Structural lineament and pattern analysis of Missouri, using LANDSAT imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, J. A.; Kisvarsanyi, G. (Principal Investigator)

1977-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Major linear, circular, and arcuate traces were observed on LANDSAT imagery of Missouri. Lineaments plotted within the state boundaries range from 20 to nearly 500 km in length. Several extend into adjoining states. Lineaments plots indicate a distinct pattern and in general reflect structural features of the Precambrian basement of the platform. Coincidence of lineaments traced from the imagery and known structural features in Missouri is high, thus supporting a causative relation between them. The lineament pattern apparently reveals a fundamental style of the deformation of the intracontinental craton. Dozens of heretofore unknown linear features related to epirogenic movements and deformation of this segment of the continental crust were delineated. Lineaments and mineralization are interrelated in a geometrically classifiable pattern.

Shape of lenticulae on Europa and their interaction with lineaments.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Culha, Cansu; Manga, Michael

2015-04-01

The surface of Europa contains many elliptical features that have been grouped into three classes: (a) positive relief (domes), (b) negative relief (pits), or (c) complex terrain (small chaos). Collectively, these three classes of features are often called "lenticulae". The internal processes that form lenticulae are unknown. However, given that the diameters of all these features are similar, it is parsimonious to ascribe each class of feature to a different stage in the evolution of some process occurring within the ice shell. Proposed models for these features including diapirs (Sotin et al., 2002; Rathbun et al., 1998); melting above diapirs (Schmidt et al., 2011); and sills of water (Michaut and Manga, 2014). The objective of the present study is to first characterize the shape of lecticulae, and then look at the interaction of lenticulae with lineaments, in order to test lenticulae formation mechanisms. Lenticulae and lineaments are mapped and annotated on ArcGIS. We mapped a total of 57 pits and 86 domes. Both pits and domes have similar aspect ratios and orientations. The elliptical similarities of domes and pits suggest that domes and pits are surface expressions of different stages of a common process within the ice shell. The cross cutting relationships between lineaments reveal relative age. Lineaments either lie over or under the lenticulae. All of the lineament segments that appear within pits also appear topographically lower than the rest of the surface. Domes lie over and under lineaments, but unlike pits there are lineaments that lie over domes that do not vary in topography. This suggests that the lineaments that lie above lenticulae and match the lenticulae's topography are older than the lenticulae. Domes have more crossing lineaments. Therefore, on average, they appear to be older than pits. Lineaments also appear on the sides of lenticulae. There are two different ways in which adjacent lineaments appear: 1. they disrupt the shape of the lenticulae; 2. they are tangent to the edge of the lenticulae. These observations suggest that lineaments that interrupt the shape of lenticulae are younger than the lenticulae, and the lineaments tangent to lenticulae are older than the lenticulae. The shape of the disrupted lenticulae, which has lost its elliptical shape due to the lineament, implies that the ice behaves rigidly on either side of the lineament. Furthermore, lenticulae do not perturb lineaments during lineament formation. Last, pits that have lineaments tangent to them appear sheared or compressed, suggesting that pits could be influenced by the stresses that form lineaments. References: [1] Sotin, C., Head, J.W., and Tobie, G. (2002) Geophys. Res. Lett., 29, 74/1-4. [2] Rathbun, J.A., Musser, G.S., and Squyres, S.W. (1998), Geophys. Res. Lett., 25, 4157-4160. [3] Schmidt, B.E., Blankenship, D.D., Patterson, G.W. and Schenk, P.M. (2011) Nature, 479, 502-505. [4] Michaut, C. and Manga, M. (2014), J. Geophys. Res. Planets, 119, 550.

Derivation of groundwater flow-paths based on semi-automatic extraction of lineaments from remote sensing data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallast, U.; Gloaguen, R.; Geyer, S.; Rödiger, T.; Siebert, C.

2011-08-01

In this paper we present a semi-automatic method to infer groundwater flow-paths based on the extraction of lineaments from digital elevation models. This method is especially adequate in remote and inaccessible areas where in-situ data are scarce. The combined method of linear filtering and object-based classification provides a lineament map with a high degree of accuracy. Subsequently, lineaments are differentiated into geological and morphological lineaments using auxiliary information and finally evaluated in terms of hydro-geological significance. Using the example of the western catchment of the Dead Sea (Israel/Palestine), the orientation and location of the differentiated lineaments are compared to characteristics of known structural features. We demonstrate that a strong correlation between lineaments and structural features exists. Using Euclidean distances between lineaments and wells provides an assessment criterion to evaluate the hydraulic significance of detected lineaments. Based on this analysis, we suggest that the statistical analysis of lineaments allows a delineation of flow-paths and thus significant information on groundwater movements. To validate the flow-paths we compare them to existing results of groundwater models that are based on well data.

Active Deformation of Malawi Rift's North Basin Hinge Zone Modulated by Reactivation of Preexisting Precambrian Shear Zone Fabric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolawole, F.; Atekwana, E. A.; Laó-Dávila, D. A.; Abdelsalam, M. G.; Chindandali, P. R.; Salima, J.; Kalindekafe, L.

2018-03-01

We integrated temporal aeromagnetic data and recent earthquake data to address the long-standing question on the role of preexisting Precambrian structures in modulating strain accommodation and subsequent ruptures leading to seismic events within the East African Rift System. We used aeromagnetic data to elucidate the relationship between the locations of the 2009 Mw 6.0 Karonga, Malawi, earthquake surface ruptures and buried basement faults along the hinge zone of the half-graben comprising the North Basin of the Malawi Rift. Through the application of derivative filters and depth-to-magnetic-source modeling, we identified and constrained the trend of the Precambrian metamorphic fabrics and correlated them to the three-dimensional structure of buried basement faults. Our results reveal an unprecedented detail of the basement fabric dominated by high-frequency WNW to NW trending magnetic lineaments associated with the Precambrian Mughese Shear Zone fabric. The high-frequency magnetic lineaments are superimposed by lower frequency NNW trending magnetic lineaments associated with possible Cenozoic faults. Surface ruptures associated with the 2009 Mw 6.0 Karonga earthquake swarm aligned with one of the NNW-trending magnetic lineaments defining a normal fault that is characterized by right-stepping segments along its northern half and coalesced segments on its southern half. Fault geometries, regional kinematics, and spatial distribution of seismicity suggest that seismogenic faults reactivated the basement fabric found along the half-graben hinge zone. We suggest that focusing of strain accommodation and seismicity along the half-graben hinge zone is facilitated and modulated by the presence of the basement fabric.

Lineament and polygon patterns on Europa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pieri, D. C.

1981-01-01

A classification scheme is presented for the lineaments and associated polygonal patterns observed on the surface of Europa, and the frequency distribution of the polygons is discussed in terms of the stress-relief fracturing of the surface. The lineaments are divided on the basis of albedo, morphology, orientation and characteristic geometry into eight groups based on Voyager 2 images taken at a best resolution of 4 km. The lineaments in turn define a system of polygons varying in size from small reticulate patterns the limit of resolution to 1,000,000 sq km individuals. Preliminary analysis of polygon side frequency distributions reveals a class of polygons with statistics similar to those found in complex terrestrial terrains, particularly in areas of well-oriented stresses, a class with similar statistics around the antijovian point, and a class with a distribution similar to those seen in terrestrial tensional fracture patterns. Speculations concerning the processes giving rise to the lineament patterns are presented.

Use of RADARSAT-1 satellite imagery and geophysical data for oil and kimberlite exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paganelli, Flora

The synergy of RADARSAT-1 and seismic imagery interpretation has been applied in the Blackstone area of the Central Alberta Foothills in the Canadian Cordillera thrust and fold belt to map the continuity of geological structures, which are of importance for oil and gas exploration. The reconstruction of the continuity of thrust-fold related major structures known in the area has been successful. Transverse faults and lineaments with ENE-WSW, NE-SW, and NNE-SSW trends have been delineated on the radar images. The ENE-WSW transverse faults have an extensional character, cut across the inner and outer Foothills and are persistent at the regional scale. The NE-SW and NNE-SSW transverse faults are wrench type faults, which are mainly localized in the inner Foothills. These structures have been identified for the first time in the area and are possibly a third generation fault-play type for oil and gas exploration. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of RADARSAT-1 images was applied in the Buffalo Head Hills area, in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB), to provide an enhanced image base for structural mapping. North- and NNE-trending lineaments bounding the eastern edge of the Buffalo Head Hills along the Loon River valley, a conjugate set of NW- and NE-trending lineaments, and ENE-trending lineaments identifying the latest features in the area were outlined. The development of these structures has been related to Precambrian terrane assemblage in the WCSB during the Early Proterozoic, the development of the Peace River Arch, and the Laramide Orogeny. In the Buffalo Head Hills area a weights of evidence statistical approach was used to determine the spatial relationship of NNE-, NE-, -NW, and ENE-trending lineaments to known kimberlite locations. This method outlined different degrees of spatial correlation between kimberlites and lineaments, with higher correlations defined for the NNE, NE, and ENE lineament datasets. A weights of evidence model was then constructed using the structural lineament maps, the Buffalo High and Buffalo Utikuma terrane boundary, Bouguer gravity data, and magnetic characteristics of the Buffalo High and Buffalo Utikuma terranes. The model reveals maximum favourability for kimberlite exploration along the Buffalo High and Buffalo Utikuma terrane boundary in correspondence with NNE-trending lineaments and their intersections with NE and ENE lineaments. The relationship of the kimberlite occurrences along the Buffalo High-Buffalo Utikuma terrane boundary and structural lineaments seems to favour an hypothesis of kimberlite emplacement through a major zone of weakness in the basement, here characterized by the boundary between the Buffalo High and Buffalo Utikuma terranes.

Integrated geophysical and geological study of the tectonic framework of the 38th parallel lineament in the vicinity of its intersection with the extension of the New Madrid fault zone. Annual progress report, fiscal year 1979

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Braile, L.W.; Hinze, W.J.; Sexton, J.L.

1979-09-01

An integrated gravity, magnetic, crustal seismic refraction, and basement geology study is being conducted of the northeastern extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone in the vicinity of the 38th Parallel Lineament. Gravity and magnetic anomaly maps prepared of this area plus regional seismicity suggest that the basement structural feature associated with the New Madrid seismicity extends northeasterly into southern Indiana to at least 39/sup 0/N latitude. Gravity and subsurface data indicate that the Rough Creek Fault Zone, a major element of the 38th Parallel Lineament, is the northern boundary of a complex graben which formed in late Precambrian-early Paleozoicmore » time and since has been reactivated. Surface wave studies indicate that the crustal thickness of the northern Mississippi Embayment is probably in the range of 50 to 55 km, and the structure of the crust obtained from these studies is highly suggestive of a failed rift. 40 figures, 3 tables.« less

Contribution of gravity data and Sentinel-1 image for structural mapping. Case of Beni Mellal Atlas and Beni Moussa plain (Morocco).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boutirame, Ikram; Boukdir, Ahmed; Akhssas, Ahmed; Boutirame, Fatima; Manar, Ahmed; Aghzzaf, Brahim

2018-05-01

The present work is a combined study of gravity and Sentine-1 data for fracture mapping in the karstic massif of Beni Mellal Atlas and the adjacent plain of Beni Moussa. In order to locate the various faults that contribute to the study area structuring, the gravimetric contacts analysis method, based on the joint use of the horizontal gradient and the upward continuation at different altitudes, has been applied to the gravity data. To optimize the structural mapping in the study area, the gravimetric lineaments obtained were completed and correlated with the lineaments got from Sentinel-1 image. Four faults families of NE-SW; E-O; N-S and NWSE directions have been highlighted. There fault families are perfectly combined with the studied area's surface water network, moreover, they corroborate with the previous geological and structural studies.

Bootheel lineament: A possible coseismic fault of the great New Madrid earthquakes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schweig, E.S. III; Marple, R.T.

1991-10-01

A remote sensing examination of the New Madrid seismic zone has revealed a feature, the Bootheel lineament, that may be the surface expression of one of the coseismic faults of the great New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812. The lineament extends about 135 km in a north-northeast direction through northeastern Arkansas and southeastern Missouri. The morphology and pattern of the lineament suggest that it reflects a fault with strike-slip displacement. Field data indicate that liquefied sand was injected along the lineament, probably in 1811 and 1812. The Bootheel lineament does not coincide with any of the major arms ofmore » New Madrid seismicity, possibly indicating that the current seismicity does not precisely reflect the faults that ruptured in 1811 and 1812.« less

Archuleta County CO Lineaments

DOE Data Explorer

Richard E. Zehner

2012-01-01

This layer traces apparent topographic and air-photo lineaments in the area around Pagosa springs in Archuleta County, Colorado. It was made in order to identify possible fault and fracture systems that might be conduits for geothermal fluids. Geothermal fluids commonly utilize fault and fractures in competent rocks as conduits for fluid flow. Geothermal exploration involves finding areas of high near-surface temperature gradients, along with a suitable plumbing system that can provide the necessary permeability. Geothermal power plants can sometimes be built where temperature and flow rates are high. To do this, georeferenced topographic maps and aerial photographs were utilized in an existing GIS, using ESRI ArcMap 10.0 software. The USA_Topo_Maps and World_Imagery map layers were chosen from the GIS Server at server.arcgisonline.com, using a UTM Zone 13 NAD27 projection. This line shapefile was then constructed over that which appeared to be through-going structural lineaments in both the aerial photographs and topographic layers, taking care to avoid manmade features such as roads, fence lines, and right-of-ways. These lineaments may be displaced somewhat from their actual location, due to such factors as shadow effects with low sun angles in the aerial photographs. Note: This shape file was constructed as an aid to geothermal exploration in preparation for a site visit for field checking. We make no claims as to the existence of the lineaments, their location, orientation, and nature.

Magnetic expression of the Transbrasiliano Lineament, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vidotti, R. M.; Curto, J. B.; Fuck, R. A.; Dantas, E. L.; Roig, H. L.; Almeida, T.

2011-12-01

The Transbrasiliano lineament is a continental-sized discontinuity exposed between the Amazonian craton and the eastern portion of the South American Platform. It is over 3,000 km long, extending from northern Paraguay, across the Tocantins Province and the Phanerozoic Paraná and Parnaíba basins, down to the Ceará Atlantic coast. In the context of West Gondwana, this large continental structure extends to the African continent along the 4o30 lineament. Its NE-SW preferential trend is marked by strong magnetic anomalies at the crustal level and by low velocity zones of S waves within the mantle, suggesting lithosphere thinning. On the surface the Transbrasiliano lineament translates as aligned drainage and ridges in the continental relief, and is comprised of a set of N20-50E Late Neoproterozoic ductile right-lateral shear zones, brittlely reactivated during the Mesozoic. Different interpretations were forwarded along the years, suggesting that the lineament represents a mega-suture active during Gondwana Supercontinent amalgamation, in the Late Neoproterozoic and Early Paleozoic, or seeing the strike-slip ductile faults as the result of shearing related with post-collision stages of the Brasiliano orogeny. Fault reactivation is believed to have controlled graben formation, sediment accumulation and magmatism of the Jaibaras basin in NW Ceará, as well as the establishing of depocentres within the Paraná and Parnaíba basins, influencing also sedimentation at the Atlantic coast. Although a direct link with the lineament has not been established, nearby areas are the site of seismic activity, mainly in NW Ceará and close to the Goiás-Tocantins border in central Brazil. The lineament is covered by aeromagnetic surveys collected over decades. Qualitative interpretation of magnetic and remote sensing data shows that the Transbrasiliano lineament is comprised of a system of ductile shear zones, forming parallel sets of faults penetrating below the large Paraná and Parnaiba intracontinental syneclises with almost continuous traces. Main direction is N45E, connected with splays of E-W and N-S secondary lineaments. Magnetic lineaments developed dominantly along the borders of crustal/lithospheric blocks, determining their limits. Magnetic Euler deconvolution preliminary results indicates depths up to 5 km. The magnetic lineaments continue below the intracratonic Phanerozoic basins, where brittle fault zones characterize several tectonic reactivation events from the Cambrian up to the Cenozoic. These results stress the outstanding role of the Transbrasiliano lineament in the tectonic framework of the Brazilian continental crust/lithosphere and the relevance of its set of faults in the infilling and evolution of large intracontinental Phanerozoic syneclises.

Fracture-Correlated Lineaments at Great Bay, Southeastern New Hampshire

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-01-01

U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey By James R. Degnan and Stewart F. Clark, Jr. Pembroke, New Hampshire 2002 In Cooperation with...Lineaments at Great Bay, Southeastern New Hampshire By James R. Degnan and Stewart F. Clark, Jr. 2 Fracture-Correlated Lineaments at Great Bay...and Mabee and others (1994). Walsh found that 24 percent of lineaments near outcrops correlate with brittle structures including joints, fracture

Lineaments on Skylab photographs: Detection, mapping, and hydrologic significance in central Tennessee

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, G. K. (Principal Investigator)

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Lineaments were detected on Skylab photographs by stereo viewing, projection viewing, and composite viewing. Sixty-nine percent more lineaments were found by stereo viewing than by projection, but segments of projection lineaments are longer; total length of lineaments found by these two methods is nearly the same. Most Skylab lineaments consist of topographic depression: stream channel alinements, straight valley walls, elongated swales, and belts where sinkholes are abundant. Most of the remainder are vegetation alinements. Lineaments are most common in dissected areas having a thin soil cover. Results of test drilling show: (1) the median yield of test wells on Skylab lineaments is about six times the median yield of all existing wells; (2) three out of seven wells on Skylab lineaments yield more than 6.3 1/s (110 gal/min): (3) low yields are possible on lineaments as well as in other favorable locations; and (4) the largest well yields can be obtained at well locations of Skylab lineaments that also are favorably located with respect to topography and geologic structure, and are in the vicinity of wells with large yields.

Structural lineaments of Gaspe from ERTS imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steffensen, R.

1973-01-01

A test study was conducted to assess the value of ERTS images for mapping geologic features of the Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec. The specific objectives of the study were: 1) to ascertain the best procedure to follow in order to obtain valuable geologic data as a result of interpretation; and 2) to indicate in which way these data could relate to mineral exploration. Of the four spectral bands of the Multispectral scanner, the band from 700 to 800 nanometers, which seems to possess the best informational content for geologic study, was selected for analysis. The original ERTS image at a scale of 1:3,700,000 was enlarged about 15 times and reproduced on film. Geologically meaningful lines, called structural lineaments, were outlined and classified according to five categories: morpho-lithologic boundaries, morpho-lithologic lineaments, fault traces, fracture zones and undefined lineaments. Comparison with the geologic map of Gaspe shows that morpho-lithologic boundaries correspond to contacts between regional stratigraphic units. Morpholithologic lineaments follow bedding trends, whereas fracture traces appear as sets of parallel lineaments, intersecting at high angles the previous category of lineaments. Fault traces mark more precisely the location of faults already mapped and spot the presence of presumable faults, not indicated on the geologic map.

Use of high-resolution satellite images for detection of geological structures related to Central Andes geothermal field, Chile.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benavides-Rivas, C. L.; Soto-Pinto, C. A.; Arellano-Baeza, A. A.

2014-12-01

Central valley and the border with Argentina in the center, and in the fault system Liquiñe-Ofqui in the South of the country. High resolution images from the LANDSAT 8 satellite have been used to delineate the geological structures related to the potential geothermal reservoirs located at the northern end of the Southern Volcanic Zone of Chile. It was done by applying the lineament extraction technique, using the ADALGEO software, developed by [Soto et al., 2013]. These structures have been compared with the distribution of main geological structures obtained in the field. It was found that the lineament density increases in the areas of the major heat flux indicating that the lineament analysis could be a power tool for the detection of faults and joint zones associated to the geothermal fields. A lineament is generally defined as a straight or slightly curved feature in the landscape visible satellite image as an aligned sequence of pixel intensity contrast compared to the background. The system features extracted from satellite images is not identical to the geological lineaments that are generally determined by ground surveys, however, generally reflects the structure of faults and fractures in the crust. A temporal sequence of eight Landsat multispectral images of Central Andes geothermal field, located in VI region de Chile, was used to study changes in the configuration of the lineaments during 2011. The presence of minerals with silicification, epidotization, and albitization, which are typical for geothrmal reservoirs, was also identified, using their spectral characteristics, and subsequently corroborated in the field. Both lineament analysis and spectral analysis gave similar location of the reservoir, which increases reliability of the results.

Fault zone characteristics and basin complexity in the southern Salton Trough, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Persaud, Patricia; Ma, Yiran; Stock, Joann M.; Hole, John A.; Fuis, Gary S.; Han, Liang

2016-01-01

Ongoing oblique slip at the Pacific–North America plate boundary in the Salton Trough produced the Imperial Valley (California, USA), a seismically active area with deformation distributed across a complex network of exposed and buried faults. To better understand the shallow crustal structure in this region and the connectivity of faults and seismicity lineaments, we used data primarily from the Salton Seismic Imaging Project to construct a three-dimensional P-wave velocity model down to 8 km depth and a velocity profile to 15 km depth, both at 1 km grid spacing. A VP = 5.65–5.85 km/s layer of possibly metamorphosed sediments within, and crystalline basement outside, the valley is locally as thick as 5 km, but is thickest and deepest in fault zones and near seismicity lineaments, suggesting a causative relationship between the low velocities and faulting. Both seismicity lineaments and surface faults control the structural architecture of the western part of the larger wedge-shaped basin, where two deep subbasins are located. We estimate basement depths, and show that high velocities at shallow depths and possible basement highs characterize the geothermal areas.

Structural interpretations based on ERTS-1 imagery, Bighorn Region, Wyoming-Montana

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoppin, R. A.

1973-01-01

Structural analysis is being carried out on bands MSS 5 and 7 of scene 1085-17294. Geologic strucutre is primarily revealed in the topographic relief and drainage. Topographic linears are particularly well developed in the bighorn uplift. Many of these occur along known faults and shear zones in the Precambrian core; several have not been previously mapped. These linears, however, do not continue into the younger rocks of the flanks or do so in a much less marked manner than in the core. Linears are far less abundant in the basin or are manifested only in very subtle tonal contrasts and somewhat straight drainage segments. Some of the linears are aligned along trends previously postulated on the basis of surface mapping to be lineaments. The imagery reveals little or no evidence of strike-slip displacements along these lineaments.

Iron-absorption band analysis for the discrimination of iron-rich zones

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rowan, L. C. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Lineament analysis of the area was initiated on individual images and then expanded areally by the use of mosaics at the 1:1,000,000 scale. Principal trends are NE, NW, NNE-NNW, and ENE. Several previously unrecognized lineaments are mapped which may be the surface manifestations of major fault or fracture zones. Three lineaments are especially noteworthy. Two of these, the Walker Lane and the Midas Trench lineament system, transect the prediominantly NNE-NNW trending mountain ranges for more than 500 km. A third major lineament, formed by the alinement of several topographic escarpments 10-20 km long, is orthogonal to the Midas Trench lineament. This lineament is marked by a distinct positive magnetic anomaly for approximately 200 km. Further visual analysis of ERTS-1 images has resulted in the delineation of 50 circular or elliptical features which are presumed to be volcanic or intrusive centers. A comparison with the 78 Tertiary volcanic centers mapped in the study area in 1970 indicates some good agreement between the proposed and known volcanic centers. The coincidence of some major lineaments and productive ore bodies implies a genetic relationship.

Unraveling Appalachian tectonics: domain analysis of topographic lineaments in Pennsylvania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karimi, B.; Schon, K.; Nussbaum, G. W.; Storer, N. D.; McGuire, J. L.; Hardcastle, K.

2016-12-01

Litho-tectonic provinces provide different components of a regions' tectonic history, and are identified as spatial entities with common structural elements, or a number of contiguous related elements. The province boundaries are easily identified when geomorphic expressions are distinct, or significant rock exposure allows for little uncertainty. When exposures are limited, locations of boundaries between provinces are uncertain. In such instances, satellite imagery can be quite advantageous, as tectonically sourced features (faults, folds, fractures, and joints) may exert a strong control on topographic patterns by creating pathways for weathering and erosion. Lineament analyses of topography often focus on well-pronounced tectonic features to interpret regional tectonics. We suggest that lineament analyses including all topographic features may include more subtle tectonic features, resulting in the identification of minor heterogeneities within litho-tectonic provinces. Our study focuses on Appalachian tectonics, specifically in Pennsylvania (PA), home to the Appalachian Orocline and 5 distinct tectonic provinces. Using hillshades from a digital elevation model (DEM) of PA, we manually pick all topographic lineaments 1 km or greater, discriminating only against man-made structures. The final lineament coverage of the state is subdivided into smaller areas for which rose diagrams were prepared. The dominant lineament trends were compared and associated with known structural features. Peaks with no known source are marked as possible tectonic features requiring further research. A domain analysis is performed on the lineament data to identify the extent and interplay of swarms, followed by an investigation of their azimuthal compatibility. We present the results of our domain analysis of all topographic lineaments in the context of identifying litho-tectonic provinces associated with Appalachian tectonics in Pennsylvania, and possible heterogeneities within them.

Seismically active structural lineaments in south-central Alaska as seen on ERTS-1 imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gedney, L. (Principal Investigator); Vanwormer, J. D.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. A mosaic of south-central Alaska composed of 19 ERTS-1 images, when compared with the seismicity pattern of the area, reveals that the larger earthquakes tend to fall on lineaments which are easily recognizable on the imagery. In most cases, these lineaments have not been mapped as faults. One particular lineament, which was the scene of three earthquakes of magnitude 4 or greater during 1972, passes very close to Anchorage.

Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelazeem, Maha; El-Sawy, El-Sawy K.; Gobashy, Mohamed M.

2013-06-01

Ar Rika fault zone constitutes one of the two major parts of the NW-SE Najd fault system (NFS), which is one of the most prominent structural features located in the east of the center of the Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia. By using Enhancement Thematic Mapper data (ETM+) and Principle Component Analysis (PCA), surface geological characteristics, distribution of rock types, and the different trends of linear features and faults are determined in the study area. First and second order magnetic gradients of the geomagnetic field at the North East of Wadi Ar Rika have been calculated in the frequency domain to map both surface and subsurface lineaments and faults. Lineaments as deduced from previous studies, suggest an extension of the NFS beneath the cover rocks in the study area. In the present study, integration of magnetic gradients and remote sensing analysis that resulted in different valuable derivative maps confirm the subsurface extension of some of the surface features. The 3D Euler deconvolution, the total gradient, and the tilt angle maps have been utilized to determine accurately the distribution of shear zones, the tectonic implications, and the internal structures of the terranes in the Ar Rika quadrangle in three dimensions.

Revealing topographic lineaments through IHS enhancement of DEM data. [Digital Elevation Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murdock, Gary

1990-01-01

Intensity-hue-saturation (IHS) processing of slope (dip), aspect (dip direction), and elevation to reveal subtle topographic lineaments which may not be obvious in the unprocessed data are used to enhance digital elevation model (DEM) data from northwestern Nevada. This IHS method of lineament identification was applied to a mosiac of 12 square degrees using a Cray Y-MP8/864. Square arrays from 3 x 3 to 31 x 31 points were tested as well as several different slope enhancements. When relatively few points are used to fit the plane, lineaments of various lengths are observed and a mechanism for lineament classification is described. An area encompassing the gold deposits of the Carlin trend and including the Rain in the southeast to Midas in the northwest is investigated in greater detail. The orientation and density of lineaments may be determined on the gently sloping pediment surface as well as in the more steeply sloping ranges.

Proximity of the Seismogenic Dog Valley Fault to Stampede and Prosser Creek Dams Near Truckee, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cronin, V. S.; Strasser, M. P.

2017-12-01

The M 6.0 Truckee earthquake of 12 September 1966 caused a variety of surface effects observed over a large area, but the rupture plane of the causative fault did not displace the ground surface. The fault that generated the earthquake was named the Dog Valley fault [DVF], and its ground trace was assumed to be within a zone of subparallel drainage lineaments. The plunge and trend of the dip vector for the best fault-plane solution is 80° 134° with 0° rake, corresponding to a steep NE striking left-lateral strike-slip fault (Tsai and Aki, 1970). The Stampede Dam was completed along the trend of the Dog Valley fault in 1970, just four years after the Truckee earthquake, and impounds almost a quarter-million acre-feet of water. Failure of Stampede Dam would compromise Boca Dam downstream and pose a catastrophic threat to people along the Truckee River floodplain to Reno and beyond. Two 30 m long trenches excavated across a suspected DVF trend by the US Bureau of Reclamation in the 1980s did not find evidence of faulting (Hawkins et al., 1986). The surface trace of the DVF has remained unknown. We used the Seismo-Lineament Analysis Method [SLAM] augmented with a total least squares analysis of the focal locations of known or suspected aftershocks, along with focal mechanism data from well located events since 1966, to constrain the search for the DVF ground trace. Geomorphic analysis of recently collected aerial lidar data along this composite seismo-lineament has lead to a preliminary interpretation that the DVF might extend from the Prosser Creek Reservoir near 39.396°N 120.168°W through or immediately adjacent to the Stampede Dam structure. A second compound geomorphic lineament is sub-parallel to this line 1.6 km to the northwest, and might represent another strand of the DVF. As noted by Hawkins et al. (1986), human modification of the land surface complicates structural-geomorphic analysis. Fieldwork in 2016 took advantage of drought conditions to examine the exposed shoreface of Stampede Reservoir near the dam, and exposures of steeply dipping strike-slip faults were found.

Radar and infrared remote sensing of geothermal features at Pilgrim Springs, Alaska

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, K. G.; Forbes, R. B.; Turner, D. L.; Eaton, F. D.; Sullivan, K. D.

1982-01-01

High-altitude radar and thermal imagery collected by the NASA research aircraft WB57F were used to examine the structural setting and distribution of radiant temperatures of geothermal anomalies in the Pilgrim Springs, Alaska area. Like-polarized radar imagery with perpendicular look directions provides the best structural data for lineament analysis, although more than half the mapped lineaments are easily detectable on conventional aerial photography. Radiometer data and imagery from a thermal scanner were used to evaluate radiant surface temperatures, which ranged from 3 to 17 C. The evening imagery, which utilized density-slicing techniques, detected thermal anomalies associated with geothermal heat sources. The study indicates that high-altitude predawn thermal imagery may be able to locate relatively large areas of hot ground in site-specific studies in the vegetated Alaskan terrain. This imagery will probably not detect gentle lateral gradients.

Geologic evaluation of major Landsat lineaments in Nevada and their relationship to ore districts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rowan, Lawrence C.; Wetlaufer, Pamela Heald

1979-01-01

Analysis of diverse geologic, geophysical, and geochemical data shows that eight major lineament systems delineated in Landsat images of Nevada are morphological and tonal expressions of substantially broader structural zones. Southern Nevada is dominated by the 175 km-wide northwest-trending Walker Lane, a 150 km-wide zone of east-trending lineament systems consisting of the Pancake Range, Warm Springs, and Timpahute lineament systems, and a 125 km-wide belt of northeast-trending faults termed the Pahranagat lineament system. Northern Nevada is dominated by the northeast-trending 75-200km wide Midas Trench lineament system, which is marked by northeasterly-oriented faults, broad gravity anomalies, and the Battle Mountain heat flow high; this feature appears to extend into central Montana. The Midas Trench system is transected by the Northern Nevada Rift, a relatively narrow zone of north-northwest-trending basaltic dikes that give rise to a series of prominent aeromagnetic highs. The northwest-trending Rye Patch lineament system, situated at the northeast boundary of the Walker Lane, also intersects the Midas Trench system and is characterized by stratigraphic discontinuities and alignment of aeromagnetic anomalies. Field relationships indicate that all the lineament systems except for the Northern Nevada Rift are conjugate shears formed since mid-Miocene time during extension of the Great Basin. Metallization associated with volcanism was widespread along these systems during the 17-6 m.y. period. However, these zones appear to have been established prior to this period, probably as early as Precambr-an time. These lineament systems are interpreted to be old, fundamental, structural zones that have been reactivated episodically as stress conditions !changed in the western United States. Many metal districts are localized within these zones as magma rose along the pre-existing conduits.

Landsat investigations of the northern Paradox basin, Utah and Colorado: implications for radioactive waste emplacement

USGS Publications Warehouse

Friedman, Jules D.; Simpson, Shirley L.

1978-01-01

The first stages of a remote-sensing project on the Paradox basin, part of the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) radioactive waste-emplacement program, consisted of a review and selection of the best available satellite scanner images to use in geomorphologic and tectonic investigations of the region. High-quality Landsat images in several spectral bands (E-2260-17124 and E-5165-17030), taken under low sun angle October 9 and 10, 1975, were processed via computer for planimetric rectification, histogram analysis, linear transformation of radiance values, and edge enhancement. A lineament map of the northern Paradox basin was subsequently compiled at 1:400,000 using the enhanced Landsat base. Numerous previously unmapped northeast-trending lineaments between the Green River and Yellowcat dome; confirmatory detail on the structural control of major segments of the Colorado, Gunnison, and Dolores Rivers; and new evidence for late Phanerozoic reactivation of Precambrian basement structures are among the new contributions to the tectonics of the region. Lineament trends appear to be compatible with the postulated Colorado lineament zone, with geophysical potential-field anomalies, and with a northeast-trending basement fault pattern. Combined Landsat, geologic, and geophysical field evidence for this interpretation includes the sinuousity of the composite Salt Valley anticline, the transection of the Moab-Spanish Valley anticline on its southeastern end by northeast-striking faults, and possible transection (?) of the Moab diapir. Similarly, northeast-trending lineaments in Cottonwood Canyon and elsewhere are interpreted as manifestations of structures associated with northeasterly trends in the magnetic and gravity fields of the La Sal Mountains region. Other long northwesterly lineaments near the western termination of the Ryan Creek fault zone. may be associated with the fault zone separating the Uncompahgre horst uplift from the Paradox basin. Implications of the present investigation for a potential radioactive waste-emplacement site in Salt Valley include confirmation of lack of permanent surface drainage and absence of agricultural or other development in the area of northern Salt Valley. On the other hand, the existence of diapirism, salt-karst landforms, and extensive lineamentation of the northern Paradox basin suggest regional tectonic instability at least in the geologic past. Future reactivation of diapiric or other halokinetic processes, including lateral flow, would lead to plastic behavior of the halite that might cause emplaced waste containers to migrate within the diapir. At Salt Valley, existing diapiric boundary faults and intersecting joint sets in sandstone units on the anticlinal flanks could, if the hydraulic gradient is suitable, provide conduits to the halite core for circulating ground water from adjacent Mesozoic sandstones in synclinal areas between the salt diapirs. Moreover, the loci of major lineament intersections might be areas of somewhat elevated seismic risk. If the salt barrier of Salt Valley anticline should fail in the future, potentially water-bearing Mesozoic fissile shales and friable to quartizitic sandstones would be the ultimate repository of the emplaced radioactive waste.

Spaceborne imaging radar - Geologic and oceanographic applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elachi, C.

1980-01-01

Synoptic, large-area radar images of the earth's land and ocean surface, obtained from the Seasat orbiting spacecraft, show the potential for geologic mapping and for monitoring of ocean surface patterns. Structural and topographic features such as lineaments, anticlines, folds and domes, drainage patterns, stratification, and roughness units can be mapped. Ocean surface waves, internal waves, current boundaries, and large-scale eddies have been observed in numerous images taken by the Seasat imaging radar. This article gives an illustrated overview of these applications.

Correlation of LANDSAT lineaments with Devonian gas fields in Lawrence County, Ohio

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, G. O.

1981-01-01

In an effort to locate sources of natural gas in Ohio, the fractures and lineaments in Black Devonian shale were measured by: (1) field mapping of joints, swarms, and fractures; (2) stereophotointerpretation of geomorphic lineaments with precise photoquads; and (3) by interpreting the linear features on LANDSAT images. All results were compiled and graphically represented on 1:250,000 scale maps. The geologic setting of Lawrence County was defined and a field fracture map was generated and plotted as rose patterns at the exposure site. All maps were compared, contrasted, and correlated by superimposing each over the other as a transparency. The LANDSAT lineaments had significant correlation with the limits of oil and gas producing fields. These limits included termination of field production as well as extensions to other fields. The lineaments represent real rock fractures with zones of increased permeability in the near surface bedrock.

Evolution in the lineament patterns associated to strong earthquakes revealed by satellite observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soto-Pinto, C. A.; Arellano-Baeza, A. A.; Ouzounov, D. P.

2011-12-01

We study the temporal evolution of the stress patterns in the crust by using high-resolution (10-300 m) satellite images from MODIS and ASTER satellite sensors. We are able to detect some changes in density and orientation of lineaments preceding earthquake events. A lineament is generally defined as a straight or a somewhat curved feature in the landscape visible in a satellite image as an aligned sequence of pixels of a contrasting intensity compared to the background. The system of lineaments extracted from the satellite images is not identical to the geological lineaments; nevertheless, it generally reflects the structure of the faults and fractures in the Earth's crust. Our analysis has shown that the system of lineaments is very dynamical, and the significant number of lineaments appeared approximately one month before an earthquake, while one month after the earthquake the lineament configuration returned to its initial state. These features were not observed in the test areas that are free of any seismic activity in that period (null hypothesis). We have designed a computational prototype capable to detect lineament evolution and to utilize both ASTER and MODIS satellite L1/L2. We will demonstrate the first successful test results for several Mw> 5 earthquakes in Chile, Peru, China, and California (USA).

Topographic and Air-Photo Lineaments in Various Locations Related to Geothermal Exploration in Colorado

DOE Data Explorer

Richard Zehner

2012-02-01

These line shapefiles trace apparent topographic and air-photo lineaments in various counties in Colorado. It was made in order to identify possible fault and fracture systems that might be conduits for geothermal fluids, as part of a DOE reconnaissance geothermal exploration program. Geothermal fluids commonly utilize fault and fractures in competent rocks as conduits for fluid flow. Geothermal exploration involves finding areas of high near-surface temperature gradients, along with a suitable "plumbing system" that can provide the necessary permeability. Geothermal power plants can sometimes be built where temperature and flow rates are high. This line shapefile is an attempt to use desktop GIS to delineate possible faults and fracture orientations and locations in highly prospective areas prior to an initial site visit. Geochemical sampling and geologic mapping could then be centered around these possible faults and fractures. To do this, georeferenced topographic maps and aerial photographs were utilized in an existing GIS, using ESRI ArcMap 10.0 software. The USA_Topo_Maps and World_Imagery map layers were chosen from the GIS Server at server.arcgisonline.com, using a UTM Zone 13 NAD27 projection. This line shapefile was then constructed over that which appeared to be through-going structural lineaments in both the aerial photographs and topographic layers, taking care to avoid manmade features such as roads, fence lines, and utility right-of-ways. Still, it is unknown what actual features these lineaments, if they exist, represent. Although the shapefiles are arranged by county, not all areas within any county have been examined for lineaments. Work was focused on either satellite thermal infrared anomalies, known hot springs or wells, or other evidence of geothermal systems. Finally, lineaments may be displaced somewhat from their actual location, due to such factors as shadow effects with low sun angles in the aerial photographs. Credits: These lineament shapefile was created by Geothermal Development Associates, as part of a geothermal geologic reconnaissance performed by Flint Geothermal, LLC, of Denver Colorado. Use Limitation: These shapefiles were constructed as an aid to geothermal exploration in preparation for a site visit for field checking. We make no claims as to the existence of the lineaments, their location, orientation, and/or nature.

