Extraction and analysis of geological lineaments of Kolli hills,Tamil Nadu: a study using remote sensing and GIS

The aim of the present study is to investigate the lineaments of Kolli hills of Tamil Nadu State for which CARTOSAT-1 satellite’s DEM output has been made use of. The extracted lineaments were analysed using ArcGIS and Rockworks software. The total number and length of lineaments are 523 and 943.81 km, respectively. Shorter lineaments constitute about 3/4th of the total number of lineaments. The density of the lineaments varies from 0 to 7.41 km/km², and areas of very high to high density are restricted to the south central, central and north eastern parts, and these areas reflect the high degree of rock fracturing and shearing which makes these areas unsuitable for the construction of dams and reservoirs. However, these areas could be targeted for groundwater exploitation as they possess higher groundwater potential. The lineaments are oriented in diverse directions. However, those orienting in ENEWSW, NE-SW and NW-SE are predominating followed by those oriented in sub E-W and sub N-S directions. These orientations corroborate with results of previous regional studies and with orientations of prominent geological structures and features of the study area. Distinct variation in the predominant orientations of lineaments of varied sizes is observed, while the shorter ones are oriented in either NW-SE or NNW-SSE directions, the longer ones are oriented in either NE-SW or ENE-WSW. A comparative analysis of lineament datasets of the eight azimuth angles and the final lineament map underlines the need to extract lineaments from various azimuth angles to get a reliable picture about the lineaments.     

Using airborne geophysical data in identifying tectonic lineaments in east of Iran

In this paper we tried to identify the main tectonic lineaments in Eastern Iran including Lut block and Sistan suture zone from the airborne geomagnetic data together with tilt filter. As the map of obtained lineaments from airborne geomagnetic data has been studied, four distinct set of lineaments has been identified: (i) north–south, (ii) east–west, (iii) northeast–southwest, and (iv) northwest–southwest that are concurrently with structural zones and area’s big faults. New faults which have been identified in this investigation are lineaments with trend northeast–southwest and east–west. The depth of these lineaments has been calculated through Euler modeling. Magnetic lineaments trending east–west have the most depth, so these lineaments are related to basement faults.     

月球线性构造分类体系研究

月球线性构造是月球科学研究中的重要组成部分,建立月球线性构造分类体系是月球地质图编研的关键。前人对月球线性构造的分类研究主要基于月表的形貌特征,划分的线性构造类型参差不齐,尚未形成一个公认的、规范的、具有普适性的线性构造分类体系,以至于分类结果的可对比性差、参考性和易操作性较低,不利于月球线性构造纲要图的编制。并且月球线性构造的概念混乱、术语不统一,存在"同物异名、同词异义、异词同义、涵义不明"的现象,不利于全球性的统一制图和成果的展示及使用。鉴于此,本文采用多指标组合的分类方法,以成因机制和形貌特征作为主要指标,兼顾物质组成,再结合线性构造形成的动力学机制,建立了符合月球动力学演化背景的、统一规范的线性构造类型划分的新方案,避免了单以形貌特征为依据来分类出现的混乱状态,具有较好的科学性和可操作性。将月球的线性构造类型划分为:内动力地质作用形成的线性构造,包括皱脊、月溪、地堑、断裂;外动力地质作用形成的线性构造,包括坑缘断裂和坑底断裂,以及多成因机制、多动力来源作用形成的特殊类型如坑链等。在此基础上,并利用多源遥感数据建立了易于判别且具有代表性的线性构造识别标志,可为全月球线性构造的统一制图提供识别依据。     

Landsat digital enhancements for lineament detection

Identification of lineaments has important ramifications in geology because lineaments can signify zones of both hazardous potential and economically valuable environments The synoptic view of local and regional lineament patterns by Landsat is a useful mapping technique in areas considered to be well mapped as well as in poorly mapped areas Image enhancement of digitally constructed Landsat images increases contrast and sharpness between geologic features and improves the recognition of subtle differences Five enhancement techniques are applied to Landsat digital data for lineament detection (1) mean value of all four bands, (2) principal components, (3) band ratio, (4) histogram equalization, and (5) high-pass digital filtering Of the five enhancement techniques evaluated, the principal components analysis identified the greatest number of lineaments and the greatest total length of the lineaments. All five techniques identified a significant amount of unique lineaments, which were not found by any other technique. Unique lineaments identified by each technique are combined through a composite process yielding a lineament interpretation which exceeds the detection capability of the principal components interpretation     

