Photogeological mapping for regional studies of the Vindhyan rocks around Bundi area,Rajasthan

An area of 2300 sq km s has been mapped around Bundi based on aerial photo-interpretation, with selected field checks at key areas. The oldest rocks exposed are Aravallis comprising a thick pile of argillaceous sediments with thin interbeds of quartzite. The Aravalli rocks have been subjected to two phases of folding and have undergone a low grade of metamorphism. The Vindhyan rocks which comprise arenaceons, argillaceous and calcareous sediments constitute the Kaimur, Rewa and Bhander groups. These rocks occur south of the Aravallis with a faulted contact (Great Boundary Fault) for the major part, and also with unconformable contact at places. The upliftment of the Aravallis on the northern side of the Great Boundary Fault might have created the Vindhyan Basin south of it. The movement appears to have been gradual, keeping pace with the Vindhyan sedimentation, and was possibly revived even after the Vindhyan sedimentation as evidenced by the presence of folding and faulting in Vindhyans in the vicinity of the boundary fault. Strike faulting parallel to the boundary fault is very conspicious resulting in the repetition of the Vindhyan strata in the area east of Bundi. The Vindhyans of Bundi area indicate deposition of sediments in shallow water coastal barrier and lagoonal set-up as evidenced by sedimentary features such as tabular current bedding, ripple marks, huge blankets of sandstone, alternation of shale and limestone etc. Geomorphologically the area may be divided into three units namely:-(a) Pediment on Aravallis, (b) Structural hills on Vindhyan, expressing generally as hogback and cuesta ridges and strike valleys, and (c) Piedmont and alluvial plains (Chambal valley). The photo characters of the different litho-units have been described.     

Capability of photointerpretation methods for mapping of Vindhyan and Deccan Trap terrain — A case study from Jhalawar area,Rajasthan

Geological mapping of the Vindhyan and Deccan Trap terrain around Jhalawar was accomplished by aerial photointerpretation with limited field checks in parts, by conventional field mapping for part of the area and also by interpretation of LANDSAT imagery. A comparative assessment of the data producing capability and accuracy of these methods is made from the case study. Major geological formations comprising Semri, Kaimur, Rewa and Bhander groups of Vindhyan supergroup, Deccan Trap and recent fluvial sediments are equally interpretable from all three level (i.e. ground, air and space) surveillance data. All the members and units are mappable on air photos and on ground but not on the LANSAT imagery. It is difficult to plot all the flows and flow units of Deccan Trap on a topographic base map during conventional field mapping but these are more or less separable on aerial photos. Structural trends are decipherable by photointerpretation but lineaments are well depicted on LANDSAT imagery. Physical and petrological characters of rocks can, however, only be studied in situ and by laboratory analysis of samples. Aerial photointerpretation techniques can be applied for geological mapping of Vindhyan and Deccan Trap terrain with high degree of confidence and reasonable accurate maps can be generated. LANDSAT imagery are useful for generation of small scale reconnalssance and lineament pattern maps. The best system of mapping such terrain would be photointerpretation with limited field check and collection of essential groundtruth and specimens for laboratory analysis along selected traverses thus minimising the time and cost of survey.     

Evaluation of geology and structure of eastern Harda-Barwah basin,Madhya Pradesh using remote sensing techniques with field checks in crucial sections

The geological studies of the eastern parts of Harda-Barwah basin covering about 3000 sq. km area on 1∶50,000 scale have been carried out using satellite imagery of IRS (FCC), supplemented by Landsat TM/MSS scences and air photos. The present studies with the aid of satellite imagery and remote sensing techniques have brought out the regional stratigraphy and structure of the area and helped in deciphering the interrelationship of various rock groups in the Narmada lineament zone. The area comprises Archaean/Proterozoic gneisses, the Mahakoshal volcano sedimentary suite, the Harda granitoids, the Bijawar Group and the rocks of Vindhyan Supergroup, Deccan Trap and Quaternary sediments. The Archaean/Proterozoic rocks comprising gneisses and schist form basement. The Mahakoshal Group of rocks occur along the ENE-WSW to E-W trending Narmada lineament zone and comprise foliated quartzite, actinolite-chlorite-sericite phyllite and metabasics. The Harda granitoids showing intrusive relationship with earlier rocks, comprise coarse-grained crudely foliated grey to pink granites, fine to medium grained homogeneous granites and porphyritic granites. The Bijawar Group comprises quarzite, chert breccia and dolomite in the order of younging and shows unconformable relationship with the Mahakoshal and the Harda granitoids. The Bijawar rocks show doubly plunging major synformal structure and numerous sympathetic minor folds along ENE-WSW to E-W axis and cross folds along NW-SW axis. The Bijawar rocks are unconformably overlain by a sequence of sandstone and shales belonging to the Rewa Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup. The Deccan Trap lava flows represent the last igneous activity in the area. The Quaternary deposits comprising a cyclic sequence of sand, silt, clay and rock gravels of the Narmada river represent the youngest formation of the area.     