Mariner 10 data analysis. 1: Scarps, ridges, troughs, and other lineaments on Mercury. 2: Geologic significance of photometric variations on Mercury. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dzurisin, D.

1977-01-01

Volcanic and tectonic implications of the surface morphology of Mercury are discussed. Mercurian scarps, ridges, troughs, and other lineaments are described and classified as planimetrically linear, arcuate, lobate, or irregular. A global pattern of lineaments is interpreted to reflect modification of linear crustal joints formed in response to stresses induced by tidal spindown. Large arcuate scarps on Mercury most likely record a period of compressional tectonism near the end of heavy bombardment. Shrinkage owing to planetary cooling is the mechanism preferred for their production. Measurements of local normal albedo are combined with computer-generated photometric maps of Mercury to provide constraints on the nature of surface materials and processes. If the mercurian surface obeys the average lunar photometric function, its normal albedo at 554 nm is .16 + or - .03.

Solar illumination geometry and its influence on the observance of geological structures in orbital imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, Jose Eduardo; Liu, Chan Chiang

1991-04-01

The geology of the westernmost part of Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil) is characterized by the conspicuous presence of the Alem Paraiba lineament, a large shear zone extending more than 200 km in N50-60E direction. Parts of Paraiba do Sul river and of the regional topography are strongly related to this geologic feature. Several other lineament directions complete the structural framework that can be seen on remote sensing products. According to well accepted theories of photointerpretation, LANDSAT images with low sun elevation angles should more clearly show those lineaments, because the shadow enhancement of the relief is greatest. Also, considering the high grade of relief conditionment by the Alem Paraiba lineament, it is expected that this structure could be clearly observed on LANDSAT images of all seasons. However, these hypotheses are not confirmed. The images with low sun elevation angles belong to the epoch (winter) in which the solar azimuths are nearly parallel to the regional structure, making its identification difficult. In summer, the images have high sun elevation angles but their solar azimuths, oblique to the regional structures, allow an adequate identification of the main structural trend.

Fault offsets and lateral crustal movement on Europa - Evidence for a mobile ice shell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schenk, Paul M.; Mckinnon, William B.

1989-01-01

An examination is conducted of Europa's cross-cutting structural relationships between various lineament types, in order to constrain the type of structure involved in each such case and, where possible, to also constrain the degree of extension across the lineaments. Evidence is adduced for significant lateral crustal movement, allowing alternative models and mechanisms for lineament formation to be discussed, as well as plausible lithospheric and crustal models. The question as to whether any of the water-ice layer has been, or currently is, liquid, is also treated in light of the evidence obtained.

A new code for automatic detection and analysis of the lineament patterns for geophysical and geological purposes (ADALGEO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soto-Pinto, C.; Arellano-Baeza, A.; Sánchez, G.

2013-08-01

We present a new numerical method for automatic detection and analysis of changes in lineament patterns caused by seismic and volcanic activities. The method is implemented as a series of modules: (i) normalization of the image contrast, (ii) extraction of small linear features (stripes) through convolution of the part of the image in the vicinity of each pixel with a circular mask or through Canny algorithm, and (iii) posterior detection of main lineaments using the Hough transform. We demonstrate that our code reliably detects changes in the lineament patterns related to the stress evolution in the Earth's crust: specifically, a significant number of new lineaments appear approximately one month before an earthquake, while one month after the earthquake the lineament configuration returns to its initial state. Application of our software to the deformations caused by volcanic activity yields the opposite results: the number of lineaments decreases with the onset of microseismicity. This discrepancy can be explained assuming that the plate tectonic earthquakes are caused by the compression and accumulation of stress in the Earth's crust due to subduction of tectonic plates, whereas in the case of volcanic activity we deal with the inflation of a volcano edifice due to elevation of pressure and magma intrusion and the resulting stretching of the surface.

Problems in the Study of lineaments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anokhin, Vladimir; Kholmyanskii, Michael

2015-04-01

The study of linear objects in upper crust, called lineaments, led at one time to a major scientific results - discovery of the planetary regmatic network, the birth of some new tectonic concepts, establishment of new search for signs of mineral deposits. But now lineaments studied not enough for such a promising research direction. Lineament geomorphology has a number of problems. 1.Terminology problems. Lineament theme still has no generally accepted terminology base. Different scientists have different interpretations even for the definition of lineament We offer an expanded definition for it: lineaments - line features of the earth's crust, expressed by linear landforms, geological linear forms, linear anomalies of physical fields may follow each other, associated with faults. The term "lineament" is not identical to the term "fault", but always lineament - reasonable suspicion to fault, and this suspicion is justified in most cases. The structure lineament may include only the objects that are at least presumably can be attributed to the deep processes. Specialists in the lineament theme can overcome terminological problems if together create a common terminology database. 2. Methodological problems. Procedure manual selection lineaments mainly is depiction of straight line segments along the axes of linear morphostructures on some cartographic basis. Reduce the subjective factors of manual selection is possible, following a few simple rules: - The choice of optimal projection, scale and quality of cartographic basis; - Selection of the optimal type of linear objects under study; - The establishment of boundary conditions for the allocation lineament (minimum length, maximum bending, the minimum length to width ratio, etc.); - Allocation of an increasing number of lineaments - for representative sampling and reduce the influence of random errors; - Ranking lineaments: fine lines (rank 3) combined to form larger lineaments rank 2; which, when combined capabilities in large lineaments rank 1; - Correlation of the resulting pattern of lineaments with a pattern already known of faults in the study area; - Separate allocation lineaments by several experts with correlation of the resulting schemes and create a common scheme. The problem of computer lineament allocation is not solved yet. Existing programs for lineament analysis is not so perfect to completely rely on them. In any of them, changing the initial parameters, we can get pictures lineaments any desired configuration. Also a high probability of heavy and hardly recognized systematic errors. In any case, computer lineament patterns after their creation should be subject to examination Real. 3. Interpretive problems. To minimize the distortion results of the lineament analysis is advisable to stick to a few techniques and rules: - use of visualization techniques, in particular, rose-charts, which are submitted azimuth and length of selected lineaments; - consistent downscaling of analysis. A preliminary analysis of a larger area that includes the area of interest with surroundings; - using the available information on the location of the already known faults and other tectonic linear objects of the study area; - comparison of the lineament scheme with schemes of other authors - can reduce the element of subjectivity in the schemes. The study of lineaments is a very promising direction of geomorfology and tectonics. Challenges facing the lineament theme, are solvable. To solve them, professionals should meet and talk to each other. The results of further work in this direction may exceed expectations.

Study of the structure changes caused by volcanic activity in Mexico applying the lineament analysis to the Aster (Terra) satellite data.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, A. A.; Garcia, R. V.; Trejo-Soto, M.; Molina-Sauceda, E.

Mexico is one of the most volcanically active regions in North America Volcanic activity in central Mexico is associated with the subduction of the Cocos and Rivera plates beneath the North American plate Periods of enhanced microseismic activity associated with the volcanic activity of the Colima and Popocapetl volcanoes are compared to some periods of low microseismic activity We detected changes in the number and orientation of lineaments associated with the microseismic activity due to lineament analysis of a temporal sequence of high resolution satellite images of both volcanoes 15 m resolution multispectral images provided by the ASTER VNIR instrument were used The Lineament Extraction and Stripes Statistic Analysis LESSA software package was employed for the lineament extraction

Facilitating the exploitation of ERTS-1 imagery utilizing snow enhancement techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wobber, F. J. (Principal Investigator); Martin, K. R.; Amato, R. V.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Snow cover in combination with low angle solar illumination has been found to provide increased tonal contrast of surface feature and is useful in the detection of bedrock fractures. Identical fracture systems were not as readily detectable in the fall due to the lack of a contrasting surface medium (snow) and a relatively high sun angle. Low angle solar illumination emphasizes topographic expressions not as apparent on imagery acquired with a higher sun angle. A strong correlation exists between the major fracture-lineament directions interpreted from multi-sensor imagery (including snow-free and snow cover ERTS) and the strike of bedrock joints recorded in the field indicating the structural origin of interpreted fracture-lineaments. A fracture-annotated ERTS-1 photo base map (1:250,000 scale) is being prepared for western Massachusetts. The map will document the utilization of ERTS-1 imagery for geological analysis in comparative snow-free and snow-covered terrain.

Tidal reorientation and the fracturing of Jupiter's moon Europa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcewen, A. S.

1986-01-01

The lineaments on Europa are discussed in terms of the orientation of the lineaments relative to the tensile stress trajectories due to tidal distortions and to nonsynchronous rotation. The cracks are noticeable by their darker albedo compared to the presumed water ice surrounding them. The stress trajectories for tidal distortion of a thin elastic shell are superimposed on Mercator projection maps of the lineaments. It is shown that the lineaments are mainly oriented at high angles to the tensile stress trajectories that would be expected for regularly occurring nonsynchronous rotation, i.e., extensional fractures would appear. The reorientation motions which would cause the fractures are estimated. It is suggested that the fractures occur episodically to release stresses built up on the tensile surface of the crust during the continuous nonsynchronous rotation of Europa.

Accuracy of lineaments mapping from space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Short, Nicholas M.

1989-01-01

The use of Landsat and other space imaging systems for lineaments detection is analyzed in terms of their effectiveness in recognizing and mapping fractures and faults, and the results of several studies providing a quantitative assessment of lineaments mapping accuracies are discussed. The cases under investigation include a Landsat image of the surface overlying a part of the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma, the Landsat images and selected radar imagery of major lineaments systems distributed over much of Canadian Shield, and space imagery covering a part of the East African Rift in Kenya. It is demonstrated that space imagery can detect a significant portion of a region's fracture pattern, however, significant fractions of faults and fractures recorded on a field-produced geological map are missing from the imagery as it is evident in the Kenya case.

Post-carboniferous tectonics in the Anadarko Basin, Oklahoma: Evidence from side-looking radar imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nielsen, K. C.; Stern, R. J.

1985-01-01

The Anadarko Basin of western Oklahoma is a WNW-ESE elongated trough filled with of Paleozoic sediments. Most models call for tectonic activity to end in Pennsylvanian times. NASA Shuttle Imaging Radar revealed a distinctive and very straight lineament set extending virtually the entire length of the Anadarko Basin. The lineaments cut across the relatively flat-lying Permian units exposed at the surface. The character of these lineaments is seen most obviously as a tonal variation. Major streams, including the Washita and Little Washita rivers, appear to be controlled by the location of the lineaments. Subsurface data indicate the lineaments may be the updip expression of a buried major fault system, the Mountain View fault. Two principal conclusions arise from this analysis: (1) the complex Mountain View Fault system appears to extend southeast to join the Reagan, Sulphur, and/or Mill Creek faults of the Arbuckle Mountains, and (2) this fault system has been reactivated in Permian or younger times.

Structural mapping from MSS-LANDSAT imagery: A proposed methodology for international geological correlation studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dejesusparada, N. (Principal Investigator); Crepani, E.; Martini, P. R.

1980-01-01

A methodology is proposed for international geological correlation studies based on LANDSAT-MSS imagery, Bullard's model of continental fit and compatible structural trends between Northeast Brazil and the West African counterpart. Six extensive lineaments in the Brazilian study area are mapped and discussed according to their regional behavior and in relation to the adjacent continental margin. Among the first conclusions, correlations were found between the Sobral Pedro II Lineament and the megafaults that surround the West African craton; and the Pernambuco Lineament with the Ngaurandere Linemanet in Cameroon. Ongoing research to complete the methodological stages includes the mapping of the West African structural framework, reconstruction of the pre-drift puzzle, and an analysis of the counterpart correlations.

Tectonic architecture through Landsat-7 ETM+/SRTM DEM-derived lineaments and relationship to the hydrogeologic setting in Siwa region, NW Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masoud, Alaa; Koike, Katsuaki

2006-08-01

Fracture zones on the Earth's surface are important elements in the understanding of plate motion forces, the dynamics of the subsurface fluid flow, and earthquake distributions. However, good exposures of these features are always lacking in arid regions, characterized by flat topography and where sand dunes extensively cover the terrain. During field surveys these conditions, in many cases, hinder the proper characterization of such features. Therefore, an approach that identifies the regional fractures as lineaments on remotely-sensed images or shaded digital terrain models, with its large scale synoptic coverage, could be promising. In the present work, a segment tracing algorithm (STA), for lineament detection from Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) imagery, and the data from the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) 30 m digital elevation model (DEM), has been applied in the Siwa region, located in the northwest of the Western Desert of Egypt. The objectives are to analyze the spatial variation in orientation of the detected linear features and its relation to the hydrogeologic setting in the area and the underlying geology, and to evaluate the performance of the algorithm applied to the ETM+ and the DEM data. Detailed structural analysis and better understanding of the tectonic evolution of the area could provide useful tools for hydrologists for reliable groundwater management and development planning. The results obtained have been evaluated by the structural analysis of the area and field observations. Four major vertical fracture zones were detected corresponding to two conjugate sets of strike-slip faults that governed the surface, and subsurface environments of the lakes in the region, and these correlate well with the regional tectonics.

Investigation of LANDSAT imagery on correlations between ore deposits and major shield structures in Finland

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuominen, H. V. (Principal Investigator); Kuosmanen, V.

1977-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Several regional lineaments appear to correlate with the distribution of ore deposits and showings. Combined study of LANDSAT summer and winter mosaics and color composites of geological, geomorphological, and geophysical maps makes the correlation more perceptible. The revealed pattern of significant lineaments in northern Finland is fairly regular. The most significant lineaments seen in LANDSAT mosaics are not detectable in single images.

Study a Relation Between the Lascar Volcano Microseimicity and Changes in the Local System of Lineaments, Obtained Using the Landsat 8 Images.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, A. A.; Soto-Pinto, C. A.

2014-12-01

Over the last decades strong efforts have been made to apply new spaceborn technologies to the study of volcanic activity. Recent studies have shown that the high resolution satellite images can be very useful for tracking of evolution of the stress patterns related to the volcanic activity. It can be done by observing the changes in density and orientation of lineaments extracted from satellite images. A lineament is generally defined as a straight or a somewhat curved feature in the landscape visible in a satellite image as an aligned sequence of pixels of a contrasting intensity compared to the background. The system of lineaments extracted from the satellite images is not identical to the geological lineaments which are usually determined by land-based surveys, nevertheless, it generally reflects the structure of the faults and fractures in the Earth's crust. For this study the lineaments were detected using the ADALGEO software, based on the Hough transform (Soto-Pinto et al, 2013). A temporal sequence of the Landsat 8 multispectral images of the Lascar volcano, located in the North of Chile, was used to study changes in lineament configuration during 2013-2014. It was found that, the number and orientation of lineaments is affected by microseimicity. In particular, it was found that often the density of lineaments decreases with the intensity of microseisms, which could be related to the volcano inflation.

Sediment dispersal patterns within the Nares Abyssal Plain: observations from GLORIA Sonographs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shephard, L.E.; Tucholke, B.E.; Fry, V.A.

1985-01-01

Features evident on GLORIA sonographs from the Nares Abyssal Plain suggest a sediment dispersal pattern for turbidity currents that varies temporally and spatially, resulting in randomly distributed turbidite deposits in the distal abyssal plain east of 64/sup 0/W. Regional variations in backscatter intensities across the abyssal plain are related to the frequency and thickness of near-surface silt beds, basement highs disrupting the seafloor, and subtle changes in surface and sub-surface bedforms related to low-relief turbidite flow paths, biologic activity, and possibly erosion. High backscatter intensities, prevalent west of 64/sup 0/W, are generally associated with those areas containing thicker silt bedsmore » and very regular subbottom reflectors on 3.5 kHz profiles. Low backscatter intensities, prevalent east of 64/sup 0/W, are associated with those areas containing thin silt beds or stringers with a much higher percentage of pelagic clay. Seafloor lineaments occur throughout the survey area but decrease in abundance east of 64/sup 0/W. These features have no apparent relief when crossed by surface-towed seismic reflection profiles. In some instances the lineaments may correspond to low-relief turbidite flow paths that contain varying textural compositions resulting in increased backscatter. These features would be indicative of sediment transport directions. Other possible origins for the lineaments, that often appear trackline parallel, include near-surface morphology that is preferentially detected and aligned by GLORIA, or possibly the lineaments result from complex subbottom interference patterns that would not be readily apparent in areas with a more irregular seafloor.« less

Lineament structure analysis of the Karelsky coast (White Sea) for the understanding of the neotectonic processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranskaya, Alisa; Romanenko, Fedor

2013-04-01

The White Sea region has undergone significant rebuilding during the Neotectonic period. Its tectonic structure and development is determined by four main factors. First of all, the modern White Sea structure inherits a palaeo-rift which appeared during the Middle-Late Riphean - the Kandalaksha-Dvina rift (Baluev, Przhiyaglovsky, Terekhov, 2009). Secondly, this rift with its unhomogenous crust conditions has been reactivated which caused differentiated vertical movements: subsidence of the axial part and uplift on the flanks, accompanied by modern earthquakes (Vinogradov, 2006). Thirdly, the Baltic crystalline shield is a steadily raising area for millions of years. Finally, the glacioisostatic and hydroisostatic processes due to the pressure of a 2-km thick glacier and the consequent filling of the White sea basin with marine water (Svendsen et al., 2004) have also greatly influenced the modern structure of the territory. One of the methods to determine the particularities of the neotectonic development is the analysis of lineaments. A lineament is a fault, fracture, weak zone or crack expressed in the modern topography by different kinds of linear forms: ledges and scarps, straightened river valleys, linear chains of lakes, ravines, etc. Lineaments can be selected in field or with the use of satellite imagery and remote sensing data and proved by the results of geological surveys (state geological maps). Geomorphologic studies of the territory help to separate tectonic linear landforms from exogenous ones. We have performed the analysis of the lineament structure for a key area of the Karelsky coast of the White Sea from island Veliky in the north to Sonostrov island in the south. The main feature of the region is the presence of a big drop fault which stretches in the north-north-westerly direction along the coast. It represents the outmost borders of the Kandlaksha-Dvina graben. The direction of the cutting faults is different and depends on the location of separate blocks. The biggest difference is observed between the southernmost Sonostrov block and the rest. The lineaments which cross the main drop fault have a north-east - south-westerly direction. Moving to the north, the direction of those lineaments changes first to sublateral and then to the west-north-west - east-south -easterly. Therefore the faults and weak zones turn if we move closer to the north-western angle of the Kandalaksha-Dvina rift. It also has to be noticed that for most of the blocks the directions of rock jointing can coincide with the main disjunctive dislocations directions, however, never coincides with the smaller orthogonal fractures and lineaments. By comparing the modern lineament net with the rose-diagrams for palaeosoic dykes which were trapped by the then existing faults and cracks we can tell that their directions don't coincide either. All those differences mean that the neotectonic structure is inherited from the old one of the Riphean rift structure and its palaeosoic development, but doesn't fully repeat it. The latest activization and glacio-and hydroisostatic processes were probably the driving factors of the area's recent tectonic development. The investigation is supported by the project 110501044 of the RFBR

Evaluation of commercial utility of ERTS-A imagery in structural reconnaissance for minerals and petroleum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, D. F. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The only area that has been analyzed to date is Area 3 where results have already been reported. However, work progressing in Area 1 and 2 seem to indicate a good correlation between lineament zones previously reported, mineralized areas and lineaments currently being picked from ERTS-1 imagery. There also appear to be many lineaments on ERTS-1 imagery in these areas which have not been reported in any other literature.

The role of tectonic inheritance in the morphostructural evolution of the Galicia continental margin and adjacent abyssal plains from digital bathymetric model (DBM) analysis (NW Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maestro, A.; Jané, G.; Llave, E.; López-Martínez, J.; Bohoyo, F.; Druet, M.

2018-06-01

The identification of recent major tectonic structures in the Galicia continental margin and adjacent abyssal plains was carried out by means of a quantitative analysis of the linear structures having bathymetric expression on the seabed. It was possible to identify about 5800 lineaments throughout the entire study area, of approximately 271,500 km2. Most lineaments are located in the Charcot and Coruña highs, in the western sector of the Galicia Bank, in the area of the Marginal Platforms and in the northern sector of the margin. Analysis of the lineament orientations shows a predominant NE-SW direction and three relative maximum directions: NW-SE, E-W and N-S. The total length of the lineaments identified is over 44,000 km, with a mode around 5000 m and an average length of about 7800 m. In light of different tectonic studies undertaken in the northwestern margin of the Iberian Peninsula, we establish that the lineaments obtained from analysis of the digital bathymetric model of the Galicia continental margin and adjacent abyssal plains would correspond to fracture systems. In general, the orientation of lineaments corresponds to main faults, tectonic structures following the directions of ancient faults that resulted from late stages of the Variscan orogeny and Mesozoic extension phases related to Triassic rifting and Upper Jurassic to Early Cretaceous opening of the North Atlantic Ocean. The N-S convergence between Eurasian and African plates since Palaeogene times until the Miocene, and NW-SE convergence from Neogene to present, reactivated the Variscan and Mesozoic fault systems and related physiography.

Analysis of pseudocolor transformations of ERTS-1 images of Southern California area. [geological faults and lineaments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merifield, P. M. (Principal Investigator); Lamar, D. L.; Stratton, R. H.; Lamar, J. V.; Gazley, C., Jr.

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Representative faults and lineaments, natural features on the Mojave Desert, and cultural features of the southern California area were studied on ERTS-1 images. The relative appearances of the features were compared on a band 4 and 5 subtraction image, its pseudocolor transformation, and pseudocolor images of bands 4, 5, and 7. Selected features were also evaluated in a test given students at the University of California, Los Angeles. Observations and the test revealed no significant improvement in the ability to detect and locate faults and lineaments on the pseudocolor transformations. With the exception of dry lake surfaces, no enhancement of the features studied was observed on the bands 4 and 5 subtraction images. Geologic and geographic features characterized by minor tonal differences on relatively flat surfaces were enhanced on some of the pseudocolor images.

A new artefacts resistant method for automatic lineament extraction using Multi-Hillshade Hierarchic Clustering (MHHC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Šilhavý, Jakub; Minár, Jozef; Mentlík, Pavel; Sládek, Ján

2016-07-01

This paper presents a new method of automatic lineament extraction which includes the removal of the 'artefacts effect' which is associated with the process of raster based analysis. The core of the proposed Multi-Hillshade Hierarchic Clustering (MHHC) method incorporates a set of variously illuminated and rotated hillshades in combination with hierarchic clustering of derived 'protolineaments'. The algorithm also includes classification into positive and negative lineaments. MHHC was tested in two different territories in Bohemian Forest and Central Western Carpathians. The original vector-based algorithm was developed for comparison of the individual lineaments proximity. Its use confirms the compatibility of manual and automatic extraction and their similar relationships to structural data in the study areas.

Comparison of different digital elevation models and satellite imagery for lineament analysis: Implications for identification and spatial arrangement of fault zones in crystalline basement rocks of the southern Black Forest (Germany)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meixner, J.; Grimmer, J. C.; Becker, A.; Schill, E.; Kohl, T.

2018-03-01

GIS-based remote sensing techniques and lineament mapping provide additional information on the spatial arrangement of faults and fractures in large areas with variable outcrop conditions. Due to inherent censoring and truncation bias mapping of lineaments is still a challenging task. In this study we show how statistical evaluations help to improve the reliability of lineament mappings by comparing two digital elevation models (ASTER, LIDAR) and satellite imagery data sets in the seismically active southern Black Forest. A statistical assessment of the orientation, average length, and the total length of mapped lineaments reveals an impact of the different resolutions of the data sets that allow to define maximum (censoring bias) and minimum (truncation bias) observable lineament length for each data set. The increase of the spatial resolution of the digital elevation model from 30 m × 30 m to 5 m × 5 m results in a decrease of total lineament length by about 40% whereby the average lineament lengths decrease by about 60%. Lineament length distributions of both data sets follow a power law distribution as documented elsewhere for fault and fracture systems. Predominant NE-, N-, NNW-, and NW-directions of the lineaments are observed in all data sets and correlate with well-known, mappable large-scale structures in the southern Black Forest. Therefore, mapped lineaments can be correlated with faults and hence display geological significance. Lineament density in the granite-dominated areas is apparently higher than in the gneiss-dominated areas. Application of a slip- and dilation tendency analysis on the fault pattern reveals largest reactivation potentials for WNW-ESE and N-S striking faults as strike-slip faults whereas normal faulting may occur along NW-striking faults within the ambient stress field. Remote sensing techniques in combination with highly resolved digital elevation models and a slip- and dilation tendency analysis thus can be used to quickly get first order results of the spatial arrangement of critically stressed faults in crystalline basement rocks.

A tentative 2D thermal model of central India across the Narmada-Son Lineament (NSL)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rai, S. N.; Thiagarajan, S.

2006-12-01

This work deals with 2D thermal modeling in order to delineate the crustal thermal structure of central India along two Deep Seismic Sounding (DSS) profiles, namely Khajuriakalan-Pulgaon and Ujjan-Mahan, traversing the Narmada-Son-Lineament (NSL) in an almost north-south direction. Knowledge of the crustal structure and P-wave velocity distribution up to the Moho, obtained from DSS studies, has been used for the development of the thermal model. Numerical results reveal that the Moho temperature in this region of central India varies between 500 and 580 °C. The estimated heat flow density value is found to vary between 46 and 49 mW/m 2. The Curie depth varies between 40 and 42 km and is in close agreement with the Curie depth (40±4 km) estimated from the analysis of MAGSAT data. Based on the present work and previous work, it is suggested that the major part of peninsular India consisting of the Wardha-Pranhita Godavari graben/basin, Bastar craton and the adjoining region of the Narmada Son Lineament between profiles I and III towards the north and northwest of the Bastar craton are characterized with a similar mantle heat flow density value equal to ˜23 mW/m 2. Variation in surface heat flow density values in these regions are caused by variation in the radioactive heat production and fluid circulation in the upper crustal layer.

Determining stress states using dike swarms: The Lauma Dorsa example

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grosfils, Eric B.; Head, James W., III

1992-01-01

Initial examination of the Magellan coverage of Venus has revealed between 150 and 300 large, radially lineated landforms distributed across the planet's surface. Where the lineaments have been examined in detail, the majority fail to exhibit signatures indicative of relief at or above the resolution of the radar; however, when the sense of topographic relief may be ascertained, the lineaments commonly appear as fissures or flat-floored trenches interpreted as graben. Individual lineaments can display graben, fissure, and zero relief behavior along their length, suggesting either that these differences are a function of the resolution of the radar, or that the morphological distinctions are real but somehow genetically linked. In many instances, radial lineaments exhibiting these characteristics are directly associated with surface volcanism, including flanking and terminal flows, superimposed shield domes and pit chains, and central, calderalike topographic lows. These observable characteristics, as well as theoretical studies and comparison with similar terrestrial features, have led to the working hypothesis that many of the radial fracture systems on Venus are the surface manifestation of subsurface dikes propagating laterally from a central magma source. If this interpretation is correct, studies of terrestrial dikes suggest that the lineament directions, with localized exceptions and barring subsequent deformation, should be perpendicular to the orientation of the least compressive stress at the time of their formation. To test this hypothesis, we briefly examine a radial fracture system (63.7 degrees N, 195 degrees E) located between two deformation belts in Vinmara Planitia, and verify that the lineaments to the east behave in the expected manner. We have also chosen this feature, however, because of its proximity to Lauma Dorsa to the west. On the basis of Venera 15/16 data, both compressional and extensional origins for this deformation belt have been proposed. By examining the stratigraphy and applying our interpretation that the fracture system is linked to the presence of subsurface dikes, we present an independent evaluation of the stress state associated with Lauma Dorsa, and thus contribute to the assessment of its origin.

Investigation of LANDSAT imagery on correlations between ore deposits and major shield structures in Finland

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuominen, H. V. (Principal Investigator)

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Half of the 24 lineaments found in the LANDSAT winter mosaic have not been recorded in earlier literature. Some distinct fracture zones of the basement seem not to be observable as lineaments in the LANDSAT imagery.

Geological Implications From Complete Gondwana GOCE- Products Reconstructions and Link to Lithospheric Roots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braitenberg, Carla; Mariani, Patrizia

2015-03-01

The GOCE gravity field is globally homogeneous at the resolution of about 80km or better allowing for the first time to analyze tectonic structures at continental scale. Geologic correlation studies propose to continue the tectonic lineaments across continents to the pre-breakup position. Tectonic events that induce density changes, as metamorphic events and magmatic events, should then show up in the gravity field. Applying geodynamic plate reconstructions to the GOCE gravity field places today’s observed field at the pre-breakup position. The same reconstruction can be applied to the seismic velocity models, to allow a joint gravity-velocity analysis. The geophysical fields allow to control the likeliness of the hypothesized continuation of lineations based on sparse surface outcrops. Total absence of a signal, makes the cross-continental continuation of the lineament improbable, as continental-wide lineaments are controlled by rheologic and compositional differences of lithospheric mantle. It is found that the deep lithospheric roots as those found below cratons control the position of the positive gravity values. The explanation is that the deep lithospheric roots focus asthenospheric upwelling outboard of the root protecting the overlying craton from magmatic intrusions. The study is carried out over the African and South American continents.

Combined Effects of Diurnal and Nonsynchronous Surface Stresses on Europa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stempel, M. M.; Pappalardo, R. T.; Wahr, J.; Barr, A. C.

2004-01-01

To date, modeling of the surface stresses on Europa has considered tidal, nonsynchronous, and polar wander sources of stress. The results of such models can be used to match lineament orientations with candidate stress patterns. We present a rigorous surface stress model for Europa that will facilitate comparison of principal stresses to lineament orientation, and which will be available in the public domain. Nonsynchronous rotation and diurnal motion contribute to a stress pattern that deforms the surface of Europa. Over the 85-hour orbital period, the diurnal stress pattern acts on the surface, with a maximum magnitude of approximately 0.1 MPa. The nonsynchronous stress pattern sweeps over the surface due to differential rotation of the icy shell relative to the tidally locked interior of the moon. Nonsynchronous stress builds cumulatively with approximately 0.1 MPa per degree of shell rotation.

Crustal structure associated with Gondwana graben across the Narmada-Son lineament in India: An inference from aeromagnetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, D. Atchuta; Babu, H. V. Ram; Sinha, G. D. J. Sivakumar

1992-10-01

Aeromagnetic data over an 80-km-wide belt along the ENE-trending Narmada-Son lineament (NSL), starting from Baroda in the west and continuing to the south of Jabalpur in the east, has been studied to understand the structural and tectonic framework of the region. The area is covered by generally E-W-trending steeply dipping and folded Archean phyllites and quartzites as basement, with Bijawars (Upper Precambrian), upper Vindhyans (Upper Proterozoic), and Gondwanas (Upper Carboniferous) overlying them. Overlapping them all are the Deccan trap (Cretaceous-Eocene) flows. Aeromagnetic linements and their disposition and pattern in this region suggest major dislocations in the crust. The region around Hoshangabad, which is the intersection point of the NSL and the northwestern extension of the Godavari lineament, appears to have been intensely disturbed. Spectral analysis of aeromagnetic profiles across the NSL belt brought out a deep magnetic interface within crust at depths varying from 4 km to about 20 km below the surface, perhaps corresponding to the discontinuity characterized by the interface of granitic and basaltic rocks. There is a significant downwarping of this interface under the Hoshangabad region, suggesting that this is perhaps related to the evolution of the Gondwana basin structure in this area. This warping of the magnetic interface may be a reflection of the crustal flexuring and rift faulting. Elsewhere in the world, concentrations of carbonatite complexes and dike swarms are known to occur in areas of crustal flexuring and rift faulting. The occurrence of carbonatite complexes in this region (e.g. at Amba Dongar and Barwaha, and dike swarms in the Dadiapada region) gives credence to the present inferences from the aeromagnetic study.

Use of high-resolution satellite images for detection of geological structures related to Calerias geothermal field, Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, A. A.; Urzua, L.

2011-12-01

Chile has enormous potential to use the geothermal resources for electric energy generation. The main geothermal fields are located in the Central Andean Volcanic Chain in the North, between the Central valley and the border with Argentina in the center, and in the fault system Liquiñe-Ofqui in the South of the country. High resolution images from the LANDSAT and ASTER satellites have been used to delineate the geological structures related to the Calerias geothermal field located at the northern end of the Southern Volcanic Zone of Chile. It was done by applying the lineament extraction technique developed by authors. These structures have been compared with the distribution of main geological structures obtained in the field. It was found that the lineament density increases in the areas of the major heat flux indicating that the lineament analysis could be a power tool for the detection of faults and joint zones associated to the geothermal fields.

Fracture mapping of lineaments and recognizing their tectonic significance using SPOT-5 satellite data: A case study from the Bajestan area, Lut Block, east of Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadirouhani, Reyhaneh; Rahimi, Behnam; Karimpour, Mohammad Hassan; Malekzadeh Shafaroudi, Azadeh; Afshar Najafi, Sadegh; Pour, Amin Beiranvand

2017-10-01

Syste'm Pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) remote sensing satellite data have useful characteristics for lineament extraction and enhancement related to the tectonic evaluation of a region. In this study, lineament features in the Bajestan area associated with the tectonic significance of the Lut Block (LB), east Iran were mapped and characterized using SPOT-5 satellite data. The structure of the Bajestan area is affected by the activity of deep strike-slip faults in the boundary of the LB. Structural elements such as faults and major joints were extracted, mapped, and analyzed by the implementation of high-Pass and standard kernels (Threshold and Sobel) filters to bands 1, 2 and 3 of SPOT-5 Level 2 A scene product of the Bajestan area. Lineament map was produced by assigning resultant filter images to red-green-blue (RGB) colour combinations of three main directions such as N-S, E-W and NE-SW. Results derived from image processing technique and statistical assessment indicate that two main orientations, including NW-SE with N-110 azimuth and NE-SW with N-40 azimuth, were dominated in the Bajestan area. The NW-SE trend has a high frequency in the study area. Based on the results of remote sensing lineament analysis and fieldwork, two dextral and sinistral strike-slip components were identified as main fault trends in the Bajestan region. Two dextral faults have acted as the cause of shear in the south and north of the Bajestan granitoid mass. Furthermore, the results indicate that the most of the lineaments in this area are extensional fractures corresponding to both the dykes emplacement and hydrothermal alteration zones. The application of SPOT-5 satellite data for structural analysis in a study region has great capability to provide very useful information of a vast area with low cost and time-consuming.

Patterns of fracture and tidal stresses due to nonsynchronous rotation - Implications for fracturing on Europa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helfenstein, P.; Parmentier, E. M.

1985-01-01

This study considers the global patterns of fracture that would result from nonsynchronous rotation of a tidally distorted planetary body. The incremental horizontal stresses in a thin elastic or viscous shell due to a small displacement of the axis of maximum tidal elongation are derived, and the resulting stress distributions are applied to interpret the observed pattern of fracture lineaments on Europa. The observed pattern of lineaments can be explained by nonsynchronous rotation if these features formed by tension fracturing and dike emplacement. Tension fracturing can occur for a small displacement of the tidal axis, so that the resulting lineaments may be consistent with other evidence suggesting a young age for the surface.

Late Cenozoic structure and correlations to seismicity along the Olympic-Wallowa Lineament, northwest United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mann, G.M.; Meyer, C.E.

1993-01-01

Late Cenozoic fault geometry, structure, paleoseismicity, and patterns of recent seismicity at two seismic zones along the Olympic-Wallowa lineament (OWL) of western Idaho, northeast Oregon, and southeast Washington indicate limited right-oblique slip displacement along multiple northwest-striking faults that constitute the lineament. The southern end of the OWL originates in the Long Valley fault system and western Snake River Plain in western Idaho. The OWL in northeast Oregon consists of a wide zone of northwest-striking faults and is associated with several large, inferred, pull-apart basins. The OWL then emerges from the Blue Mountain uplift as a much narrower zone of faults in the Columbia Plateau known as the Wallula fault zone (WFZ). Stuctural relationships in the WFZ strongly suggest that it is a right-slip extensional duplex. -from Authors

Use of high-resolution satellite images for detection of geothermal reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, A. A.

2012-12-01

Chile has an enormous potential to use the geothermal resources for electric energy generation. The main geothermal fields are located in the Central Andean Volcanic Chain in the North, between the Central valley and the border with Argentina in the center, and in the fault system Liquiñe-Ofqui in the South of the country. High resolution images from the LANDSAT and ASTER satellites have been used to delineate the geological structures related to the Calerias geothermal field located at the northern end of the Southern Volcanic Zone of Chile and Puchuldiza geothermal field located in the Region of Tarapaca. It was done by applying the lineament extraction technique developed by author. These structures have been compared with the distribution of main geological structures obtained in the fields. It was found that the lineament density increases in the areas of the major heat flux indicating that the lineament analysis could be a power tool for the detection of faults and joint zones associated to the geothermal fields.

Experiment to evaluate feasibility of utilizing Skylab-EREP remote sensing data for tectonic analysis of the Bighorn Mountains region, Wyoming-Montana

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoppin, R. A. (Principal Investigator)

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. S-190A color transparencies from SL-2 of the Big Horn basin region provide the best format to date for geologic study of that region; red beds are quite mappable and resistant key beds sharply outlined. An S-190B color frame from SL-3 of the Pryor-Bighorn mountains provides no indication that the Nye-Bowler lineament extends east of East Pryor Mountain. This has important implications regarding the role of this and other lineaments (which also appear to be of restricted length) in the tectonics of the region. Extensions of these lineaments for great distances does not seem warranted on the basis of surface evidence.

