latter two sets are characteristically observed as thin vegetation linears with frequent strike slip faulting along them. The further analysis of these fracture/lineament systems derived from multi-level remote sensing data shows that the Jhalawar anticline, which followed the pattern of flexural slip fold mechanism, was evolved by horizontally disposed σ1 (greatest principal stress) and 3σ (least principal stress) with the former oriented in NE-SW and the latter aligned in NW-SE directions with vertically disposed 2σ. The inference of such palaeostress environment of the Jhalawar region lead in the identification of a buried rigid basement high southwest of Jhalawar anticline, beneath the Deccan pile and loci of ground water, silica sand and probable igneous plug.     

Drainage Analysis in a Part of the Brahmaputra Valley in Sivasagar District, Assam, India, to Detect the Role of Neotectonic Activity

An analysis of the drainage network of a part of Sivasagar district, Assam, India, is undertaken to reveal the role of neotectonic activity of the area. A number of fluvial geomorphic anomalies have been identified in the area. A prominent annular drainage anomaly is displayed by the major rivers—the Dikhu, Jhanzi, Namdang, Dorika and Disang, whose courses are carved in response to the ongoing tectonic deformation in the area. This study reveals that the development of topography and drainage system of the study area have been influenced by active subsurface geological structures. Formation of paleochannels, compressed meanders, reticulate streams, swamps, sagging of grounds, stream alignments, lineaments, knick points and abandonment of rivers as well as development of smaller drainage anomalies also substantiate the active nature of the subsurface structures.     

Interpretation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery for geological appraisal: A comparative study in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh

The paper describes the details of a comparative study of geological interpretations carried out from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, Landsat MSS (B & W) imagery and Aerial Photographs, covering 2100 sq km of area in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The area comprises Peninsular—Gneissic Complex and rocks of Dharwar and Cuddapah Super Groups beside the Quaternary alluvial deposits along the Penneru river and its tributaries. Geomorphologically the areas is represented by denudational, fluvial and structural landforms. The study indicates that the details of the geological and geomorphological maps prepared from SAR imagery and aerial photographs are comparable despite the smaller scale of SAR imagery while the same are not exhibited in Landsat imagery mainly due to its low resolution. Although broad lithological units are possible to be discriminated on SAR as well as aerial photographs, some of the finer rock types viz. gabbroic dykes could be discriminated from the delerite dykes in the SAR imagery due to their different surface roughness. Stereoscopic coverage and enhanced micro-relief of SAR imagery gives better geomorphological details in comparison to aerial photographs. A detailed study of lineaments has also been carried out which shows that in SAR imagery there is over-representation of short lineaments due to enhanced micro-relief and radarshadow effects across the look direction and under-representation of lineaments along the look direction. Landsat imagery is perhaps the best for demarcating lineaments of regional magnitude while aerial photographs are good for depicting shorter lineaments. However, certain lineaments seen in SAR imagery are often not continuously seen on aerial photographs.     

Image processing and GIS techniques applied to high resolution satellite data for lineament mapping of thermal power plant site in Allahabad district,U.P., India

The present study is based on digital analysis of IRS 1C/1D LISS-III and IRS P6 LISS-IV images for identification of lineaments in Meja Thermal Power Plant site in Allahabad district. In spite of all limitations due to anthropogenic activities of stone quarrying and criss cross unmetalled roads, almost non-existent vegetation indicators and soil moisture, the efforts were made to identify and map a number of lineaments in the study area and these were subsequently verified in the field. Most of the lineaments identified and mapped are not having any major displacement along them or are not displacing or truncating any major rock unit. Field investigations have revealed that there is no drastic change in the trend of rocks along the lineaments mapped in the study area. On the basis of digital analysis of IRS P6 LISS-IV data NE–SW and NW–SE trending lineaments have been identified and mapped. Some NNE–SSW trending lineaments have also been mapped. All the lineaments demarcated in this area still need to be correlated with the seismic data of the area by superimposing the microseismicity data over lineaments.     

Microcomputer aided lineament analysis of Son-Mahanadi Valley coal basins,Central India from Landsat data

In the overall tectonic set up of various coal basins of the Peninsular India, the Son-Mahanadi Valley coal basins of Central India have a unique disposition. The coal measures sediments of Peninsular India are developed along well defined E-W and NW-SE trending linear narrow belts. The Son-Mahanadi Valley basins represent the tract where NW-SE trending Mahanadi Valley basins seemingly merge with the major east-west trending Damodar-Koel-Son-Satpura alignment. Landsat data of Son-Mahanadi Valley basins in the four spectral bands (0.5 to 1.1 Micrometers) were used to pick up the lineaments which are possibly of geologic origin. Detailed analysis of lineaments were carried out with the help of three softwares. Diglin (to produce rose diagram) and PLLIN (to plot digitized lineaments to produce a map on any scale) by a Hewlett Packard 45 series microcomputer equipped with graphics screen, plotter, digitiser and floppy disc unit. Detailed analysis revealed a pronounced direction roughly, N 70°E which is present in the northern half of the area while N 40°W direction is present alongwith N 70°E in the southern half. These trends correspond to the NW-SE trending Mahanadi Valley and to the E-W trending Damodar-Son Satpura belt. The above clearly brings out the striking parallelism between the lineament trends in the basement and the overlying coal bearing Gondwana Sediments. This parallelism is suggestive of a genetic relationship between the two.     