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.     

Geological remote sensing in parts of subarnarekha — baitarani basin,Eastern India

Landsat imagery have been interpreted visually and under Additive Colour Viewer to interpret the regional geology and geomorphology in parts of Subarnarekha-Baitarani basin. The area lies south of Singhbhum shear zone and represents Precamrain shield. Important Simlipal ultrabasic volcanic complex of Orissa is included in the area. Although detailed map of the area is available, yet an attempt has been made to interpret the imagery for evaluating the results provided in comparison to the existing maps. Delineation of main lithological groups is possible. Having some data from the existing maps, lithoiogical boundary delineation of Mica Schist-Phyllite-Quartzite, Granites and Gneisses, Dhanjori Lava, Anorthosite-Gabbro Complex and Dolerite dykes, all of Precambrian age, has been done. Laterite and Quaternary sediments are also picked up. Lineament mapping has been carried out from imagery, which is difficult to map in the field. N--S and NNW-SSE lineament system is very prominent in Simlipal complex whereas in other parts NNW-SSE and NNE-SSW trends are common. The major fault plane running NNE-SSW in the area is responsible for the present-day configuration of Subarnarekha river. Identification of different geomorphological units is perhaps best done on imagery. Several geomorphic units like structural Hill, Denudational Hill, Pediment, Buried Pediment, Lateritic Clay Plain, Laterite upland, Terrace Plain etc have been mapped. Valley fills are wellpicked up from imagery. Hydrogeological potentiality of the different geologic and geomorphic units have been evaluated qualitatively. Ground water occurrence, movement and potentiality are mainly controlled by structural, geological and geomorphological set-up of the area. Buried Pediment, Laterite upland, Laterite clay plain and alluvial fills are the potential zones from the view point of ground water occurrences. Comparative study of the different Landsat bands and band-filter combinations under Additive Colour Viewer has been undertaken to find out the enhancement capability in delineating features. It is found that small scale geological and geomorphological maps can be prepared from Landsat imagery.     

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.     

Lineaments and tectonic analysis through landsat imagery and its implications on the evaluation of bauxite and laterite deposits in and around Panchpatmali area,Koraput District,Orissa

Lineaments of Panchpatmali plateau and the adjoining areas in Koraput District, Orissa, lying on the East Coast of India, were analysed to elucidate their influence on the occurrence of’ laterite/bauxite duricrust of the area. A detailed lineament map and a map of the explored and expected deposits of laterite and bauxite of the areas have been prepared from satellite imagery after ‘Band Ratioing’ and ‘Maximum Likelihood Classification’ and ground truth study. Development of laterite/bauxite plateaus follows the regional lineament trend of NE - SW, probably due to the tectonic activities in the area. It has been observed that there are atleast two major planation surfaces - the older one shows complete development of laterite/bauxite duricrust, whereas the younger planation surfaces are devoid of any.     

groundwater prospects of shahbad tehsil, baran district, eastern rajasthan: a remote sensing approach

The relevance of satellite remote sensing in groundwater exploration stems from the utility of satellite images in identifying and delineating various featares that may serve as direct or indirect indicators of the presence of groundwater. This paper presents the results of hydrogeomorphological mapping using IRS-IB LISS II data and evaluation of groundwater prospects of each. hydrageomorphologic unit on the basis of lithotogy, struclure, landfrom and available aquifer data in the Shahbad tehsil, Baran district, Eastern Rajasthan, The study has shown that in the western parts of the area the Vindhyan sandstones (Lower Bhander) in which groundwater occurs under unconfined to confined conditions along bedding planes and fracture zones have vast potential for groundwater development thtough deep bore-wells or dng-cum-barewells, while in the eastern parts where shales dominale, large diameter dug wells are suitable to tap the limited groundwater resources. Infiltration (or recharge) tube wells have been proposed to augment the sandstone aquifers.     

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.     

Landsat imagery analysis and field studies in the Kullu and Chauhar valleys,Himachal Pradesh,India

