Study of geology and structure of perungulathur area in thiruvannamalai sambuvarayar district,tamil nadu,using remote sensing techniques

Remote sensing technique can play a vital role in geological, geomorphological and structural studies. Geology and structure of Perungulathur area in Thiruvannamalai Sambuvarayar district was studied by using Landsat imagery and aerial photographs with limited field checks. Charnockite, which forms the country rock of the area, and the interbedded pink granite and amphibolite exhibit typical tonal and textural characters on aerial photographs. The study has brought out a partly exposed structural basin which is represented by the folded structure of amphibolite and pink granite within the charnockitic country rock.     

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.     

Dleineation and characterization of geomorphological features in a part of lower maharahstra metamorphic plateau using IRS-ID LISS-III Data

In the present study, an attempt has been made to delineate and characterize the different geomorphic units of Tundiya river catchment in a part of Lower Maharahstra Metamorphic Plateau, north-eastern part of Nagpur district, Maharashtra. The drainage, contour and delineated geological units have been overlaid on IRS-ID LISS III satellite imagery (bands 2,3 and 4) in EASI/PACE analysis system to delineate and characterize different geomorphological units and analysis of their processes based on the field observations. The study area is basically of metamorphic in origin with different geological formations and is influenced by the various fluvio-morphological processes. Based on the satellite data analysis, the distinct geomorphological units viz., table top summits, structural hills, subdued plateau, linear ridges, shallow, moderate and deeply buried foot slopes, shallow valley fills and deep valley fills have been delineated and characterized. The information generated from satellite data in the form of vector layers has been used in GIS to generate geological and geomorphological maps of the study area. The present study demonstrates that IRS-ID LISS-III data in conjunction with geology, drainage and contour parameters to enable detailed evaluation of different geomorphological units and analysis of their processes based on the field observations. The delineated geomorphological units can be utilized for evaluation and management of natural resources and geo-environment on sustainable basis at river catchment level.     

Utility of landsat coverage in small scale geomorphological mapping-some examples from India

With the launching of LANDSAT—1 in 1972 followed by LAND-SAT-2 and 3 in 1975 and 1978 respectively, a new tool is now available to earth scientists for a synoptic overview of the earth forms. Existing small scale geological maps, soil maps and forest resource maps are constantly being updated with the help of LANDSAT imagery. The paper highlights the utility of LANDSAT imagery in preparing small scale geomorphological maps by citing examples from such diversified terrains as the Himalaya and rain forest area in the north and NE India and part of east coast. The advantage of conjunctive use of space craft, aircraft and ground data in enhancing the detail and quality of the map is discussed. Further the direct relationship between landform and landuse is brought out in the map. The methodology provides a basis for preparing a small scale geomorphological map for the country, the like of which does not exist so far. In addition, the map provides a basis for attracting attention on exploration of minerals, ground water, morphoconservation, flood protection programming and coastal management. The nominal cost and speed of preparing such map are discussed.     

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.     

风化及其它类荒漠漆表面层对高光谱分辨率遥感的影响（二）

由地表风化产生的表面覆被层的矿物质，其质地或与它的基岩矿物相似，或十分不同，虽然这类表面层的厚度仅有几微米到几毫米，但它们却完全控制了地面的反射光谱。与此相似，有些由风吹送的尘埃、胶结物或其它附着物在表面形成的外层也是影响遥感反射光谱的重要因素。这种由胶结物形成的表层往往是深色（甚至黑色）的，因为它们通常出现在干旱区，故常称为“荒漠漆（“ｄｅｓｅｒｔｖａｒｎｉｓｈ”）。尽管这些暗色对我们的眼睛并无特别之处，但这类表面层（通常为粘土）在短波红外区（ＳＷＩＲ）具有低反射率的吸收特征，并能据此推断它们的矿物成分。因此，为了要在遥感图象和地面的实际“地质状况”之间建立联系，必须对裸露岩石表面特征具有良好的了解。由于不可能在野外总能找到“新鲜”的岩石表面，因此，人们必需能将“岩石内部”物质的光谱和它“上、下表面”的光谱区分开。本文以西澳大利亚中部依尔干地区（Ｙｉｌｇａｒｎ）为例，研究了该地区深度风化的镁铁质、超基性岩和长英质岩石对光谱的影响。     