湘中南晋宁期和加里东期构造线走向变化成因

湘中南晋宁期和加里东期构造线走向横向上存在显著变化,通道-溆浦-安化-桃江一线晋宁期与加里东期构造线呈向北西凸出的弧形弯曲;湘东浏阳-川口一带晋宁期构造线自北而南由东西向转为北东-北北东向,加里东期构造线在湘南九嶷山地区和彭公庙-汝城一带为东西向,在都庞岭-塔山隆起带以及高挂山-关帝庙隆起带呈北东-北北东向,在湘中大乘山-龙山一带呈东西向。地质与地球物理资料显示湖南境内钦杭结合带与扬子陆块分界可能沿南桥-新化-隆回-苗儿山一线,自东向西由东西向转为北北东向;与华夏陆块分界可能沿川口-常宁-双牌一线,呈北东向。通过与区域挤压应力方向结合,上述构造边界走向可以较好地解释湘中南地区晋宁期和加里东期构造线方向的若干横向变化特征。      

Geomorphic observations from southwestern terminus of Palghat Gap,south India and their tectonic implications

The region around Wadakkancheri, Trichur District, Kerala is known for microseismic activity, since 1989. Studies, subsequent to 2nd December 1994 (M =4.3) earthquake, identified a south dipping active fault (Desamangalam Fault) that may have influenced the course of Bharathapuzha River. The ongoing seismicity is concentrated on southeast of Wadakkancheri and the present study concentrated further south of Desamangalam Fault. The present study identifies the northwestern continuity of NW–SE trending Periyar lineament, which appears to have been segmented in the area. To identify the subtle landform modifications induced by ongoing tectonic adjustments, we focused on morphometric analysis. The NW–SE trending lineaments appear to be controlling the sinuosity of smaller rivers in the area, and most of the elongated drainage basins follow the same trend. The anomalies shown in conventional morphometric parameters, used for defining basins, are also closely associated with the NW–SE trending Periyar lineament/s. A number of brittle faults that appear to have been moved are consistent with the present stress regime and these are identified along the NW–SE trending lineaments. The current seismic activities also coincide with the zone of these lineaments as well as at the southeastern end of Periyar lineament. These observations suggest that the NW–SE trending Periyar lineaments/faults may be responding to the present N–S trending compressional stress regime and reflected as the subtle readjustments of the drainage configuration in the area.     

Geophysical lineaments of Western Ghats and adjoining coastal areas of central Kerala,southern India and their temporal development

A family of geophysical lineaments have been identified in ~15,000 km~2 in central Kerala between9 30'N to 10 45'N and 76 00'E to 77°30′E,integrating geophysical data with geological and geomorphological features. The characteristics of these lineaments in the magnetic and gravity fields and their derivatives have been analysed. The evolution of the lineaments has been traced to the temporal phases of global evolution of the region. A group of these faults have formed by reactivation of the deep-seated distensional fractures associated with and accompanying dyke emplacements during the episodic breakup of Gondwana at ~90 and 65 Ma under distinctive mantle thermal regimes. It is possible that reactivation of these distensional faults may have started during the cooling interval of time between the two distensions in the 90 and 65 Ma and post 65 Ma periods and later in the Cenozoic, when the lineaments were enlarged to their present dimension, possibly under the influence of forces that led to the uplift of the western Ghats. These may extend down to the crust-mantle interface. A cluster of youngergeophysical lineaments has been generated by reactivation along the weak planes of transformation of the charnockitic rocks of the Precambrian. They seem to have a strike-slip character. They are devoid of any dyke association and were formed on a cold crust. They may be confined to the upper-middle crust.They were generated in the high intensity intra-plate palaeo-stress fields of the triple forces arising from(1) the back-thrust from the Himalayan Collision;(2) the impact of epeirogenic forces and related isostatic uplift of the Western Ghats and(3) the flexural isostatic uplifts due to surface loads of late Mesozoic basaltic lavas and Cenozoic sedimentation in the coastal rifted basins in late Cenozoic, probably in the time span of 20 Ma to the present, when the palaeostress fields were most intense.     