Use of remote sensing techniques and aeromagnetic data to study episodic oil seep discharges along the Gulf of Suez in Egypt.

PubMed

Kaiser, M F; Aziz, A M; Ghieth, B M

2013-07-15

Four successive oil discharges were observed during the last 2 years following the recording of the earthquake events. Oil slicks were clearly observed in the thermal band of the Enhanced Thematic Mapper images acquired during the discharge events. Lineaments were extracted from the ETM+ image data and SRTM (DEM). The seismic activity is conformable in time and spatially related to active major faults and structural lineaments. The concerned site was subjected to a numerous earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 3 to 5.4 Mb. Aeromagnetic field data analyses indicated the existence of deep major faults crossing the Gebel El-Zeit and the Mellaha basins (oil reservoirs). The magnetic field survey showed major distinctive fault striking NE-SW at 7000 m depth. Occurrence of these faults at great depth enables the crude oil to migrate upward and appear at the surfaces as oil seeps onshore and as offshore slicks in the Gemsa-Hurghada coastal zone. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of regional crust and upper-mantle structure from seismic and gravity data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, S. S.; Lavin, P. M. (Principal Investigator)

1982-01-01

Analyses of regional gravity and magnetic patterns, LANDSAT images and geological information revealed two major lineaments crossing western Pennsylvania and parts of surrounding states. These lineaments are inferred to be expressions of fracture zones which penetrare deeply into the crust and possibly the upper mantle. The extensions of the Tyron-Mt. Union and the Pittsburgh-Washington lineaments bound a distinct crustal block (Lake Erie-Maryland block) over 100 km wide and probably more than 600 km in length. Evidence exists for the lateral displacement of this block at least 60 km northwestward during late Precambrian to Lower Ordovician time. Subsequent movements have been mainly vertical with respect to neighboring blocks. A possible crustal block that passes through eastern Kentucky, proposed by a TVA study on tectonics in the southern Appalachians, was also investigated. Finally, the use of regional gravity and magnetic data in identifying major crustal structures beneath western Pennsylvania is discussed.

Analysis of ERTS-1 linear features in New York State

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Isachsen, Y. W. (Principal Investigator); Fakundiny, R. H.; Forster, S. W.

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. All ERTS-1 linears confirmed to date have topographic expression although they may appear as featureless tonal linears on the imagery. A bias is unavoidably introduced against any linears which may parallel raster lines, lithological trends, or the azimuth of solar illumination. Ground study of ERTS-1 topographic lineaments in the Adirondacks indicates: outcrops along linears are even more rare than expected, fault breccias are found along some NNE lineaments, chloritization and slickensiding without brecciation characterize one EW lineament whereas closely-spaced jointing plus a zone of plastic shear define another. Field work in the Catskills suggests that the prominent new NNE lineaments may be surface manifestations of normal faulting in the basement, and that it may become possible to map major joint sets over extensive plateau regions directly on the imagery. Fall and winter images each display some unique linears, and long linears on the fall image commonly appear as aligned segments on the winter scene. A computer-processed color composite image permitted the extraction or additional information on the shaded side of mountains.

Study of changes in the lineament structure, caused by earthquakes in South America by applying the lineament analysis to the Aster (Terra) satellite data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, A. A.; Zverev, A. T.; Malinnikov, V. A.

The region between Southern Peru and Northern Chile is one of the most seismically and volcanically active regions in South America. This is caused by a constant subduction of the South American Plate, converging with the Nazca Plate in the extreme North of Chile. We used the 15 and 30 m resolution satellite images, provided by the ASTER (VNIR and SWIR) instrument onboard the Terra satellite to study changes in the geological faults close to earthquake epicenters in southern Peru. Visible and infrared spectral bands were analysed using “The Lineament Extraction and Stripes Statistic Analysis” (LESSA) software package to examine changes in the lineament features and stripe density fields caused by seismic activity. We used the satellite images 128 and 48 days before and 73 days after a 5.2 Richter scale magnitude earthquake. The fact that the seasonal variations in the South of Peru and North of Chile are very small, and the vegetation is very limited, allowed us to establish substantial changes in the lineament and the stripe density field features. We develop a methodology that allows to evaluate the seismic risk in this region for the future.

Tectonics on Iapetus: Despinning, respinning, or something completely different?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singer, Kelsi N.; McKinnon, William B.

2011-11-01

Saturn's moon Iapetus is unique in that it has apparently despun while retaining a substantial equatorial bulge. Stresses arising from such a non-hydrostatic shape should in principle cause surface deformation (tectonics). As part of a search for such a tectonic signature, lineaments (linear surface features) on Iapetus were mapped on both its bright and dark hemispheres. Lineament orientations were then compared to model stress patterns predicted for spin-down from a rotation period of 16.5 h (or less) to its present synchronous period, and for a range of lithospheric thicknesses. Many lineaments are straight segments of crater rimwalls, which may be faults or joints reactivated during complex crater collapse. Most striking are several large troughs on the bright, trailing hemisphere. These troughs appear to be extensional and are distinctive on that hemisphere, because the interior floors and walls of the troughs contain dark material. Globally, no specific evidence of strike slip or thrust offsets are seen, but this could be due to the age and degraded nature of any such features. We find that observed lineament orientations do not correlate with predicted patterns due to despinning on either hemisphere (the equatorial ridge was specifically excluded from this analysis, and is considered separately). Modest evidence for preferred orientations ±40° from north could be construed as consistent with respinning, which is not necessarily far-fetched. Assuming the rigidity of unfractured ice, predicted maximum lithospheric differential stresses from despinning range from ˜1 MPa to ˜160 MPa for the elastic spheroid and thin lithosphere limits, respectively (although it is only for thicker elastic lithospheres that we expect a nonhydrostatic state to be maintained over geologic time against lithospheric failure). The tectonic signature of despinning may have been obscured over time because the surface of Iapetus is very ancient, Iapetus' thick lithosphere may have inhibited the full tectonic expression of despinning, or both. Several prominent lineaments strike E-W, and are thus parallel to the equatorial ridge (though not physically close to it), but a tectonic or volcanic origin for the ridge is highly problematic.

To the Application of LiDAR to Detect the Geological Structures in Sulphurets Property, British Columbia, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koohzare, A.; Rezaeian, M.; McIntosh, A.

2009-05-01

The Kerr Sulphurets property in North Western British Columbia has been explored primarily as a placer gold holding since the 1880s; and, potentially includes one of Canada's largest gold deposits (e.g. the Mitchell Zone). The Sulphurets camp has been classified by Taylor in 2007 as a prominent global epithermal high-sulphidation subtype with 10 million tonnes of ore (reserves + production) containing approximately 10 g/t gold. The geological and geophysical observations of this deposit indicate intrusion- related mineralized veins which are known to overlap as the result of structural complexities. Faulting predates mineralization and alteration and dramatically dominates the location of the mineralization for this porphyry- epithermal high-sulphidation deposit (Britton and Alldrick 1988, British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, 1992; Margolis, 1993). However, the surface trace of these structures and lineaments within the site is obscured by vegetation, glacial cover and steep topographic relief. We used high resolution LiDAR airborne bare-earth sensing (vegetative data deleted) in an effort to detect the surface geological features and lineaments in the Kerr Sulphurets site. The LiDAR flight was designed to acquire high density data with 2 points per square meter using a 150 kHz multipulse system. High resolution LiDAR data provides a level of detail not achievable by other digital terrain modelling techniques, whether extracted from aerial photography, low-resolution topographic contour maps, 10-30 meter USGS, or SRTM digital elevation models. LiDAR bare-earth data spectacularly revealed hidden geological structures within the property district, which in turn assisted in identifying the high potential zones for mineralization in Sulphurets.

Study of temporal sequences of LANSAT images to detect the accumulation of stress prior of strong earthquakes in Chile.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, A. A.

2016-12-01

We studied the temporal evolution of the lineaments obtained from the LANSAT-8 associated to the accumulation of stress patterns related to the seismic activity. A lineament is generally defined as a straight or a somewhat curved feature in the landscape visible in a satellite image as an aligned sequence of pixels of a contrasting intensity compared to the background. The system of lineaments extracted from the satellite images is not identical to the geological lineaments; nevertheless, it generally reflects the structure of the faults and fractures in the Earth's crust. The satellite images were processed by the ADALGEO software developed by us. We selected two areas of study with different characteristics. The first area is located near to the Diego de Almagro town in the Copiapo region, Chile. This area did not show any strong seismic activity between 2010 and 2015. However, two strong earthquakes took place later on April 16, 2016 (Mw=5.3) and July 25, 2016 (Mw=6.1). The second area located near the Illapel town in Coquimbo region shows lack of strong earthquakes between 2010 and 2012 and strong seismic activity between 2012 and 2015, culminating by the September 16, 2015 earthquake (Mw=8.3). The distance between two areas is nearly 600 km. In case of the Diego de Almagro area, very few lineaments have been observed between 2010 and 2015, showing a significant increase during the 2016. In case of the Illapel region, the number of lineaments was always much higher, showing an explosive increase at the end of 2015. For both areas the lineaments changed its orientation before strong earthquakes.

Evaluation of commercial utility of ERTS-A imagery in structural reconnaissance for minerals and petroleum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, D. F.; Thomas, G. E.

1973-01-01

Five areas in North America (North Slope-Alaska, Superior Province-Canada, Williston Basin-Montana, Colorado and New Mexico-West Texas) are being studied for discernibility of geological evidence on ERTS-1 imagery, Evidence mapped is compared with known mineral/hydrocarbon accumulations to determine the value of the imagery in commercial exploration programs. Evaluation has proceeded in the New Mexico-West Texas area while awaiting imagery in the other areas. To date, results have been better than expected. Clearly discernible structural lineaments in New Mexico-West Texas are evident on the photographs. Comparison of this evidence with known major mining localities in New Mexico indicates a clear pattern of coincidence between the lineaments and mining localities. In West Texas, lineament and geomorphological evidence obtainable from the photographs define the petroleum-productive Central Basin Platform. Based on evaluation results in the New Mexico-West Texas area and on cursory results in the other four areas of North America, ERTS-1 imagery will be extremely valuable in defining the regional and local structure in any commercial exploration program.

Geologic interpretation of Seasat SAR imagery near the Rio Lacantum, Mexico

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rebillard, PH.; Dixon, T.

1984-01-01

A mosaic of the Seasat Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) optically processed images over Central America is presented. A SAR image of the Rio Lacantum area (southeastern Mexico) has been digitally processed and its interpretation is presented. The region is characterized by low relief and a dense vegetation canopy. Surface is believed to be indicative of subsurface structural features. The Seasat-SAR system had a steep imaging geometry (incidence angle 23 + or - 3 deg off-nadir) which is favorable for detection of subtle topographic variations. Subtle textural features in the image corresponding to surface topography were enhanced by image processing techniques. A structural and lithologic interpretation of the processed images is presented. Lineaments oriented NE-SW dominate and intersect broad folds trending NW-SE. Distinctive karst topography characterizes one high relief area

Tectonics of the Jemez Lineament in the Jemez Mountains and Rio Grande Rift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldrich, M. J., Jr.

1986-02-01

The Jemez lineament is a NE trending crustal flaw that controlled volcanism and tectonism in the Jemez Mountains and the Rio Grande rift zone. The fault system associated with the lineament in the rift zone includes, from west to east, the Jemez fault zone southwest of the Valles-Toledo caldera complex, a series of NE trending faults on the resurgent dome in the Valles caldera, a structural discontinuity with a high fracture intensity in the NE Jemez Mountains, and the Embudo fault zone in the Española Basin. The active western boundary faulting of the Española Basin may have been restricted to the south side of the lineament since the mid-Miocene. The faulting apparently began on the Sierrita fault on the east side of the Nacimiento Mountains in the late Oligocene and stepped eastward in the early Miocene to the Canada de Cochiti fault zone. At the end of the Miocene (about 5 Ma) the active boundary faulting again stepped eastward to the Pajarito fault zone on the east side of the Jemez Mountains. The north end of the Pajarito fault terminates against the Jemez lineament at a point where it changes from a structural discontinuity (zone of high fracture intensity) on the west to the Embudo fault zone on the east. Major transcurrent movement occurred on the Embudo fault zone during the Pliocene and has continued at a much slower rate since then. The relative sense of displacement changes from right slip on the western part of the fault zone to left slip on the east. The kinematics of this faulting probably reflect the combined effects of faster spreading in the Española Basin than the area north of the lineament (Abiquiu embayment and San Luis Basin), the right step in the rift that juxtaposes the San Luis Basin against the Picuris Mountains, and counterclockwise rotation of various crustal blocks within the rift zone. No strike-slip displacements have occurred on the lineament in the central and eastern Jemez Mountains since at least the mid-Miocene, although movements on the still active Jemez fault zone, in the western Jemez Mountains, may have a significant strike-slip component. Basaltic volcanism was occurring in the Jemez Mountains at four discrete vent areas on the lineament between about 15 Ma and 10 Ma and possibly as late as 7 Ma, indicating that it was being extended during that time.

LANDSAT imagery analysis: An aid for predicting landslide prone areas for highway construction. [in Arkansas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macdonald, H. C.; Grubbs, R. S.

1975-01-01

The most obvious landform features of geologic significance revealed on LANDSAT imagery are linear trends or lineaments. These trends were found to correspond, at least to a large degree, with unmapped faults or complex fracture zones. LANDSAT imagery analysis in northern Arkansas revealed a lineament complex which provides a remarkable correlation with landslide-prone areas along major highway routes. The weathering properties of various rock types, which are considered in designing stable cut slopes and drainage structures, appear to be adversely influenced by the location and trends of LANDSAT defined lineaments. Geologic interpretation of LANDSAT imagery, where applicable and utilized effectively, provides the highway engineer with a tool for predicting and evaluating landslide-prone areas.

Lineaments and Mineral Occurrences in Pennsylvania

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcmurtry, G. J.; Petersen, G. W. (Principal Investigator); Kowalik, W. S.; Gold, D. P.

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. A conservative lineament map of Pennsylvania interpreted from ERTS-1 channel 7 (infrared) imagery and Skylab photography was compared with the distribution of known metallic mines and mineral occurrences. Of 383 known mineral occurrences, 116 show a geographical association to 1 km wide lineaments, another 24 lie at the intersection of two lineaments, and one lies at the intersection of three lineaments. The Perkiomen Creek lineament in the Triassic Basin is associated with 9 Cu-Fe occurrences. Six Pb-Zn occurrences are associated with the Tyrone-Mount Union lineament. Thirteen other lineaments are associated with 3, 4, or 5 mineral occurrences each.

Geologic and paleoseismic study of the Lavic Lake fault at Lavic Lake Playa, Mojave Desert, Southern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rymer, M.J.; Seitz, G.G.; Weaver, K.D.; Orgil, A.; Faneros, G.; Hamilton, J.C.; Goetz, C.

2002-01-01

Paleoseismic investigations of the Lavic Lake fault at Lavic Lake playa place constraints on the timing of a possible earlier earthquake along the 1999 Hector Mine rupture trace and reveal evidence of the timing of the penultimate earthquake on a strand of the Lavic Lake fault that did not rupture in 1999. Three of our four trenches, trenches A, B, and C, were excavated across the 1999 Hector Mine rupture; a fourth trench, D, was excavated across a vegetation lineament that had only minor slip at its southern end in 1999. Trenches A-C exposed strata that are broken only by the 1999 rupture; trench D exposed horizontal bedding that is locally warped and offset by faults. Stratigraphic evidence for the timing of an earlier earthquake along the 1999 rupture across Lavic Lake playa was not exposed. Thus, an earlier event, if there was one along that rupture trace, predates the lowest stratigraphic level exposed in our trenches. Radiocarbon dating of strata near the bottom of trenches constrains a possible earlier event to some time earlier than about 4950 B.C. Buried faults revealed in trench D are below a vegetation lineament at the ground surface. A depositional contact about 80 cm below the ground surface acts as the upward termination of fault breaks in trench D. Thus, this contact may be the event horizon for a surface-rupturing earthquake prior to 1999-the penultimate earthquake on the Lavic Lake fault. Radiocarbon ages of detrital charcoal samples from immediately below the event horizon indicate that the earthquake associated with the faulting occurred later than A.D. 260. An approximately 1300-year age difference between two samples at about the same stratigraphic level below the event horizon suggests the potential for a long residence time of detrital charcoal in the area. Coupled with a lack of bioturbation that could introduce young organic material into the stratigraphic section, the charcoal ages provide only a maximum bounding age; thus, the recognized event may be younger. There is abundant, subtle evidence for pre-1999 activity of the Lavic Lake fault in the playa area, even though the fault was not mapped near the playa prior to the Hector Mine earthquake. The most notable indicators for long-term presence of the fault are pronounced, persistent vegetation lineaments and uplifted basalt exposures. Primary and secondary slip occurred in 1999 on two southern vegetation lineaments, and minor slip locally formed on a northern lineament; trench exposures across the northern vegetation lineament revealed the post-A.D. 260 earthquake, and a geomorphic trough extends northward into alluvial fan deposits in line with this lineament. The presence of two basalt exposures in Lavic lake playa indicates the presence of persistent compressional steps and uplift along the fault. Fault-line scarps are additional geomorphic markers of repeated slip events in basalt exposures.

Lineaments in the Shamakhy-Gobustan and Absheron hydrocarbon containing areas using gravity data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elmas, Ali; Karsli, Hakan; Kadirov, Fakhraddin A.

2017-12-01

In this study, we purposed to investigate the edge of geostructures and position of existing faults of the Shamakhy-Gobustan and Absheron hydrocarbon containing regions in Azerbaijan. For this purpose, the horizontal gradient, analytic signal, tilt angle, and hyperbolic of tilt angle methods were applied to the first vertical derivative of gravity data instead of Bouguer gravity data. We obtained the maps that show the previous lineaments which were designated by considering the maximum contours of horizontal gradient, analytic signal maps, and zero values of tilt angle, hyperbolic of tilt angle maps. The geometry of basement interface was also modeled utilizing the Parker-Oldenburg algorithm to understand the sediment thickness and coherency or incoherency between the gravity values and basement topography. The lineaments were held a candle to most current tectonic structure map of the study area. It was seen that the techniques used in this study are very effective to determine the old and new lineaments in the Shamakhy-Gobustan and Absheron regions. The epicenter distribution of earthquakes within the study area supports the new lineaments which are extracted by our interpretation. We concluded that better comprehension of Azerbaijan geostructures and its effect on the large scale works will be provided by means of this study.

Lineaments in the Shamakhy-Gobustan and Absheron hydrocarbon containing areas using gravity data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elmas, Ali; Karsli, Hakan; Kadirov, Fakhraddin A.

2018-02-01

In this study, we purposed to investigate the edge of geostructures and position of existing faults of the Shamakhy-Gobustan and Absheron hydrocarbon containing regions in Azerbaijan. For this purpose, the horizontal gradient, analytic signal, tilt angle, and hyperbolic of tilt angle methods were applied to the first vertical derivative of gravity data instead of Bouguer gravity data. We obtained the maps that show the previous lineaments which were designated by considering the maximum contours of horizontal gradient, analytic signal maps, and zero values of tilt angle, hyperbolic of tilt angle maps. The geometry of basement interface was also modeled utilizing the Parker-Oldenburg algorithm to understand the sediment thickness and coherency or incoherency between the gravity values and basement topography. The lineaments were held a candle to most current tectonic structure map of the study area. It was seen that the techniques used in this study are very effective to determine the old and new lineaments in the Shamakhy-Gobustan and Absheron regions. The epicenter distribution of earthquakes within the study area supports the new lineaments which are extracted by our interpretation. We concluded that better comprehension of Azerbaijan geostructures and its effect on the large scale works will be provided by means of this study.

LINDENS: A program for lineament length and density analysis*1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casas, Antonio M.; Cortés, Angel L.; Maestro, Adolfo; Soriano, M. Asunción; Riaguas, Andres; Bernal, Javier

2000-11-01

Analysis of lineaments from satellite images normally includes the determination of their orientation and density. The spatial variation in the orientation and/or number of lineaments must be obtained by means of a network of cells, the lineaments included in each cell being analysed separately. The program presented in this work, LINDENS, allows the density of lineaments (number of lineaments per km 2 and length of lineaments per km 2) to be estimated. It also provides a tool for classifying the lineaments contained in different cells, so that their orientation can be represented in frequency histograms and/or rose diagrams. The input file must contain the planar coordinates of the beginning and end of each lineament. The density analysis is done by creating a network of square cells, and counting the number of lineaments that are contained within each cell, that have one of their ends within the cell or that cross-cut the cell boundary. The lengths of lineaments are then calculated. To obtain a representative density map the cell size must be fixed according to: (1) the average lineament length; (2) the distance between the lineaments; and (3) the boundaries of zones with low densities due to lithology or outcrop features. An example from the Neogene Duero Basin (Northern Spain) is provided to test the reliability of the density maps obtained with different cell sizes.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Decker, A.D.; Kuuskraa, V.A.; Klawitter, A.L.

Recurrent basement faulting is the primary controlling mechanism for aligning and compartmentalizing upper Cretaceous aged tight gas reservoirs of the San Juan and Piceance Basins. Northwest trending structural lineaments that formed in conjunction with the Uncompahgre Highlands have profoundly influenced sedimentation trends and created boundaries for gas migration; sealing and compartmentalizing sedimentary packages in both basins. Fractures which formed over the structural lineaments provide permeability pathways which allowing gas recovery from otherwise tight gas reservoirs. Structural alignments and associated reservoir compartments have been accurately targeted by integrating advanced remote sensing imagery, high resolution aeromagnetics, seismic interpretation, stratigraphic mapping and dynamicmore » structural modelling. This unifying methodology is a powerful tool for exploration geologists and is also a systematic approach to tight gas resource assessment in frontier basins.« less

GIS-based identification of active lineaments within the Krasnokamensk Area, Transbaikalia, Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrov, V. A.; Lespinasse, M.; Ustinov, S. A.; Cialec, C.

2017-07-01

Lineament analysis was carried out using detailed digital elevation models (DEM) of the Krasnokamensk Area, southeastern Transbaikalia (Russia). The results of this research confirm the presence of already known faults, but also identify unknown fault zones. The primary focus was identifying small discontinuities and their relationship with extended fault zones. The developed technique allowed construction and identification of the active lineaments with their orientation of the compression and expansion axes in the horizontal plane, their direction of shear movement (right or left), and their geodynamic setting of formation (compression or stretching). The results of active faults identification and definition of their kinematics on digital elevation models were confirmed by measuring the velocities and directions of modern horizontal surface motions using a geodesic GPS, as well as identifying the principal stress axes directions of the modern stress field using modern-day earthquake data. The obtained results are deemed necessary for proper rational environmental management decisions.

Evidences of Shear Deformations and Faulting on Comet 67P/ Churyumov-Gerasimenko: a Driving Force for the Mechanical Erosion of the Nucleus?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matonti, C.; Auger, A. T.; Groussin, O.; Jorda, L.; Attree, N.; Viseur, S.; El Maarry, M. R.

2016-12-01

Fractures and faults are widespread and pervasive in Earth crustal and sedimentary rocks. They result from deviatoric stresses applied on brittle materials. In various contexts, their geometry often allows one to infer the direction and sometimes the magnitude of the stress that led to their formation. The Rosetta spacecraft has orbited comet 67P for two years and has acquired images of the nucleus surface with an unprecedented spatial resolution, down to 20 cm/px. These data open the way for entirely new geological interpretations of the structures observed at the surface of cometary nuclei. In this work, we focus on the structural interpretations of the meter to hectometer scale lineaments observed on the surface from the OSIRIS-NAC images. To improve interpretations, we performed the digitalization of lineaments in selected zones. In brittle material regions (essentially Atum and Khonsu), we observed structures that nicely match fault splay, duplexes blocks and anastomosing or "en-échelon" patterns. Such structures strongly suggest the occurrence of sheared zones and "strike-slip fault" arrays, which are observed here for the first time at the surface of a comet nucleus. Despite the large differences in the gravity magnitude and nucleus material strength compared to Earth, the observation of such structures seems to confirm comparable gravity to strength ratio between 67P and the Earth (Groussin et al., 2015). Most of these shear structures are sub-parallel and located inside or near the nucleus neck regions (Hapi, Sobek and Wosret), which is consistent with an increased relative shear stress at the boundary of the two lobes (Hirabayashi et al., 2016). These results emphasize mechanisms that may have important implications on the nucleus strength estimation and how it is eroded. Indeed, considering the fault propagation laws along with multiple angles views of structures, the observed faults likely propagate inside the nucleus over several tenths to hundreds of meters. Moreover, possible "faults offsets" observations suggest that relatively important/durable "tectonic-like" processes happened or are still happening in the nucleus. Further comparative analyses of successive images from pre-to-post perihelion phases might allow quantifying the timescale at which these processes occur.

Mimas: Tectonic structure and geologic history

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Croft, Steven K.

1991-01-01

Mimas, the innermost of the major saturnian satellites, occupies an important place in comparative studies of icy satellites. It is the smallest icy satellite known to have a mostly spherical shape. Smaller icy objects like Hyperion and Puck are generally irregular in shape, while larger ones like Miranda and Enceladus are spherical. Thus Mimas is near the diameter where the combination of increasing surface gravity and internal heating begin to have a significant effect on global structure. The nature and extent of endogenic surface features provide important constraints on the interior structure and history of this transitional body. The major landforms on Mimas are impact craters. Mimas has one of the most heavily cratered surfaces in the solar system. The most prominent single feature on Mimas is Herschel, an unrelaxed complex crater 130 km in diameter. The only other recognized landforms on Mimas are tectonic grooves and lineaments. Groove locations were mapped by Schenk, but without analysis of groove structures or superposition relationships. Mimas' tectonic structures are remapped here in more detail than previously has been done, as part of a general study of tectonic features on icy satellites.

Attempt at correlating Italian long lineaments from LANDSAT-1 satellite images with some geological phenomena. Possible use in geothermal energy research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barbier, E.; Fanelli, M.

1975-01-01

By utilizing the images from the LANDSAT-1, in the spectral band 0.8-1.1 microns (near infrared), a photomosaic was obtained of Italian territory. From this mosaic the field of long lineaments was drawn, corresponding to fractures of the earth crust more than 100 km long. The relationship between lineaments, hot springs, volcanic areas, and earthquake epicenters is verified. There is a clear connection between long lineaments and hot springs: 78% of the springs are located on one or more lineaments, and the existence of hot lineaments was observed. A slightly weaker, but still significant, connection exists between the Pliocene-Quaternary volcanic areas and long lineaments. The relationship between earthquakes and long lineaments can only be verified in some cases. The lineaments which can be related to earthquakes have little or no connection with the other phenomena.

Using focal mechanism solutions to correlate earthquakes with faults in the Lake Tahoe-Truckee area, California and Nevada, and to help design LiDAR surveys for active-fault reconnaissance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cronin, V. S.; Lindsay, R. D.

2011-12-01

Geomorphic analysis of hillshade images produced from aerial LiDAR data has been successful in identifying youthful fault traces. For example, the recently discovered Polaris fault just northwest of Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, was recognized using LiDAR data that had been acquired by local government to assist land-use planning. Subsequent trenching by consultants under contract to the US Army Corps of Engineers has demonstrated Holocene displacement. The Polaris fault is inferred to be capable of generating a magnitude 6.4-6.9 earthquake, based on its apparent length and offset characteristics (Hunter and others, 2011, BSSA 101[3], 1162-1181). Dingler and others (2009, GSA Bull 121[7/8], 1089-1107) describe paleoseismic or geomorphic evidence for late Neogene displacement along other faults in the area, including the West Tahoe-Dollar Point, Stateline-North Tahoe, and Incline Village faults. We have used the seismo-lineament analysis method (SLAM; Cronin and others, 2008, Env Eng Geol 14[3], 199-219) to establish a tentative spatial correlation between each of the previously mentioned faults, as well as with segments of the Dog Valley fault system, and one or more earthquake(s). The ~18 earthquakes we have tentatively correlated with faults in the Tahoe-Truckee area occurred between 1966 and 2008, with magnitudes between 3 and ~6. Given the focal mechanism solution for a well-located shallow-focus earthquake, the nodal planes can be projected to Earth's surface as represented by a DEM, plus-or-minus the vertical and horizontal uncertainty in the focal location, to yield two seismo-lineament swaths. The trace of the fault that generated the earthquake is likely to be found within one of the two swaths [1] if the fault surface is emergent, and [2] if the fault surface is approximately planar in the vicinity of the focus. Seismo-lineaments from several of the earthquakes studied overlap in a manner that suggests they are associated with the same fault. The surface trace of both the Polaris fault and the Dog Valley fault system are within composite swaths defined by overlapping seismo-lineaments. Composite seismo-lineaments indicate that multiple historic earthquakes might be associated with a fault. This apparently successful correlation of earthquakes with faults in an area where geologic mapping is good suggests another use for SLAM in areas where fault mapping is incomplete, inadequate or made particularly difficult because of vegetative cover. If no previously mapped fault exists along a composite swath generated using well constrained focal mechanism solutions, the swath might be used to guide the design of a LiDAR survey in support of reconnaissance for the causative fault. The acquisition and geomorphic analysis of LiDAR data along a compound seismo-lineament swath might reveal geomorphic evidence of a previously unrecognized fault trace that is worthy of additional field study.

Validation of gravity data from the geopotential field model for subsurface investigation of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (Western Africa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcel, Jean; Abate Essi, Jean Marcel; Nouck, Philippe Njandjock; Sanda, Oumarou; Manguelle-Dicoum, Eliézer

2018-03-01

Belonging to the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL), the western part of Cameroon is an active volcanic zone with volcanic eruptions and deadly gas emissions. The volcanic flows generally cover areas and bury structural features like faults. Terrestrial gravity surveys can hardly cover entirely this mountainous area due to difficult accessibility. The present work aims to evaluate gravity data derived from the geopotential field model, EGM2008 to investigate the subsurface of the CVL. The methodology involves upward continuation, horizontal gradient, maxima of horizontal gradient-upward continuation combination and Euler deconvolution techniques. The lineaments map inferred from this geopotential field model confirms several known lineaments and reveals new ones covered by lava flows. The known lineaments are interpreted as faults or geological contacts such as the Foumban fault and the Pan-African Belt-Congo craton contact. The lineaments highlighted coupled with the numerous maar lakes identified in this volcanic sector attest of the vulnerability of the CVL where special attention should be given for geohazard prevention.

Lateral variations in foreland flexure of a rifted continental margin: The Aquitaine Basin (SW France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angrand, P.; Ford, M.; Watts, A. B.

2017-12-01

We study the effects of the inherited Aptian to Cenomanian rift on crustal rheology and evolution of the Late Cretaceous to Neogene flexural Aquitaine foreland basin, northern Pyrenees. We use surface and subsurface geological data to define the crustal geometry and the post-rift thermal subsidence, and Bouguer gravity anomalies and flexural modeling to study the lateral variation of the elastic thickness, flexure of the European plate and controlling loads. The Aquitaine foreland can be divided along-strike into three sectors. The eastern foreland is un-rifted and is associated with a simple flexural subsidence. The central sector is affected by crustal stretching and the observed foreland base is modeled by combining topographic and buried loads, with post-rift thermal subsidence. In the western sector the foreland basin geometry is mainly controlled by post-rift thermal subsidence. These three sectors are separated by major lineaments, which affect both crustal and foreland geometry. These lineaments seem to be part of a larger structural pattern that includes the Toulouse and Pamplona Faults. The European foreland shows lateral variations in flexural behavior: the relative role of surface and sub-surface (i.e., buried) loading varies along-strike and the elastic thickness values decrease from the north-east to the south-west where the plate is the most stretched. We suggest that foreland basins are influenced by the thermal state of the underlying lithosphere if it was initiated soon after rifting and that thermal cooling can contribute significantly to subsidence.

Use of high-resolution satellite images for characterization of geothermal reservoirs in the Tarapaca Region, Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, A. A.; Montenegro A., C.

2010-12-01

The use of renewable and clean sources of energy is becoming crucial for sustainable development of all countries, including Chile. Chilean Government plays special attention to the exploration and exploitation of geothermal energy, total electrical power capacity of which could reach 16.000 MW. In Chile the main geothermal fields are located in the Central Andean Volcanic Chain in the North, between the Central valley and the border with Argentina in the center, and in the fault system Liquiñe-Ofqui in the South of the country. High resolution images from the Lansat satellite have been used to characterize the geothermal field in the region of the Puchuldiza geysers, Colchane, Region of Tarapaca, North of Chile, located at the altitude of 4000 m. Structure of lineaments associated to the geothermal field have been extracted from the images using the lineament detection technique developed by authors. These structures have been compared with the distribution of main geological structures obtained in the field. It was found that the lineament analysis is a power tool for the detection of faults and joint zones associated to the geothermal fields.

ERTS-1 imagery use in reconnaissance prospecting: Evaluation of commercial utility of ERTS-1 imagery in structural reconnaissance for minerals and petroleum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, D. F. (Principal Investigator); Thomas, G. L.; Kinsman, F. E.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Five areas in North America (North Slope-Alaska, Superior Province-Canada, Williston Basin-Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico-West Texas) are being studied for discernibility of geological evidence on ERTS-1 imagery. Evidence mapped is compared with known mineral/hydrocarbon accumulations to determine the value of the imagery in commercial exploration programs. Evaluation has proceeded in the New Mexico-Texas area, and to date, results have been better than expected. Clearly discernible structural lineaments in this area are evident on the photographs. Comparison of this evidence with known major mining localities in New Mexico indicates a clear pattern of coincidence between the lineaments and mining localities. In West Texas, lineament and geomorphological evidence obtainable from the photographs define the petroleum-productive Central Basin Platform. Based on evaluation of results in the New Mexico-West Texas area and on cursory results in the other four areas of North America, it is concluded that ERTS-1 imagery will be extremely valuable in defining the regional and local structure in any commercial exploration program.

Ground penetrating radar survey and lineament analysis of the West Pearl Queen carbon sequestration pilot site, New Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, T. H.; Wells, A. W.; Diehl, R. R.; Bromhal, G. S.; Carpenter, W.; Smith, D. H.

2004-05-01

The potential for leakage of injected CO2 at carbon sequestration sites is a significant concern in the design and deployment of long term carbon sequestration efforts. Effective and reliable monitoring of near-surface environments in the vicinity of these sites is essential to ensure the viability of sequestration activities as well as long term public and environmental safety. This study reports on near-surface geological and geophysical characterization efforts conducted at the NETL West Pearl Queen carbon sequestration pilot site in southeastern New Mexico and their use in uncovering possible mechanisms facilitating escape of small amounts (10e-13 liters) of tracer injected with the CO2. In this pilot test, a small amount of CO2 (2100 tonnes) was injected into the Shattuck sandstone member of the Permian Queen Formation early in 2003. Tracers injected with the CO2 were detected within a few days of injection and continued to escape for several months following injection. Geological and geophysical characterization of the near-surface environment in the vicinity of the injection well incorporated lineament interpretations and a detailed ground penetrating radar survey conducted over a circular area extending out 300 meters from the injection well. The near-surface geology consists of a few-feet thick veneer of late Pleistocene and Holocene sand dunes covering the middle Pleistocene Mescalero caliche. The lineament study incorporated interpretation of black and white aerial photos from 1949, digital orthophotos, and Landsat TM imagery. Analysis reveals distinct northeast and northwest trending lineament sets. The GPR survey defines the presence of a nearly continuous blanket of caliche beneath the area. However, the thickness of the caliche zone varies significantly, and it is disrupted by numerous fault-like features, amplitude anomalies, and reflection gaps. Some of these disruptions are traceable over distances of 25 to 200 meters and their aerial distribution shows some association with the distribution of tracers detected in the near-surface across the site. The observations suggest that the caliche has undergone significant karstification and could provide pathways along which CO2 could migrate through the near-surface from a leaky well casing or, less likely, along more extensive vertical migration pathways.

Patterns of Fracture and Tidal Stresses Due to Nonsynchronous Rotation: Implications for Fracturing on Europa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parmentier, E. M.; Helfenstein, P.

1985-01-01

Global lineaments on Europa were interpreted as fractures in an icy crust. A variety of lineament types were identified, which appear to form a systematic pattern on the surface. For a synchronously rotating body, the patterns of fractures observed could be produced by a combination of stresses due to orbital recession, orbital eccentricity, and internal contraction. However, it was recently suggested that the forced eccentricity of Europa's orbit may result in nonsynchronous rotation. The hypothesis that fractures in a thin icy crust may have formed in response to stresses resulting from nonsynchronous rotation is studied.

Application of SEASAT-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to enhance and detect geological lineaments and to assist LANDSAT landcover classification mapping. [Appalachian Region, West Virginia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sekhon, R.

1981-01-01

Digital SEASAT-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data were used to enhance linear features to extract geologically significant lineaments in the Appalachian region. Comparison of Lineaments thus mapped with an existing lineament map based on LANDSAT MSS images shows that appropriately processed SEASAT-1 SAR data can significantly improve the detection of lineaments. Merge MSS and SAR data sets were more useful fo lineament detection and landcover classification than LANDSAT or SEASAT data alone. About 20 percent of the lineaments plotted from the SEASAT SAR image did not appear on the LANDSAT image. About 6 percent of minor lineaments or parts of lineaments present in the LANDSAT map were missing from the SEASAT map. Improvement in the landcover classification (acreage and spatial estimation accuracy) was attained by using MSS-SAR merged data. The aerial estimation of residential/built-up and forest categories was improved. Accuracy in estimating the agricultural and water categories was slightly reduced.

Evaluation of commercial utility of ERTS-A imagery in structural reconnaissance for minerals and petroleum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, D. F. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Initial analytical results in Area 3 have been very encouraging. Not only have new major lineaments been detected but many of the intersections of those lineaments correlate with the general location of known mineral deposits while others appear to outline petroleum-bearing basins and uplifts. If later analyses confirm these results the economic impact of ERTS type imagery could be very significant in worldwide mineral and petroleum reconnaissance.

The crustal tectonics and history of Europa: A structural, morphological, and comparative analysis. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schenk, P. M.