Megalineament pattern of gujarat from landsat imagery an attempt to fit into the geological framework

The American LANDSAT-I Satellite has acquired Multispectral Scanner Data on four discrete wave-length bands from the green to the near IR spectral regions of almost the entire land area of the world, often repetitively. The territory of Gujarat State and the adjoining region falls on 20 overlapping LANDSAT frames, each of 185 X 185 Kms. Linear features exposed on these individual itnages are many times enhanced when viewed in combination. A number of these lineaments, particularly those with long surficial extent and contrasting expression, reflect the dominat geological trend lines, fracture Systems and tectonic features. An interpretation of the photo format imagery, acquired in late 1972 using Single band as well as additive combination techniques, is presented. An attempt is made to explain the geological signiflcance or lack of it in the case of the dominant lineaments (megalineaments), taking intoconsideration the known geological framework of the area. The methodology for extending such analytical work to areas less known is outlined.     

Delineation of geology of a part of bundelkhand complex around girar, distt. lalitpur, u.p., using remote sensing data

An attempt is made to mark regional geology of part of Lalitpur district. The area is characterized by flat topography gently sloping east ward with isolated hillocks. The well contrasted lithology has been marked on the basis of variation in tone, drainage pattern and texture. The main lithounits are foliated granites/gneiss, banded iron formation, granites, ultra basic, quartz reef and basic dykes. The structural elements of lineaments are visible on aerial photos and imagery which range in length from 1 to 10 km. The lineaments at places intersect with each other. The major trends are NNW- SSE. NE- SW. NNH- SSW. These NNW- SSE and NE-SW lineaments are retlected by well aligned body of quartz- sericite schist and quartz reef respectively.     

Integrated remote sensing data utilization for investigating structural and tectonic history of the Ghadames Basin,Libya

This study was initiated to constrain the geological structure of the Ghadames Basin in northwest Libya. Detailed analysis was based on digital integration of surface data, including SRTM DEM, ETM+ and geologic maps with subsurface data, including well logs and potential field data. Integrated analysis of remotely sensed data of the SRTM and ETM+ were utilized to identify geologic lineaments in the area. Ground-based verification of the remote sensing data was achieved with field work. Interpretation and analysis of the lineaments indicate that the Ghadames Basin is controlled by four main fault systems that trend WNW, NNW, NW and ENE. Well logs and potential field data were used to delineate a detailed picture of the subsurface structure. The potential field data reveal two NE and NNE trending sedimentary basins. The depth of the basement inside the main basin ranges from 2 to 6 km. A two-dimensional (2-D) schematic model shows that the basin gradually deepens towards the southwest. The applied data integration gave new insight into the tectonic and structure patterns of the Ghadames Basin and the adjacent areas of northwest Libya.     

Evaluation of groundwater potential zones using Remote Sensing data in upper Vaigai river basin,Tamil Nadu,India

The area of upper Vaigai river basin covering parts of Madurai and Theni Districts, in Tamil Nadu, faces acute water scarcity and chronically drought prone. The groundwater resources in the area have not been fully exploited. The present investigation has been made to evaluate the potential zones for groundwater targeting using IRS - ID LISS III geocoded data on 1:50,000 scale. The geology, geomorphology, lineament tectonic maps are generated and integrated to evaluate the hydrogeomorphological characteristics of the upper Vaigai river basin and demarcate the groundwater potential zones. A number of geomorphic units have been observed. Out this the more groundwater prospective units are buried pediment medium, buried pediment deep, flood plain, bajada and lineament and intersection of lineaments. Non potential areas like pediment, pediment inselberg, shallow pediment and pediplain were identified.     

Geology in parts of Sainj Valley,Kulu district,Himachal Pradesh

The paper highlights the findings of photogeological studies, with selective field checks, carried out in Sainj Valley. For the first time, a photogeological map of the area has been prepared using large scale aerial photographs Structurally the area forms‘Window in a Window’ structure as the oldest rocks of Kulu formation are thrusted over the younger rocks of Larji Group (Larji and Banjar formations) and further Banjars are thrusted over Larjis. Thus, Larjis being stratigraphically youngest, occupy the lowest tectonic position. The Kulu formation mainly consists of Central Crystalline, schists and gneisses. Banjar is composed of quartzite, metabasics, slate and phyllite. Larji predominantly consists of dolomite and quartzite with slate and phyllite. The photogeological studies have helped to bring out the lineament pattern, landslide zones, major structural trends and main geological formations. The lineaments mainly trend in NNE-SSW, NW-SE, NE-SW and NNW-SSE directions. A key for photo-characters of different litho units and terrain elements of the area is established.