Study of regional linears in central Sicily by satellite imagery

New regional linears where discovered in Sicily using images produced by satellite-borne sensors. In particular a group of linears crossing both the Caltanissetta central basin and the “nappes” of the northern coast has been investigated.Several techniques of processing the remotely sensed data have been employed in order to enhance the lineations and to evaluate their character.The features observed from space have been compared to aerial stereo pairs and checked by ground control. It was found that the linears generally correspond to actual faulting on the “rigid” formations of the northern overthrusting area, whereas they are produced mainly by the alignment of morphological features on the “plastic” formations of Caltanisetta basin.The general geological and geophysical features of the Sicilian region are discussed and the implications of the new findings are introduced.A programme for further geological and geophysical studies is suggested.