1984-01-01

An evaluation of surface features and structures on the Galilean moon Europa is made using the available high resolution Voyager imagery, low resolution support imaging, and what understanding of ice structure and mechanical behavior science has that is applicable to the problem. A general discussion of the history of Europa studies and the fundamental global morphology is undertaken. The visible lineament and terrain patterns are described, and possible origins discussed. Observations of faulting and block rotation previously described are amplified. A comparison of Europa's structures to terrestrial sea ice and lava lake crust features is also included. Finally, an attempt is made at synthesizing a unified model for the evolution of Europa's crust is presented which is compared with models developed by others.

Remote Sensing as a First Step in Geothermal Exploration in the Xilingol Volcanic Field in NE China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, F.; Huang, S.; Xiong, Y.

2013-12-01

Geothermal energy is a renewable and low-carbon energy source independent of climate change. It is most abundant in Cenozoic volcanic areas where high temperature can be obtained within a relatively shallow depth. Geological structures play an important role in the transfer and storage of geothermal energy. Like other geological resources, geothermal resource prospecting and exploration require a good understanding of the host media. Remote sensing (RS) has the advantages of high spatial and temporal resolution and broad spatial coverage over the conventional geological and geophysical prospecting techniques, while geographical information system (GIS) has intuitive, flexible, and convenient characteristics. In this study, RS and GIS techniques are utilized to prospect the geothermal energy potential in Xilingol, a Cenozoic volcanic area in the eastern Inner Mongolia, NE China. Landsat TM/ETM+ multi-temporal images taken under clear-sky conditions, digital elevation model (DEM) data, and other auxiliary data including geological maps of 1:2,500,000 and 1:200,000 scales are used in this study. The land surface temperature (LST) of the study area is retrieved from the Landsat images with a single-channel algorithm. Prior to the LST retrieval, the imagery data are preprocessed to eliminate abnormal values by reference to the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the improved normalized water index (MNDWI) on the ENVI platform developed by ITT Visual Information Solutions. Linear and circular geological structures are then inferred through visual interpretation of the LST maps with references to the existing geological maps in conjunction with the computer automatic interpretation features such as lineament frequency, lineament density, and lineament intersection. Several useful techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA), image classification, vegetation suppression, multi-temporal comparative analysis, and 3D Surface View based on DEM data are used to further enable a better visual geologic interpretation with the Landsat imagery of Xilingol. Several major volcanism controlling faults and Cenozoic volcanic eruption centers have been recognized from the linear and circular structures in the remote sensing images. The result shows that the major faults in the study area are mainly NEE oriented. Hidden faults and deep structures are inferred from the analysis of distribution regularities of linear and circular structures. Especially, the swarms of craters northwest to the Dalinuoer Lake appear to be controlled by some NEE trending hidden basement fractures. The intersecting areas of the NEE linear structures with NW trending structures overlapped by the circular structures are the favorable regions for geothermal resources. Seven areas have been preliminarily identified as the targets for further prospecting geothermal energy based on the visual interpretation of the geological structures. The study shows that RS and GIS have great application potential in the geothermal exploration in volcanic areas and will promote the exploration of renewable energy resources of great potential.

Lineaments on Skylab photographs: Detection, mapping, and hydrologic significance in central Tennessee

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, G. K.

1976-01-01

An investigation was carried out to determine the feasibility of mapping lineaments on SKYLAB photographs of central Tennessee and to determine the hydrologic significance of these lineaments, particularly as concerns the occurrence and productivity of ground water. Sixty-nine percent more lineaments were found on SKYLAB photographs by stereo viewing than by projection viewing, but longer lineaments were detected by projection viewing. Most SKYLAB lineaments consisted of topographic depressions and they followed or paralleled the streams. The remainder were found by vegetation alinements and the straight sides of ridges. Test drilling showed that the median yield of wells located on SKYLAB lineaments were about six times the median yield of wells located by random drilling. The best single detection method, in terms of potential savings, was stereo viewing. Larger savings might be achieved by locating wells on lineaments detected by both stereo viewing and projection.

Active tectonics on Deception Island (West-Antarctica): A new approach by using the fractal anisotropy of lineaments, fault slip measurements and the caldera collapse shape

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pérez-López, R.; Giner-Robles, J.L.; Martínez-Díaz, J.J.; Rodríguez-Pascua, M.A.; Bejar, M.; Paredes, C.; González-Casado, J.M.

2007-01-01

The tectonic field on Deception Island (South Shetlands, West Antarctica) is determined from structural and fractal analyses. Three different analyses are applied to the study of the strain and stress fields in the area: (1) field measurements of faults (strain analysis), (2) fractal geometry of the spatial distribution of lineaments and (3) the caldera shape (stress analyses). In this work, the identified strain field is extensional with the maximum horizontal shortening trending NE-SW and NW-SE. The fractal technique applied to the spatial distribution of lineaments indicates a stress field with SHMAX oriented NE-SW. The elliptical caldera of Deception Island, determined from field mapping, satellite imagery, vents and fissure eruptions, has an elongate shape and a stress field with SHMAX trending NE-SW.

Seismo-Lineament Analysis Method (SLAM) Applied to the South Napa Earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Worrell, V. E.; Cronin, V. S.

2014-12-01

We used the seismo-lineament analysis method (SLAM; http://bearspace.baylor.edu/Vince_Cronin/www/SLAM/) to "predict" the location of the fault that produced the M 6.0 South Napa earthquake of 24 August 2014, using hypocenter and focal mechanism data from NCEDC (http://www.ncedc.org/ncedc/catalog-search.html) and a digital elevation model from the USGS National Elevation Dataset (http://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/). The ground-surface trace of the causative fault (i.e., the Browns Valley strand of the West Napa fault zone; Bryant, 2000, 1982) and virtually all of the ground-rupture sites reported by the USGS and California Geological Survey (http://www.eqclearinghouse.org/2014-08-24-south-napa/) were located within the north-striking seismo-lineament. We also used moment tensors published online by the USGS and GCMT (http://comcat.cr.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/nc72282711#scientific_moment-tensor) as inputs to SLAM and found that their northwest-striking seismo-lineaments correlated spatially with the causative fault. We concluded that SLAM could have been used as soon as these mechanism solutions were available to help direct the search for the trace of the causative fault and possible rupture-related damage. We then considered whether the seismogenic fault could have been identified using SLAM prior to the 24 August event, based on the focal mechanisms of smaller prior earthquakes reported by the NCEDC or ISC (http://www.isc.ac.uk). Seismo-lineaments from three M~3.5 events from 1990 and 2012, located in the Vallejo-Crockett area, correlate spatially with the Napa County Airport strand of the West Napa fault and extend along strike toward the Browns Valley strand (Bryant, 2000, 1982). Hence, we might have used focal mechanisms from smaller earthquakes to establish that the West Napa fault is likely seismogenic prior to the South Napa earthquake. Early recognition that a fault with a mapped ground-surface trace is seismogenic, based on smaller earthquakes, can facilitate appropriate preparatory work to minimize damage during a larger-magnitude event.

Use of high resolution satellite images for tracking of changes in the lineament structure, caused by earthquakes, situated nearly the Pacific coast of the North and South America.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, A. A.; Garcia, R. V.; Trejo-Soto, M.

The Pacific coast of the North and South America is one of the most seismically and volcanically active regions in the world forming part of the so-called Ring of Fire More than 10 earthquakes with the Richter scale magnitude 4 5 were analyzed They were located in the regions with small seasonal variations and limited vegetation to facilitate the tracking of features associated with the seismic activity only High resolution Aster satellite images were used to extract the principal lineaments using The Lineament Extraction and Stripes Statistic Analysis LESSA software package It was found that the number and orientation of lineaments changed significantly about one month before an earthquake approximately and a few months later the system returns to its initial state This effect increases with the earthquake magnitude and it is much more easily detectable in case of convergent plate boundaries for example Nasca and South American plates The results obtained open the possibility to develop a methodology able to evaluate the seismic risk in the regions with similar geological conditions

Investigation of the influence of lineaments, lineament intersections and geology on groundwater yield in the basement complex terrain of Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akinluyi, Francis O.; Olorunfemi, Martins O.; Bayowa, Oyelowo G.

2018-03-01

The influence of lineaments, lineament intersections and geology on the groundwater yield of the basement terrain of Ondo State was investigated using optical remote sensing data, Aster DEM, geology, and borehole yield data. Landsat-7 ETM+ and Aster DEM were processed to generate composite lineament map. The study area was traversed by five (5) main lineament populations trending N-S, NE-SW, E-W, ENE-WSW, NNW-SSE. Boreholes sited on lineament exhibited a yield range of between 0.8 and 1.28 l/s with an average yield of 1.04 l/s. Boreholes sited close to lineament gave groundwater yield values of between 0.5 and 1.28 l/s and an average yield of 1 l/s, while boreholes located outside lineament gave groundwater yield range of between 0.2 and 1.26 l/s with an average yield of 0.98 l/s. The investigation of the hydrogeological characteristics of the lithologies by superimposing the yield data showed average yield of 0.98 l/s for migmatite gneiss biotite granite undifferentiated (M), 1.01 l/s for porphyritic granite (OGp), 1.03 l/s for medium- to coarse-grained (OGe), 1.17 l/s for pelitic schist undifferentiated (Su), 1.24 l/s for quartz schist and quartzite (Eq), 1.12 l/s for older granite undifferentiated (OGu), 0.5 l/s for slightly migmatised medium-grained granite-gneiss (gg) and 1.23 l/s for fine-grained flaggy quartzite and schists (Sf). The study concluded that borehole data located on or near lineaments or at intersection of lineaments gave higher yields more than those located before lineaments or outside lineaments, while quartz schist and quartzite exhibited the highest average groundwater yield of all the lithological units.

Crustal seismicity associated to rpid surface uplift at Laguna del Maule Volcanic Complex, Southern Volcanic Zone of the Andes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardona, Carlos; Tassara, Andrés; Gil-Cruz, Fernando; Lara, Luis; Morales, Sergio; Kohler, Paulina; Franco, Luis

2018-03-01

Laguna del Maule Volcanic Complex (LMVC, Southern Andes of Chile) has been experiencing large rates (ca. 30 cm/yr) of surface uplift as detected since 2008 by satellite geodetic measurements. Previous works have modeled the source of this deformation as an inflating rectangular sub-horizontal sill underlying LMVC at 5 km depth, which is supposedly related to an active process of magmatic replenishment of a shallow silicic reservoir. However little is known about the tectonic context on which this activity is taking place, particularly its relation with crustal seismicity that could help understanding and monitoring the current deformation process. Here we present the first detailed characterization of the seismic activity taking place at LMVC and integrate it with structural data acquired in the field in order to illuminate the possible connection between the ongoing process of surface uplift and the activation of crustal faults. Our main finding is the recognition of repetitive volcano-tectonic (VT) seismic swarms that occur periodically between 2011 and 2014 near the SW corner of the sill modeled by InSAR studies. A cross-correlation analysis of the waveforms recorded for these VT events allows identifying three different seismic families. Families F1 and F3 share some common features in the stacked waveform and its locations, which markedly differ from those of family F2. Swarms belonging to this later family are more energetic and its energy was increasing since 2011 to a peak in January 2013, which coincide with maximum vertical velocities detected by local GPS stations. This points to a common process relating both phenomena. The location of VT seismic swarms roughly coincides with the intersection of a NE-SW lineament with a WNW-ESE lineament. The former shows clear field evidences of dextral strike-slip that are fully consistent with one nodal plane of focal mechanism for well-recorded F2 events. The conjugate nodal plane of these focal mechanisms could coincide with the WNW-ESE lineament, for which our field reconnaissance suggests a dominant normal motion. Events belonging to families F1 and F3 are also dominantly strike-slip but with some mixture with thrust and normal components. Our results, in conjunction with results of previous authors, suggest a complex mechanical interaction between the arrangement of crustal faults forming the structural framework on which the magmatic plumbing system of LMVC is emplaced and the inflating source at depth.

Geological and structural interpretation of Peninsular Malaysia by marine and aeromagnetic data: Some preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahrudin, Nurul Fairuz Diyana Binti; Hamzah, Umar

2016-11-01

Magnetic data were processed to interpret the geology of Peninsular Malaysia especially in delineating the igneous bodies and structural lineament trends by potential field geophysical method. A total of about 32000 magnetic intensity data were obtained from Earth Magnetic Anomaly Grid (EMAG2) covering an area of East Sumatra to part of South China Sea within 99° E to 105° E Longitude and 1° N to 7°N Latitude. These data were used in several processing stages in generating the total magnetic intensity (TMI), reduce to equator (RTE), total horizontal derivative (THD) and total vertical derivative (TVD). Values of the possible surface and subsurface magnetic sources associated to the geological features of the study area. The magnetic properties are normally corresponding to features like igneous bodies and faults structures. The anomalies obtained were then compared to the geological features of the area. In general, the high magnetic anomalies of the TMI-RTE are closely matched with major igneous intrusion of Peninsular Malaysia such as the Main Range, Eastern Belt and the Mersing-Johor Bahru stretch. More dense lineaments of magnetic structures were observed in the THD and TVD results indicating the presence of more deep and shallow magnetic rich geological features. The positions of Bukit Tinggi, Mersing and Lepar faults are perfectly matched with the magnetic highs while the presence of Lebir and Bok Bak faults are not clearly observed in the magnetic results. The high magnetic values of igneous bodies may have concealed and obscured the magnetic values representing these faults.

Application of multispectral photography to mineral and land resources of South Carolina

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, N. K. (Principal Investigator)

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Good results were obtained from using Skylab photography in conjunction with LANDSAT imagery for visual interpretation of various geologic features, particularly lineaments. It was concluded that visual interpretation alone of Skylab photographs was quite limited, and much of this was because of the low contrast, heavily vegetated terrain in southeastern United States. Lineaments of major structural features are detectable but subtle. An intimate knowledge of the geologic field relationships is needed before a meaningful analysis is feasible using current satellite photography alone.

Evaluation of commercial utility of ERTS-A imagery in structural reconnaissance for minerals and petroleum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, D. F. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. In areas 2 and 3 (Colorado and New Mexico - Texas) continuing correlations are observed between lineaments selected from the ERTS imagery and known fault and fracture zones. There continues to be a correlation between lineament intersectional areas and known mining areas. Initial contacts with mining and/or petroleum companies regarding the use of ERTS-1 imagery as an interpreted medium for guiding reconnaissance operations seems to indicate that the technology and economics will be commercially acceptable for initial investigatory investments.

High-resolution electrical resistivity and aeromagnetic imaging reveal the causative fault of the 2009 Mw 6.0 Karonga, Malawi earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolawole, F.; Atekwana, E. A.; Laó-Dávila, D. A.; Abdelsalam, M. G.; Chindandali, P. R.; Salima, J.; Kalindekafe, L.

2018-05-01

Seismic events of varying magnitudes have been associated with ruptures along unknown or incompletely mapped buried faults. The 2009 Mw 6.0 Karonga, Malawi earthquake caused a surface rupture length of 14-18 km along a single W-dipping fault [St. Mary Fault (SMF)] on the hanging wall of the North Basin of the Malawi Rift. Prior to this earthquake, there was no known surface expression or knowledge of the presence of this fault. Although the earthquake damage zone is characterized by surface ruptures and coseismic liquefaction-induced sand blows, the origin of the causative fault and the near-surface structure of the rupture zone are not known. We used high-resolution aeromagnetic and electrical resistivity data to elucidate the relationship between surface rupture locations and buried basement structures. We also acquired electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles along and across the surface rupture zone to image the near-surface structure of the damaged zone. We applied mathematical derivative filters to the aeromagnetic data to enhance basement structures underlying the rupture zone and surrounding areas. Although several magnetic lineaments are visible in the basement, mapped surface ruptures align with a single 37 km long, 148°-162°—striking magnetic lineament, and is interpreted as the ruptured normal fault. Inverted ERT profiles reveal three regional geoelectric layers which consist of 15 m thick layer of discontinuous zones of high and low resistivity values, underlain by a 27 m thick zone of high electrical resistivity (up to 100 Ω m) and a basal layer of lower resistivity (1.0-6.0 Ω m) extending from 42 m depth downwards (the maximum achieved depth of investigation). The geoelectric layers are truncated by a zone of electrical disturbance (electrical mélange) coinciding with areas of coseismic surface rupturing and sediment liquefaction along the ruptured. Our study shows that the 2009 Karonga earthquake was associated with the partial rupture of the buried SMF, and illuminates other potential seismogenic buried faults within the Karonga area of the North Basin. Although our electrical surveys were conducted 6 yr after the 2009 Karonga earthquake, we observe that near-surface lenses of electrically conductive sediments imaged by our ERT profiles, coincide with zones of coseismic surface rupture and liquefaction sand blows. We suggest that the presence of these preserved near-surface lenses of potentially water-saturated sand pose potential hazard in the event of a future earthquake in the area. In addition, our ERT profiles reveal structures that could represent relics of previous earthquake events along the SMF. In addition, our study demonstrates that the integration of ERT and aeromagnetic data can be very useful in illuminating seismogenic buried faults, thereby significantly improving seismic hazard analysis in tectonically active areas.

Identifying structural styles in Colombia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wilson, W.P.; Van Nieuwenhuise, R.E.; Steuer, M.R.

1996-08-01

Much of our understanding of the Earth is from the study of surface geology and seismic, but many surface structures are responses to deformation which occurred below sedimentary layers. The practice within the petroleum industry is to use top-down processes of analyzing the surface to understand the subsurface, and observed surface structural styles tend to influence seismic interpretations. Yet many conditions which influenced the structural styles seen at the surface are different at depth. Since seismic is a time representation of the Earth, many interpretation pitfalls may exist within areas of complex geology. Also, its reliability decreases with depth andmore » with increasing geologic complexity. Forward modeling and pre-stack depth migration technologies are used to provide true depth images of the seismic data. Even with these advances in seismic imaging technology, the interpreter needs to incorporate additional data into the interpretation. Accurate structural identification requires the interpreter to integrate seismic with surface geology, remote sensing, gravity, magnetic data, geochemistry, fault-plane solutions from earthquakes, and regional tectonic studies. Incorporating these types of data into the interpretation will help us learn how basement is involved in the deformation of overlying sediments. A study of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia shows the deformation to be dominantly transpressional in style. Euler deconvolution of the areomagnetic data shows a highly fractured basement, steep fault lineaments, en echelon structures, and complex fault patterns, all of which would be typical of wrench-type deformation. Available surface geology, regional studies, earthquake data, and forward modeling support this interpretation.« less

Application of satellite photographic and MSS data to selected geologic and natural resource problems in Pennsylvania. 1: Lineaments and mineral occurrences in Pennsylvania. 2: Relation of lineaments to sulfide deposits: Bald Eagle Mountain, Centre County, Pennsylvania. 3: Comparison of Skylab and LANDSAT lineaments with joint orientations in north central Pennsylvania

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kowalik, W. S.; Gold, D. P.; Krohn, M. D.

1975-01-01

Those metallic mineral occurrences in Pennsylvania are reported which lie near lineaments mapped from LANDSAT-1 satellite imagery and verified from Skylab photography where available. The lineaments were categorized by degree of expression and type of expression; the mineral occurrences were classified by host rock age, mineralization type, and value. The accompanying tables and figure document the mineral occurrences geographically associated with lineaments and serve as a base for a mineral exploration model.

The 26 May 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake fault observed by seismic data and satellite data based surface features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anggraini, Ade; Sobiesiak, Monika; Walter, Thomas R.

2010-05-01

The Mw 6.3 May 26, 2006 Yogyakarta Earthquake caused severe damage and claimed thousands lives in the Yogyakarta Special Province and Klaten District of Central Java Province. The nearby Opak River fault was thought to be the source of this earthquake disaster. However, no significant surface movement was observed along the fault which could confirm that this fault was really the source of the earthquake. To investigate the earthquake source and to understand the earthquake mechanism, a rapid response team of the German Task Force for Earthquake, together with the Seismological Division of Badan Meteorologi Klimatologi dan Geofisika and Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, had installed a temporary seismic network of 12 short period seismometers. More than 3000 aftershocks were recorded during the 3-month campaign. Here we present the result of several hundred processed aftershocks. We used integrated software package GIANTPitsa to pick P and S phases manually and HYPO71 to determine the hypocenters. HypoDD software was used for hypocenters relocation to obtain high precision aftershock locations. Our aftershock distribution shows a system of lineaments in southwest-northeast direction, about 10 km east to Opak River fault, at 5-18 km depth. The b-value map from the aftershocks shows that the main lineaments have relatively low b-value at the middle part which suggests this part is still under stress. We also observe several aftershock clusters cutting these lineaments in nearly perpendicular direction. To verify the interpretation of our aftershocks analysis, we will overlay it on surface feature we delineate from satellite data. Hopefully our result will give significant contribution to understand the near surface fault systems around Yogyakarta Area in order to mitigate similar earthquake hazard in the future.

A comparison of lineament and fracture trace extraction from LANDSAT ETM+ panchromatic band and panchromatic aerial photograph in Gunungsewu karst area, Java-Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haryono, E.; Widartono, B. S.; Lukito, H.; Kusumayuda, S. B.

2016-11-01

This paper aims at exploring interpretability of the panchromatic band of Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) compared to the panchromatic aerial photograph in lineament and fracture trace extraction. Special interest is addressed to karst terrain where lineaments and fracture traces are expressed by aligned valleys and closed depressions. The study area is an single aerial photographic coverage in the Gunungsewu Karst, Java-Indonesia which is characterized by a lineament-controlled cone karst and labyrinth-cone karst. The result shows that the recording time of the Landsat ETM+ with respect to the shadow resulting from the sun illumination angle is the key factor in the performance of lineament and fracture traces extraction. Directional filtering and slicing techniques significantly enhance the lineament interpretability of the panchromatic band of Landsat ETM+. The two methods result in more lineaments and fracture traces which T-test affirm in 0.001 and 0.004 significant levels. Length based lineament analysis attains a better result compared to frequency based analysis.

Geological indicators of a suspected seismic source from Peninsular India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Yogendra; John, Biju; P, Ganapathy G.; S, Divyalakshmi K.

2014-05-01

An increase in seismicity in Peninsular India during the last few decades has initiated various studies for identifying seismogenic structures and their behaviour. Even though few earthquakes occurred at well defined structures many of them occurred at unexpected locations where no previous seismicity reported. However, studies subsequent to the 1993 Latur earthquake as well as the studies at different parts of peninsular India, have led to the identification of pre-existing faults that have activated in the past. Studies elsewhere in the cratonic hinderland also show that the damaging earthquakes occur on pre-existing faults with a recurrence period of tens of thousands of year Studies subsequent to 1989 Wadakkancheri earthquake (M=4.3) identified Desamangalam fault which are capable of generating earthquakes. However, it is noted that a number of later events are occurring much south of the Desamangalam fault. We identified a set of NW-SE trending lineaments which are influencing the drainage pattern of the area. A network of paleochannels is also observed in the remote sensing analysis and field studies in this area. Regionally these lineaments meeting one of the major lineaments in central Kerala called Periyar lineament, in the south. Charnockite rocks constitutes the major rock type of the region. These rocks at places developed strong foliation similar to the lineament direction. Detailed field studies identified oblique movement (reverse and strike slip component) along NW-SE trending faults which are dipping south-west. The studies also find NNE-SSW trending vertical faults showing strike-slip movement. The damage zones of each of these faults bears different mineral precipitations and gouge injections of episodic nature. The presence of loose gouge may indicate the faulting is a much later development in the brittle regime. The sense of movement of the observed faults may indicate that the various river/drainage abandonment observed in the area are due to the movement of these faults. The correlation of the ongoing earthquake activity with these faults and their sense of movement akin to the present stress condition of Peninsular India and its episodic nature as well as its influence on the drainage network of the area may indicate that these faults may be adjusting to the present tectonic regime and are capable of producing moderate events. Key words Peninsular India, stress regime, lineaments, brittle deformation

Seismogeodynamics of lineament structures in the mountainous regions bordering the Scythian-Turan plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulomov, V. I.; Danilova, T. I.; Medvedeva, N. S.; Polyakova, T. P.

2006-07-01

The Scythian-Turan platform, together with the Alpine Iran-Caucasus-Anatolia and Hercynian Central Tien Shan orogenic structures adjacent to it, represents a coherent seismogeodynamic system responsible for regional seismicity features in the territory under consideration. Investigations of the spatiotemporal and energy evolution of seismogeodynamic processes along the main lineament structures of the orogen reveal characteristic features directly related to the prediction of seismic hazard in this region, as well as in southern European Russia. These characteristics primarily include kinematic features in the sequences of seismic events of various magnitudes and an ordered migration of seismic activation, enabling the more or less reliable determination of the occurrence time intervals (years) and areas of forthcoming large earthquakes (magnitudes of 7.0 ± 0.2, 7.5 ± 0.2, and 8.0 ± 0.2).

Reconstruction of the strain pattern in the Somma-Vesuvius area: field and remote sensing analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Assisi Tramparulo, Francesco; Bisson, Marina; Isaia, Roberto; Tadini, Alessandro; Vitale, Stefano

2016-04-01

Keywords: Somma-Vesuvio, structural analysis, volcano-tectonics. This study present a detailed structural analysis of the Somma-Vesuvio (SV) volcanic complex that couples field data about faults, fractures and dykes with the analysis of lineaments identified from high-resolution (1m) DTM deriving from LiDAR data. Field data were collected within the SV caldera,in some quarries along the volcano flanks, and in few outcrops along the carbonate reliefs bounding the southern sector of the Campania plain. A total of 8,500 orientation data have been analyzed through rose diagrams and inversion methods while a total of more than 4,000 lineaments were identified after the analyses of multiple hill shades obtained by applying different pseudo-illuminations (from NW, NE, SE and SW) and appropriate filters to the original DTM. Results indicate a complex interaction between volcanic (local) and tectonic (regional) stress fields. The preliminary analysis of lineaments indicate that most of them are radial with respect to the center of the caldera, however a "tectonic" component is present, mainly represented by the NNE-SSW, ENE-WSW and the well-known Apenninic (NW-SE) direction.

Quantitative dating of Pleistocene terrace deposits of the Kyrenia Range, northern Cyprus: implications for timing, rates of uplift and driving mechanisms in an incipient collision zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palamakumbura, Romesh; Robertson, Alastair; Kinnaird, Tim; van Calsteren, Peter; Kroon, Dick; Tait, Jenny

2016-04-01

The Kyrenia Range is a narrow E-W trending mountain range up to c. 180 km long by up to ca. 20 km wide, which is located <100 km south of the Anatolian orogenic plateau within the easternmost Mediterranean Sea. The Kyrenia Range structural lineament underwent tectonically driven uplift mainly during the Pleistocene in a setting dominated by incipient continental collision. The likely driver of the uplift was the collision of the Eratosthenes Seamount, an inferred promontory of north Africa, with a subduction zone located to the south of Cyprus. To help understand the tectonic processes driving the uplift of the Kyrenia Range several quantitative techniques have been used to date uplift-related terrace deposits exposed on the northern flank of the range. Uranium-series disequilibrium (U-series) dating provides ages of 127, 131 and 242 ka from solitary coral in shallow-marine deposits of the lowest terraces, whereas optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating gives ages of 53 and 76 ka from coastal aeolianite deposits. Prior to major tectonic uplift a shallow-marine carbonate-depositing sea existed in the vicinity of the Kyrenia Range. Some of the youngest pre-uplift marine carbonates yielded a reversed magnetic polarity, which constrains them as older than the last palaeomagnetic reversal (0.78 Ma). The combined evidence suggests that marine environments persisted into the Early Pleistocene, prior to major surface uplift of the Kyrenia Range lineament, which appears to have climaxed in the Mid-Pleistocene. The inferred uplift rates of the Kyrenia Range lineament range from >1.2 mm/yr during the Mid-Pleistocene to <0.2 mm/yr during the Late Pleistocene. The uplift rates of the Kyrenia Range appear to be, on average, significantly faster than those inferred for some adjacent regions of the Eastern Mediterranean during the Pleistocene (e.g. Lebanon coast; Anatolian plateau southern margin). The new data also suggest that the Kyrenia Range was uplifted contemporaneously with the ophiolitic Troodos Massif in southern Cyprus, which is in keeping with the model of regional-scale collision of the Eratosthenes Seamount with the Cyprus trench. The uplift of the Kyrenia Range lineament took place directly adjacent to the southern margin of the much larger Anatolian orogenic plateau, which was also mainly uplifted during the Pleistocene. The timing and processes involved in the uplift of the Kyrenia Range lineament are relevant to long-term processes of continental accretion and plateau uplift. On a longer timescale, the uplift of the Kyrenia Range in an incipient collisional setting can be seen as a step towards final accretion into a larger Anatolian orogenic plateau as collision intensifies. Terranes similar to the Kyrenia Range lineament may therefore exist embedded within the uplifted margins of orogenic plateaus in other areas of the world (e.g. southern Tibet).

The Evil Twin of Agenor: More Evidence for Tectonic Convergence on Europa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenberg, R.; Hurford, T.

2003-03-01

Reconstruction along a lineament similar to Agenor, but located diametrically opposite, indicates it is a convergence site, confirming hypotheses that similar features elsewhere formed that way and helping solve the surface-area budget problem.

Applicability of ERTS-1 to Montana geology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weidman, R. M. (Principal Investigator); Alt, D. D.; Berg, R. A.; Johns, W. M.; Flood, R. E.; Hawley, K. T.; Wackwitz, L. K.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. A detailed band 7 ERTS-1 lineament map covering western Montana and northern Idaho has been prepared and is being evaluated by direct comparison with geologic maps, by statistical plots of lineaments and known faults, and by field checking. Lineament patterns apparent in the Idaho and Boulder batholiths do not correspond to any known geologic structures. A band 5 mosaic of Montana and adjacent areas has been laid and a lineament annotation prepared for comparison with the band 7 map. All work to date indicates that ERTS-1 imagery is very useful for revealing patterns of high-angle faults, though much less useful for mapping rock units and patterns of low-angle faults. Large-scale mosaics of U-2 photographs of three test sites have been prepared for annotation and comparison with ERTS-1 maps. Mapping of Quaternary deposits in the Glacial Lake Missoula basin using U-2 color infrared transparencies has been successful resulting in the discovery of some deposits not previously mapped. Detailed work has been done for Test Site 354 D using ERTS-1 imagery; criteria for recognition of several rock types have been found. Photogeologic mapping for southeastern Montana suggest Wasatch deposits where none shown of geologic map.

The major tectonic boundaries of the Northern Red Sea rift, Egypt derived from geophysical data analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleh, Salah; Pamukçu, Oya; Brimich, Ladislav

2017-09-01

In the present study, we have attempted to map the plate boundary between Arabia and Africa at the Northern Red Sea rift region including the Suez rift, Gulf of Aqaba-Dead Sea transform and southeastern Mediterranean region by using gravity data analysis. In the boundary analysis method which was used; low-pass filtered gravity anomalies of the Northern Red Sea rift region were computed. Different crustal types and thicknesses, sediment thicknesses and different heat flow anomalies were evaluated. According to the results, there are six subzones (crustal blocks) separated from each other by tectonic plate boundaries and/or lineaments. It seems that these tectonic boundaries reveal complex structural lineaments, which are mostly influenced by a predominant set of NNW-SSE to NW-SE trending lineaments bordering the Red Sea and Suez rift regions. On the other side, the E-W and N-S to NNE-SSW trended lineaments bordering the South-eastern Mediterranean, Northern Sinai and Aqaba-Dead Sea transform regions, respectively. The analysis of the low pass filtered Bouguer anomaly maps reveals that the positive regional anomaly over both the Red Sea rift and South-eastern Mediterranean basin subzones are considered to be caused by the high density of the oceanic crust and/or the anomalous upper mantle structures beneath these regions whereas, the broad medium anomalies along the western half of Central Sinai with the Suez rift and the Eastern Desert subzones are attributed to low-density sediments of the Suez rift and/or the thick upper continental crustal thickness below these zones. There are observable negative anomalies over the Northern Arabia subzone, particularly in the areas covered by Cenozoic volcanics. These negative anomalies may be attributed to both the low densities of the surface volcanics and/or to a very thick upper continental crust. On the contrary, the negative anomaly which belongs to the Gulf of Aqaba-Dead Sea transform zone is due to crustal thickening (with limited heat flow values) below this region. Additionally in this study, the crustal thinning was investigated with heat flow, magnetic and free air gravity anomalies in the Northern Red Sea rift region. In fact, the crustal thinning of the study area was also proportional to the regions of observable high heat flow values. Finally, our results were found to be well correlated with the topography, free air, aeromagnetic and heat flow dataset profiles crossing most of the study area.

Lineament analysis of mineral areas of interest in Afghanistan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hubbard, Bernard E.; Mack, Thomas J.; Thompson, Allyson L.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this report and accompanying GIS data is to provide lineament maps that give one indication of areas that warrant further investigation for optimal bedrock water-well placement within 24 target areas for mineral resources (Peters and others, 2011). These data may also support the identification of faults related to modern seismic hazards (for example, Wheeler and others, 2005; Ruleman and others, 2007), as well as support studies attempting to understand the relationship between tectonic and structural controls on hydrothermal fluid flow, subsequent mineralization, and water-quality issues near mined and unmined mineral deposits (for example, Eppinger and others, 2007).

Modeling of 3d Space-time Surface of Potential Fields and Hydrogeologic Modeling of Nuclear Waste Disposal Sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shestopalov, V.; Bondarenko, Y.; Zayonts, I.; Rudenko, Y.

Introduction After the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP) disaster (04.26.1986) a huge amount (over 2000 sq. km) of nuclear wastes appeared within so-called "Cher- nobyl Exclusion Zone" (CEZ). At present there are not enough storage facilities in the Ukraine for safe disposal of nuclear wastes and hazardous chemical wastes. The urgent problem now is safe isolation of these dangerous wastes. According to the developed state program of radioactive waste management, the construction of a na- tional storage facility of nuclear wastes is planned. It is also possible to create regional storage facilities for hazardous chemical wastes. The region of our exploration cov- ers the eastern part of the Korosten Plutone and its slope, reaching the CNPP. 3D Space-Time Surface Imaging of Geophysical Fields. There are only three direct meth- ods of stress field reconstruction in present practice, namely the field investigations based on the large-scale fracturing tests, petrotectonic and optical polarization meth- ods. Unfortunately, all these methods are extremely laborious and need the regular field tests, which is difficult to conduct in the areas of anisotropic rock outcrops. A compilation of magnetic and gravity data covering the CNPP area was carried out as a prelude to an interpretation study. More than thirty map products were generated from magnetic, gravity and geodesy data to prepare the 3D Space-Time Surface Images (3D STSI). Multi-layer topography and geophysic surfaces included: total magnetic intensity, isostatically-corrected Bouguer gravity, aspect and slope, first and second derivatives, vertical and horizontal curvature, histogram characteristics and space cor- relation coefficients between the gradient fields. Many maps shows the first and sec- ond derivatives of the potential fields, with the results of lineament (edge) structure detection superimposed. The lineament or edges of the potential fields are located from maximal gradient in many directions extracted from the total vertical and hori- zontal gradient respectively, both shaded from the 5 northeast to 355 northwest. The dip of multi-layer surfaces indicates the down -"gradient" direction in the fields. The methodology of 3D STSI is based on the analysis of vertical and horizontal anisotropy of gravity and magnetic fields, as well as of multi-layer 3D space-time surface model (3D STSM) of the stress fields. The 3D STSM is multi-layer topology structure of 1 lineaments or gradients (edges) and surfaces calculated by uniform matrices of the geophysical fields. One of the information components of the stress fields character- istics is the aspects and slopes for compressive and tensile stresses. Overlaying of the 3D STSI and lineaments with maps of multi-layer gradients enables to create highly reliable 3D Space-Time Kinematic Model "3D STKM". The analysis of 3D STKM in- cluded: - the space-time reconstruct of forces direction and strain distribution scheme during formation of geological structures and structural paragenesis (lineaments) of potential fields; - predict the real location of expected tectonic dislocations, zones of rock fracturing and disintegration, and mass-stable blocks. Based on these data, the 3D STSM are drawn which reflect the geodynamics of territory development on the ground of paleotectonic reconstruction of successive activity stages having formed the present-day lithosphere. Thus three-dimensional STSM allows to construct an un- mixing geodynamic processes in any interval of fixed space-time in coordinates x, y, t(z). The integrated of the 3D STSM and 3D seismic models enables also to create structural-kinematic and geodynamic maps of the Earth's crust at different depth. As a result, the classification of CNPP areas is performed into zones of compressive and tensile stresses characterized by enhanced permeability of rocks, and zones of consoli- dation with minimal rocks permeability. In addition, the vertically alternating zones of extension and consolidation are identified. These data correlate with results of seismic and mining works. Hydrogeological 3D Model. The hydrogeological 3D Model de- velopment starts from the upper hydrodynamic zone, for which the data are available on hydraulic parameters. After calibration of the upper model elements, the deep part of the model is developed using data about the permeability structure of the crystalline rock massif, obtained from the 3D STSM. The results of analysis and the discrepancy of hydrodynamic regime modeling are used to refine the 3D Model for the rocks per- meability structure. This iterative process of consecutive correlation and refinement of model may be repeated many times. As a result of this technique implementation, the areas of active and very slow water exchange are found, and the system is revealed of vertically alternating zones of enhanced filtration and weak permeability. Based on these data, the sites are pre-selected, which are prospective for subsequently more detailed works on grounding the possibility of nuclear wastes isolation in geological formations. The use of the methodology described above is expedient at the stage of more detailed works, if the corresponding complex is provided of geophysical, hydro- geological, field testing and modeling investigations. Summary Successful testing of 3D STSM technology was carried out starting from 1997 till 1999 by the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Nuclear Safety of Ukraine during the realization of the project "Choosing the favorable geological structures for safe isolation of dangerous nuclear wastes of Chernobyl NPP". The performed works enabled us to draw prelim- inary 3D Space-Time Surface Model, structural-kinematic and geodynamic map of 2 the region understudy. As a result, two regions were selected, which are characterized by existence of geodynamic processes of cooling, thermal shrinkage and structural substance compression of geospace medium. Such regions seem to be the most per- spective for deep burials of nuclear wastes. The first structure is located in rapakivi granites within the eastern side of the Korosten Plutone (near Stanishovka village), 45 km south-west of Chernobyl, the second one - in the same rocks within the north- eastern part of the Korosten Plutone, 80 km west of Chernobyl. Acknowledgements The 3D STSM technology was being developed by Y. Bondarenko. I. Zayonts su- pervised the collecting and interpretation of the geologic and geophysical data. The hydrogeological 3D Model was being developed by V. Shestopalov and Y. Rudenko. This presentation uses data and survey results acquired during project "Choosing the favorable geological structures for safe isolation of dangerous nuclear wastes of Cher- nobyl NPP". 3

CLustre: semi-automated lineament clustering for palaeo-glacial reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Mike; Anders, Niels; Keesstra, Saskia

2016-04-01

Palaeo glacial reconstructions, or "inversions", using evidence from the palimpsest landscape are increasingly being undertaken with larger and larger databases. Predominant in landform evidence is the lineament (or drumlin) where the biggest datasets number in excess of 50,000 individual forms. One stage in the inversion process requires the identification of lineaments that are generically similar and then their subsequent interpretation in to a coherent chronology of events. Here we present CLustre, a semi-authomated algorithm that clusters lineaments using a locally adaptive, region growing, method. This is initially tested using 1,500 model runs on a synthetic dataset, before application to two case studies (where manual clustering has been undertaken by independent researchers): (1) Dubawnt Lake, Canada and (2) Victoria island, Canada. Results using the synthetic data show that classifications are robust in most scenarios, although specific cases of cross-cutting lineaments may lead to incorrect clusters. Application to the case studies showed a very good match to existing published work, with differences related to limited numbers of unclassified lineaments and parallel cross-cutting lineaments. The value in CLustre comes from the semi-automated, objective, application of a classification method that is repeatable. Once classified, summary statistics of lineament groups can be calculated and then used in the inversion.