Determining the role of lineaments in underground hydrodynamics using Landsat 7 ETM+ data,case of the Chott El Gharbi Basin (western Algeria)

This paper attempts an overview of the application of remote sensing to groundwater studies. Its objective is to define the role of the geological features in the underground hydrodynamic in the aquifer system of the Chott El Gharbi Basin (Algerian western high plains) and identify a link between the fracturing and the meteoric water supply of this deep aquifer. The methodology followed consists to study the fracturing map of studied area which is obtained after Landsat 7 ETM+ processing images. It is based on structural lineaments mapping. The obtained map has been validated by geophysical results and geological map. Statistical analysis of the lineaments network shows the presence of about 537 lineaments divided into four families oriented according to the following directions NE-SW, NW-SE, N-S, and E-W. The lineament analysis of the studied basin provides important information on subsurface fractures that may control the circulation and storage of groundwater. These fractures have an undeniable hydrogeological interest because of their size, a priori favorable for the aquifers recharge in the region. The probable link between the Chott El Gharbi implementation and the presence of mega fractures which some of them correspond actually to Wadis is confirmed. The correlation between the productivity of high debit drillings and the closest lineament confirms that these lineaments are surface traces of regional discontinuities and act as main groundwater flow paths.     

Correlation of lineaments and groundwater quality in Dasht-e-Arjan Fars,SW of Iran

The NE-oriented Dasht-e-Arjan graben is located 65 km west of Shiraz and has resulted from the active Kare-e-Bas fault segmentations. This extensional graben bounded by two fault system east-Arjan and west-Arjan to the Shahneshin and Salamati anticline. In these study using Landsat 7 ETM images with resolution 2.5 m and directional filtering in the four azimuths and semi-automatic technique for linear structure in the study area. Using the obtained data from extracted lineaments, the rose diagrams of the main strike lineaments are well confirm with field measurements of faults with N56° ± 4°E direction. The structural lineaments of the study area show that the Dasht-e-Arjan area is underlain by the limestone, sandstone, and marl. LANDSAT imagery of the area has been analyzed and interpreted in order to determine the lineament and groundwater quality across the area. The fracture is structurally controlled and mostly influences both the groundwater and surface water pollution and flow directions in the Dasht-e-Arjan. Using visual interpretation, determining the lineaments on the satellite image is very difficult and subjective, and it requires an experienced interpreter. In this study, the lineament analysis is undertaken to examine the orientation of the lineament, the relationship between lineaments and tectonic features and groundwater quality. Lineament density maps show that the lineament density is high around areas. Areas having high lineament density represent areas with relatively high groundwater pollution. Field observations agreed with the results from the analysis of the imagery.     

Lineament extraction from multi-resolution satellite imagery: a pilot study on Wadi Bani Malik, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The study of structural lineaments is important for mineral exploration, geotectonic and geotechnical studies, and for the mitigation of geologic hazards. The present work deals with the extraction of lineaments from satellite imageries of different spatial resolutions as well as the analysis of these extracted lineaments. Wadi Bani Malik area located to the east of Jeddah city on the Red Sea coastal plain is chosen for such a study. Six types of digital satellite imagery data were used in the present study. These comprise satellite imagery of low spatial resolution (LSR) including Landsat MSS of 80-m resolution, Landsat TM of 30-m resolution, and Landsat TM of 25-m resolution; satellite imagery of moderate spatial resolution (MSR) including Landsat ETM+ panchromatic of 15-m resolution and SPOT panchromatic of 10-m resolution; and satellite imagery of high spatial resolution (HSR) including the Indian Remote Sensing satellite IRS data of 5-m resolution. As expected, the analysis of the extracted lineaments from different data sets shows that the imagery data of HSR of the Indian IRS data give the highest frequency of the extracted structural lineaments (N?=?3,235), while the imagery data of LSR of the Landsat MSS data give the lowest frequency of the extracted lineaments (N?=?89). The imagery data of MSR give moderate frequency (N?=?1,643) in average. Due to the present study, it is recommended to use the imagery data of HSR and MSR for the extraction of structural lineaments for detailed and regional studies, respectively. The imagery data of LSR are not recommended for such studies due to the fact that most of the real structural lineaments framework cannot be extracted; accordingly, it is not useful in the analyses of lineaments for geological purposes.     