Some aspects of geomorphic processes along the Goa coast through remote sensing

This paper deals with the processes operating on the beaches of Goa, interpreted from imagery, followed by ground-truth collection and field checks. Studies on Landsat imagery bring out two distinct coastal geomorphological features, one north and the other south of Vasco-da-Gama. The beaches to the south indicate the prograding shoreline with deposition being the dominant phenomenon. The beaches to the north of Vasco-da-Gama reveal a retrograding shoreline where erosion is dominant. The presence of chimneys and stacks to the north of Vasco-da-Gama are characteristic of intensive erosional action while to the south a wide regular beach backed by a palaeo-strand line points to deposition. The pattern of the sediment load (in Band 4) is used as an index of longshore current movement. The action of erosion as against that of deposition in the two regions can be surmised from the diffused pattern vis-a-vis the uniformly wide even tone. Sand samples from the northern portion give a sorting coefficient of 1.100 while the southern portion shows a value of 0.712. It is hypothesised that the promontory on which Vasco-da-Gama lies is responsible for the formation of two different geomorphic zones.     

Role of remote sensing in demarcation of alluvial fan deposits in Tarai-Bhabar belt of Nainital District (U.P.) and the environmental impact assessment

Remotely sensed data has unique advantage aver conventional data collection techniques in the study of geomorphology, as physiographical and geo-structural parameters are mostly discernible on the imagery. In the present study an attempt has been made to identify and evaluate the process of geomorphological evolution and hydrogeological conditions, temporal changes in pattern of geomorphic elements and overall impact on environment in alluvial fan region in Nainital District using multidate satellite data from Landsat (1975, 1986) and IRS (1993), through visual interpretation technique. The landuse changes are quite prominent in alluvial fan of upper and lower zone. As a consequence of deforestation, an area of 16 sq. km. of natural forest cover has been lost over a span of 18 years (1975–1993) leading to the increase in rate of erosion as well as environmental degradation in upstream areas. The study suggests that the ground water utilization in Tarai belt without replenishment of confined aquifers and installation of more tubewells in Bhabar belt may lead to total failure of flowing wells and subsequently disturb the balanced ecosystem.     

风化及其它类荒漠漆表面层对高光谱分辨率遥感的影响（一）

由地表风化产生的表面覆被层的矿物质，其质地或与它的基岩矿物相似，或十分不同，虽然这类表面层的厚度仅有几微米到几毫米，但它们却完全控制了地面的反射光谱。与此相似，有些由风吹送的尘埃、胶结物或其它附着物在表面形成的外层也是影响遥感反射光谱的重要因素。这种由胶结物形成的表层往往是深色（甚至黑色）的，因为它们通常出现在干旱区，故常称为“荒漠漆”（“ｄｅｓｅｒｔｖａｒｎｉｓｈ”）。尽管这些暗色对我们的眼睛并无特别之处，但这类表面层（通常为粘土）在短波红外区（ＳＷＩＲ）具有低反射率的吸收特征，并能据此推断它们的矿物成分。因此，为了要在遥感图象和地面的实际“地质状况”之间建立联系，必须对裸露岩石表面特征具有良好的了解。由于不可能在野外总能找到“新鲜”的岩石表面，因此，人们必需能将“岩石内部”物质的光谱和它“上、下表面”的光谱区分开。本部分以美国加里福尼亚东部Ｗｈｉｔｅ－Ｉｎｙｏ山区高海拔地区早古生代白云质碳酸盐的风化表面为例，研究其岩石表面风化特征与海拔高度的关系。     

GIS-based geomorphological mapping using remote sensing data and supplementary geoinformation: A case study of the Dhaka city area,Bangladesh