The rough terrain between the Gogar Dhar (Mandi-Brot rise) and the Kullu-Larji valley is geologically unexplored. This paper brings out for the first time the geology and regional tectonic set-up of the area on the basis of LANDSAT imagery interpretation and field checks. Image analysis of about 3700 sq. km area and field observations along selected sections of the area reveal that the area mainly comprises mica-chlorite schists, quartzites and phyllites i.e. low to medium grade Chail metamorophics with acid and basic intrusions within them. Structually the rocks are arranged in the form of a NNW-SSE trending faulted synclinorium, the axis of which passes through Daggi Dhar. The western flank of the synclinorium is more strongly folded. Granitoids and basics show concordent relations with the country rocks. Two belts of granitoids are found occupying the cores of the folds on both the limbs of the synclinorium. Along the Uhl river (in the Chauhar valley) and the Kullu valley passes the Chail thrust separating the Chail metamorphics from the rocks of the outer carbonate belt and the traps of the Mandi unit, and the inner carbonate belt of the Larji window zone respectively. The area is dissected into blocks by cross cutting, deep-seated major faults of three generations. The fold and fault systems have prominent control over the geomorphology including the drainage patterns and landforms of the area. The present area is a typical case of inverted relief, anticlinal valleys and synclinal hills being the main geomorphic features developed due to structural control. The change in the course of the Beas River between Mandi and Pandoh is a typical case of structural control on the present drainage system.     

Perspect and assessment of groundwater resources using remote sensing techniques in and around Choral river basin,Indore and Khargone districts,M.P.

The study area around Choral river basin in the Narmada valley region, forms a part of Indore and Khargone districts of Madhya Pradesh. The geological, geomorphologic, lineament, hydrogeomorphic and groundwater potential zone maps of the study area have been prepared using IRS IC LISS III FCC imagery on 1:50,000 scale. Various litho-units, different land-forms, lineament fabric and hydro-geomorphic units have been worked out by visual interpretation methods and frequent field checks. The integrated hydro-geomorphological map of the study area reveals that the groundwater potential in denudation landforms such as buried pediplains, plateaus, denudational and residual hills is moderate-to-poor. On the other hand, the groundwater occurrence in structural landforms like structural hills, lineaments/faults and narrow gorges is likely to be good to moderate and the depositional landforms namely alluvial plains, valley-fills and meandering-channels favour the accumulation of sub-surface water and, therefore, may be considered as good recharge zones. From the point of view of groundwater occurrence, various hydro-geomorphic units have been classified as high, moderate and low potential zones.     

Structural trends in deccan trap area nw of Poona: A study based on landsat-1 imagery interpretation

Geological interpretation of the area northwes tof Poona was carried out with the help of Multiband LANDSAT-1 imagery. An area of about 2800 sq. km which is exclusively covered by the Deccan Trap basalts was selected to study the lineament pattern. The interpretation was mainly carried out on a scale of 1:270,000. It has been observed that N50°E and mean N-S are the most prominent linear directions in the area. Field evidences have shown that these directions represent the fracture zones which have controlled linear valleys, elongated ridges and linearly arranged truncated spurs. The mean N-S trend observed in the area can be interpreted as a trend parallel to the basement (Dharwar) trend while the N50°E trend can be explained as a manifestation of Satpura trend.     

Tectonic inferences from the statistical treatment of the remote sensing lineament fabric data associated with the Great Boundary Fault of Rajasthan,India

A systematic statistical analysis of the lineament fabric data associated with the Great Boundary Fault of Rajasthan provides 26 axes of high density girdles. Further statistical treatment of these isolated axes following the methods of analysis of directional data indicates that the lineament can be classified into genetic categories. The result indicates that the Great Boundary Fault and the Chambal Fault are genetically related and that the majority of the lineaments are the result of the reactivation of the Great Boundary Fault under a southward directed dominant stress field.     

Regional mapping of the South Armorican shear zone (Brittany, France) using remotely sensed SPOT imagery

The South Armorican shear zone is one of the major occurrences of Variscan basement in Europe. The objectives of the study were to compile a lineament and a structural map from remotely sensed SPOT imagery. Transparent color films, enhanced by high-pass filtering and by stretching color composites, and spatial filtered images were analysed. The major structure mapped corresponds to a dextral transcurrent shear belt in which C and S axes have been described. Late Paleozoic and Tertiary fracturations truncate these structures. The localisation, extension and geometry of granite domes were also precised. Lastly, this study provides a good example of structural interpretation of a moderate-relief terrain using high-resolution SPOT imagery.     

Delineating ravinous areas on aerial photographs and satellite Imagery-A comparative study

Extensive areas along Yamuna, Chambal and their tributaries in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have been severely eroded forming ravines of various depths. These areas offer great potential for the development of agriculture and forestry after reclamation. In order that they are reclaimed and managed properly, precise data on their nature and extent are needed. Morphometric analysis of ravine lands along Chambal and Kunwari rivers near Bhind, Madhya Presdesh has been carried out using 1:25,000 scale aerial photographs. Landsat imagery for the same area has been interpreted to find out the relative recognition of morphometric units earlier interpreted on air photos. It was observed that while aerial photographs provide data regarding depth, width, slope and frequency distribution of ravines at a greater detail, Landsat imagery helps in delineation of broad reclamative groupings which would be useful for Large Area Planning (LAP). A multistage approach involving the use of both air photos and satellite imagery seems to be the possible answer for preparing a Ravine Map of India.     