Structural Mapping of the Bentong‐Raub Suture Zone Using PALSAR Remote Sensing Data,Peninsular Malaysia: Implications for Sediment‐hosted/Orogenic Gold Mineral Systems Exploration

The Bentong‐Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) of Peninsular Malaysia is one of the major structural zones in Sundaland, Southeast Asia. It forms the boundary between the Gondwana‐derived Sibumasu terrane in the west and Sukhothai Arc in the east. The BRSZ is genetically related to the sediment‐hosted/orogenic gold deposits associated with the major lineaments in the Central Gold Belt of Peninsular Malaysia. In this investigation, the Phased Array type L‐band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) satellite remote sensing data were used to map major geological structures in Peninsular Malaysia and provide detailed characterization of lineaments and curvilinear structures in the BRSZ, as well as their implication for sediment‐hosted/orogenic gold exploration in tropical environments. Major structural lineaments such as the Bentong‐Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) and Lebir Fault Zone, ductile deformation related to crustal shortening, brittle disjunctive structures (faults and fractures) and collisional mountain range (Main Range granites) were detected and mapped at regional scale using PALSAR ScanSAR data. The major geological structure directions of the BRSZ were N–S, NNE–SSW, NE–SW and NW–SE, which derived from directional filtering analysis to PALSAR fine and polarimetric data. The pervasive array of N–S faults in the Central Gold Belt and surrounding terrain is mainly linked to the N–S trending of the Suture Zone. N–S striking lineaments are often cut by younger NE–SW and NW–SE‐trending lineaments. Gold mineralized trend lineaments are associated with the intersection of N–S, NE–SW, NNW–SSE and ESE–WNW faults and curvilinear features in shearing and alteration zones. Compressional tectonic structures such as the NW–SE trending thrust, ENE–WSW oriented faults in mylonite and phyllite, recumbent folds and asymmetric anticlines in argillite are high potential zones for gold prospecting in the Central Gold Belt. Three generations of folding events in Peninsular Malaysia have been recognized from remote sensing structural interpretation. Consequently, PALSAR satellite remote sensing data is a useful tool for mapping major geological structural features and detailed structural analysis of fault systems and deformation areas with high potential for sediment‐hosted/orogenic gold deposits and polymetallic vein‐type mineralization along margins of Precambrian blocks, especially for inaccessible regions in tropical environments.     

欧亚大陆风云影像线性构造信息提取及其地质分析

通过欧亚大陆风云影像的空间增强、光谱增强、辐射增强等系列处理和地质解释 ,提取了发育于该区的各种线性构造的相关信息。根据性质和规模将线性构造划分为大洋俯冲带、大陆俯冲带、大陆碰撞带、巨型线性构造、区域线性构造和局部线性构造等六类。文中重点介绍了乌拉尔—阿曼巨型线性构造带和阿尔卑斯大陆碰撞带的影像特征和地质意义。根据各类线性构造的特征和相互关系 ,突出了乌拉尔—阿曼和伊尔库茨克—横断山两条巨型线性构造带的地位 ,并以它们为界划分了三个构造域 :西亚构造域以印度板块的俯冲为特色 ,导致青藏高原的隆升和陆内强烈变形 ;东亚构造域最为重要的特征是太平洋板块的俯冲 ,形成一系列岛弧体系 ,并使大陆内部出现大量岩浆活动和强烈的构造变动 ;欧洲构造域主要为非洲—阿拉伯板块与欧洲板块的碰撞 ,二者之间没有明显的俯冲带 ,而有一个较宽广的接触带 ,强烈的变形集中在这一带内 ,而大陆内部的构造变动比较微弱。这种构造格局在欧亚大地水准面异常图上有明显反映 ,表明与深部地质作用过程有关。三个构造域的主导线性构造的方向组成了一个向南弯曲的弧形 ,弧顶位于西亚构造域。大陆巨型线性构造带呈经向和纬向展布 ,具长期发育特征 ,从更大尺度上看 ,板块边界线性构造也是呈经向和纬?     

Recognition of the regional lineaments of Iran: Using geospatial data and their implications for exploration of metallic ore deposits