This study aims to prepare a detailed GIS-based geomorphological map accompanied with landfill sites of Dhaka city area which can be used for multipurpose functionality. Attainment of the geomorphological map is based upon interpretation of the oldest available aerial photographs (1:40,000) and contemporary topographic maps (1:8000) which reflect almost pre-urban ground of Dhaka. Randomly distributed 160 boreholes have been used to prepare representative soil profiles (RSP) to identify the near-surface lithology of the geomorphological units. The study reveals that 13 out of 18 low-lying geomorphic units, comprising 65% of the total area demand landfill practices for urban development. Landfill sites have been merged with urban growth on each low-lying geomorphic unit using a spatially enhanced fused image of IRS-1D PAN and ETM+ bands 5, 4 and 3, acquired February 2000 and 2002, respectively. We found that 43% area of the total low-lying geomorphic units experience fill practices so far. The fill sites have been differentiated into four classes based on their relative thickness. Integration of fill classes with geomorphological map shows the urban dynamics of Dhaka city area till 2002. Due to GIS integration, this map can be rapidly updated to demonstrate temporal modifications in urban ground. It can be used effectively in different geomorphological hazard mapping and urban land-use practices.     

Study of drainage profiles in Jharia Coalfield,eastern India from aerial photographs: Implication for land use planning

Drainage analysis of an area through aerial photographs helps a lot in knowing its soil textrue, mainly its porosity, permeability, grainsize and compactness. These observations may be used as a guide for land use planning over the area. Studies have been conducted in Jharia Coalfield through scanning of acrial photographs to know the textural characters of soil/rock cover over the area. Nature of valley profiles have been studied in detail. The overall drainage pattern and drainage texture have also been studied. The observation have been used to infer about the textue of the materials (rock/soil) traversed by the drainage lines in the region. The observations suggest that the major part of the field is covered by materials of moderate cohesiveness with good porosity, permeability and recharge capacity. These informations have been used as critical inputs for future land use planning in the area.     

Timing of erosion and satellite data: A multi-resolution approach to soil erosion risk mapping

Erosion reduces soil productivity and causes negative downstream impacts. Erosion processes occur on areas with erodible soils and sloping terrain when high-intensity rainfall coincides with limited vegetation cover. Timing of erosion events has implications on the selection of satellite imagery, used to describe spatial patterns of protective vegetation cover. This study proposes a method for erosion risk mapping with multi-temporal and multi-resolution satellite data. The specific objectives of the study are: (1) to determine when during the year erosion risk is highest using coarse-resolution data, and (2) to assess the optimal timing of available medium-resolution images to spatially represent vegetation cover during the high erosion risk period. Analyses were performed for a 100-km² pasture area in the Brazilian Cerrados. The first objective was studied by qualitatively comparing three-hourly TRMM rainfall estimates with MODIS NDVI time series for one full year (August 2002–August 2003). November and December were identified as the months with highest erosion risk. The second objective was examined with a time series of six available ASTER images acquired in the same year. Persistent cloud cover limited image acquisition during high erosion risk periods. For each ASTER image the NDVI was calculated and classified into five equally sized classes. Low NDVI was related to high erosion risk and vice versa. A DEM was used to set approximately flat zones to very low erosion risk. The six resulting risk maps were compared with erosion features, visually interpreted from a fine-resolution QuickBird image. Results from the October ASTER image gave highest accuracy (84%), showing that erosion risk mapping in the Brazilian Cerrados can best be performed with images acquired shortly before the first erosion events. The presented approach that uses coarse-resolution temporal data for determining erosion periods and medium-resolution data for effective erosion risk mapping is fast and straightforward. It shows good potential for successful application in other areas with high spatial and temporal variability of vegetation cover.     