Kinematics and age of Early Tertiary trench parallel volcano-tectonic lineaments in southern Mexico: Tectonic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martini, M.; Ferrari, L.; Lopez Martinez, M.; Cerca Martinez, M.; Serrano Duran, L.

2007-05-01

We present new geological, structural, and geochronological data that constrain the timing and geometry of Early Tertiary strike slip deformation in southwestern Mexico and its relation with the concurrent magmatic activity. Geologic mapping in Guerrero and Michoacan States documented two regional WNW trending volcano-tectonic lineaments sub parallel to the present trench. The southernmost lineament runs for ~140 km from San Miguel Totolapan area (NW Guerrero) to Sanchiqueo (SE Michoacan), and passes through Ciudad Altamirano. Its southeastern part is marked by the alignment of at least eleven silicic to intermediate major domes as well as by the course of the Balsas River. The northwestern part of the lineament is characterized by ductile left lateral shear zones in Early Tertiary plutonic rocks observed in the Rio Chiquito valley. Domes near Ciudad Altamirano are unaffected by ductile shearing and yielded a ~42 Ma 40Ar/39Ar age, setting a minimum age for this deformation. The northern volcano-tectonic lineament runs for ~190 km between the areas of Huitzuco in northern Guerrero and the southern part of the Tzitzio fold in eastern Michoacan. The Huautla, Tilzapotla, Taxco, La Goleta and Nanchititla silicic centers (all in the range 37-34 Ma) are emplaced along this lineament, which continues to the WNW trough a mafic dike swarm exposed north of Tiquicheo (37-35 Ma) and the Purungueo subvolcanic body (~42 Ma). These rocks, unaffected by ductile shearing, give a minimum age of deformation similar to the southern Totolapan-Sanquicheo lineament. Post ~42 Ma deformation is essentially brittle and is characterized by several left lateral and right lateral transcurrent faults with typical Riedel patterns. Other trench-parallel left lateral shear zones active in pre-Oligocene times were recently reported in western Oaxaca. The recognizing of Early Tertiary trench-parallel and left-lateral ductile shearing in internal areas of southern Mexico suggest a field of widely distributed flow and shear zones with relatively small individual displacement that might represent an immature stage of the developing North American-Caribbean plate boundary. The documented transition from ductile to brittle deformation and the localization of shearing and volcanism in the Late Eocene may be related to the focusing of inter-plate deformation in a discrete left lateral transcurrent North America-Caribbean boundary. The opening of the Cayman Through at ~49 Ma may have accelerated this process.

Interpretation of fault-controlled ramp structures in sedimentary basins - example from Caspian Sea using Landsat TM data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iranpanah, A.

1989-03-01

Lineaments on a series of edge-enhanced images (TM data) from a region around the Caspian Sea form a geomorphically significant linear trend along the major Caucasus-Kopeh Dagh fault line. This fault represents the line of collision between the Cimmerian continents and the Turan plate on the south and north, respectively. The lineament zone manifests a ramp structure that forms a relatively narrow topographic high in the Caspian Sea. Paleogeographic studies of the Caspian Sea suggest that the basin is part of the eastern Paratethys, which began to develop in the early Paleogene during the Alpine-Himalayan uplift. On the basis ofmore » the lineaments and associated geomorphic features, the Caspian Sea can be divided into southern, central, and the northern Caspian subbasins. The Caucasus-Kopeh Dagh fault line trends N80/degrees/W and separates the southern Caspian from the central subbasin, approximately along 40/degrees/N latitude. The boundary between the central and the northern subbasins is also a linear topographic high which trends N70/degrees/E and lies approximately at 44/degrees/N latitude. The southern and central subbasins have subequal areal extension covering 35.64% and the 36.63% of the whole sea, whereas the northern subbasin occupies only 27.73% of the basin.« less

Interpretation of aeromagnetic data in the Jameson Land Basin, central East Greenland: Structures and related mineralized systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brethes, Anaïs; Guarnieri, Pierpaolo; Rasmussen, Thorkild Maack; Bauer, Tobias Erich

2018-01-01

This paper provides a detailed interpretation of several aeromagnetic datasets over the Jameson Land Basin in central East Greenland. The interpretation is based on texture and lineament analysis of magnetic data and derivatives of these, in combination with geological field observations. Numerous faults and Cenozoic intrusions were identified and a chronological interpretation of the events responsible for the magnetic features is proposed built on crosscutting relationships and correlated with absolute ages. Lineaments identified in enhanced magnetic data are compared with structures controlling the mineralized systems occurring in the area and form the basis for the interpretations presented in this paper. Several structures associated with base metal mineralization systems that were known at a local scale are here delineated at a larger scale; allowing the identification of areas displaying favorable geological settings for mineralization. This study demonstrates the usefulness of high-resolution airborne magnetic data for detailed structural interpretation and mineral exploration in geological contexts such as the Jameson Land Basin.

Structures and lithofacies of inferred silicic conduits in the Paraná-Etendeka LIP, southernmost Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simões, M. S.; Lima, E. F.; Sommer, C. A.; Rossetti, L. M. M.

2018-04-01

Extensive silicic units in the Paraná-Etendeka LIP have been long interpreted as pyroclastic density currents (rheomorphic ignimbrites) derived from the Messum Complex in Namibia. In recent literature, however, they have been characterized as effusive lava flows and domes. In this paper we describe structures and lithofacies related to postulated silicic lava feeder conduits at Mato Perso, São Marcos and Jaquirana-Cambará do Sul areas in southern Brazil. Inferred conduits are at least 15-25 m in width and the lithofacies include variably vesicular monomictic welded and non-welded breccias in the margins to poorly vesicular, banded, spherulitic and microfractured vitrophyres in the central parts. Flat-lying coherent vitrophyres and massive obsidian are considered to be the subaerial equivalents of the conduits. Large-scale, regional tectonic structures in southern Brazil include the NE-SW aligned Porto Alegre Suture, Leão and Açotea faults besides the Antas Lineament, a curved tectonic feature accompanying the bed of Antas river. South of the Antas Lineament smaller-scale, NW-SE lineaments limit the exposure areas of the inferred conduits. NE-SW and subordinate NW-SE structures within this smaller-scale lineaments are represented by the main postulated conduit outcrops and are parallel to the dominant sub-vertical banding in the widespread banded vitrophyre lithofacies. Upper lava flows display flat-lying foliation, pipe-like and spherical vesicles and have better developed microlites. Petrographic characteristics of the silicic vitrophyres indicate that crystal-poor magmas underwent distinct cooling paths for each inferred conduit area. The vitrophyre chemical composition is defined by the evolution of trachydacitic/dacitic vitrophyres with 62-65 wt% SiO2 to rhyodacite and rhyolite with 66-68 wt% SiO2. The more evolved rocks are assigned to the latest intrusive grey vitrophyre outcropping in the center of the conduits. Degassing pathways formed during fragmentation and fracturing episodes within the conduits may have helped to inhibit the explosivity of the eruptions. Based on the documented lithofacies architecture, we attribute the source of the silicic lava flows in the studied localities to tectonic-controlled, local conduits, rather than pyroclastic density currents from distant vent areas.

Geological evaluation and applications of ERTS-1 imagery over Georgia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pickering, S. M.; Jones, R. C.

1974-01-01

ERTS-1 70mm and 9 x 9 film negatives are being used by conventional and color enhancement methods as a tool for geologic investigation. Geologic mapping and mineral exploration by conventional methods is very difficult in Georgia. Thick soil cover and heavy vegetation cause outcrops of bed rock to be small, rare and obscure. ERTS imagery, and remote sensing in general have helped delineate: (1) major tectonic boundaries; (2) lithologic contacts; (3) foliation trends; (4) topographic lineaments; and (5) faults. The ERTS-1 MSS imagery yields the greatest amount of geologic information on the Piedomont, Blue Ridge, and Valley and Ridge Provinces of Georgia where topography is strongly controlled by the bedrock geology. ERTS imagery, and general remote sensing techniques, have provided us with a powerful tool to assist geologic research; have significantly increased the mapping efficiency of our field geologists; have shown new lineaments associated with known shear and fault zones; have delineated new structural features; have provided a tool to re-evaluate our tectonic history; have helped to locate potential ground water sources and areas of aquifer recharge; have defined areas of geologic hazards; have shown areas of heavy siltation in major reservoirs; and by its close interval repetition, have aided in monitoring surface mine reclamation activities and the environmental protection of our intricate marshland system.

Examples of Deep Seated Gravitational Slope Deformations in the central part of the Lower Beskids, (the Polish Flysch Carpathians)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zatorski, Michał

2016-04-01

The Lower Beskids are located between the western and eastern parts of the Carpathian flysch belt, whereas the low altitudes of passes and ridges in this region have until now been identified mainly with the differences in bedrock resistance. In the light of contemporary information regarding the geology of this area, the hypothesis of the gravitational placement of large tectonic elements has become topical again. A particularly interesting area is the ridge and foreland of the Magura Wątkowska, bordering in the north with the Sanok-Jasło Pits (a denudation valley). This edge zone of the Lower Beskids has a complicated geological structure, i.e. it constitutes a tectonic contact of the Magura Unit and the Central Carpathian Depression (the depressed part of the Silesian nappe). During the field research and analyses regarding the identification of morphostructural elements, the important role of various kinds of lineaments was observed. Some of the inventoried lineaments were, e.g. large size faults or effects of the impact of tectonic processes on bedrock. Structures in the rock (cracks, faults) accompanying them are important in determining the type of macro scale gravitational movements. The outer part of fold structures in the foreland of the Magura Wątkowska shows the rotation around the longitudinal syncline axis, and is an excellent research field for a comprehensive analysis of gravitational movements, both of the basin type and the DSGSD (Deep Seated Gravitational Slope Deformations) type. Determining the types of tectonic lineaments was based on a review of selected directions in the context of the course of tectonic structures in the study area. On that basis, lineaments were classified into two morphogenetic groups, i.e. structures that do not result in visible movements relative to the analyzed rock massif (cracks), and those causing the displacement of the rock massif (faults, overthrust). Using the directional and contour diagrams generated by measuring the spatial orientation of joint planes, gravitational macrocomplexes with a characteristic joint system were singled out. Next, by correlating them with fault zones, a morphogenetic analysis was performed the result of which was a precise characterization of the type of gravitational morphogenetic processes in the meso scale (e.g. large rock landslides) as well as in the macro scale (the basin type or DSGSD). Ultimately, the research results were used to classify lineaments in the context of the structural control of the Carpathian Mountains (gravity development of macro scale landforms) and to reinterpret the spatial interdependence of landforms (e.g. ridge, ridge-top trenches and rifts) with the geological structure. The research conducted so far indicates a variety of macro scale movements in the edge zone of the research area. Based on the morphotectonic analysis performed so far, the following examples of displacement have been found: lateral spreading, toppling, and rotation movement. The effects of these movements are associated with both the basin phases and the DSGSD, so they play an important morphogenetic role, leading to the fragmentation of the morphological threshold of the Lower Beskids, and to the development of characteristic structural landforms.

Seismic Evaluation Causative Fault Study, Missouri River, Oahe Dam - Lake Oahe, South Dakota.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-01

known as the Colorado Lineament, which is described in section 3.5. 3. Previous Lineament Studies. 3.1 General. The concept of linears and lineaments...feature known as the Colorado Lineament (Warner, 1978). This feature, shown in Plate 8, is described an a middle 1 5 Precmbrian wrench fault system...extending from northern Arizona to estern ~ Minnesota, over 1,000 miles (1,600 kin) long and 40 miles (65 kin) wide. The Colorado Lineamnent passes from

The stream net as an indicator of cryptic systematic fracturing in Louisiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCulloh, R.P.

2003-01-01

The stream net in many parts of Louisiana includes straight reaches with preferred alignment in a few directions, with some examples spanning tens of kilometers. In places the reaches form classic rectangular drainage patterns. These characteristics are obvious on maps at a variety of scales, and are recognizable on some portion of nearly every 7.5-minute quadrangle in the state, excepting those quadrangles situated entirely within the Ho??ocene coastal marshes or the Holocene flood plains of the larger rivers. Such patterns of lineaments are reminiscent of patterns associated with systematic fracturing in other regions. In Louisiana, however, verification and measurement of fractures that may exist in the vicinity of rectilinear drainage anomalies is problematic because surface deposits are comparatively young and sparsely exposed, and tend, especially near waterways, to be heavily weathered and vegetated. An indirect approach to evaluating the potential influence on drainage by fracturing involves evaluating the frequency distribution of stream-course orientations based on its degree of similarity with that of the strikes of previously mapped or reported fractures (faults and/or joints). A rose diagram of orientation frequencies for the stream net of the entire state, created utilizing a publicly available line dataset processed into 100-m segments (N 290,000), shows a nonrandom distribution with three visually identifiable trends: the strongest, oriented essentially N-S; a subsidiary trend oriented N20??-30??W; and a weak trend oriented N80??-90??W. The entire population of orientations yields a mean direction of N17.5??W ?? 4.2?? with a probability of 95 percent. The strike frequencies of mapped faults show little correspondence with these trends. This suggests, if mapped faults are at least representative of actual faults, that insofar as apparent lineaments reflect structure and not the influence of a south-southeasterly regional drainage gradient, they predominantly reveal the influence of joints. These could reflect either a Quaternary stress regime, or propagation in young sediment of a structural pattern in underlying older strata. The data available at present do not compel either interpretation, though in south Louisiana at least, where reactivated early Tertiary growth faults have surface expression that in places is juxtaposed with differently oriented drainage lineaments, propagation of a preexisting pattern from depth appears plausible. Widespread systematic fracturing in this predominantly Quaternary coastal-plain setting could have important implications for groundwater flow and for other processes that depend substantially on permeability.

Equatorial Pacific gravity lineaments: interpretations with basement topography along seismic reflection lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, Neil C.; Davies, Huw

2018-03-01

The central equatorial Pacific is interesting for studying clues to upper mantle processes, as the region lacks complicating effects of continental remnants or major volcanic plateaus. In particular, the most recently produced maps of the free-air gravity field from satellite altimetry show in greater detail the previously reported lineaments west of the East Pacific Rise (EPR) that are aligned with plate motion over the mantle and originally suggested to have formed from mantle convection rolls. In contrast, the gravity field 600 km or farther west of the EPR reveals lineaments with varied orientations. Some are also parallel with plate motion over the mantle but others are sub-parallel with fracture zones or have other orientations. This region is covered by pelagic sediments reaching 500-600 m thickness so bathymetry is not so useful for seeking evidence for plate deformation across the lineaments. We instead use depth to basement from three seismic reflection cruises. In some segments of these seismic data crossing the lineaments, we find that the co-variation between gravity and basement depth is roughly compatible with typical densities of basement rocks (basalt, gabbro or mantle), as expected for some explanations for the lineaments (e.g., mantle convection rolls, viscous asthenospheric inter-fingering or extensional deformation). However, some other lineaments are associated with major changes in basement depth with only subtle changes in the gravity field, suggesting topography that is locally supported by varied crustal thickness. Overall, the multiple gravity lineament orientations suggest that they have multiple origins. In particular, we propose that a further asthenospheric inter-fingering instability mechanism could occur from pressure variations in the asthenosphere arising from regional topography and such a mechanism may explain some obliquely oriented gravity lineaments that have no other obvious origin.

Ore controls in the Charters Towers goldfield, NE Australia: Constraints from geological, geophysical and numerical analyses

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kreuzer, O.P.; Blenkinsop, T.G.; Morrison, R.J.; Peters, S.G.

2007-01-01

The approach taken in this paper, namely synthesising a wealth of previous information with new data and a genetic model, in combination with integrated numerical analyses, led to new insights into the geological controls on the localisation of auriferous veins and residual prospectivity of the Charters Towers goldfield, NE Australia. The method also has implications for the assessment of other "mature" goldfields worldwide. Despite a number of different ore controls having operated within the Charters Towers goldfield, the controlling factors can be linked to a single genetic model for orogenic, granitoid-hosted lode-gold mineralisation in a brittle deformation regime (D4) of NE-SW to NNE-SSW shortening, under conditions of supralithostatic fluid pressure and low stress difference. Spatial autocorrelation results suggest district-scale alignment of the auriferous veins parallel to and overlapping with the ESE-WNW- to E-W-striking Charters Towers-Ravenswood lineament, a major crustal boundary in the basement to the Ravenswood batholith. At the camp-scale, auriferous veins have abundance and proximity relationships with NW-SE-, NNW-SSE-, NE-SW- and ENE-WSW-oriented lineaments, suggesting that structures that controlled gold deposition in one camp did not necessarily control mineralisation in other camps. Fractal dimensions obtained with the box-counting method range from 1.02 to 1.10, whereas veins in the Charters Towers City camp are characterised by a significantly higher fractal dimension of 1.28. This discrepancy may be taken to imply that most or all outcropping and near-surface deposits within the Charters Towers City camp have been found and that new discoveries are more likely to occur at greater levels of depth, or outside the boundaries of this camp. The new understanding has implications for the assessment of the residual prospectivity of the Charters Towers goldfield, where large areas of prospective rock types and structures (e.g., approximately 40% of the Charters Towers-Ravenswood lineament) are hidden under cover. This parameter space was inaccessible to the historic prospectors and has received relatively little attention from recent explorers. The following steps are suggested for the development of a targeting strategy for lode-gold exploration in areas of the goldfield under cover: (1) identify from geological and geophysical data the ENE-WSW (?? 15??) and NNW-SSE (?? 15??) striking structures and geological boundaries within a 20-km-wide corridor parallel to and centred upon the Charters Towers-Ravenswood lineament, the potential control on gold deposit distribution at the regional- to district-scale, (2) interpret from geological and geophysical data the distribution of pre-Middle Devonian granitoids within these areas that are the preferred host rocks of the payable gold deposits, (3) deduce from geophysical data the ENE-WSW (?? 15??) and NNW-SSE (?? 15??) striking structures that cut or bound the intrusions identified in step 2, (4) locate segments along the structures identified in step 3 that deviate most from the geometry of a straight line (e.g., potential bends or splays) and/or intersect other structures or geological contacts, or both, and (5) define and rank potential targets within the prospective areas identified in step 4 and systematically test the best ones. ?? 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydrogeological framework and geometry modeling via joint gravity and borehole parameters, the Nadhour-Sisseb-El Alem basin (central-eastern Tunisia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Souei, Ali; Atawa, Mohamed; Zouaghi, Taher

2018-03-01

The Nadhour-Sisseb-El Alem basin, in the central-eastern part of Tunisia, is characterized by the scarcity of surface and subsurface water resources. Although the aquifer systems of this basin are not well understood, the scarce water resources are subject to a high rate of exploitation leading to a significant drop in the level of the water table. This work presents correlation of gravity data with hydrogeological data in order to improve the knowledge of the deep structures and aquifer systems. Various geophysical filtering techniques (e.g., residual anomaly, upward continuation, horizontal gradient, and Euler deconvolution) applied to the complete Bouguer anomaly, deduce the deep structures and geometry of the basin and highlight gravity lineaments that correspond to the tectonic features. The structural framework of the Nadhour-Sisseb-El Alem hydrogeological basin shows N-S to NNE-SSW and E-W oriented structures that should be related to tectonic deformations. In addition to the faults, previously recognized, new lineaments are highlighted by the present work. They correspond to NE-, NW-, E- and N- trending faults that have controlled structuring and geometry of the basin. 2D gravity forward modeling, based on the interpretation of geophysical, geological and hydrogeological data, led to a better understanding of the basin geometry and spatial distribution of the Campanian-Maastrichtian and Cenozoic potential aquifers. Three hydrogeological sub-basins identified include the Nadhour sub-basin in the north, the El Alem sub-Basin in the South and the Etrabelsia sub-Basin in the East. These sub-basins are marked by a thickening of deposits, are separated by the Sisseb-Fadeloun raised structure of Neogene and Quaternary thinned series. The results allow the determination of limit conditions for the basin hydrodynamic evolution and explain some anomalies on the quantity and quality of the groundwater. They provide a management guide for water resources prospection in Atlassic basins in North Africa.

Drone based structural mapping at Holuhraun indicates fault reactivation and complexity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, Daniel; Walter, Thomas R.; Steinke, Bastian; Witt, Tanja; Schoepa, Anne; Duerig, Tobi; Gudmundsson, Magnus T.

2016-04-01

Accompanied by an intense seismic swarm in August 2014, a dike laterally formed, starting under Icelands Vatnajökull glacier, propagating over a distance of more than 45 km within only two weeks, leading to the largest eruption by volume since the 1783-84 Laki eruption. Along its propagation path, the dike caused intense surface displacements up to meters. Based on seismicity, GPS and InSAR, the propagation has already been analysed and described as segmented lateral dike growth. We now focus on few smaller regions of the dike. We consider the Terrasar-X tandem digital elevation map and aerial photos and find localized zones where structural fissures formed and curved. At these localized, regions we performed a field campaign in summer 2015, applying the close range remote sensing techniques Structure from Motion (SfM) and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS). Over 4 TLS scan were collected, along with over 5,000 aerial images. Point clouds from SfM and TLS are merged and compared, and local structural lineaments analysed. As a result, we obtained an unprecedentedly high-resolution digital elevation map. With this map, we analyse the structural expression of the fissure eruption at the surface and improve understanding on the conditions that influenced the magma propagation path. We elaborate scenarios that lead to complexities of the surface structures and the link to the underlying dike intrusion.

Neotectonics of the Vajont dam site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mantovani, Franco; Vita-Finzi, Claudio

2003-08-01

The disastrous Vajont landslide (NE Italy) of 9 October 1963 is generally thought to have occurred on an existing failure surface. Reassessment of the morphological and structural evidence suggests that movement was on a normal fault plane which had juxtaposed Cretaceous limestone and highly fractured rock debris, thus rendering the dam site unusually susceptible to massive sliding. The proposed fault is consistent in strike with the regional lineament pattern. Although movement was triggered by the combined effects of heavy rainfall and changes in reservoir level, there is circumstantial evidence that seismicity played a contributory part in mobilising the slide by increasing pore pressure at the base of the slide as well as by any associated shaking.

Application of remote sensing data to structural analysis of the East Kalimantan, Indonesia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moriya, Shunji; Nishidai, Takashi

1996-07-01

JERS-1 SAR and LANDSAT TM images of the northern Kutei Basin, East Kalimantan, Indonesia were geologically interpreted. The focus of the study is on the structural analysis of the Samarinda Anticlinorium located in the onshore area of the Kutei Basin. In the Samarinda Anticlinorium, N-S folds and thrusts are well developed in the Tertiary sediments. They are believed to have been formed during the Middle Miocene or later. In addition to the N-S structure, an extensive NW-SE lineament traversing the central part of the study area can be identified on the images. Image interpretation reveals that this lineament is amore » major fault formed before the Oligocene. Noticeable differences in the N-S structure are recognized at the north and south of this NW-SE fault, Lithology and thickness of the sediments overlying the basement are remarkably different at the north and south of the fault. These may be responsible for the differences in the N-S structure of the northern and southern Anticlinorium.« less

Near-Surface Geophysical Imaging of Deformation Associated with the Daytona Beach Sand Blow Deposits, Lee County, Arkansas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohrer, M.; Harris, J. B.; Cearley, C.; Teague, M.

2017-12-01

Within the past decade or so, paleoseismologic and geophysical studies at the Daytona Beach (DB) site in east-central Arkansas have reported earthquake-induced liquefaction (sand blows) along a prominent NW-trending lineament dated to approximately 5.5 ka. A recent compressional-wave (P-wave) seismic reflection survey acquired by the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) along Highway 243 in Lee County, Arkansas, across the DB sand blow cluster, identified a previously unknown fault zone that is likely associated with the liquefaction. However, the USGS data were not able to image the Quaternary section (<60 m deep) and show a direct connection between the deeper faulting and the sand blows. In order to investigate the near-surface structure of the fault zone, we acquired an integrated geophysical data set consisting of 430-m-long shear-wave (S-wave) seismic reflection and ground penetrating radar (GPR) profiles above the deformation imaged on the USGS profile. The S-wave reflection data were collected using a 24-channel, towable landstreamer and the seismic energy was generated by a sledgehammer/I-beam source. The GPR data were collected with a cart-mounted 250-MHz system, using a 0.5-m antenna spacing and a 0.10-m step size. The processed seismic profile exhibits coherent reflection energy throughout the Quaternary section. Changes in reflection amplitude and coherency, offset reflections, and abundant diffractions suggest the presence of a complex zone of high-angle faults in the shallow subsurface coincident with the mapped lineament. Folded shallow reflections show that the deformation extends upward to within 10 m of the surface. Furthermore, the GPR profile images a distinct zone of deformation in the very near surface (<1.5 m deep) that is coincident with the upward projection of the deformation imaged on the S-wave seismic reflection profile.

Analysis of the Tectonic Lineaments in the Ganiki Planitia (V14) Quadrangle, Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venechuk, E. M.; Hurwitz, D. M.; Drury, D. E.; Long, S. M.; Grosfils, E. B.

2005-01-01

The Ganiki Planitia quadrangle, located between the Atla Regio highland to the south and the Atalanta Planitia lowland to the north, is deformed by many tectonic lineaments which have been mapped previously but have not yet been assessed in detail. As a result, neither the characteristics of these lineaments nor their relationship to material unit stratigraphy is well constrained. In this study we analyze the orientation of extensional and compressional lineaments in all non-tessera areas in order to begin characterizing the dominant tectonic stresses that have affected the region.

Comparison of Skylab and Landsat Lineaments with Joint Orientations in Northcentral Pennsylvania. [on Allegheny Plateau

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcmurtry, G. J.; Petersen, G. W. (Principal Investigator); Kowalik, W. S.

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The histogram peaks of lineaments mapped from Skylab photograph at a scale of 1:517,000 lie subparallel, within 20 deg, to major shale joints and coal cleats on part of the Allegheny Plateau. The Landsat lineament, mapped at 1:989,000 are biased by illumination and scan line directions. While there is an illumination bias in the Skylab photograph, its direction does not coincide with the main transverse lineament trend, thus providing an independent assessment of the illumination direction bias. The coincidence in direction regardless of scale of the linear features suggests a mechanical relationship between joints, fracture traces, and lineaments which is more consistent with a tensional model than a shear model of origin.

ERTS-1 image contributes to understanding of geologic structures related to Managua earthquake, 1972

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, W. D.; Eaton, G. P.

1973-01-01

ERTS-1 imaged the western portion of Nicaragua on December 24, 1972, one day after the central part of the city of Managua was devastated by a major earthquake which measured 5.6 on the Richter scale. ERTS-1 images reveal sets of lineaments (which may reflect fault systems) along any one of which movement could have taken place. One set includes a line of active volcanoes that parallels the coast and constitutes the southwestern edge of the Nicaraguan Depression, a regional graben which cuts obliquely across the Central American isthmus. This trend is offset approximately 10km in a right lateral geometric sense just west of the city of Managua. A parallel lineament, north of Lake Managua, marks the northeast edge of the graben. A second set, extends northward to northwestward from the mouth of the Rio Grande (Viejo) north of Lake Managua and can be projected southward across the lake to Managua. It is this set along which geometric offset of the volcanic lineament appears to have taken place.

SeaMARC II mapping of transform faults in the Cayman Trough, Caribbean Sea

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rosencrantz, Eric; Mann, Paul

1992-01-01

SeaMARC II maps of the southern wall of the Cayman Trough between Honduras and Jamaica show zones of continuous, well-defined fault lineaments adjacent and parallel to the wall, both to the east and west of the Cayman spreading axis. These lineaments mark the present, active traces of transform faults which intersect the southern end of the spreading axis at a triple junction. The Swan Islands transform fault to the west is dominated by two major lineaments that overlap with right-stepping sense across a large push-up ridge beneath the Swan Islands. The fault zone to the east of the axis, named the Walton fault, is more complex, containing multiple fault strands and a large pull-apart structure. The Walton fault links the spreading axis to Jamaican and Hispaniolan strike-slip faults, and it defines the southern boundary of a microplate composed of the eastern Cayman Trough and western Hispaniola. The presence of this microplate raises questions about the veracity of Caribbean plate velocities based primarily on Cayman Trough opening rates.

Study of the structure changes caused by earthquakes in Chile applying the lineament analysis to the Aster (Terra) satellite data.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, A.; Zverev, A.; Malinnikov, V.

Chile is one of the most seismically and volcanically active regions in the South America due to a constant subdiction of the South American plate, converging with the Nazca plate in the extreme North of Chile. Four events, namely: the Ovalle earthquake of Juny 18, 2003, M=6.3, with epicenter localized at (-30:49:33, -71:18:53), the Calama earthquake of Junly 19, 2001, M=5.2, (-30:29:38,-68:33:18), the Pica earthquake of April 10, 2003, M=5.1, (-21:03:20,-68:47:10) and the La Ligua earthquake of May 6, 2001, M=5.1, (-32:35:31,-71:07:58:) were analysed using the 15 m resolution satellite images, provided by the ASTER/VNIR instrument. The Lineament Extraction and Stripes Statistic Analysis (LESSA) software package was used to examine changes in the lineament features caused by sismic activity. Lack of vegetation facilitates the study of the changes in the topography common to all events and makes it possible to evaluate the sismic risk in this region for the future.

Geophysical setting of the Wabash Valley fault system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hildenbrand, T.G.; Ravat, D.

1997-01-01

Interpretation of existing regional magnetic and gravity data and new local high-resolution aeromagnetic data provides new insights on the tectonic history and structural development of the Wabash Valley Fault System in Illinois and Indiana. Enhancement of short-wavelength magnetic anomalies reveal numerous NW- to NNE-trending ultramafic dikes and six intrusive complexes (including those at Hicks Dome and Omaha Dome). Inversion models indicate that the interpreted dikes are narrow (???3 m), lie at shallow depths (500 km long and generally >50 km wide) and with deep basins (locally >3 km thick), the ancestral Wabash Valley faults express, in comparison, minor tectonic structures and probably do not represent a failed rift arm. There is a lack of any obvious relation between the Wabash Valley Fault System and the epicenters of historic and prehistoric earthquakes. Five prehistoric earthquakes lie conspicuously near structures associated with the Commerce geophysical lineament, a NE-trending magnetic and gravity lineament lying oblique to the Wabash Valley Fault System and possibly extending over 600 km from NE Arkansas to central Indiana.

Comparison of Landsat-8, ASTER and Sentinel 1 satellite remote sensing data in automatic lineaments extraction: A case study of Sidi Flah-Bouskour inlier, Moroccan Anti Atlas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adiri, Zakaria; El Harti, Abderrazak; Jellouli, Amine; Lhissou, Rachid; Maacha, Lhou; Azmi, Mohamed; Zouhair, Mohamed; Bachaoui, El Mostafa

2017-12-01

Certainly, lineament mapping occupies an important place in several studies, including geology, hydrogeology and topography etc. With the help of remote sensing techniques, lineaments can be better identified due to strong advances in used data and methods. This allowed exceeding the usual classical procedures and achieving more precise results. The aim of this work is the comparison of ASTER, Landsat-8 and Sentinel 1 data sensors in automatic lineament extraction. In addition to image data, the followed approach includes the use of the pre-existing geological map, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) as well as the ground truth. Through a fully automatic approach consisting of a combination of edge detection algorithm and line-linking algorithm, we have found the optimal parameters for automatic lineament extraction in the study area. Thereafter, the comparison and the validation of the obtained results showed that the Sentinel 1 data are more efficient in restitution of lineaments. This indicates the performance of the radar data compared to those optical in this kind of study.

Fault distribution in the Precambrian basement of South Norway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabrielsen, Roy H.; Nystuen, Johan Petter; Olesen, Odleiv

2018-03-01

Mapping of the structural pattern by remote sensing methods (Landsat, SPOT, aerial photography, potential field data) and field study of selected structural elements shows that the cratonic basement of South Norway is strongly affected by a regular lineament pattern that encompasses fault swarms of different orientation, age, style, attitude and frequency. Albeit counting numerous fault and fracture populations, the faults are not evenly distributed and N-S to NNE-SSW/NNW-SSE and NE-SE/ENE-WSW-systems are spatially dominant. N-S to NNW-SSE structures can be traced underneath the Caledonian nappes to the Western Gneiss Region in western and central South Norway, emphasizing their ancient roots. Dyke swarms of different ages are found within most of these zones. Also, the Østfold, Oslo-Trondheim and the Mandal-Molde lineament zones coincide with trends of Sveconorwegian post-collision granites. We conclude that the N-S-trend includes the most ancient structural elements, and that the trend can be traced back to the Proterozoic (Svecofennian and Sveconorwegian) orogenic events. Some of the faults may have been active in Neoproterozoic times as marginal faults of rift basins at the western margin of Baltica. Remnants of such fault activity have survived in the cores of many of the faults belonging to this system. The ancient systems of lineaments were passively overridden by the Caledonian fold-and-thrust system and remained mostly, but note entirely inactive throughout the Sub-Cambrian peneplanation and the Caledonian orogenic collapse in the Silurian-Devonian. The system was reactivated in extension from Carboniferous times, particularly in the Permian with the formation of the Oslo Rift and parts of it remain active to the Present, albeit by decreasing extension and fault activity.

Comparison Between Terrestrial Explosion Crater Morphology in Floating Ice and Europan Chaos

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Billings, S. E.; Kattenhorn, S. A.

2003-01-01

Craters created by explosives have been found to serve as valuable analogs to impact craters, within limits. Explosion craters have been created in floating terrestrial ice in experiments related to clearing ice from waterways. Features called chaos occur on the surface of Europa s floating ice shell. Chaos is defined as a region in which the background plains have been disrupted. Common features of chaos include rafted blocks of pre-existing terrain suspended in a matrix of smooth or hummocky material; low surface albedo; and structural control on chaos outline shape by pre-existing lineaments. All published models of chaos formation call on endogenic processes whereby chaos forms through thermal processes. Nonetheless, we note morphological similarities between terrestrial explosion craters and Europan chaos at a range of scales and consider whether some chaos may have formed by impact. We explore these similarities through geologic and morphologic mapping.

Seamount Lineaments of the Northern Galápagos and Plume-ridge Interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cushman, W.; Harpp, K. S.; Kurz, M. D.; Geist, D.; Mittelstaedt, E. L.; Fornari, D. J.; Soule, S.; R/v Melville Mv1007 Flamingo Scientific Team

2010-12-01

The Northern Galápagos Province (NGP) is located between the Galápagos Archipelago and the Galápagos Spreading Center (GSC). There are 3 volcanic lineaments in the NGP, trending NW/SE. The lineaments’ origins remain enigmatic, but may provide information about plume-ridge interaction. In 2010, the R/V Melville MV1007 Cruise employed EM122 multibeam bathymetry, MR1 sidescan sonar, and dredging to study the area. The western lineament, the Wolf-Darwin Lineament (WDL), intersects the GSC at ~92°10’W and is the largest of the 3. The WDL is ~190km long and has 6 main volcanic centers, with many smaller satellite vents. The Central Lineament (CL) intersects the GSC at ~91°48’W and is ~60 km long with 4 major seamounts. The largest is roughly 2/3 the volume of the WDL’s smallest seamount. The Eastern Lineament (EL) intersects the GSC at ~91°16’W and is ~100km long. The EL includes 5 major seamounts with intermediate volumes. From N to S, the edifices in the WDL and the EL become more elongate, suggesting greater deviatoric stresses away from the ridge. The elongation is more pronounced in WDL seamounts than on those in the EL. The bathymetric footprints of seamounts on the N end of both lineaments are more symmetrical, as are all those of the CL. Seamounts with circular bases are probably monogenetic, with limited ranges of Mg#, phenocryst content, and incompatible trace element (ITE) concentrations. Most have single vents. The larger elongate seamounts have multiple vents and wider compositional ranges, likely the result of polygenetic eruptive histories. Lavas erupted along the lineaments have ITE ratios ranging between Galápagos Plume and depleted upper mantle sources, suggesting that mixing between the 2 sources occurs in the NGP. No seamount is more enriched than GSC axial lavas from within the study area, and no systematic gradient exists along strike of any of the lineaments, indicating that mixing between the plume and ridge is not simply progressive. The CL is the least plume-like, with the EL generally exhibiting more and the WDL the most plume contributions. The 3He/4He ratios along the lineaments are MORB-like, with a slight increase S along the WDL and EL. The Sm/Yb for WDL lavas increase southward, which may reflect increasing depth of melt generation in response to thickening lithosphere away from the GSC. The increase is more pronounced S of a pseudofault that intersects the WDL. Morgan (1978) proposed that the WDL is a channel along which plume material reaches the GSC; more recent models have been proposed for the lineaments in which plume material is transported to the GSC via ‘fingers’ that act as conduits. Data from the lineaments are inconsistent with both hypotheses, which predict increasing plume influence with distance from the GSC. An alternative hypothesis invokes stresses induced on the NGP by the GSC transform fault at ~90°50’W. These stresses create weak zones in the lithosphere along which plume-contaminated mantle is erupted to form lineaments. This hypothesis predicts no channeling of plume material to the GSC, but rather that the lineaments are the result of dispersed, point source eruptions tapping the heterogeneous mantle.