The relationship between major structural lineaments and locations of ore deposits in Iran has been investigated using geospatial data. In the course of lineament extraction, satellite images, aeromagnetic data, digital elevation model (DEM) and structural maps were processed and the lineaments and large-scale faults were identified. The extracted lineaments, based on subjective assessment, from each dataset were imported into GIS software and the “lineament map of Iran” was prepared by data integration. The analysis for selecting significant lineament was mainly based on fault correlated lineament and lineament with field map fractures, which was sets as benchmarks for compiling a final output map. Four major regional lineament trends of N–S, E–W, NW–SE and NE–SW were identified in the data of all images, which are corresponded to the structural zones and the major fault systems of Iran. The mineral deposits (active and abandoned) and mineral indications database compiled are based on the published maps, papers, reports and the ore deposits data files of Geological Survey of Iran. Integrating the output of these two datasets by GIS software resulted in the “Combined Map of Lineaments and Gold, Copper, Lead, Zinc and Iron Deposits of Iran”. The number and distance of ore deposits toward the lineaments were processed by the counting and cumulative methods in the GIS software's. Approximately, over 90% of the ore deposits of Iran are located in the central part of the lineaments (15 km on each side) which are concordant with a definition of large lineament. About 50% of these mineral deposits are closer than 5 km to the lineaments. There are significant correlations between lineament density and intersections with ore deposits occurrences. The observed associations at this scale are informative in establishing exploration strategy and decreasing exploration risks for detailed work on ore deposit scale.     

Effects of fracture lineaments and in-situ rock stresses on groundwater flow in hard rocks: a case study from Sunnfjord, western Norway

Systematic field mapping of fracture lineaments observed on aerial photographs shows that almost all of these structures are positively correlated with zones of high macroscopic and mesoscopic fracture frequencies compared with the surroundings. The lineaments are subdivided into zones with different characteristics: (1) a central zone with fault rocks, high fracture frequency and connectivity but commonly with mineral sealed fractures, and (2) a damage zone divided into a proximal zone with a high fracture frequency of lineament parallel, non-mineralized and interconnected fractures, grading into a distal zone with lower fracture frequencies and which is transitional to the surrounding areas with general background fracturing. To examine the possible relations between lineament architecture and in-situ rock stress on groundwater flow, the geological fieldwork was followed up by in-situ stress measurements and test boreholes at selected sites. Geophysical well logging added valuable information about fracture distribution and fracture flow at depths. Based on the studies of in-situ stresses as well as the lineaments and associated fracture systems presented above, two working hypotheses for groundwater flow were formulated: (i) In areas with a general background fracturing and in the distal zone of lineaments, groundwater flow will mainly occur along fractures parallel with the largest in-situ rock stress, unless fractures are critically loaded or reactivated as shear fractures at angles around 30° to σ_H; (ii) In the influence area of lineaments, the largest potential for groundwater abstraction is in the proximal zone, where there is a high fracture frequency and connectivity with negligible fracture fillings. The testing of the two hypotheses does not give a clear and unequivocal answer in support of the two assumptions about groundwater flow in the study area. But most of the observed data are in agreement with the predictions from the models, and can be explained by the action of the present stress field on pre-existing fractures.     

The origin of tensile fracture lineaments

Fracture-controlled lineaments, commonly seen where brittle basement is exposed at the earth's surface, are generally restricted to a small number of sets, with angles of 45–90° between sets. The length-frequency distribution of lineaments in each set follows a truncated Poisson function. Such lineaments usually show almost no shearing offset, suggesting a tensile origin. A simple mechanical model of tensile fracturing is used to explain the spacing, directions, and length of lineaments, as well as their depth-frequency distribution. Results suggest that the penetration depth of tensile fractures which produce lineaments at the earth's surface is directly related to their length and that the fracture density is inversely proportional to fracture depth. Finally, the angles between lineament sets may be controlled by the ratio of strength of unfractured rock to that of pre-existing fractures, which might heal with time. The most likely source of tension is tectonic uplift. Fractures due to typical uplifts of 0.5–1 km over distances of 10–100 km may penetrate as brittle fractures to several kilometres into the crust, perhaps to the depth at which seismic activity ceases.     

Active deformation in the eastern Swiss Alps: post-glacial faults, seismicity and surface uplift

Post-glacial tectonic faults in the eastern Swiss Alps occur as single lineaments, clusters of faults or extensive fault zones consisting of several individual faults aligned along the same trend. The orientation of the faults reflects the underlying lithology and the pre-existing structures (joints, pervasive foliations) within these lithologies. Most post-glacially formed faults in the area around Chur, which undergoes active surface uplift of 1.6 mm/year, trend E–W and cut across Alpine and glacial features such as active screes and moraines. Additionally, there are NNW and ENE striking faults reactivating pervasive Alpine foliations and shear zones. Based on a comparison with the nodal planes of recent earthquakes, E–W striking faults are interpreted as active faults. Because of very short rupture lengths and mismatches of fault location with earthquake distribution, magnitude and abundance, the faults are considered to be secondary faults due to earthquake shaking, cumulative deformation in post- or interseismic periods or creep, and not primary earthquake-related faults. The maximum of recent surface uplift rates coincides with the youngest cooling of the rocks according to apatite fission-track data and is therefore a long-lived feature that extends well into pre-glacial times. Isostatic rebound owing to overthickened crust or to melting of glacial overburden cannot explain the observed surface uplift pattern. Rather, the faults, earthquakes and surface uplift patterns suggest that the Alps are deforming under active compression and that the Aar massif basement uplift is still active in response to ongoing collision.     