Groundwater assessment through hydrogeomorphological and geophysical survey — A case study in Godavari sub-watershed, Giridih, Bihar

Groundwater assessment has been carried out through hydrogeomorphological and geophysical survey. Remotely sensed data has been used to delineate the hydrogeomorphological units. Each hydrogeomorphological unit has been further sub-divided based on the tone, texture and pattern. These units its have been categorised based on depth of weathering, local geomorphological association, recharge characteristics etc. The top layer resistivity of hydrogeomorphological units has been analysed by electrical resistivity method. Correlation between different sub-units of same hydrogeomorphic unit and top soil resistivity has been attempted. The correlation and integration of resistivity map with geomorphological map were carried out through. ‘GRAM’ Geographic information System, This has helped in better understanding the surface resistivity pattern. These sub divisions have different geohydrological and recharge characteristics. Resistivity zonation map prepared on the basis of limited field data anfd through interpolation/extrapolation can be modified/corrected with the help of information derived from remotely sensed data to obtain more realistic picture.     

Remote sensing and gis applications in the identification of aquaculture hotspots at village level

Interpretation of IRS LISS II and LISS III imagery has revealed the various landforms as well as land use/land cover features in a part of the Godavari delta coastal belt. A comparative analysis of geomorphological vs. land use/land cover maps suggested that the landforms exert a certain degree of control over human land use activities even in this monotonously plain area. Further, an analysis of the sequential imagery pertaining to 1992 and 2001 aimed at detecting the land use/land cover change has indicated that the aquaculture has phenomenally increased by 9,293.5 ha during the 9-year period. At the same time, the cropland which occupied about 29,104 ha in 1992 has been reduced to 19,153.9 ha by 2001 mainly due to the encroachment of aquaculture. Village level data on temporal variation in land use/land cover extracted through GIS analysis revealed that in 14 out of the total 39 villages in the area, the conversion of cropland into aquaculture ponds was more than 30% with the highest conversion rate of 89.8% in Gondi village. These fourteen villages, which are designated as ‘aquaculture hotspots’ are grouped into 4 priority classes based on the intensity of conversion.     

A NATURAL RESOURCE EVALUATION OF ERTS-1 IMAGERY OF THE CENTRAL AFAR REGION IN ETHIOPIA

System corrected multispectral imagery of the Central Afar region in Ethiopia provided by the ERTS-1 satellite was evaluated for the purposes of natural resource inventory under the headings of geology, vegetation, soils and land use. The methods and results of image interpretation are discussed in detail and the following general conclusions may be drawn. The ERTS-1 imagery provides a synoptic view of the region that is very nearly orthographic. A colour composite print of multispectral bands 4, 5 and 7 is superior to any of the individual black and white bands for natural resource interpretation. Exploratory soil, vegetation and land use maps and reconnaissance geological maps can be constructed rapidly. The small percentage of forest and agricultural land in this particular area enhances the geological value of the image. Satellite imagery is a valuable addition to the more conventional forms of aerial photography for agricultural studies provided that the study area covers at least 10 000 km². Ground control was acquired between October 1972 and May 1973.     

Landscape analysis for pedo-geomorphological characterization in part of basaltic terrain,central India using remote sensing and GIS

In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyse IRS-ID LISS-III satellite data in conjunction with field observations for geomorphological mapping and pedo-geomorphological characterisation in Mohgaon area of Nagpur district, Maharashtra. Analysis of satellite data reveals distint geomorphological units viz., plateau top, isolated mounds, linear ridges, escarpments, plateau spurs, subdued plateau, rolling plains, pediments, narrow valleys and main valley floor. Soil profiles, studied on different identified landforms, showed variation in site and morphological charactaristics. Moderate soil erosion occurs on plateau top, isolated mouds, plateau spurs, rollinmg plains and pediments. Severe erosion was identified on escarpments and subdued plateau and narrow valleys suffer very slight erosional hazards. Moderately well drained soils were found on rolling plains, pediments, narrow valleys and main valley floor. Well drained soils were noticed on plateau top and plateau spurs. Very shallow soils were found on the plateau top and isolated mounds. Shallow soils are found in linear ridges, escarpments, plateau spurs and rolling plains. Moderately deep and deep soils are found on subdued plateau, pediments and main valley floor. The landform-soil relatioinship reveals that the soils on the plateau top and isolated mounds are very shallow, well drained, clay textured. The soils on the narrow valleys and main valley floor are deep, moderatly well drained, and clayey in texture. It also indicates that landform-soil processes are governed by physiographic position, drainage, slope and erosion conditions of the area. The present study reveals that the analysis of remotely sensed data in conjunction with field observations in GIS will be of immense help in geomorphology mapping, analysis of landform-soil relationships and generation of their geo-spatial database.     