Oblique reactivation of lithosphere-scale lineaments controls rift physiography - the upper-crustal expression of the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone, offshore southern Norway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, Thomas B.; Jackson, Christopher A.-L.; Bell, Rebecca E.; Duffy, Oliver B.

2018-04-01

Pre-existing structures within sub-crustal lithosphere may localise stresses during subsequent tectonic events, resulting in complex fault systems at upper-crustal levels. As these sub-crustal structures are difficult to resolve at great depths, the evolution of kinematically and perhaps geometrically linked upper-crustal fault populations can offer insights into their deformation history, including when and how they reactivate and accommodate stresses during later tectonic events. In this study, we use borehole-constrained 2-D and 3-D seismic reflection data to investigate the structural development of the Farsund Basin, offshore southern Norway. We use throw-length (T-x) analysis and fault displacement backstripping techniques to determine the geometric and kinematic evolution of N-S- and E-W-striking upper-crustal fault populations during the multiphase evolution of the Farsund Basin. N-S-striking faults were active during the Triassic, prior to a period of sinistral strike-slip activity along E-W-striking faults during the Early Jurassic, which represented a hitherto undocumented phase of activity in this area. These E-W-striking upper-crustal faults are later obliquely reactivated under a dextral stress regime during the Early Cretaceous, with new faults also propagating away from pre-existing ones, representing a switch to a predominantly dextral sense of motion. The E-W faults within the Farsund Basin are interpreted to extend through the crust to the Moho and link with the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone, a lithosphere-scale lineament, identified within the sub-crustal lithosphere, that extends > 1000 km across central Europe. Based on this geometric linkage, we infer that the E-W-striking faults represent the upper-crustal component of the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone and that the Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone represents a long-lived lithosphere-scale lineament that is periodically reactivated throughout its protracted geological history. The upper-crustal component of the lineament is reactivated in a range of tectonic styles, including both sinistral and dextral strike-slip motions, with the geometry and kinematics of these faults often inconsistent with what may otherwise be inferred from regional tectonics alone. Understanding these different styles of reactivation not only allows us to better understand the influence of sub-crustal lithospheric structure on rifting but also offers insights into the prevailing stress field during regional tectonic events.

Deformation patterns in the southwestern part of the Mediterranean Ridge (South Matapan Trench, Western Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andronikidis, Nikolaos; Kokinou, Eleni; Vafidis, Antonios; Kamberis, Evangelos; Manoutsoglou, Emmanouil

2017-12-01

Seismic reflection data and bathymetry analyses, together with geological information, are combined in the present work to identify seabed structural deformation and crustal structure in the Western Mediterranean Ridge (the backstop and the South Matapan Trench). As a first step, we apply bathymetric data and state of art methods of pattern recognition to automatically detect seabed lineaments, which are possibly related to the presence of tectonic structures (faults). The resulting pattern is tied to seismic reflection data, further assisting in the construction of a stratigraphic and structural model for this part of the Mediterranean Ridge. Structural elements and stratigraphic units in the final model are estimated based on: (a) the detected lineaments on the seabed, (b) the distribution of the interval velocities and the presence of velocity inversions, (c) the continuity and the amplitudes of the seismic reflections, the seismic structure of the units and (d) well and stratigraphic data as well as the main tectonic structures from the nearest onshore areas. Seabed morphology in the study area is probably related with the past and recent tectonics movements that result from African and European plates' convergence. Backthrusts and reverse faults, flower structures and deep normal faults are among the most important extensional/compressional structures interpreted in the study area.

Field Investigation of Surface Deformation Induced by the 2016 Meinong Earthquake and its Implications to Regional Geological Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, De-Cheng; Chuang, Ray Y.; Lin, Ching-Weei

2017-04-01

We demonstrate mapping results of a newly-identified active folding-associated fault in southwestern Taiwan, which was triggered by the distant ML 6.6 Meinong earthquake in 2016. The 14.6-km-deep main shock occurred in Meinong at 3:57 (GMT +08) on February 6th while a series of 21-27 km deep aftershocks were induced after 160 seconds in Guanmiao, where is 25km NW away from the epicenter of the main shock. The focal mechanism of the Meinong main shock shows a westward oblique thrust with the fault plane of 275°/42°/17° (strike/dip/rake) but Guanmiao aftershocks show the N-S striking eastward normal movement. The study area locates at an on-going fold-and-thrust belt close to the deformation front of Taiwan orogeny with high rates of convergence, uplift and erosion. The geology of SW Taiwan is characterized by the 3-km-thick mudstones with high fluid pressure underlying the loose sedimentary rocks forming mud diapirs or mud-core anticlines. The significance of the Meinong earthquake is (1) aftershocks are far away from the main shock, and (2) the surface cracks partially distributed systematically along lineaments observed from InSAR, which has never been recognized as geological structures before. This study aims to establish possible kinematic processes of shallow deformation induced by the Meinong earthquake. We mapped surface cracks around the lineaments by using hand-held GPS and measured surface cracks by the compass and vernier. Among 249 kinematic data measured from 244 observed surface cracks and ruptures, the type of deformation was mostly identified as dilation or lateral translation and only 4 data were compressional deformation. The overall surface displacement moved to the northwest and west, consistent with the regional coseismic movement. The opening of the surface cracks range from 0.5 to 105 mm and 85% of them are less than 10 mm. Preseismic deformed features such as failure of the retaining wall were also observed along the western and eastern boundary of the coseismic deformation area, indicating accumulated deformation and repeated structural activity in this area. In addition, we found a series of centimeters to meters long, N-S to N-W striking and eastern-side-down surface ruptures with the 4-19 cm heave distributed along the 4-km-long, nearly N-S striking and range-facing scarp with the 4-12 m height at the west of Guanmiao, where locate between the Chungchou anticline and Guanmiao syncline. We interpret these surface ruptures as a sign of the bending-moment fault associated with folding amplified by seismic energy through fluid-rich mud diapirs. Thus, seismic potential in this region needs to be re-evaluated, and the mechanism of seismic-induced amplification through high fluid pressure medium may play a critical role in assessing earthquake hazards in regions with similar geology to SW Taiwan.

Prehistoric earthquakes on the Caribbean-South American plate boundary, central Range Fault, Trinidad

USGS Publications Warehouse

Prentice, Carol S.; Crosby, Christopher J.; Weber, John C.; Ragona, Daniel

2010-01-01

Recent geodetic studies suggest that the Central Range fault is the principal plate-boundary structure accommodating strike-slip motion between the Caribbean and South American plates. Our study shows that the fault forms a topographically prominent lineament in central Trinidad. Results from a paleoseismic investigation at a site where Holocene sediments have been deposited across the Central Range fault indicate that it ruptured the ground surface most recently between 2710 and 550 yr B.P. If the geodetic slip rate of 9–15 mm/yr is representative of Holocene slip rates, our paleoseismic data suggest that at least 4.9 m of potential slip may have accumulated on the fault and could be released during a future large earthquake (M > 7).

Geologic and mineral and water resources investigations in western Colorado, using Skylab EREP data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, K. (Principal Investigator); Hutchinson, R. M.; Prost, G. L.; Sawatzky, D. L.; Spoelhof, R. W.; Thigpen, J. B.

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Discovery of three major north-trending, throughgoing faults in the Front Range, previously mapped only as isolated segments, demonstrates the utility of space photography and may lead to reinterpretation of the Front Range tectonic style. Faulting and alteration appear to be the most useful indicators of mineralization in central Colorado. These phenomena appear on Skylab photography as tonal lineaments and color anomalies. Twenty-three lineaments have been mapped in the San Juan Mountains, the longest of which is 156 km long. Twelve lineaments intersect or are tangent to calderas. Intrusive domes are aligned along lineaments, but calderas appear to occur at the intersections of major lineaments. Lineaments can be recognized on some EREP passes but not on other passes over the same area. The difference is attributed to solar elevation effects. Bedding attitudes can be photogeologically estimated down to surprisingly low dips, on the order of + or - 1-2 deg, and attitudes can be subdivided easily into quantitative groups. The primary application of Skylab photography to geologic mapping in montane areas is clearly limited to regional mapping at scales smaller than 1:24,000.

The Cottage Lake Aeromagnetic Lineament: A Possible Onshore Extension of the Southern Whidbey Island Fault, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Blakely, Richard J.; Sherrod, Brian L.; Wells, Ray E.; Weaver, Craig S.; McCormack, David H.; Troost, Kathy G.; Haugerud, Ralph A.

2004-01-01

The northwest-striking southern Whidbey Island fault zone (SWIF) was mapped previously using borehole data and potential-field anomalies on Whidbey Island and marine seismic surveys beneath surrounding waterways. Abrupt subsidence at a coastal marsh on south-central Whidbey Island suggests that the SWIF experienced a MW 6.5 to 7.0 earthquake about 3000 years ago. Southeast of Whidbey Island, a hypothesized southeastward projection of the SWIF would make landfall between the cities of Seattle and Everett. As part of systematic, ongoing studies by the U.S. Geological Survey, University of Washington, and other earth science organizations to evaluate potentially active faults and other earth hazards throughout the Puget Lowland, we test this hypothesis using aeromagnetic, lidar, and borehole data. Linear, northwest-striking magnetic anomalies traversing the mainland region project southeastward toward the communities of Woodinville and Maltby, Washington. All of these magnetic anomalies are low in amplitude and best illuminated in residual magnetic fields. The most prominent of the residual magnetic anomalies extends at least 16 km, lies approximately on strike with the SWIF on Whidbey Island, and passes near Crystal and Cottage Lakes, about 27 km southeast of downtown Everett. In places, this magnetic anomaly is associated with topographic lineaments, but spectral analysis indicates that the source of the anomaly extends to depths greater than 2 km and cannot be explained entirely by topographic effects. The Alderwood #1 oil exploration well located on strike with the Cottage Lake aeromagnetic lineament shows evidence of deformation over a total depth range of 3000 m; some beds within this interval exhibit intense fracturing and shearing, although deformation within the well can only be constrained as post-early Oligocene and pre-Pleistocene. Boreholes acquired as part of a wastewater tunnel project show evidence of soil disturbance at locations where some topographic and aeromagnetic lineaments cross the tunnel alignment. Some of the disturbance is likely tectonic in origin, although other explanations are possible. Some of the soil disturbance demonstrably predates the 15-13 ka Fraser glaciation of the Puget Lowland; other samples have inconclusive ages and may be younger. Subtle scarps in Pleistocene surfaces are visible on high-resolution lidar topography at a number of locations along the Cottage Lake aeromagnetic lineament. Collectively, the scarps are parallel to the trend of the aeromagnetic lineament and extend a total distance of 18 km. In the field, scarps exhibit 1 to 5 m of north-side-up offset. The scarps provide targets for future paleoseismic trenching studies to test the hypothesis that they have a tectonic origin.

An interdisciplinary analysis of multispectral satellite data for selected cover types in the Colorado Mountains, using automatic data processing techniques. [geological lineaments and mineral exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffer, R. M. (Principal Investigator)

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. One capability which has been recognized by many geologists working with space photography is the ability to see linear features and alinements which were previously not apparent. To the exploration geologist, major lineaments seen on satellite images are of particular interest. A portion of ERTS-1 frame 1407-17193 (3 Sept. 1973) was used for mapping lineaments and producing an iso-lineament intersection map. Skylab photography over the area of prime area was not useable due to snow cover. Once the lineaments were mapped, a grid with 2.5 km spacing was overlayed on the map and the lineament intersections occurring within each grid square were counted and the number plotted in the center of the grid square. These numbers were then contoured producing a contour map of equal lineament intersection. It is believed that the areas of high intersection concentration would be the most favorable area for ore mineralization if favorable host rocks are also present. These highly fractured areas would act as conduits for carrying the ore forming solutions to the site of deposition in a favorable host rock. Two of the six areas of high intersection concentration are over areas of present or past mining camps and small claims are known to exist near the others. These would be prime target areas for future mineral exploration.

Lineament Azimuths on Europa: Implications for Evolution of the Europan Ice Shell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kachingwe, M.; Rhoden, A.; Lekic, V.; Hurford, T., Jr.; Henning, W. G.

2016-12-01

Tectonic activity on Europa has been linked to tidal stress caused by its eccentric orbit, finite obliquity, and possibly non-synchronous rotation of the icy shell. Cycloids and other lineaments are thought to form in response to tidal normal stress while strike-slip motion along preexisting faults has been attributed to tidal shear stress. Tectonic features can thus provide constraints on the rotational parameters that govern tidal stress and insight into the tidal-tectonic processes operating on ice-covered ocean bodies. Past lineament azimuth predictions based on stress models accounting for either spin pole precession or longitude translation yielded distributions that varied with location on Europa (e.g. Hurford, 2005; Fig. 16 of Rhoden and Hurford, 2013). Until now, these predicted azimuths have only been tested on a few spatially restricted regions. Additionally, these predictions were made using a thin shell approximation, which neglects the viscoelastic response of Europa's ice shell. Here, we present new measurements of lineament azimuths across geographically diverse regions of Europa, focusing on locations where lineament azimuths have never before been measured but which have been imaged at better than 250 km/pixel resolution. We focus on lineaments that do not exhibit substantial curvature, and we quantify deviations in azimuth observed along each lineament. We quantitatively compare the observed distributions against published predictions as well as new predictions made with a viscoelastic tidal stress model. These results have implications for Europa's interior and the evolution of tidal stress over time.

Control of deep lithospheric roots on crustal scale GOCE gravity and gradient fields evident in Gondwana reconstructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braitenberg, Carla; Mariani, Patrizia

2015-04-01

The GOCE gravity field is globally homogeneous at the resolution of about 80km or better allowing for the first time to analyze tectonic structures at continental scale. Geologic correlation studies based on age determination and mineral composition of rock samples propose to continue the tectonic lineaments across continents to the pre-breakup position. Tectonic events which induce density changes, as metamorphic events and magmatic events, should then show up in the gravity field. Therefore gravity can be used as a globally available supportive tool for interpolation of isolated samples. Applying geodynamic plate reconstructions to the GOCE gravity field places today's observed field at the pre-breakup position. In order to test the possible deep control of the crustal features, the same reconstruction is applied to the seismic velocity models, and a joint gravity-velocity analysis is performed. The geophysical fields allow to control the likeliness of the hypothesized continuation of lineations based on sparse surface outcrops. Total absence of a signal, makes the cross-continental continuation of the lineament improbable, as continental-wide lineaments are controlled by rheologic and compositional differences of lithospheric mantle. It is found that the deep lithospheric roots as those found below cratons control the position of the positive gravity values. The explanation is that the deep lithospheric roots focus asthenospheric upwelling outboard of the root protecting the overlying craton from magmatic intrusions. The study is carried out over the African and South American continents. The background for the study can be found in the following publications where the techniques which have been used are described: Braitenberg, C., Mariani, P. and De Min, A. (2013). The European Alps and nearby orogenic belts sensed by GOCE, Boll. Bollettino di Geofisica Teorica ed Applicata, 54(4), 321-334. doi:10.4430/bgta0105 Braitenberg, C. and Mariani, P. (2015). Geological implications from complete Gondwana GOCE-products reconstructions and link to lithospheric roots. Proceedings of 5th International GOCE User Workshop, 25 - 28 November 2014. Braitenberg, C. (2015). Exploration of tectonic structures with GOCE in Africa and across-continents. Int. J.Appl. Earth Observ. Geoinf. 35, 88-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2014.01.013 Braitenberg, C. (2015). A grip on geological units with GOCE, IAG Symp. 141, in press.

Investigating the deepest part of a volcano plumbing system: Evidence for an active magma path below the western flank of Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion Island)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boudoire, G.; Liuzzo, M.; Di Muro, A.; Ferrazzini, V.; Michon, L.; Grassa, F.; Derrien, A.; Villeneuve, N.; Bourdeu, A.; Brunet, C.; Giudice, G.; Gurrieri, S.

2017-07-01

Peripheral diffuse degassing of CO2 from the soil occurs across the western flank of Piton de la Fournaise volcano (La Réunion Island, Indian Ocean) along a narrow zone. In this area, carbon isotopic analysis on soil gas samples highlights significant mixing between magmatic and organic end-members. The zones with the strongest magmatic signature (highest δ13C) overlap spatial distribution of hypocenters recorded shortly before and during volcano reactivation and allow discriminating a N135° degassing lineament, with a minimum length of 11 km and 140 ± 20 m-width. Such orientation is in accordance with that of an old dyke network along the rift zone and with N120-130° and N140-155° lineaments related to the inheritance of oceanic lithosphere structures. Our findings show that this N135° lineament represents a preferential magmatic pathway for deep magma transfer below the volcano flank. Moreover, spatial distributions of recent eccentric cones indicate a well-founded possibility that future eruptions may by-pass the shallow plumbing system of the central area of the volcano, taking a lateral pathway along this structure. Our results also confirm that Piton de la Fournaise activity is linked to a laterally shifted plumbing system and represent a major improvement in identifying the main high-risk area on the densely populated western flank of the volcano.

Geophysical Methods, Tracer Leakage, and Flow Modeling Studies at the West Pearl Queen Carbon Sequestration/EOR Pilot Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bromhal, G. S.; Wilson, T. H.; Wells, A.; Diehl, R.; Smith, D. H.

2003-12-01

Recently, a few thousand tons of CO2 were injected into the West Pearl Queen field, a depleted oil reservoir in southeastern New Mexico, for a pilot carbon sequestration project. Small amounts of 3 different perfluorocarbon tracers were injected with the CO2. Approximately 50 capillary absorption tube samplers (CATS) were located across the field within 2m of the grounds surface to detect the tracers in extremely small (~10-13L) quantities. After only several days, the CATS detected quantities of tracers at distances of up to 350m from the injection well. Greater amounts of tracers were detected in the different directions. The underground transport mechanism(s) are uncertain; however, appearance of tracer in the CATS after only a 6 day period suggests that CO2 movement may have occurred through near-surface processes. Subsequent tracer measurements made over 10 and 54 day time periods revealed continued tracer leakage. To try to understand the tracer information, we conducted lineament interpretations of the area using a black and white aerial photo taken in 1949, digital orthophotos, and Landsat TM imagery. Lineament interpretations revealed distinct northeast and northwest trending lineament sets. These directions coincided roughly with the direction of tracer-leakage into areas northwest and southwest of the injection well. The near-surface geology consists of a few-feet thick veneer of late Pleistocene and Holocene sand dunes covering the middle Pleistocene Mescalero caliche. A survey of the caliche was made using ground penetrating radar (GPR) to attempt to identify any preferential migration pathways. Modeling studies also were performed to identify the potential leakage pathways at the site. Because of the relatively fast appearance of tracers at large distances from the injection well, simple diffusion through the surface layers was ruled out. Wind patterns in the area have also made transport through the atmosphere and back into the ground highly unlikely. Other potential leakage pathways were transport from the well through the saturated zone and diffusion into the unsaturated zone or combined pressure-driven and diffusive flow through the vadose zone. An analysis of these alternatives has been made for this study.

Analysis of gravity and topography in the GLIMPSE study region: Isostatic compensation and uplift of the Sojourn and Hotu Matua Ridge systems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harmon, N.; Forsyth, D.W.; Scheirer, D.S.

2006-01-01

The Gravity Lieations Intraplate Melting Petrologic and Seismic Expedition (GLIMPSE) Experiment investigated the formation of a series of non-hot spot, intraplate volcanic ridges in the South Pacific and their relationship to cross-grain gravity lineaments detected by satellite altimetry. Using shipboard gravity measurements and a simple model of surface loading of a thin elastic plate, we estimate effective elastic thicknesses ranging from ???2 km beneath the Sojourn Ridge to a maximum of 10 km beneath the Southern Cross Seamount. These elastic thicknesses are lower than predicted for the 3-9 Ma seafloor on which the volcanoes lie, perhaps due to reheating and thinning of the plate during emplacement. Anomalously low apparent densities estimated for the Matua and Southern Cross seamounts 2050 and 2250 kg m-3, respectively, probably are artifacts caused by the assumption of only surface loading, ignoring the presence of subsurface loading in the form of underplated crust and/or low-density mantle. Using satellite free-air gravity and shipboard bathymetry, we calculate the age-detrended, residual mantle Bouguer anomaly (rMBA). The rMBA corrects the free-air anomaly for the direct effects of topography, including the thickening of the crust beneath the seamounts and volcanic ridges due to surface loading of the volcanic edifices. There are broad, negative rMBA anomalies along the Sojourn and Brown ridges and the Hotu Matua seamount chain that extend nearly to the East Pacific Rise. These negative rMBA anomalies connect to negative free-air anomalies in the western part of the study area that have been recognized previously as the beginnings of the cross-grain gravity lineaments. Subtracting the topographic effects of surface loading by the ridges and seamounts from the observed topography reveals that the ridges are built on broad bands of anomalously elevated seafloor. This swell topography and the negative rMBA anomalies contradict the predictions of lithospheric cracking models for the origin of gravity lineaments and associated volcanic ridges, favoring models with a dynamic mantle component such as small-scale convection or channelized asthenospheric return flow. Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union.

Applicability of ERTS-1 to Montana geology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weidman, R. M. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Rapid construction of a lineament map for western Montana, drawn as an overlay to a late August band 7 mosaic at a scale of 1:1,000,000 indicates ERTS-1 imagery to be very suitable for quick compilation of topographically expressed lineaments representing scarps and straight canyons. Over 100 such lineaments were detected, ranging in length from 80 down to 5 miles. Most of the major high angle faults of the area are represented, but low angle faults such as the Lewis overthrust are not apparent. Short and medium length lineaments of northeast trend are abundant southeast of a line connecting Missoula and Great Falls. Only about half of the lineaments are shown on the state geologic map, and limited comparisons with more detailed maps suggest that many will merit investigation as possible faults. It is already apparent that ERTS-1 imagery will be useful in construction of a needed tectonic map of Montana.

Seafloor Tectonic Fabric from Satellite Altimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Walter H. F.

Ocean floor structures with horizontal scales of 10 to a few hundred kilometers and vertical scales of 100 m or more generate sea surface gravity anomalies observable with satellite altimetry. Prior to 1990, altimeter data resolved only tectonic lineaments, some seamounts, and some aspects of mid-ocean ridge structure. New altimeter data available since mid-1995 resolve 10-km--scale structures over nearly all the world's oceans. These data are the basis of new global bathymetric maps and have been interpreted as exhibiting complexities in the sea floor spreading process including ridge jumps, propagating rifts, and variations in magma supply. This chapter reviews the satellite altimetry technique and its resolution of tectonic structures, gives examples of intriguing tectonic phenomena, and shows that structures as small as abyssal hills are partially resolved. A new result obtained here is that the amplitude of the fine-scale (10--80 km) roughness of old ocean floor is spreading-rate dependent in the same that it is at mid-ocean ridges, suggesting that fine-scale tectonic fabric is generated nearly exclusively by ridge-axis processes.

The wister mud pot lineament: Southeastward extension or abandoned strand of the San Andreas fault?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lynch, D.K.; Hudnut, K.W.

2008-01-01

We present the results of a survey of mud pots in the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area. Thirty-three mud pots, pot clusters, or related geothermal vents (hundreds of pots in all) were identified, and most were found to cluster along a northwest-trending line that is more or less coincident with the postulated Sand Hills fault. An extrapolation of the trace of the San Andreas fault southeastward from its accepted terminus north of Bombay Beach very nearly coincides with the mud pot lineament and may represent a surface manifestation of the San Andreas fault southeast of the Salton Sea. Additionally, a recent survey of vents near Mullet Island in the Salton Sea revealed eight areas along a northwest-striking line where gas was bubbling up through the water and in two cases hot mud and water were being violently ejected.

Structural Orientations Adjacent to Some Colorado Geothermal Systems

DOE Data Explorer

Richard

2012-02-01

Structural orientations (fractures, joints, faults, lineaments, bedding orientations, etc.) were collected with a standard Brunton compass during routine field examinations of geothermal phenomena in Colorado. Often multiple orientations were taken from one outcrop. Care was taken to ensure outcrops were "in place". Point data was collected with a hand-held GPS unit. The structural data is presented both as standard quadrant measurements and in format suitable for ESRI symbology

Geological Structures Mapping of Bukit Bunuh using 2-D Resistivity Imaging Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nur Amalina, M. K. A.; Nordiana, M. M.; Rahman, Nazrin; Saidin, Mokhtar; Masnan, S. S. K.

2018-04-01

The geological area of Bukit Bunuh is very complex due to the meteorite impact that has occurred millions years ago at Lenggong, Perak. The lithology of the study area consists of alluvium, tephra dust, and granitic rock. The geological contact, fault and fracture zone were found at the study area may indicate the geological process that undergoes at a place locally or regionally. These important features have led to the further research on 2-D resistivity imaging method (2-D RIM) to study the geological features. This method can provide the subsurface image that will delineate the geological structures. The surveys include three separate lines of different length which depend on the accessibility. The surveys were done by using Pole-Dipole array and 10 m of electrodes spacing. The objectives of this research are to determine the subsurface geological contact and to determine the existence of fault/fracture zones at the contact zone. The results from 2-D inversion profiles have successfully signified the types of geological structural such as fault, contact, and fractures. Hence, the results from 2-D RIM were used to draw the geological lineaments of Bukit Bunuh. The discontinuity of the lineaments may indicate the structures present.

Mapping of tecto-lineaments and their influence on sedimentological processes in a GIS environment: a case study of the Iberian trough, Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrero-Hernández, Antonio; López-Moro, Francisco Javier; Valle-Feijóo, María Elena; Gómez-Fernández, Fernando; Rodríguez-Pérez, José Ramón

2017-04-01

The subsurface sedimentary succession of the Iberian Trough, Spain was examined using geophysical techniques (analogue seismic profiles) and inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation algorithm implemented in a gvGIS open source software. The results showed that the Late Cretaceous succession is divided into two depositional sequences: DS-1 (Late Albian-Middle Turonian) and DS-2 (Late Turonian-Campanian). From the analogical seismic sections, digital data and quantitative isopach maps for DS-1 and DS-2 were obtained. The new isopach maps obtained for the DS-1 sequence showed that the deeper sectors of the basin were located to the northeast and the proximal ones to the southwest. The palaeoshoreline was inferred to be situated in the N 150 direction. Across and parallel to this direction several blocks were delimited by faults, with a direction between 30 N and N 65. The thickness of the sediments in these blocks varied in direction NW-SE, with subsidence and depocentres in hangingwall and uplift in the footwall. These variations may have been related to active synsedimentary faults (e.g., Boñar and Yugueros Faults). In the DS-2 sequence, a lineament separated the smaller thicknesses to the southwest from the larger thicknesses (up to 1400 m) to the northeast. This lineament had an N170 orientation and it indicated the position of the palaeoshoreline. In the isopach map for DS-2 there were two groups of lineaments. The first showed a block structure that was limited by N100-120, they were foundering toward the S and had large thicknesses (depocentres), and rose towards the N, where there were smaller thicknesses. The second group of lineaments had a N 50-65 direction and, in this case, they had a similar interpretation as the one in DS-1. The maps obtained are of great help for geologists and permit better understanding of the geological setting and stratigraphic succession of the Late Cretaceous of the Iberian Trough.

Prehistoric earthquakes on the Caribbean-South American plate boundary, central range fault, Trinidad

USGS Publications Warehouse

Prentice, C.S.; Weber, J.C.; Crosby, C.J.; Ragona, D.

2010-01-01

Recent geodetic studies suggest that the Central Range fault is the principal plate-boundary structure accommodating strike-slip motion between the Caribbean and South American plates. Our study shows that the fault forms a topographically prominent lineament in central Trinidad. Results from a paleoseismic investigation at a site where Holocene sediments have been deposited across the Central Range fault indicate that it ruptured the ground surface most recently between 2710 and 550 yr B.P. If the geodetic slip rate of 9-15 mm/yr is representative of Holocene slip rates, our paleoseismic data suggest that at least 4.9 m of potential slip may have accumulated on the fault and could be released during a future large earthquake (M > 7). ?? 2010 Geological Society of America.

The metallogenic role of east-west fracture zones in South America with regard to the motion of lithospheric plates (with an example from Brazil)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kutina, J.; Carter, William D.; Lopez, F.X.

1978-01-01

The role of east-west fracture zones in South America is discussed with regard to global fracturing and the motion of lithospheric plates. A set of major NW-trending lineaments has been derived which show a tendency to be spaced equidistantly and may correspond to a set of east-west fractures in the "pre-drift" position of the South American plate. Statistical analysis of linears in the ERTS-mosaics shows that NW-fractures are also among the most important ones in the Andes region, suggesting that the above major lineaments extend into the basement of the Andes. Some of the old major fractures, trending east-west in the present orientation of South America, are discussed and their NE orientation in the pre-drift position of the plate is considered. An example of structural control of ore deposition in the Brazilian Shield is presented, using the maps of the RADAM Project. It is concluded that the small tin-bearing granitic bodies concentrated in the region of Sao Felix do Xingu in the state of Para represent upper parts of an unexposed granitoid massif which is controlled by the intersection of a major east-west fracture zone probably represents westward extension of the Patos Lineament of the easternmost part of Brazil, connected with the east-west fracture zone of the Para state through the basement of the Maranhao Basin (Sineclise do Maranhao-Piaui). It is expected that the proposed "Patos-Para Lineament" extends further westward and may similarly control, at intersections with fractures of other trends, some mineralization centers in the western part of the state of Para and in the state of Amazonas.

Lineaments and fracture traces, Jennings County and Jefferson Proving Ground, Indiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Greeman, T.K.

1981-01-01

Well placement is important in this area, as fractures are a principal source of water to wells. In areas of fractured bedrock, the most productive well locations are at the intersections of two or more mapped lineaments or fracture traces and at the lowest local altitude. Use of the lineament and fracture-trace map will not guarantee a sufficent supply of ground water but will minimize the chance of drilling an inadequate well.

MX Siting Investigation. Faults and Lineaments in the MX Siting Region, Nevada and Utah. Volume I.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-06

indicate favorable mineral potential. Verifi- cation, Operational Base, and Shelter Layout studies used fault and lineament data to assist in determining... shelter locations were situated so as to avoid faults but roads were allowed to cross some faults and lineaments because it is generally infeasible, if not... Cordillera in the Western United States, in Smith, R. B., and Eaton, G. P., eds., Cenozoic tectonics - and regional geophysics of the western Cordillera

Neoproterozoic Structural Evolution of the NE-trending 620-540 Ma Ad-Damm Shear Zone, Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamimi, Z.; El-Sawy, E. K.; El-Fakharan, A. S.; Shujoon, A.; Matsah, M.; El-Shafei, M.

2012-04-01

Ad-Damm Shear Zone (ASZ) is a NE-trending fault zone separating Jeddah and Asir tectonostratigraphic terranes in the Neoproterozoic juvenile Arabian Shield. ASZ extends ~380 km, with an average width ~2-3 km, from the eye-catching Ruwah Fault Zone in the eastern shield to the Red Sea Coastal plain. It was believed to be one of the conjugate shears of the NW- to NNW- trending sinistral Najd Shear System based on noteworthy dextral shear criteria recorded within the 620 Ma sheared granites of Numan Complex, as well as right-lateral offsets within quartz veins and dikes transected by the shear zone. The present study is an integrated field-based structural analysis and remote sensing. We utilized the ASTER data for lithologic discrimination and automatic structural lineament extraction and analysis of the Neoproterozoic basement lithologies encountered along and within the vicinity of ASZ. Various false color composite images were generated and evaluated for lithological mapping and structural lineaments. The obtained map was analyzed using GIS techniques to interpret the behavior of the existing lineaments and their spatial distribution. Based on the results of the ASTER data, two significant areas; around Bir Ad-Damm and to the south of Wadi Numan, are selected for detailed field investigation. Shear-sense indicators and overprinting relations clearly show a complicated Neoproterozoic history of ASZ, involving at least three deformations: (1) an early attenuated NE-SW sinistral shearing; followed by (2) a SE-directed thrusting phase resulted in the formation SE-verging thrusts and associated thrust-related folds; and (3) late NE-SW intensive dextral transcurrent shearing played a significant role in the creation of mesoscopic shear-zone related folds, particularly in the area near Bir Ad-Damm. Such deformation history demonstrates the same episode of Neoproterozoic deformation exhibited in the NE-trending shear zones in the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS).

Effects of fracturing on well yields in the coalfield areas of Wise and Dickenson counties, southwestern Virginia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wright, W.G.

1985-01-01

Fracturing associated with lineaments are the primary influence on yields from wells in the coalfields of southwestern Virgnia. Graphical comparison of yield from wells shows that wells located in valleys with lineaments produce larger quantities of water than wells in valleys without lineaments. Pumping tests at wells located in valleys with lineaments indicate transmissivities as high as 598 ft2/d, caused principally by secondary permeability. Analysis of data collected from packer-injection tests in a test hole located on a ridge indicate relatively large hydraulic conductivities ranging from 2x10(sup -2) to 1x10(sup -1) feet per day in upper parts of the test hole, compared to values typical of unfractured rocks in the study area. Fracturing due to stress relief contribute to these large values. Yields from wells located on lineaments are consistently higher than well yields from wells in unfractured rock in the study area, but well yields from wells placed randomly in areas suspected of having stress relief fractures cannot be predicted. (USGS)

Structural control on geothermal circulation in the Tocomar geothermal volcanic area (Puna plateau, Argentina)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giordano, Guido

2016-04-01

The reconstruction of the stratigraphical-structural framework and the hydrogeology of geothermal areas is fundamental for understanding the relationships between cap rocks, reservoir and circulation of geothermal fluids and for planning the exploitation of the field. The Tocomar geothermal volcanic area (Puna plateau, Central Andes, NW Argentina) has a high geothermal potential. It is crossed by the active NW-SE trans-Andean tectonic lineament known as the Calama-Olacapato-Toro (COT) fault system, which favours a high secondary permeability testified by the presence of numerous thermal springs. This study presents new stratigraphic, structural, volcanological, geochemical and hydrogeological data on the geothermal field. Our data suggest that the main geothermal reservoir is located within or below the Pre-Palaeozoic-Ordovician basement units, characterised by unevenly distributed secondary permeability. The reservoir is recharged by infiltration in the ridges above 4500 m a.s.l., where basement rocks are in outcrop. Below 4500 m a.s.l., the reservoir is covered by the low permeable Miocene-Quaternary units that allow a poor circulation of shallow groundwater. Geothermal fluids upwell in areas with more intense fracturing, especially where main regional structures, particularly NW-SE COT-parallel lineaments, intersect with secondary structures, such as at the Tocomar field.

Geologic mapping of Northern Atla Regio on Venus: Preliminary data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nikishin, A. M.; Burba, G. A.

1993-01-01

The Northern part of Atla Regio within the frame of C1-formate Magellan photo map 15N197 was mapped geologically at scale 1:8,000,000. This is a part of Russia's contribution into C1 geologic mapping efforts. The map is reproduced here being reduced about twice. The map shows that the Northern Atla area is predominantly a volcanic plain with numerous volcanic features: shield volcanoes, domes and hills with various morphology, corona-like constructions, radar bright and dark spots often with flow-like outlines. Relatively small areas of tessera occurred in the area are mainly semi-flooded with the plain material. Tesserae are considered to be the oldest terrains within the map sheet. There are many lineated terrains in the region. They are interpreted as the old, almost-buried tesserae (those with crossed lineaments) or partly buried ridge belts (those with parallel lineaments). These lineated terrains have an intermediate age between the young volcanic plains and the old tessera areas. Two prominent high volcanic shields are located within the region - Ozza Mons and Sapas Mona. The most prominent structure in Northern Atla is Ganis Chasma rift. The rift cuts volcanic plain and is considered to be under formation during approximately the same time with Ozza Mons shield. Ganis Chasma rift valley is highly fractured and bounded with fault scarps. Rift shoulder uplifts are typical for Ganis Chasma. There are few relatively young volcanic features inside the rift valley. The analysis of fracturing and rift valley geometry shows the rift originated due to 5-10 percent crustal extention followed by the crustal subsidence. The age sequence summary for the main terrain types in the region is (from older to younger ones): tesserae; lineated terrains with crossed lineaments; lineated terrains with parallel lineaments; volcanic plains; and prominent volcanic shields and Ganis Chasma rift valley. The geologic structure of Atla Regio as it appeared now with the Magellan high resolution images is very close to that of Beta Regio. Such conclusion coincide with the earlier ones based on the coarser data.

New evidence about the subduction of the Copiapó ridge beneath South America, and its connection with the Chilean-Pampean flat slab, tracked by satellite GOCE and EGM2008 models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Álvarez, Orlando; Gimenez, Mario; Folguera, Andres; Spagnotto, Silvana; Bustos, Emilce; Baez, Walter; Braitenberg, Carla

2015-11-01

Satellite-only gravity measurements and those integrated with terrestrial observations provide global gravity field models of unprecedented precision and spatial resolution, allowing the analysis of the lithospheric structure. We used the model EGM2008 (Earth Gravitational Model) to calculate the gravity anomaly and the vertical gravity gradient in the South Central Andes region, correcting these quantities by the topographic effect. Both quantities show a spatial relationship between the projected subduction of the Copiapó aseismic ridge (located at about 27°-30° S), its potential deformational effects in the overriding plate, and the Ojos del Salado-San Buenaventura volcanic lineament. This volcanic lineament constitutes a projection of the volcanic arc toward the retroarc zone, whose origin and development were not clearly understood. The analysis of the gravity anomalies, at the extrapolated zone of the Copiapó ridge beneath the continent, shows a change in the general NNE-trend of the Andean structures to an ENE-direction coincident with the area of the Ojos del Salado-San Buenaventura volcanic lineament. This anomalous pattern over the upper plate is interpreted to be linked with the subduction of the Copiapó ridge. We explore the relation between deformational effects and volcanism at the northern Chilean-Pampean flat slab and the collision of the Copiapó ridge, on the basis of the Moho geometry and elastic thicknesses calculated from the new satellite GOCE data. Neotectonic deformations interpreted in previous works associated with volcanic eruptions along the Ojos del Salado-San Buenaventura volcanic lineament is interpreted as caused by crustal doming, imprinted by the subduction of the Copiapó ridge, evidenced by crustal thickening at the sites of ridge inception along the trench. Finally, we propose that the Copiapó ridge could have controlled the northern edge of the Chilean-Pampean flat slab, due to higher buoyancy, similarly to the control that the Juan Fernandez ridge exerts in the geometry of the flat slab further south.