Crustal lineaments, distribution of lower crustal intrusives and structural evolution of the Vøring Margin, NE Atlantic; new insight from wide-angle seismic models

Five lineaments on the volcanic Vøring Margin, NE Atlantic, have been identified in crustal scale models derived from Ocean Bottom Seismograph (OBS) data. It is suggested that the Vøring Basin can be divided in four compartments bounded by the Jan Mayen Fracture Zone/Lineament, a new lineament defined from this study, the Gleipne Lineament, the Surt Lineament and the Bivrost Lineament. The NW–SE trending Jan Mayen-, Gleipne- and Bivrost lineaments probably represent old zones of weakness controlling the onset of the early Eocene seafloor spreading, whereas the Surt- and New lineaments, rotated ca. 30° symmetrically from the azimuth of the Gleipne Lineament, may represent adjustment features related to the early Cretaceous/early Tertiary rifting. The longest landward extent of a lower crustal high-velocity body, assumed to represent intrusions related to the last phase of rifting, is found between the New Lineament and the Gleipne Lineament, where the body extends across the Helland Hansen Arch. Northeastwards in the Vøring Basin, the landward limit of the body steps gradually seawards, closely related to the interpreted lineaments. Northeast of the Gleipne Lineament, the body terminates close to the Fles Fault Complex, north of the Surt Lineament, it extends across the Nyk High, and northeast of the Bivrost Lineament the intrusions terminate around the Vøring Escarpment. Evidence for an interplay between active and passive rifting components is found on regional and local scales on the margin. The active component is evident through the decrease in magmatism with increased distance from the Icelandic plume, and the passive component is documented through the fact that all found crustal lineaments to a certain degree acted as barriers to magma emplacement. The increased thickness of the continental crust on the seaward side of the Vøring Escarpment, the upwarping of Moho and thinning of the lower crustal high-velocity layer in the western part of the Vøring Basin, as well as a strong shallowing of the Moho observed in parts of the area between the Jan Mayen Fracture Zone/Lineament and the New Lineament, can be explained by lithospheric delamination models.     

The relationship between regional stress field,fracture orientation and depth of weathering and implications for groundwater prospecting in crystalline rocks

In a uniform granite gneiss study area in central Zimbabwe, lineaments oriented parallel to the maximum regional compressive stress orientation exhibit the thickest regolith development, while lineaments oriented perpendicular to the maximum compressive stress show the shallowest development of weathered regolith. The principal fracture set orientations were mapped using aerial imagery. The regional stress field, estimated from global stress maps, was used to determine the stresses acting on each principal lineament orientation. Multi-electrode resistivity profiling was carried out across fractures with different orientations to determine their subsurface regolith conditions. The results indicate that the 360 and 060° lineaments, which are sub-parallel to the principal compressive stress orientation (σ₁) exhibit maximum development of the regolith, while 130° lineaments perpendicular to σ₁ do not exhibit significant regolith development. Since regolith thickness has been positively correlated with groundwater resources, it is suggested that fractures with orientations sub-parallel to the principal compressive stress direction constitute favourable groundwater targets. Knowledge of the regional stress field and fracture set orientations can be used as an effective low cost tool for locating potentially higher yielding boreholes in crystalline rock terrains.     

Structural mapping from high resolution aeromagnetic data in west central Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia using normalized derivatives

Aeromagnetic data covering an area of about 40,000 km² at the west central Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia has been collected and interpreted to provide structural map of the area. A number of normalized derivatives were used to help interpret the signature of magnetic data so that weak and small amplitude anomalies can be amplified relative to the stronger and larger amplitude anomalies. The interpretations obtained from these geophysical techniques of the field data demonstrated a strong correlation between magnetic anomalies and mapped subsurface geology. Based upon the variation in magnetic lineaments, shape amplitude, and trend structural map of the west central Arabian Shield on Saudi Arabia were obtained.