Spatial variation in elephant impact on the Zambezi teak forest in the Chobe national park,Botswana

Abstract

Tectonic mapping and geologic evolution of a region were historically conducted on the basis of field observations. After the advent of remote sensing technology, tectonic mapping became much easier and structural mapping through imagery has gained credibility and suitability in regional mapping, tectonic evolution and modeling. In this regard, an attempt has been made to make use of the satellite technology to bring out the structural trends and the fracture/lineament pattern in Biligirirangan region of Northern Tamil Nadu through satellite remote sensing. The folded architecture in Biligirirangan region has evolved from structural trends. The subsurface structures of the region were derived through resistivity contours and resistivity images created by GIS software.

The surficial information derived from the satellite imagery and subsurface structures derived from the resistivity contours and images were integrated with field observations. This integration has given a clear tectonic picture of the Biligirirangan region and the tectonic structures were then analysed for tectonic forces, evolution and modeling.

The study determined that the Structural trends were mostly in a N‐S direction and the folds were of isoclinal type with alternating synclinal and anticlinal folds of an easterly dipping nature. These folds in conjunction with the lineaments have brought out the palaeostress pattern of the Biligirirangan region. The study further suggests that the regional compressive force trending in ENE‐WSW direction was responsible for the present configuration of folds. In addition, the study also focuses the efficacy of the satellite imagery in tectonic analysis and the resistivity contours and images for the subsurface structural analysis.     

Tectonic evolution of early precambrian south indian shield (rocks) using remotely sensed data

The interpretation of satellite imagery of part of South India falling South of 15 degree North latitude shows that the regional anticlines, synclines, domes and basins of the Precambrian group of metamorphites are aligned in three major hill ranges/domains such as Chitra-durga domain in the north, the Mangalore-Ootacamund-Bangalore domain in the centre and the Cochin-Cape Comorin-Madurai-Chittoor domain in the south. These hills are crescent shaped with their axes of elongation oriented in NNW-SSE direction. The lineaments with ENE-WSW, NE-SW/WNW-ESE and NNW-SSE azimuthal frequencies respectively exhibit extensional, shear and release geometries. Such deformational fabric shows that the tectonic evolution of South India was controlled by two major compressive forces, the first one aligned in N-S direction and the second in ENE-WSW direction.     

Geology of the area around Badami,Bijapur District,Karnataka state—A study based on interpretation of remotely sensed data

Geological studies in the area around Badami, Bijapur District, Karnataka, were carried out with the help of Landsat imagery and aerial photographs. The study are forms a part Kaladgi Basin which is located on the northernmost fringes of the exposed Dharwar Craton. Archaen Peninsular Gneiss and intrusive Granodiorite/Granites (≈Clospet Granite) form the basement for the Middle to Late Proterozoic Kaladgi Super Group sediments which are, in turn, overlain in the north by the Upper Cretaceous to Lower Eocene Deccan flood basalt lavas. Geological mapping of the study area and inferences about the structural setup were primarily based on interpretation of the remotely sensed data. The combined interpretative study of Landsat imagery and aerial photographs was instrumental in mapping of the lithostratigraphic units exposed in the study area along with the structures associated with them.     

Remote Sensing of the Lineament Patterns Associated with the Great Boundary Fault of Rajasthan

The present work aims to identify, isolate, map and analyse the lineament patterns associated with the Great Boundary Fault (GBF) using remote sensing techniques and to draw some significant conclusions regarding its tectonogenesis therefrom. The locus of the line separating the two distinct patterns of structural trend lines observed on a structural trend map, prepared from the Landsat images, represents the ground disposition of the GBF. The rose diagram plotted for the lineament orientations of different sectors indicates that the whole area was subjected to a similar stress pattern, yet the intensity of stress in each sector was significantly different from the other. The lineament intersection density map clearly demarcates the areas of folding and faulting associated with the GBF. Tectonic anomalies plotted for the area through lineament analysis represent the signatures of prominent surface and sub-surface tectonic elements. The work presents an example for the study of a Precambrian fault system using remote sensing techniques.     

Basement reactivation and its relation to neotectonic activity in and around Allahabad, ganga plain

The study of lineament pattern based on IRS-IA sub-scene (P24–R50) and Landsat (P143– R42) data combined with the drainage analysis and field observations, two prominent sets of lineament (NE-SW and NNW-SSE), besides less prominent E-W and N-S trending lineaments of tectonic origin have been observed in parts of Allahabad area. Pervasive and penetrative sub-vertical joint sets parallel to the macroscopic linear structures along with collapse structures possibly of neotectonic origin are also noted in the basement rock exposed to the SSW of Allahabad. The development of various meso- and macroscopic deformed structures, presence of collapse structure in the basement strata and the near orthogonal channel shift of axial rivers provide evidence of basement reactivation in parts of Allahabad area, Ganga plain in space and time.