Mineral exploration with ERTS imagery. [Colorado

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicolais, S. M.

1974-01-01

Ten potential target areas for metallic mineral exploration were selected on the basis of a photo-lineament interpretation of the ERTS image 1172-17141 in central Colorado. An evaluation of bias indicated that prior geologic knowledge of the region had little, if any, effect on target selection. In addition, a contoured plot of the frequency of photo-lineament intersections was made to determine what relationships exist between the photo-lineaments and mineral districts. Comparison of this plot with a plot of the mineral districts indicates that areas with a high frequency of intersections commonly coincide with known mineral districts. The results of this experiment suggest that photo-lineaments are fractures or fracture-controlled features, and their distribution may be a guide to metallic mineral deposits in Colorado, and probably other areas as well.

The palaeodelta of the ``Proto'' Vatrak and ``Proto'' Mahi rivers of northeastern Gujarat, India: A remote sensing interpretation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, R. P.; Dotiwala, Sucheta; Mitra, D. S.; Bhoj, R.

1996-02-01

Detailed remote sensing studies carried out in northeastern Gujarat, India, suggest that there has been a major change in the drainage system as evidenced by the presence of a large palaeo-delta system. The area is drained by two major rivers, the Mahi and Vatrak originating from the Aravalli Hills to the east, which discharge into the Gulf of Cambay, in the Indian Ocean. Major lineaments, palaeodrainage patterns and palaeodeltas of the Vatrak and Mahi rivers were delineated. These were large rivers in the past with a high discharge and floodplains which were 5-10 km wide. Most of the palaeodrainage follows the NE-SW Precambrian lineaments/ faults indicating their structural control. Reactivation of these lineaments and differential uplift of the Aravalli Hills resulted in increased transportation of the eroded sediments and deposition of more than 5 km thick sediments into the Tarapur block of the Cambay Basin. The Gulf of Cambay extended up to the Limbasi-Sojitra-Petlad area during the Quaternary. There are implications for petroleum exploration in the sense that the results when integrated with subsurface geological and geophysical data help to delineate the reservoir facies suitable for petroleum exploration along the eastern margin of the Tarapur block.

A geological interpretation of Seasat-SAR imagery of Jamaica

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wadge, G.; Dixon, T. H.

1984-01-01

Spaceborne radar imagery obtained from Seasat allows an unobscured large-scale view of Jamaica that can be used for geological interpretation. Lineaments and textures visible in these images were mapped and compared with the known geology of the Tertiary karst limestones covering the central and western parts of the island. Some of these radar textures correlate with lithological units, while others follow tectonically-controlled zones or structural blocks. Mapping of radar lineaments has led to the recognition of three new aspects of Jamaican faults: (1) a major through-going NE-SW fault system, termed here the Vere-Annotto lineament; (2) a series of curving scissor faults in the central part of the island; and (3) the related observation that the dominant NNW-SSE tectonic fabric of the central part of the island takes the form of an elongate sigmoid in plan view. During most of the Neogene Jamaica has been part of an active zone of left-lateral transform motion between the Caribbean and North American plates and is a region of anomalous uplift. The radar imagery is a sensitive recorder of the deformation undergone by the karst limestones in this tectonic regime. Some of the observations are explained with models for a complex, evolving shear zone.

Groundwater studies in arid areas in Egypt using LANDSAT satellite images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elshazly, E. M.; Abdelhady, M. A.; Elshazly, M. M.

1977-01-01

Various features are interpreted which have strong bearing on groundwater in the arid environment. These include the nature of geological and lithologic units, structural lineaments, present and old drainage systems, distribution and form of water pools, geomorphologic units, weathering surfaces and other weathering phenomena, desert soils, sand dunes and dune sand accumulations, growths of natural vegetation and agriculture, and salt crusts and other expressions of salinization. There are many impressive examples which illustrate the significance of satellite image interpretation on the regional conditions of groundwater which could be traced and interconnected over several tens or even several hundreds of kilometers. This is especially true in the northern Western Desert of Egypt where ground water issuing from deep strata comes to the surface along ENE-WSW and ESE-WNW fault lines and fracture systems. Another striking example is illustrated by the occurrence of fresh to brackish groundwater on the Mediterranean Sea Coastal Zone of the Western Desert where the groundwater is found in the form of lenses floating on the saline sea water.

Martian lineaments from Mariner 6 and 7 photographs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schultz, P. H.; Ingerson, F. E.

1973-01-01

Mariner 6 and 7 photographs were used to investigate the nature and importance of linear surface trends on Mars. Cross correlations of frequency-azimuth distributions of linear trends from different Mariner frames indicate that lineations not recognized as topographic features have a component of pseudoforms, probably introduced during digital reconstruction of the pictures. Similar statistical tests may aid in the analysis of surface trends from future satellites and space probes. The most reliable data were separated into photometrically defined provinces. Meridiani Sinus and Margaritifer Sinus display five major trends in common, which are interpreted as extensions of crustal weaknesses related to the enormous equatorial canyon revealed in Mariner 6 and 9 pictures. Alignments of crater wall segments generally match these trends and suggest structural control of crater plan. Crater chains, however, do not match these trends and are interpreted as secondary impacts. Rose diagrams of lineations in Deucalionis Regio exhibit much more complexity and are believed to reflect a better preserved or more complex geologic history.

Wilson Cycle studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burke, Kevin

1987-01-01

Regional lineaments in continental evolution were studied. It was concluded that lineaments within continents are attributed to a small number of processes of continent formation and modification, but interactions among these processes may produce complex patterns.

The Study of Fault Lineament Pattern of the Lamongan Volcanic Field Using Gravity Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aziz, K. N.; Hartantyo, E.; Niasari, S. W.

2018-04-01

Lamongan Volcano located in Tiris, East Java, possesses geothermal potential energy. The geothermal potential was indicated by the presence of geothermal manifestations such as hot springs. We usedsecondary gravity data from GGMplus. The result of gravity anomaly map shows that there is the lowest gravity anomaly in the center of the study area coinciding with the hot spring location. Gravity data were analyzed using SVD method to identify fault structures. It controls the geothermal fluid pathways. The result of this research shows thatthe type of fault in hot springsisanormal fault with direction NW-SE. The fault lineament pattern along maaris NW-SE.Maar indicates anormal fault. As the result we know that gravity data from GGMplus which analyzed with SVD can be used to determine the type and trend of fault.

Cassini Imaging Results at Titan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McEwen, A.; Turtle, E.; Perry J.; Fussner, S.; Porco, C.; West, R.; Johnson, T.; Collins, G.; DelGenio, T.; Barbara, J.

2005-01-01

The Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) images show striking albedo markings on the surface of Titan. In equatorial regions the albedo patterns have high contrast and exhibit prominent lineaments and linear/angular boundaries suggestive of tectonic influences or fracturing of brittle surficial materials. There are intriguing dark curving lines near the south pole. Here we present several working hypotheses to explain these patterns. We also briefly summarize atmospheric science results.

Characterization of the Cretaceous aquifer structure of the Meskala region of the Essaouira Basin, Morocco

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hanich, L.; Zouhri, L.; Dinger, J.

2011-01-01

The aquifer of early Cretaceous age in the Meskala region of the Essaouira Basin is defined by interpretation of geological drilling data of oil and hydrogeological wells, field measurement and analysis of in situ fracture orientations, and the application of a morphostructural method to identify lineaments. These analyzes are used to develop a stratigraphic-structural model of the aquifer delimited by fault zones of two principal orientations: NNE and WNW. These fault zones define fault blocks that range in area from 4 to 150km2. These blocks correspond either to elevated zones (horsts) or depressed zones (grabens). This structural setting with faults blocks of Meskala region is in accordance with the structure of the whole Essaouira Basin. Fault zones disrupt the continuity of the aquifer throughout the study area, create recharge and discharge zones, and create dip to the units from approximately 10?? to near vertical in various orientations. Fracture measurements and morphometric-lineament analyzes help to identify unmapped faults, and represent features important to groundwater hydraulics and water quality within fault blocks. The above geologic features will enable a better understanding of the behaviour and hydro-geo-chemical and hydrodynamics of groundwater in the Meskala aquifer. ?? 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

A study of the Tyrone-Mount Union lineament by remote sensing techniques and field methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gold, D. P. (Principal Investigator)

1977-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. This study has shown that subtle variations in fold axes, fold form, and stratigraphic thickness can be delineated. Many of the conclusions were based on extrapolation in similitude to different scales. A conceptual model was derived for the Tyrone-Mount Union lineament. In this model, the lineament the morphological expression of a zone of fracture concentrations which penetrated basement rocks and may have acted as a curtain to regional stresses or as a domain boundary between uncoupled adjacent crustal blocks.

Faults, Fractures, and Lineaments in the Mineral Mountains, Utah

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Joe Moore

This submission includes a shapefile of the Opal Mound Fault, and multiple datasets of lineaments mapped in the Mineral Mountains which overlook the Utah FORGE site, hyperlinked to rose diagrams in a polygon grid shapefile.

Utilizing ERTS-A imagery for tectonic analysis through study of Big Horn Mountains region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoppin, R. A. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. MSS scene 1085-17294 of the Big Horn region has been subjected to detailed structural analysis. Band 7 is particularly good for revealing structural and drainage patterns because of enhance topographic detail and the subdued vegetational contrasts. Considerable stereo coverage through sidelap with adjoining scenes adds to the effectiveness of the study and has been used on both positive transparencies and enlarged prints. Negative prints of Band 7 positive transparencies have proven to be much more useful than positive prints because the higher resolution of the positive transparencies can be maintained. The Bighorn Mountains are crisscrossed by a number of prominent topographic linears, most of which can be correlated with known fault and shear zones in the Precambrian crystalline core. Many of these do not appear to continue into the flanking sedimentary rocks and a few that do (Tensleep, Tongue River lineaments) are very difficult to trace farther out into the basins. The Tongue River lineament, long a source of speculation and uncertainty as to its existence, appears as a very prominent discontinuity in the imagery.

Interdisciplinary applications and interpretations of EREP data within the Susquehanna River Basin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcmurtry, G. J.; Petersen, G. W. (Principal Investigator)

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Photography from the S190A and S190B sensors was compared, for terrain analysis. The S190B photographs were used for terrain mapping of three test areas selected as being representative of major physiographic regions in Pennsylvania. Skylab photography was superior to both LANDSAT imagery and high altitude aircraft photography for purposes of accurate location of lineaments. Analysis of Skylab imagery has shown that long lineaments originally plotted on LANDSAT images are actually made up of shorter segments. Correlation of lineaments with ore deposits was determined following the preparation of a Pennsylvania mineral deposit map. Digital wave number analysis (spatial filtering) was attempted to determine if it can be used to enhance certain subtle features, and in particular, to locate and verify lineaments. Various spectral bands and channels of the MSS digital data were evaluated for their value in the classification and thematic mapping.

Structural Investigations of Afghanistan Deduced from Remote Sensing and Potential Field Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saibi, Hakim; Azizi, Masood; Mogren, Saad

2016-08-01

This study integrates potential gravity and magnetic field data with remotely sensed images and geological data in an effort to understand the subsurface major geological structures in Afghanistan. Integrated analysis of Landsat SRTM data was applied for extraction of geological lineaments. The potential field data were analyzed using gradient interpretation techniques, such as analytic signal (AS), tilt derivative (TDR), horizontal gradient of the tilt derivative (HG-TDR), Euler Deconvolution (ED) and power spectrum methods, and results were correlated with known geological structures. The analysis of remote sensing data and potential field data reveals the regional geological structural characteristics of Afghanistan. The power spectrum analysis of magnetic and gravity data suggests shallow basement rocks at around 1 to 1.5 km depth. The results of TDR of potential field data are in agreement with the location of the major regional fault structures and also the location of the basins and swells, except in the Helmand region (SW Afghanistan) where many high potential field anomalies are observed and attributed to batholiths and near-surface volcanic rocks intrusions. A high-resolution airborne geophysical survey in the data sparse region of eastern Afghanistan is recommended in order to have a complete image of the potential field anomalies.

Automatic derivation of natural and artificial lineaments from ALS point clouds in floodplains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandlburger, G.; Briese, C.

2009-04-01

Water flow is one of the most important driving forces in geomorphology and river systems have ever since formed our landscapes. With increasing urbanisation fertile flood plains were more and more cultivated and the defence of valuable settlement areas by dikes and dams became an important issue. Today, we are dealing with landscapes built up by natural as well as man-made artificial forces. In either case the general shape of the terrain can be portrayed by lineaments representing discontinuities of the terrain slope. Our contribution, therefore, presents an automatic method for delineating natural and artificial structure lines based on randomly distributed point data with high density of more than one point/m2. Preferably, the last echoes of airborne laser scanning (ALS) point clouds are used, since the laser signal is able to penetrate vegetation through small gaps in the foliage. Alternatively, point clouds from (multi) image matching can be employed, but poor ground point coverage in vegetated areas is often the limiting factor. Our approach is divided into three main steps: First, potential 2D start segments are detected by analyzing the surface curvature in the vicinity of each data point, second, the detailed 3D progression of each structure line is modelled patch-wise by intersecting surface pairs (e.g. planar patch pairs) based on the detected start segments and by performing line growing and, finally, post-processing like line cleaning, smoothing and networking is carried out in a last step. For the initial detection of start segments a best fitting two dimensional polynomial surface (quadric) is computed in each data point based on a set of neighbouring points, from which the minimum and maximum curvature is derived. Patches showing high maximum and low minimum curvatures indicate linear discontinuities in the surface slope and serve as start segments for the subsequent 3D modelling. Based on the 2D location and orientation of the start segments, surface patches can be identified as to the left or the right of the structure line. For each patch pair the intersection line is determined by least squares adjustment. The stochastic model considers the planimetric accuracy of the start segments, and the vertical measurement errors in the data points. A robust estimation approach is embedded in the patch adjustment for elimination of off-terrain ALS last echo points. Starting from an initial patch pair, structure line modelling is continued in forward and backward direction as long as certain thresholds (e.g. minimum surface intersection angles) are fulfilled. In the final post-processing step the resulting line set is cleaned by connecting corresponding line parts, by removing short line strings of minor relevance, and by thinning the resulting line set with respect to a certain approximation tolerance in order to reduce the amount of line data. Thus, interactive human verification and editing is limited to a minimum. In a real-world example structure lines were computed for a section of the river Main (ALS, last echoes, 4 points/m2) demonstrating the high potential of the proposed method with respect to accuracy and completeness. Terrestrial control measurements have confirmed the high accuracy expectations both in planimetry (<0.4m) and height (<0.2m).

Effects of Caledonian tectonism in Arctic Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miall, Andrew D.

1986-11-01

Several north-trending structures in the Canadian Arctic islands are interpreted as Caledonian in origin, in the sense that they probably represent intraplate tectonism triggered by the closing of the Iapetus Ocean along the Greenland-Scandinavia-Svalbard Caledonian suture. These structures include the Boothia uplift, Rens Fiord uplift, Inglefield uplift (redefined unit, replacing Bache Peninsula arch), and possibly several other structures, such as the Cornwall arch, which are now expressed mainly in Mesozoic-Cenozoic strata but may represent rejuvenated Caledonian lineaments.

Automated mesostructural analyses using GIS, Beta test: Paleozoic structures from the New Jersey Great Valley region

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Herman, G.C.; French, M.A.; Monteverde, D.H.

1993-03-01

An automated method has been developed for representing outcrop data on geologic structures on maps. Using a MS-DOS custom database management system in conjunction with the ARC/INFO Geographic Information System (GIS), trends of geologic structures are plotted with user-specific symbols. The length of structural symbols can be frequency-weighted based on collective values from structural domains. The PC-based data manager is the NJGS Field data Management System (FMS) Version 2.0 which includes sort, output, and analysis functions for structural data input in either azimuth or quadrant form. Program options include lineament sorting, data output to other data management and analysis software,more » and a circular histogram (rose diagram) routine for trend frequency analysis. Trends can be displayed with either half-or full-rose diagrams using either 10[degree] sectors or one degree spikes for strike, trend, or dip azimuth readings. Scalar and vector statistics are both included. For the mesostructural analysis, ASCII files containing the station number, structural trend and inclination, and plot-symbol-length value are downloaded from FMS and uploaded into an ARC/INFO macro which sequentially plots the information. Plots can be generated in conjunction with any complimentary GIS coverage for various types of spatial analyses. Mesostructural plots can be used for regional tectonic analyses, for hydrogeologic analysis of fractured bedrock aquifers, or for ground-truthing data from fracture-trace or lineament analyses.« less

Earthquake epicenters and fault intersections in central and southern California

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdel-Gawad, M. (Principal Investigator); Silverstein, J.

1972-01-01

The author has identifed the following significant results. ERTS-1 imagery provided evidence for the existence of short transverse fault segments lodged between faults of the San Andreas system in the Coast Ranges, California. They indicate that an early episode of transverse shear has affected the Coast Ranges prior to the establishment of the present San Andreas fault. The fault has been offset by transverse faults of the Transverse Ranges. It appears feasible to identify from ERTS-1 imagery geomorphic criteria of recent fault movements. Plots of historic earthquakes in the Coast Ranges and western Transverse Ranges show clusters in areas where structures are complicated by interaction of tow active fault systems. A fault lineament apparently not previously mapped was identified in the Uinta Mountains, Utah. Part of the lineament show evidence of recent faulting which corresponds to a moderate earthquake cluster.

Salts on Europa's surface detected by Galileo's near infrared mapping spectrometer. The NIMS Team.

PubMed

McCord, T B; Hansen, G B; Fanale, F P; Carlson, R W; Matson, D L; Johnson, T V; Smythe, W D; Crowley, J K; Martin, P D; Ocampo, A; Hibbitts, C A; Granahan, J C

1998-05-22

Reflectance spectra in the 1- to 2.5-micrometer wavelength region of the surface of Europa obtained by Galileo's Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer exhibit distorted water absorption bands that indicate the presence of hydrated minerals. The laboratory spectra of hydrated salt minerals such as magnesium sulfates and sodium carbonates and mixtures of these minerals provide a close match to the Europa spectra. The distorted bands are only observed in the optically darker areas of Europa, including the lineaments, and may represent evaporite deposits formed by water, rich in dissolved salts, reaching the surface from a water-rich layer underlying an ice crust.

Salts on Europa's surface detected by Galileo's near infrared mapping spectrometer

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCord, T.B.; Hansen, G.B.; Fanale, F.P.; Carlson, R.W.; Matson, D.L.; Johnson, T.V.; Smythe, W.D.; Crowley, J.K.; Martin, P.D.; Ocampo, A.; Hibbitts, C.A.; Granahan, J.C.

1998-01-01

Reflectance spectra in the 1- to 2.5-micrometer wavelength region of the surface of Europa obtained by Galileo's Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer exhibit distorted water absorption bands that indicate the presence of hydrated minerals. The laboratory spectra of hydrated salt minerals such as magnesium sulfates and sodium carbonates and mixtures of these minerals provide a close match to the Europa spectra. The distorted bands are only observed in the optically darker areas of Europa, including the lineaments, and may represent evaporite deposits formed by water, rich in dissolved salts, reaching the surface from a water-rich layer underlying an ice crust.

Hahajima Seamount: an enigmatic tectonic block at the junction between Izu-Bonin and Mariana Trench

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tokunaga, W.; Fujioka, K.; Yokose, H.

2005-12-01

The Hahajima Seamount located at the junction between Izu-Bonin and Mariana forearc slopes, represents a notable rectangular shape and consists of various kinds of rocks. An elaborated bathymetric swath mapping with geophysical measurements and dredge hauls showed the Hahajima Seamount is cut by two predominating lineaments, NE-SW and NW-SE. These lineaments are of faults based on the topographic cross sections and three-dimensional view (Whale's-eye view). The former lineament is parallel to the transform faults of the Parece Vela Basin in the Philippine Sea whereas the latter is to the nearby transform fault on the subducting Pacific Plate underneath the Izu-Bonin arc-trench system. The rocks obtained from the Hahajima Seamount are ultramafic rocks mostly harzburgite, boninite, basalt, andesite, gabbro breccia and sedimentary rocks, which characterize an island arc and an ocean basin affinities. The gravity measurement and seismic reflection survey offer neither definite gravity anomaly at the seamount nor definite internal structures beneath the seamount. The NW-SE trending fault and small scale serpentine flows were observed during the JAMSTEC submersible Shinkai 2000 dives at the Hahajima Seamount. The rectangular shape, size of seamount, various kinds of rocks and all the geophysical measurements strongly support that the Hahajima Seamount is not a simple serpentine seamount but a tectonic block unlike previously believed that was controlled by various tectonic movements.

Geophysical characterization of fractured bedrock at Site 8, former Pease Air Force Base, Newington, New Hampshire

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mack, Thomas J.; Degnan, James R.

2003-01-01

Borehole-geophysical logs collected from eight wells and direct-current resistivity data from three survey lines were analyzed to characterize the fractured bedrock and identify transmissive fractures beneath the former Pease Air Force Base, Newington, N.H. The following logs were used: caliper, fluid temperature and conductivity, natural gamma radiation, electromagnetic conductivity, optical and acoustic televiewer, and heat-pulse flowmeter. The logs indicate several foliation and fracture trends in the bedrock. Two fracture-correlated lineaments trending 28? and 29?, identified with low-altitude aerial photography, are coincident with the dominant structural trend. The eight boreholes logged at Site 8 generally have few fractures and have yields ranging from 0 to 40 gallons per minute. The fractures that probably resulted in high well yields (20?40 gallons per minute) strike northeast-southwest or by the right hand rule, have an orientation of 215?, 47?, and 51?. Two-dimensional direct-current resistivity methods were used to collect detailed subsurface information about the overburden, bedrock-fracture zone depths, and apparent-dip directions. Analysis of data inversions from data collected with dipole-dipole and Schlumberger arrays indicated electrically conductive zones in the bedrock that are probably caused by fractured rock. These zones are coincident with extensions of fracture-correlated lineaments. The fracture-correlated lineaments and geophysical-survey results indicate a possible northeast-southwest anisotropy to the fractured rock.

Integrated geologic and geophysical studies of North American continental intraplate seismicity

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Lanen, X.; Mooney, W.D.

2007-01-01

The origin of earthquakes within stable continental regions has been the subject of debate over the past thirty years. Here, we examine the correlation of North American stable continental region earthquakes using five geologic and geophysical data sets: (1) a newly compiled age-province map; (2) Bouguer gravity data; (3) aeromagnetic anomalies; (4) the tectonic stress field; and (5) crustal structure as revealed by deep seismic-reflection profiles. We find that: (1) Archean-age (3.8-2.5 Ga) North American crust is essentially aseismic, whereas post-Archean (less than 2.5 Ga) crust shows no clear correlation of crustal age and earthquake frequency or moment release; (2) seismicity is correlated with continental paleorifts; and (3) seismicity is correlated with the NE-SW structural grain of the crust of eastern North America, which in turn reflects the opening and closing of the proto- and modern Atlantic Ocean. This structural grain can be discerned as clear NE-SW lineaments in the Bouguer gravity and aeromagnetic anomaly maps. Stable continental region seismicity either: (1) follows the NE-SW lineaments; (2) is aligned at right angles to these lineaments; or (3) forms clusters at what have been termed stress concentrators (e.g., igneous intrusions and intersecting faults). Seismicity levels are very low to the west of the Grenville Front (i.e., in the Archean Superior craton). The correlation of seismicity with NE-SW-oriented lineaments implies that some stable continental region seismicity is related to the accretion and rifting processes that have formed the North American continental crust during the past 2 b.y. We further evaluate this hypothesis by correlating stable continental region seismicity with recently obtained deep seismic-reflection images of the Appalachian and Grenville crust of southern Canada. These images show numerous faults that penetrate deep (40 km) into the crust. An analysis of hypocentral depths for stable continental region earthquakes shows that the frequency and moment magnitude of events are nearly uniform for the entire 0-35 km depths over which crustal earthquakes extend. This is in contradiction with the hypothesis that larger events have deeper focal depths. We conclude that the deep structure of the crust, in particular the existence of deeply penetrating faults, is the controlling parameter, rather than lateral variations in temperature, rheology, or high pore pressure. The distribution of stable continental region earthquakes in eastern North America is consistent with the existence of deeply penetrating crustal faults that have been reactivated in the present stress field. We infer that future earthquakes may occur anywhere along the geophysical lineations that we have identified. This implies that seismic hazard is more widespread in central and eastern North America than indicated by the limited known historical distribution of seismicity. ?? 2007 The Geological Society of America.

Facilitating the exploitation of ERTS imagery using snow enhancement techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wobber, F. J. (Principal Investigator); Martin, K. R.; Amato, R. V.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Detection and analysis of fracture systems can be more effectively conducted utilizing snow cover as an enhancement tool. From analysis within the Great Barrington Test Site it appears that the use of aeromagnetic data effectively supplements lineament data acquired using ERTS imagery. Coincidence of lineaments derived from aeromagnetics with lineaments interpreted from ERTS imagery apparently indicate the presence of mineralized fracture systems and dikes. Utilizing both tools can increase the speed and efficiency of mineral exploration and geological mapping in areas where bedrock is obscured by a thick unconsolidated sediment cover.

Paleoseismology of a possible fault scarp in Wenas Valley, central Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sherrod, Brian L.; Barnett, Elizabeth A.; Knepprath, Nichole; Foit, Franklin F.

2013-01-01

In October 2009, two trenches excavated across an 11-kilometer-long scarp at Wenas Valley in central Washington exposed evidence for late Quaternary deformation. Lidar imagery of the Wenas Valley illuminated the west-northwest-trending, 2- to 8-meter-high scarp as it bisected alluvial fans developed at the mouths of canyons along the south side of Umtanum Ridge. The alignment of the scarp and aeromagnetic lineaments suggested that the scarp may be a product of and controlled by the same tectonic structure that produced the magnetic lineaments. Several large landslides mapped in the area demonstrated the potential for large mass-wasting events in the area. In order to test whether the scarp was the result of an earthquake-generated surface rupture or a landslide, trenches were excavated at Hessler Flats and McCabe Place. The profiles of bedrock and soil stratigraphy that underlie the scarp in each trench were photographed, mapped, and described, and a sequence of depositional and deformational events established for each trench. The McCabe Place trench exposed a sequence of volcaniclastic deposits overlain by soils and alluvial deposits separated by three unconformities. Six normal faults and two possible reverse faults deformed the exposed strata. Crosscutting relations indicated that up to five earthquakes occurred on a blind reverse fault, and a microprobe analysis of lapilli suggested that the earliest faulting occurred after 47,000 years before present. The Hessler Flat trench exposure revealed weathered bedrock that abuts loess and colluvium deposits and is overlain by soil, an upper sequence of loess, and colluvium. The latter two units bury a distinctive paloesol.

ERTS-1 imagery use in reconnaissance prospecting: Evaluation of commercial utility of ERTS-1 imagery in structural reconnaissance for minerals and petroleum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, D. F.; Thomas, G. E. (Principal Investigator); Kinsman, F. E.; Beatty, D. F.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. This study was performed to investigate applications of ERTS-1 imagery in commercial reconnaissance for mineral and hydrocarbon resources. ERTS-1 imagery collected over five areas in North America (Montana; Colorado; New Mexico-West Texas; Superior Province, Canada; and North Slope, Alaska) has been analyzed for data content including linears, lineaments, and curvilinear anomalies. Locations of these features were mapped and compared with known locations of mineral and hydrocarbon accumulations. Results were analyzed in the context of a simple-shear, block-coupling model. Data analyses have resulted in detection of new lineaments, some of which may be continental in extent, detection of many curvilinear patterns not generally seen on aerial photos, strong evidence of continental regmatic fracture patterns, and realization that geological features can be explained in terms of a simple-shear, block-coupling model. The conculsions are that ERTS-1 imagery is of great value in photogeologic/geomorphic interpretations of regional features, and the simple-shear, block-coupling model provides a means of relating data from ERTS imagery to structures that have controlled emplacement of ore deposits and hydrocarbon accumulations, thus providing a basis for a new approach for reconnaissance for mineral, uranium, gas, and oil deposits and structures.

Tectolinear interpretation of a 1:5,000,000 Landsat-1 mosaic compared with the structure of central and eastern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kutina, Jan; Carter, William D.

1978-01-01

The pattern of lineaments and curvilinear features interpreted from a 1:5,000,000 mosaic of satellite images (Landsat-1 was superimposed on a simplified version of the Geological Map of the United States, 1:2,500,000 scale, showing the structural scheme of Central and Eastern United States. A comparison of the above two patterns, shown in Fig. 1, is presented in this paper.

Integrating GIS-based geologic mapping, LiDAR-based lineament analysis and site specific rock slope data to delineate a zone of existing and potential rock slope instability located along the grandfather mountain window-Linville Falls shear zone contact, Southern Appalachian Mountains, Watauga County, North Carolina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gillon, K.A.; Wooten, R.M.; Latham, R.L.; Witt, A.W.; Douglas, T.J.; Bauer, J.B.; Fuemmeler, S.J.

2009-01-01

Landslide hazard maps of Watauga County identify >2200 landslides, model debris flow susceptibility, and evaluate a 14km x 0.5km zone of existing and potential rock slope instability (ZEPRSI) near the Town of Boone. The ZEPRSI encompasses west-northwest trending (WNWT) topographic ridges where 14 active/past-active rock/weathered rock slides occur mainly in rocks of the Grandfather Mountain Window (GMW). The north side of this ridgeline is the GMW / Linville Falls Fault (LFF) contact. Sheared rocks of the Linville Falls Shear Zone (LFSZ) occur along the ridge and locally in the valley north of the contact. The valley is underlain principally by layered granitic gneiss comprising the Linville Falls/Beech Mountain/Stone Mountain Thrust Sheet. The integration of ArcGIS??? - format digital geologic and lineament mapping on a 6m LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) digital elevation model (DEM) base, and kinematic analyses of site specific rock slope data (e.g., presence and degree of ductile and brittle deformation fabrics, rock type, rock weathering state) indicate: WNWT lineaments are expressions of a regionally extensive zone of fractures and faults; and ZEPRSI rock slope failures concentrate along excavated, north-facing LFF/LFSZ slopes where brittle fabrics overprint older metamorphic foliations, and other fractures create side and back release surfaces. Copyright 2009 ARMA, American Rock Mechanics Association.

Tidal reorientation and the fracturing of Jupiter's moon Europa

USGS Publications Warehouse

McEwen, A.S.

1986-01-01

The most striking characteristic of Europa is the network of long linear albedo markings over the surface, suggestive of global-scale tectonic processes. Various explanations for the fractures have been proposed: Freezing and expansion of an early liquid water ocean1, planetary expansion due to dehydration of hydrated silicates2, localization by weak points in the crust generated by impacts3, and a combination of stresses due to planetary volume change and tidal distortions from orbital recession and orbital eccentricity4,5. Calculations by Yoder6 and Greenberg and Weidenschilling7 have shown that Europa may rotate slightly more rapidly than the synchronous rate, with a rotation period (reorientation through 360??) ranging from 20 to >103 yr if a liquid mantle is present, or up to 1010 yr if the satellite is essentially solid7. Helfen-stein and Parmentier8 modelled the stresses due to nonsynchronous rotation, and concluded that this could explain the long fractures in part of the anti-jovian hemisphere. In this note, I present a global map of lineaments with long arc lengths (>20?? or 550 km), and compare the lineament orientations to the tensile stress trajectories due to tidal distortions (changes in the lengths of three principal semiaxes) and to nonsynchronous rotation (longitudinal reorientation of two of the principal semiaxes). An excellent orthogonal fit to the lineaments is achieved by the stresses due to nonsynchronous rotation with the axis radial to Jupiter located 25?? east of its present position. This fit suggests that nonsynchronous rotation occurred at some time in Europa's history. ?? 1986 Nature Publishing Group.

Satellite and surface geophysical expression of anomalous crustal structure in Kentucky and Tennessee

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mayhew, M. A.; Thomas, H. H.; Wasilewski, P. J.

1981-01-01

An equivalent layer magnetization model is discussed. Inversion of long wavelength satellite magnetic anomaly data indicates a very magnetic source region centered in south central Kentucky. Refraction profiles suggest that the source of the gravity anomaly is a large mass of rock occupying much of the crustal thickness. The outline of the source delineated by gravity contours is also discernible in aeromagnetic anomaly patterns. The mafic plutonic complex, and several lines of evidence are consistent with a rift association. The body is, however, clearly related to the inferred position of the Grenville Front. It is bounded on the north by the fault zones of the 38th Parallel Lineament. It is suggested that such magnetization levels are achieved with magnetic mineralogies produced by normal oxidation and metamorphic processes and enhanced by viscous build-up, especially in mafic rocks of alkaline character.

First images of asteroid 243 Ida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Belton, M.J.S.; Chapman, C.R.; Veverka, J.; Klaasen, K.P.; Harch, A.; Greeley, R.; Greenberg, R.; Head, J. W.; McEwen, A.; Morrison, D.; Thomas, P.C.; Davies, M.E.; Carr, M.H.; Neukum, G.; Fanale, F.P.; Davis, D.R.; Anger, C.; Gierasch, P.J.; Ingersoll, A.P.; Pilcher, C.B.

1994-01-01

The first images of the asteroid 243 Ida from Galileo show an irregular object measuring 56 kilometers by 24 kilometers by 21 kilometers. Its surface is rich in geologic features, including systems of grooves, blocks, chutes, albedo features, crater chains, and a full range of crater morphologies. The largest blocks may be distributed nonuniformly across the surface; lineaments and dark-floored craters also have preferential locations. Ida is interpreted to have a substantial regolith. The high crater density and size-frequency distribution (-3 differential power-law index) indicate a surface in equilibrium with saturated cratering. A minimum model crater age for Ida - and therefore for the Koronis family to which Ida belongs - is estimated at 1 billion years, older than expected.

Experiment to Evaluate the Feasibility of Utilizing Skylab-EREP Remote Sensing Data for Tectonic Analysis Through a Study of the Big Horn Mountain Region, Wyoming, South Dakota and Wyoming

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoppin, R. A. (Principal Investigator); Caldwell, J.; Lehman, D.; Palmer, S.; Pan, K. L.; Swenson, A.

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. S190B imagery was the best single product from which fairly detailed structural and some lithologic mapping could be accomplished in the Big Horn basin, the Owl Creek Mountains, and the northern Big Horn Mountains. The Nye-Bowler lineament could not be extended east of its presently mapped location although a linear (fault or monocline) was noted that may be part of the lineament, but north of postulated extensions. Much more structure was discernible in the Big Horn basin than could be seen on LANDSAT-1 imagery; RB-57 color IR photography, in turn, revealed additional folds and faults. A number of linears, several of which could be identified as faults and one a monocline, cut obliquely the east-west trending Owl Creek uplift. The heavy forest cover of the Black Hills makes direct lithologic delineation impossible. However, drainage and linear overlays revealed differences in pattern between the areas of exposed Precambrian crystalline core and the flanking Paleozoic rocks. S192 data, even precision corrected segments, were not of much use.

Spatiotemporal analysis of Quaternary normal faults in the Northern Rocky Mountains, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davarpanah, A.; Babaie, H. A.; Reed, P.

2010-12-01

The mid-Tertiary Basin-and-Range extensional tectonic event developed most of the normal faults that bound the ranges in the northern Rocky Mountains within Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. The interaction of the thermally induced stress field of the Yellowstone hot spot with the existing Basin-and-Range fault blocks, during the last 15 my, has produced a new, spatially and temporally variable system of normal faults in these areas. The orientation and spatial distribution of the trace of these hot-spot induced normal faults, relative to earlier Basin-and-Range faults, have significant implications for the effect of the temporally varying and spatially propagating thermal dome on the growth of new hot spot related normal faults and reactivation of existing Basin-and-Range faults. Digitally enhanced LANDSAT 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and Landsat 4 and 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) bands, with spatial resolution of 30 m, combined with analytical GIS and geological techniques helped in determining and analyzing the lineaments and traces of the Quaternary, thermally-induced normal faults in the study area. Applying the color composite (CC) image enhancement technique, the combination of bands 3, 2 and 1 of the ETM+ and TM images was chosen as the best statistical choice to create a color composite for lineament identification. The spatiotemporal analysis of the Quaternary normal faults produces significant information on the structural style, timing, spatial variation, spatial density, and frequency of the faults. The seismic Quaternary normal faults, in the whole study area, are divided, based on their age, into four specific sets, which from oldest to youngest include: Quaternary (>1.6 Ma), middle and late Quaternary (>750 ka), latest Quaternary (>15 ka), and the last 150 years. A density map for the Quaternary faults reveals that most active faults are near the current Yellowstone National Park area (YNP), where most seismically active faults, in the past 1.6 my, are located. The GIS based autocorrelation method, applied to the trace orientation, length, frequency, and spatial distribution for each age-defined fault set, revealed spatial homogeneity for each specific set. The results of the method of Moran`sI and Geary`s C show no spatial autocorrelation among the trend of the fault traces and their location. Our results suggest that while lineaments of similar age define a clustered pattern in each domain, the overall distribution pattern of lineaments with different ages seems to be non-uniform (random). The directional distribution analysis reveals a distinct range of variation for fault traces of different ages (i.e., some displaying ellipsis behavior). Among the Quaternary normal fault sets, the youngest lineament set (i.e., last 150 years) defines the greatest ellipticity (eccentricity) and the least lineaments distribution variation. The frequency rose diagram for the entire Quaternary normal faults, shows four major modes (around 360o, 330o, 300o, and 270o), and two minor modes (around 235 and 205).

The Junction of Hellenic and Cyprus Arcs: the Bey Daglari Lineament, Offshore Termination of the Antalya Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gogacz, A.; Hall, J.; Cifci, G.; Yasar, D.; Kucuk, M.; Yaltirak, C.; Aksu, A.