RS、GIS技术在松嫩平原水土流失调查中的应用

以TM影像为信息源分析植被覆盖度,以数字等高线数据为基础提取坡度,结合气象、土壤等历史资料,经GIS的空间分析,得出水土流失的调查结果.     

Temporal and spatial relationships between soil erosion and ecological restoration in semi-arid regions: a case study in northern Shaanxi,China

ABSTRACT

To assess the effects of the Grain for Green Program (GGP) on soil erosion is essential to support better land management policies in the Chinese Loess Plateau. Studies on the evaluation of the effects of the GGP on soil erosion have garnered heightened attention. However, few studies examined the efficiency of GGP on soil erosion control through spatial relationship analysis. Thus, this study focuses on analyzing the spatial variation relationship between soil erosion and GGP in northern Shaanxi, Chinese Loess Plateau, from 1988 to 2015. The Universal Soil Loss Equation was used to quantify changes in soil erosion at the regional and watershed scales, and the Geographically Weighted Regression model was used to analyze the spatial relationships between land use and land cover (LULC) and soil erosion. Our results indicated that the major characteristic of LULC change during the GGP was a rapid increase of vegetation area and a rapid decrease of cropland. Bare lands contributed to the most serious soil loss, followed by croplands and sparse grasslands. The GGP had a globally positive influence on the decrease in soil erosion over the study area, but the amount of soil erosion in western and northern regions maintained a severe level. Spatial heterogeneity in the nature of the relationships among different vegetation, croplands, and soil erosion was also observed. The change rate of wood and the change rate of soil erosion in northern sub-watershed represented a negative relationship, while the change rate of sparse grassland was negatively correlated to the change rate of soil erosion in 21 sub-watersheds, account for 72% of the study area. The GGP implemented in northern sub-watersheds were more effective for soil erosion control than southern sub-watersheds. We propose that current areas of vegetation can support soil erosion control in the whole northern Shaanxi, but local-scale ecological restoration can be considered in northern sub-watersheds.     

Geology and geomorphology of Cumbum valley and Varushanadu hills,Madural district,Tamil Nadu through remote sensing

The Varushanad hills forms the eastern offshoot of the Western Ghats and the Cumbum valley divides the Varushnad hills from the Western Ghats. Investigations were carried out in about 1700 sq Km comprising the Cumbum valley and the Varushanad hills of the Western Ghats situated in Periakulam Srivalliputhur and Usilampatti taluks of Tamil Nadu on the geological and geomorphological aspects. Remote sensing techniques were used and limited field checks were made. Visual interpretation of aerial photographs on 1:60,000 scale was carried out for identifying the geomorphological features, drainage pattern and lithology. Digital analysis of the Landsat computer compatible tape (CCT) path-row 154–053 was also carried out to delineate major lithological variations. Major lineaments were also mapped from the Landsat imagery and false colour composite. The rock types of the Cumbum valley and the Varushanad hills are mainly charnockites, granite gneiss and pink granites which have been deformed by folds and faults. The various geomorphological units of the area are ridges, valleys, bazada zone and pediment zone of mountain complex. Resources evalution studies on the potential zone of ground water and possible construction materials were also discussed.     

THE HYPSOMETRIC MAP AS A SPECIAL GEOMORPHOLOGICAL MAP

In a critique of maps used for geomorphological research (too cluttered to be read effectively, too general in respect to contour positioning), the author describes: (a) a methodology whereby conventional hypsometric maps can be corrected through the use of air photos, (b) outlines principles for symbol generalization and selection whereby the amount of geomorphological information perceived on hypsometric maps is increased, and (c) recommends the joint use of hypsometric, topographic photo-, and general geomorphological maps as the most effective means of terrain analysis. Translated by Larry Richardson, Glendale, CA 91202 from: Geomorfologiya, 1991, No. 2, pp. 38–45.