2009-05-01

The Antalya Basin is one of a series of basins that sweep along the Cyprus Arc in the forearc region between the (formerly) volcanic Tauride Mountains on Turkey in the north and the subduction zone and associated suture between the African plate and the Aegean-Anatolian microplate in the eastern Mediterranean, south of Cyprus. Miocene contraction occurs widely on southwest verging thrusts. Pliocene-Quaternary structures vary from extension/transtension in the northeast, adjacent to the Turkish coastline, to transpression in the southwest, farther offshore. All these structures are truncated at the northwest end of the Antalya Basin by a broad zone of NNE-SSW-trending transverse structure that appears to represent a prolongation of the extreme easterly transform end of the Hellenic arc. Our mapping suggests that this broad zone links the Hellenic Arc with the Isparta Angle in southern Turkey, which we suggest is an earlier location of the junction of Hellenic and Cyprus Arcs: the junction migrated to the southwest over time, as the Hellenic Arc rolled back. The Turkish coastline turns from parallel to the Antalya Basin structures in the east to a N-S orientation, cutting across the trend of the Antalya Basin. The Antalya Complex and the Bey Dağları Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to this edge of the offshore basin. Somewhere offshore lies the structural termination of the Antalya Basin. In 2001, we acquired around 400 km of high-resolution multi-channel seismic reflection data across the western end of the Antalya Basin to explore the nature of the termination, which we call the Bey Dağları lineament. We present a selection of the seismic profiles with interpretation of the nature and Neogene history of the lineament. Landward of the N-S-trending coastline, ophiolites of the Antalya Complex are exposed in a series of westerly-verging thrust slivers that extend to the carbonate sequences of the Bey Dağları Mountains. Our seismic data indicate that N-S trending west- and east-verging thrusts define a transpressional continental margin. The shelf is underlain by a prominent angular unconformity between overlying shallow-dipping Pliocene-Quaternary sediments and underlying, easterly- dipping ?Miocene sediments.

Assessment of ERTS-1 imagery as a tool for regional geological analysis in New York State. [Lake Ontario

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Isachsen, Y. W. (Principal Investigator); Fakundiny, R. H.; Forster, S. W.

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Linear anomalies dominate the new geological information derived from ERTS-1 imagery, total lengths now exceeding 26,500 km. Maxima on rose diagrams for ERTS-1 anomalies correspond well with those for mapped faults and topographic lineaments. Multi-scale analysis of linears shows that single topographic linears at 1:2,500,000 may become dashed linears at 1:1,000,000 aligned zones of shorter parallel, en echelon, or conjugate linears at 1:5000,000, and shorter linears lacking any conspicuous zonal alignment at 1:250,000. Field work in the Catskills suggests that the prominent new NNE lineaments may be surface manifestations of dip slip faulting in the basement, and that it may become possible to map major joint sets over extensive plateau regions directly on the imagery. Most circular features found were explained away by U-2 airfoto analysis but several remain as anomalies. Visible glacial features include individual drumlins, drumlinoids, eskers, ice-marginal drainage channels, glacial lake shorelines, sand plains, and end moraines.

Mineral resources, geologic structure, and landform surveys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lattman, L. H.

1973-01-01

The use of ERTS-1 imagery for mineral resources, geologic structure, and landform surveys is discussed. Four categories of ERTS imagery application are defined and explained. The types of information obtained by the various multispectral band scanners are analyzed. Samples of land use maps and tectoning and metallogenic models are developed. It is stated that the most striking features visible on ERTS imagery are regional lineaments, or linear patterns in the topography, which reflect major fracture zones extending upward from the basement of the earth.

Variable near-surface deformation along the Commerce segment of the Commerce geophysical lineament, southeast Missouri to southern Illinois, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Odum, J.K.; Stephenson, W.J.; Williams, R.A.

2003-01-01

Recent studies have demonstrated a plausible link between surface and near-surface tectonic features and the vertical projection of the Commerce geophysical lineament (CGL). The CGL is a 5- to 10-km-wide zone of basement magnetic and gravity anomalies traceable for more than 600 km, extending from Arkansas through southeast Missouri and southern Illinois and into Indiana. Twelve kilometers of high-resolution seismic reflection data, collected at four sites along a 175-km segment of the CGL projection, are interpreted to show varying amounts of deformation involving Tertiary and some Quaternary sediments. Some of the locally anomalous geomorphic features in the northern Mississippi embayment region (i.e., paleoliquefaction features, anomalous directional changes in stream channels, and areas of linear bluff escarpments) overlying the CGL can be correlated with specific faults and/or narrow zones of deformed (faulted and folded) strata that are imaged on high-resolution seismic reflection data. There is an observable change in near-surface deformation style and complexity progressing from the southwest to the northeast along the trace of the CGL. The seismic reflection data collaborate mapping evidence which suggests that this region has undergone a complex history of deformation, some of which is documented to be as young as Quaternary, during multiple episodes of reactivation under varying stress fields. This work, along with that of other studies presented in this volume, points to the existence of at least one major crustal feature outside the currently defined zone of seismic activity (New Madrid Seismic Zone) that should be considered as a significant potential source zone for seismogenic activity within the midcontinent region of the United States. ?? 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Segmentation of the Himalayan megathrust around the Gorkha earthquake (25 April 2015) in Nepal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mugnier, Jean-Louis; Jouanne, François; Bhattarai, Roshan; Cortes-Aranda, Joaquim; Gajurel, Ananta; Leturmy, Pascale; Robert, Xavier; Upreti, Bishal; Vassallo, Riccardo

2017-06-01

We put the 25 April 2015 earthquake of Nepal (Mw 7.9) into its structural geological context in order to specify the role of the segmentation of the Himalayan megathrust. The rupture is mainly located NW of Kathmandu, at a depth of 13-15 km on a flat portion of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) that dips towards the N-NE by 7-10°. The northern bound of the main rupture corresponds to the transition towards a steeper crustal ramp. This ramp, which is partly coupled during the interseismic period, is only locally affected by the earthquake. The southern bound of the rupture was near the leading edge of the Lesser Himalaya antiformal duplex and near the frontal footwall ramp of the upper Nawakot duplex. The rupture has been affected by transversal structures: on the western side, the Judi lineament separates the main rupture zone from the nucleation area; on the eastern side, the Gaurishankar lineament separates the 25 April 2015 rupture from the 12 May 2015 (Mw 7.2) rupture. The origin of these lineaments is very complex: they are probably linked to pre-Himalayan faults that extend into the Indian shield beneath the MHT. These inherited faults induce transverse warping of the upper lithosphere beneath the MHT, control the location of lateral ramps of the thrust system and concentrate the hanging wall deformation at the lateral edge of the ruptures. The MHT is therefore segmented by stable barriers that define at least five patches in Central Nepal. These barriers influence the extent of the earthquake ruptures. For the last two centuries: the 1833 (Mw 7.6) earthquake was rather similar in extent to the 2015 event but its rupture propagated south-westwards from an epicentre located NE of Kathmandu; the patch south of Kathmandu was probably affected by at least three earthquakes of Mw ⩾ 7 that followed the 1833 event a few days later or 33 years (1866 event, Mw 7.2) later; the 1934 earthquake (Mw 8.4) had an epicentre ∼170 km east of Kathmandu, may have propagated as far as Kathmandu and jumped the Gaurishankar lineament. This combined structural approach and earthquake study allows us to propose that the MHT in the central/eastern Himalaya is segmented by stable barriers that define barrier-type earthquake families. However for each individual earthquake within a family, the rupture histories could be different. Furthermore, the greatest earthquakes could have broken the barriers and affected the patches of several families. The concept of a regular recurrence of characteristic earthquakes is therefore misleading to describe the succession of Himalayan earthquakes.

Interdisciplinary application and interpretation of EREP data within the Susquehanna River Basin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcmurtry, G. J.; Petersen, G. W. (Principal Investigator)

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. It has become that lineaments seen on Skylab and ERTS images are not equally well defined, and that the clarity of definition of a particular lineament is recorded somewhat differently by different interpreters. In an effort to determine the extent of these variations, a semi-quantitative classification scheme was devised. In the field, along the crest of Bald Eagle Mountain in central Pennsylvania, statistical techniques borrowed from sedimentary petrography (point counting) were used to determine the existence and location of intensely fractured float rock. Verification of Skylab and ERTS detected lineaments on aerial photography at different scales indicated that the brecciated zones appear to occur at one margin of the 1 km zone of brecciation defined as a lineament. In the Lock Haven area, comparison of the film types from the SL4 S190A sensor revealed the black and white Pan X photography to be superior in quality for general interpretation to the black and white IR film. Also, the color positive film is better for interpretation than the color IR film.

Do geological field survey and remote sensing record the same fractures? The case of the corallian Loyalty Islands (SW Pacific)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thovert, J.; Huaman, D.; Genthon, P.; Adler, P. M.

2010-12-01

The Loyalty Islands are a series of corallian islands uplifted on the elastic bulge of the Australian lithosphere before its subduction at the Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides) Trench. They are located on the non seismic Loyalty Ridge, which is starting colliding the Vanuatu Trench. The interiors of the islands are covered with dense forests and devoid of outcrops. Lineaments seen on remote sensing data (aerial photos, SPOT 3 and 4, Envisat) are compared with fractures and joints measured on a geological survey near the coasts, where corallian limestones outcrop. Lineaments observed by remote sensing in the inner Islands correspond to one main N110 direction with a large variance of nearly 15° in rms, two minor directions nearly 45° apart (N150 and N60) and no systematic evolution with distance to coasts. The three lineament families are seen near coasts as centimetric to decimetric aperture cracks without evidence of any displacement. However, an extensive geological survey of the fractures near the coast of the islands reveals a clear N135 direction and possibly an EW direction in the Lifou Island, while in the Maré island fractures present a large variance with a single N70 direction. The directions N 135, N110 and N60 are also observed regionally on the seafloor and are presumably present in the basement of the islands. It is shown that lineaments longer than 2000 m are close to the N110 direction and that the mean orientation shifts progressively to reach the N125 direction for L<400 m. Therefore, it is likely that the progressive shift in orientation continues up to the N135 direction observed in the field at the 10-50 m scale. The origin of this apparent difference between field data and remote sensing lineaments is discussed, considering (i) the intense karstification of these islands, where dissolution occurs during infiltration of rainwater, but also due to corrosion mixing at the top and the bottom of the freshwater lens and at its tips near coast. This results in numerous collapse structures, mainly observed near coasts;(ii) the rheological contrast between the inner island, which consists in lagoon derived non cohesive limestone with a chalky texture and their rims, which consist in brittle corallian limestone; (iii) the amount of deformation of 0.02% deduced from previous elastic modeling of the lithosphere in this area.

Evidence for cross rift structural controls on deformation and seismicity at a continental rift caldera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lloyd, Ryan; Biggs, Juliet; Wilks, Matthew; Nowacki, Andy; Kendall, J.-Michael; Ayele, Atalay; Lewi, Elias; Eysteinsson, Hjálmar

2018-04-01

In continental rifts structural heterogeneities, such as pre-existing faults and foliations, are thought to influence shallow crustal processes, particularly the formation of rift faults, magma reservoirs and surface volcanism. We focus on the Corbetti caldera, in the southern central Main Ethiopian Rift. We measure the surface deformation between 22nd June 2007 and 25th March 2009 using ALOS and ENVISAT SAR interferograms and observe a semi-circular pattern of deformation bounded by a sharp linear feature cross-cutting the caldera, coincident with the caldera long axis. The signal reverses in sign but is not seasonal: from June to December 2007 the region south of this structure moves upwards 3 cm relative to the north, while from December 2007 until November 2008 it subsides by 2 cm. Comparison of data taken from two different satellite look directions show that the displacement is primarily vertical. We discuss potential mechanisms and conclude that this deformation is associated with pressure changes within a shallow (<1 km) fault-bounded hydrothermal reservoir prior to the onset of a phase of caldera-wide uplift. Analysis of the distribution of post-caldera vents and cones inside the caldera shows their locations are statistically consistent with this fault structure, indicating that the fault has also controlled the migration of magma from a reservoir to the surface over tens of thousands of years. Spatial patterns of seismicity are consistent with a cross-rift structure that extents outside the caldera and to a depth of ∼30 km, and patterns of seismic anisotropy suggests stress partitioning occurs across the structure. We discuss the possible nature of this structure, and conclude that it is most likely associated with the Goba-Bonga lineament, which cross-cuts and pre-dates the current rift. Our observations show that pre-rift structures play an important role in magma transport and shallow hydrothermal processes, and therefore they should not be neglected when discussing these processes.

Relation between alternating open/closed-conduit conditions and deformation patterns: An example from the Somma-Vesuvius volcano (southern Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tramparulo, F. D. A.; Vitale, S.; Isaia, R.; Tadini, A.; Bisson, M.; Prinzi, E. P.

2018-07-01

We present the results of a meso-scale systematic structural analysis of fractures, faults and dykes exposed at the Somma-Vesuvius volcano (southern Italy). Observed fractures include: (i) radial and tangential (with respect the caldera axis), sub-metric to metric joints associated with the edifice load and volcano-tectonic activity (i.e. inflation, deflation and caldera collapse stages) and (ii) decameter-scale fractures related to volcano flank instabilities. For the Somma-Vesuvius volcano, preexisting radial joints were commonly reactivated as transfer faults during the caldera formation, allowing different blocks to move toward the center of the collapsing area. Dykes occur with different geometries, including en-echelon structures bounding structural depressions. The orientation analysis of all structures indicates that they are preferentially oriented. Furthermore, we provide a morphological lineament analysis using high-resolution Digital Terrain Models of Somma-Vesuvius. Azimuth and spatial distribution of dykes and morphological lineaments were analyzed for comparison with the old Somma Crater and Gran Cono axes, respectively. Results highlight the overprinting of radial and clustered strain patterns recorded in different volcano-tectonic evolution stages. We suggest a possible deformation evolution model in which structures develop along either radial or preferential trends, highlighting different volcanic conditions: (i) where radial patterns occur, the structures developed during volcanic inflation cycles with a closed magmatic conduit condition whereas (ii) clustered patterns are probably associated with a regional strain field that overcomes the local deformation field, a situation typical in the case of open-conduit activity.

Tertiary and Quaternary tectonic faulting in southernmost Illinois

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nelson, W.J.; Denny, F.B.; Devera, J.A.; Follmer, L.R.; Masters, J.M.

1997-01-01

Tertiary and/or Quaternary tectonic faulting is documented in three areas of southernmost Illinois: the Fluorspar Area Fault Complex (FAFC) in Pope and Massac Counties, the Ste. Genevieve Fault Zone (SGFZ) in Alexander and Union Counties, and the Commerce Fault Zone (CFZ) in Alexander County. In the FAFC, faults that strike NE and NNE displace Mounds Gravel (late Miocene to early Pleistocene) and, locally, the Metropolis terrace gravel (Pleistocene; pre-Woodfordian). No Woodfordian or younger deposits are deformed. Faults typically outline narrow, linear grabens that formed under tension with a component of strike slip. North-south to NW-trending vertical faults near the southeast end of the SGFZ displace Eocene sediments. Again, faults outline narrow grabens and show indications of strike slip. Deformed Quaternary sediments have not been observed. The CFZ, which trends northeast, displaces Mounds Gravel in Illinois and units as young as Peoria Silt (Woodfordian) in Missouri. Quaternary movement has been interpreted as right-lateral strike-slip. The CFZ coincides with a subtle gravity and magnetic lineament and seems to reflect a major feature in the basement. Surface expression in Illinois is subtle, but mafic and ultramafic intrusions, hydrothermal alteration and small faults align with the Commerce geophysical lineament. Earthquake foci in Missouri and Illinois lie on or close to the CFZ; some focal mechanisms fit the fault trend. Among these structures, only the CFZ exhibits slip that conforms to the current stress field (principal compressive stress axis E-W to ENE-WSW). Possibly, the stress field changed during Neogene time. Alternatively, high fluid pressures or local stress concentrations may have induced slip on less favorably oriented fractures. Tighter constraints are needed on timing, magnitude, and direction of Neogene displacement. ?? 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Applicability of ERTS-1 to lineament and photogeologic mapping in Montana: Preliminary report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weidman, R. M.; Alt, D. D.; Flood, R. E.; Hawley, K. T.; Wackwitz, L. K.; Berg, R. B.; Johns, W. M.

1973-01-01

A lineament map prepared from a mosaic of western Montana shows about 85 lines not represented on the state geologic map, including elements of a northeast-trending set through central western Montana which merit ground truth checking and consideration in regional structural analysis. Experimental fold annotation resulted in a significant local correction to the state geologic map. Photogeologic mapping studies produced only limited success in identification of rock types, but they did result in the precise delineation of a late Cretaceous or early Tertiary volcanic field (Adel Mountain field) and the mapping of a connection between two granitic bodies shown on the state map. Imagery was used successfully to map clay pans associated with bentonite beds in gently dipping Bearpaw Shale. It is already apparent that ERTS imagery should be used to facilitate preparation of a much needed statewide tectonic map and that satellite imagery mapping, aided by ground calibration, provides and economical means to discover and correct errors in the state geologic map.

Multiple expressions of plume-ridge interaction in the Galápagos: Volcanic lineaments and ridge jumps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mittelstaedt, E.; Soule, S.; Harpp, K.; Fornari, D.; McKee, C.; Tivey, M.; Geist, D.; Kurz, M. D.; Sinton, C.; Mello, C.

2012-05-01

Anomalous volcanism and tectonics between near-ridge mantle plumes and mid-ocean ridges provide important insights into the mechanics of plume-lithosphere interaction. We present new observations and analysis of multibeam, side scan sonar, sub-bottom chirp, and total magnetic field data collected during the R/V Melville FLAMINGO cruise (MV1007; May-June, 2010) to the Northern Galápagos Volcanic Province (NGVP), the region between the Galápagos Archipelago and the Galápagos Spreading Center (GSC) on the Nazca Plate, and to the region east of the Galápagos Transform Fault (GTF) on the Cocos Plate. The NGVP exhibits pervasive off-axis volcanism related to the nearby Galápagos hot spot, which has dominated the tectonic evolution of the region. Observations indicate that ˜94% of the excess volcanism in our survey area occurs on the Nazca Plate in three volcanic lineaments. Identified faults in the NGVP are consistent with normal ridge spreading except for those within a ˜60 km wide swath of transform-oblique faults centered on the GTF. These transform-oblique faults are sub-parallel to the elongation direction of larger lineament volcanoes, suggesting that lineament formation is influenced by the lithospheric stress field. We evaluate current models for lineament formation using existing and new observations as well as numerical models of mantle upwelling and melting. The data support a model where the lithospheric stress field controls the location of volcanism along the lineaments while several processes likely supply melt to these eruptions. Synthetic magnetic models and an inversion for crustal magnetization are used to determine the tectonic history of the study area. Results are consistent with creation of the GTF by two southward ridge jumps, part of a series of jumps that have maintained a plume-ridge separation distance of 145 km to 215 km since ˜5 Ma.

To assess the value of satellite photographs in the resource evaluation on a national scale

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hepworth, J. V. (Principal Investigator); Akehurst, S. M.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Some observations have been made on ERTS-1 color imagery and comparison of imagery. Results of geophysical work are correlated with ERTS-1 imagery and new lineaments are postuated in the northern Kalahari Desert. ERTS-1 imagery reveals complex structural trends in the Basement Complex in the Selebi-Pikwe area.

Geological Features Mapping Using PALSAR-2 Data in Kelantan River Basin, Peninsular Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pour, A. B.; Hashim, M.

2016-09-01

In this study, the recently launched Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-2 (PALSAR-2) onboard the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2), remote sensing data were used to map geologic structural and topographical features in the Kelantan river basin for identification of high potential risk and susceptible zones for landslides and flooding areas. A ScanSAR and two fine mode dual polarization level 3.1 images cover Kelantan state were processed for comprehensive analysis of major geological structures and detailed characterizations of lineaments, drainage patterns and lithology at both regional and district scales. Red-Green-Blue (RGB) colour-composite was applied to different polarization channels of PALSAR-2 data to extract variety of geological information. Directional convolution filters were applied to the data for identifying linear features in particular directions and edge enhancement in the spatial domain. Results derived from ScanSAR image indicate that lineament occurrence at regional scale was mainly linked to the N-S trending of the Bentong-Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) in the west and Lebir Fault Zone in the east of the Kelantan state. Combination of different polarization channels produced image maps contain important information related to water bodies, wetlands and lithological units for the Kelantan state using fine mode observation data. The N-S, NE-SW and NNE-SSW lineament trends were identified in the study area using directional filtering. Dendritic, sub-dendritic and rectangular drainage patterns were detected in the Kelantan river basin. The analysis of field investigations data indicate that many of flooded areas were associated with high potential risk zones for hydro-geological hazards such as wetlands, urban areas, floodplain scroll, meander bend, dendritic and sub-dendritic drainage patterns, which are located in flat topograghy regions. Numerous landslide points were located in rectangular drainage system that associated with topographic slope of metamorphic and Quaternary rock units. Some large landslides were associated with N-S, NNE-SSW and NE-SW trending fault zones. Consequently, structural and topographical geology maps were produced for Kelantan river basin using PALSAR-2 data, which could be broadly applicable for landslide hazard mapping and identification of high potential risk zone for hydro-geological hazards.

Geological analysis of parts of the southern Arabian Shield based on Landsat imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qari, Mohammed Yousef Hedaytullah T.

This thesis examines the capability and applicability of Landsat multispectral remote sensing data for geological analysis in the arid southern Arabian Shield, which is the eastern segment of the Nubian-Arabian Shield surrounding the Red Sea. The major lithologies in the study area are Proterozoic metavolcanics, metasediments, gneisses and granites. Three test-sites within the study area, located within two tectonic assemblages, the Asir Terrane and the Nabitah Mobile Belt, were selected for detailed comparison of remote sensing methods and ground geological studies. Selected digital image processing techniques were applied to full-resolution Landsat TM imagery and the results are interpreted and discussed. Methods included: image contrast improvement, edge enhancement for detecting lineaments and spectral enhancement for geological mapping. The last method was based on two principles, statistical analysis of the data and the use of arithmetical operators. New and detailed lithological and structural maps were constructed and compared with previous maps of these sites. Examples of geological relations identified using TM imagery include: recognition and mapping of migmatites for the first time in the Arabian Shield; location of the contact between the Asir Terrane and the Nabitah Mobile Belt; and mapping of lithologies, some of which were not identified on previous geological maps. These and other geological features were confirmed by field checking. Methods of lineament enhancement implemented in this study revealed structural lineaments, mostly mapped for the first time, which can be related to regional tectonics. Structural analysis showed that the southern Arabian Shield has been affected by at least three successive phases of deformation. The third phase is the most dominant and widespread. A crustal evolutionary model in the vicinity of the study area is presented showing four stages, these are: arc stage, accretion stage, collision stage and post-collision stage. The results of this study demonstrate that Landsat TM data can be used reliably for geological investigations in the Arabian Shield and comparable areas, particularly to generate detailed geological maps over large areas by using quantitative remote sensing methods, providing there is prior knowledge of part of the area.

Role of Satellite Sensors in Groundwater Exploration

PubMed Central

Mukherjee, Saumitra

2008-01-01

Spatial as well as spectral resolution has a very important role to play in water resource management. It was a challenge to explore the groundwater and rainwater harvesting sites in the Aravalli Quartzite-Granite-Pegmatite Precambrian terrain of Delhi, India. Use of only panchromatic sensor data of IRS-1D satellite with 5.8-meter spatial resolution has the potential to infer lineaments and faults in this hard rock area. It is essential to identify the location of interconnected lineaments below buried pediment plains in the hard rock area for targeting sub-surface water resources. Linear Image Self Scanning sensor data of the same satellite with 23.5-meter resolution when merged with the panchromatic data has produced very good results in delineation of interconnected lineaments over buried pediment plains as vegetation anomaly. These specific locations of vegetation anomaly were detected as dark red patches in various hard rock areas of Delhi. Field investigation was carried out on these patches by resistivity and magnetic survey in parts of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Indira Gandhi national Open University, Research and Referral Hospital and Humayuns Tomb areas. Drilling was carried out in four locations of JNU that proved to be the most potential site with ground water discharge ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 liters per hour with 2 to 4 meters draw down. Further the impact of urbanization on groundwater recharging in the terrain was studied by generating Normalized difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) map which was possible to generate by using the LISS-III sensor of IRS-1D satellite. Selection of suitable sensors has definitely a cutting edge on natural resource exploration and management including groundwater. PMID:27879808

Devonian salt dissolution-collapse breccias flooring the Cretaceous Athabasca oil sands deposit and development of lower McMurray Formation sinkholes, northern Alberta Basin, Western Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broughton, Paul L.

2013-01-01

The sub-Cretaceous paleotopography underlying giant Lower Cretaceous Athabasca oil sands, northern Alberta, has an orthogonal lattice pattern of troughs up to 50 km long and 100 m deep between pairs of cross-cutting lineaments. These structures are interpreted to have been inherited from a similar pattern of dissolution collapse-subsidence troughs in the underlying Middle Devonian salt beds. Removal of more than 100 m of halite salt fragmented the overlying Upper Devonian strata into fault blocks and collapse breccias that subsided into the underlying dissolution troughs. The unusually low 1:2 to 1:3 thickness ratios of halite salts to the overlying strata resulted in the Upper Devonian strata collapse-subsidence into underlying salt dissolution troughs being more cataclysmic during the first phase of salt removal. The second phase of slower but complete salt removal between the earlier troughs resulted in a more gradual subsidence of the overlying strata. This obliterated the earlier pattern of giant cross-cutting dissolution troughs bounded by major lineaments. The collapse breccia fabrics underlying the earlier troughs differ from those from areas between the troughs. Collapse breccias underlying the large troughs often have crushed fabrics distributed in zones that rapidly pinched out between fault blocks. Breccias between troughs developed as giant mosaics of detached carbonate blocks that formed breccia pipe complexes. Multiple sinkholes up to 100 m deep aligned along multi-km linear valley trends that dissected the sub-Cretaceous paleotopography. These sinkhole trends formed orthogonal patterns inherited from underlying lattice of NW-SE and NE-SW salt structured lineaments. These cross-cutting sinkhole trends have a smaller 5 km scale reticulate pattern similar to the giant 50 km scale pattern of collapse-subsidence troughs. Other sinkholes developed as lower McMurray strata sagged when underlying Devonian fault blocks and breccia pipes differentially subsided.

Stress field modeling of the Carpathian Basin based on compiled tectonic maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albert, Gáspár; Ungvári, Zsuzsanna; Szentpéteri, Krisztián

2014-05-01

The estimation of the stress field in the Carpathian Basin is tackled by several authors. Their modeling methods usually based on measurements (borehole-, focal mechanism- and geodesic data) and the result is a possible structural pattern of the region. Our method works indirectly: the analysis is aimed to project a possible 2D stress field over the already mapped/known/compiled lineament pattern. This includes a component-wise interpolation of the tensor-field, which is based on the generated irregular point cloud in the puffer zone of the mapped lineaments. The interpolated values appear on contour and tensor maps, and show the relative stress field of the area. In 2006 Horváth et al. compiled the 'Atlas of the present-day geodynamics of the Pannonian basin'. To test our method we processed the lineaments of the 1:1 500 000 scale 'Map of neotectonic (active) structures' published in this atlas. The geodynamic parameters (i.e. normal, reverse, right- and left lateral strike-slip faults, etc.) of the lines on this map were mostly explained in the legend. We classified the linear elements according to these parameters and created a geo-referenced mapping database. This database contains the polyline sections of the map lineaments as vectors (i.e. line sections), and the directions of the stress field as attributes of these vectors. The directions of the dip-parallel-, strike-parallel- and vertical stress-vectors are calculated from the geodynamical parameters of the line section. Since we created relative stress field properties, the eigenvalues of the vectors were maximized to one. Each point in the point cloud inherits the stress property of the line section, from which it was derived. During the modeling we tried several point-cloud generating- and interpolation methods. The analysis of the interpolated tensor fields revealed that the model was able to reproduce a geodynamic synthesis of the Carpathian Basin, which can be correlated with the synthesis of the Atlas published in 2006. The method was primarily aimed to reconstruct paleo-stress fields. References Horváth, F., Bada, G., Windhoffer, G., Csontos, L., Dombrádi, E., Dövényi, P., Fodor, L., Grenerczy, G., Síkhegyi, F., Szafián, P., Székely, B., Timár, G., Tóth, L., Tóth, T. 2006: Atlas of the present-day geodynamics of the Pannonian basin: Euroconform maps with explanatory text. Magyar Geofizika 47, 133-137.

Development, description, and application of a geographic information system data base for water resources in Karst Terrane in Greene County, Missouri. Water resources investigation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Waite, L.A.; Thomson, K.C.

1993-12-31

A geographic information system data base was developed for Greene County, Missouri, to provide data for use in the planning for the protection of water resources. The data base contains the following map layers: geology, cave entrances and passages, county and quadrangle boundary, dye traces, faults, geographic names, hypsography, hydrography, lineaments. Ozark aquifer potentiometric surface, public land survey system, sinkholes, soils, springs, and transportation.

Sources and controls of Arsenic contamination in groundwater of Rajnandgaon and Kanker District, Chattisgarh Central India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, Dericks Praise; Dubey, C. S.; Singh, Ningthoujam P.; Tajbakhsh, M.; Chaudhry, M.

2010-12-01

SummaryA high concentration of Arsenic (As) contamination in ground water has been reported in the village of Kaudikasa in Rajnandgaon district, wherein around 10% of the population is suffering from As-borne diseases. The region does not share any demographic or geological similarity with the sedimentary aquifers of the Bengal Delta Plain in Eastern India, but represents an igneous terrain with elevated As concentrations in groundwater. There is limited information about the source of As in groundwater and its mobility constraints. In this area, almost all the wells are located in the granitic terrain with pegmatitic intrusions. Most of these wells are characterized by As concentration above the World Health Organization ( WHO, 1999) and the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) standards, with the highest being found in a well with more than 250 μg/L of As. Here we report petrographic studies of the granitic host rock and X-ray diffraction results that indicate that altered realgar (α-As 4S 4), para realgar (AsS), and/or tennantite (Cu 12As 4S 13), are the main mineral that contain As. This element is leached during the weathering and water-rock interactions. Microprobe analysis of the altered realgar grains of in pegmatitic intrusions of the host granite indicate 23-27 wt.% As. Remote sensing is useful to delineate the source of this contaminant, which appears to lie at the intersection of a mineralized NW-SE and N-S lineaments associated with the Kotri rift zone. These lineaments are structurally controlled as rifting followed by thrusting and other types of faulting caused left-lateral displacement of N-S Kotri lineament along a NW-SE fault plane showing sinistral shearing. This process caused water drainage in the areas to flow along these highly mineralized weak zones. Thus, the water becomes highly contaminated due to leaching of minerals at the intersection of these lineaments, clearly visible at two areas of high contamination that lie very near to this intersection over granitic rock. The source of As affecting the Rajnandgaon district is located in granites that have pegmatitic intrusions likely generated by hydrothermal activity.

Development of a software for monitoring of seismic activity through the analysis of satellite images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soto-Pinto, C.; Poblete, A.; Arellano-Baeza, A. A.; Sanchez, G.

2010-12-01

A software for extraction and analysis of the lineaments has been developed and applied for the tracking of the accumulation/relaxation of stress in the Earth’s crust due to seismic and volcanic activity. A lineament is a straight or a somewhat curved feature in a satellite image, which reflects, at least partially, presence of faults in the crust. The technique of lineament extraction is based on the application of directional filters and Hough transform. The software has been checked for several earthquakes occurred in the Pacific coast of the South America with the magnitude > 4 Mw, analyzing temporal sequences of the ASTER/TERRA multispectral satellite images for the regions around an epicenter. All events were located in the regions with small seasonal variations and limited vegetation to facilitate the tracking of features associated with the seismic activity only. It was found that the number and orientation of lineaments changes significantly about one month before an earthquake approximately, and a few months later the system returns to its initial state. This effect increases with the earthquake magnitude. It also was shown that the behavior of lineaments associated to the volcano seismic activity is opposite to that obtained previously for earthquakes. This discrepancy can be explained assuming that in the last case the main reason of earthquakes is compression and accumulation of strength in the Earth’s crust due to subduction of tectonic plates, whereas in the first case we deal with the inflation of a volcano edifice due to elevation of pressure and magma intrusion.

Seismic hazard assessment and pattern recognition of earthquake prone areas in the Po Plain (Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorshkov, Alexander; Peresan, Antonella; Soloviev, Alexander; Panza, Giuliano F.

2014-05-01

A systematic and quantitative assessment, capable of providing first-order consistent information about the sites where large earthquakes may occur, is crucial for the knowledgeable seismic hazard evaluation. The methodology for the pattern recognition of areas prone to large earthquakes is based on the morphostructural zoning method (MSZ), which employs topographic data and present-day tectonic structures for the mapping of earthquake-controlling structures (i.e. the nodes formed around lineaments intersections) and does not require the knowledge about past seismicity. The nodes are assumed to be characterized by a uniform set of topographic, geologic, and geophysical parameters; on the basis of such parameters the pattern recognition algorithm defines a classification rule to discriminate seismogenic and non-seismogenic nodes. This methodology has been successfully applied since the early 1970s in a number of regions worldwide, including California, where it permitted the identification of areas that have been subsequently struck by strong events and that previously were not considered prone to strong earthquakes. Recent studies on the Iberian Peninsula and the Rhone Valley, have demonstrated the applicability of MSZ to flat basins, with a relatively flat topography. In this study, the analysis is applied to the Po Plain (Northern Italy), an area characterized by a flat topography, to allow for the systematic identification of the nodes prone to earthquakes with magnitude larger or equal to M=5.0. The MSZ method differs from the standard morphostructural analysis where the term "lineament" is used to define the complex of alignments detectable on topographic maps or on satellite images. According to that definition the lineament is locally defined and the existence of the lineament does not depend on the surrounding areas. In MSZ, the primary element is the block - a relatively homogeneous area - while the lineament is a secondary element of the morphostructure. The identified earthquake prone areas provide first-order systematic information that may significantly contribute to seismic hazard assessment in the Italian territory. The information about the possible location of strong earthquakes provided by the morphostructural analysis, in fact, can be naturally incorporated in the neo-deterministic procedure for seismic hazard assessment (NDSHA), so as to fill in possible gaps in known seismicity. Moreover, the space information about earthquake prone areas can be fruitfully combined with the space-time information provided by the quantitative analysis of the seismic flow, so as to identify the priority areas (with linear dimensions of few tens kilometers), where the probability of a strong earthquake is relatively high, for detailed local scale studies. The new indications about the seismogenic potential obtained from this study, although less accurate than detailed fault studies, have the advantage of being independent on past seismicity information, since they rely on the systematic and quantitative analysis of the available geological and morphostructural data. Thus, this analysis appears particularly useful in areas where historical information is scarce; special attention should be paid to seismogenic nodes that are not related with known active faults or past earthquakes.

Candidate-penetrative-fracture mapping of the Grand Canyon area, Arizona, from spatial correlation of deep geophysical features and surficial lineaments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gettings, Mark E.; Bultman, Mark W.

2005-01-01

Some aquifers of the southwestern Colorado Plateaus Province are deeply buried and overlain by several impermeable shale layers, and so recharge to the aquifer probably is mainly by seepage down penetrative-fracture systems. The purpose of this 2-year study, sponsored by the U.S. National Park Service, was to map candidate deep penetrative fractures over a 120,000-km2 area, using gravity and aeromagnetic-anomaly data together with surficial-fracture data. The study area was on the Colorado Plateau south of the Grand Canyon and west of Black Mesa; mapping was carried out at a scale of 1:250,000. The resulting database constitutes a spatially registered estimate of deep-fracture locations. Candidate penetrative fractures were located by spatial correlation of horizontal- gradient and analytic-signal maximums of gravity and magnetic anomalies with major surficial lineaments obtained from geologic, topographic, side-looking-airborne-radar, and satellite imagery. The maps define a subset of candidate penetrative fractures because of limitations in the data coverage and the analytical technique. In particular, the data and analytical technique used cannot predict whether the fractures are open or closed. Correlations were carried out by using image-processing software, such that every pixel on the resulting images was coded to uniquely identify which datasets are correlated. The technique correctly identified known and many new deep fracture systems. The resulting penetrative-fracture-distribution maps constitute an objectively obtained, repeatable dataset and a benchmark from which additional studies can begin. The maps also define in detail the tectonic fabrics of the southwestern Colorado Plateaus Province. Overlaying the correlated lineaments on the normalized-density-of-vegetation-index image reveals that many of these lineaments correlate with the boundaries of vegetation zones in drainages and canyons and so may be controlling near-surface water availability in some places. Many derivative products can be produced from the database, such as fracture-density-estimate maps, and maps with the number of correlations color-coded to estimate the possible quality of correlation. The database contained in this report is designed to be used in a geographic information system and image-processing systems, and most data layers are in georeferenced tagged image format (Geotiff) or ARC grids. The report includes 163 map plates and various metadata, supporting, and statistical diagram files.

A remote sensing evaluation of potential for sinkhole occurrence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casper, J.; Ruth, B.; Degner, J. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

The relationship between lowering of the water table and sinkhole development in Pierson and in Hillsborough County, Florida was investigated. The locations of recently developed (1973) collapses were examined with respect to lineaments or fracture traces that are expressed in the terrain and visible in aerial photography and satellite imagery. It was anticipated that these relationships would provide the basis for establishment of criteria for mapping those land areas that have the greatest potential for sinkhole development. A very good correlation was found between mapped lineament intersections and known location of sinkhole occurrences for both study areas. This indicates that lineament and fracture trace mapping may be very useful in locating zones with the greatest potential for sinkhole development. It is further shown that this information is quite beneficial in land use planning applications.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, A.

2008-05-01

Our studies have shown that the strain energy accumulation deep in the Earth's crust that precedes a strong earthquake can be estimated by applying a lineament extraction technique to the high-resolution multispectral satellite images. A lineament is a straight or a somewhat curved feature in a satellite image, which it is possible to detect by a special processing of images based on directional filtering and or Hough transform. We analyzed tens of earthquakes occurred in the Pacific coast of the South America with the Richter scale magnitude > 4.5, using ASTER/TERRA multispectral satellite images for detection and analysis of changes in the system of lineaments previous to a strong earthquake. All events were located in the regions with small seasonal variations and limited vegetation to facilitate the tracking of features associated with the seismic activity only. It was found that the number and orientation of lineaments changed significantly about one month before an earthquake approximately, and a few months later the system returns to its initial state. This effect increases with the earthquake magnitude. It also was shown that the behavior of lineaments associated to the volcano seismic activity is opposite to that obtained previously for earthquakes. This discrepancy can be explained assuming that in the last case the main reason of earthquakes is compression and accumulation of strength in the Earth's crust due to subduction of tectonic plates, whereas in the first case we deal with the inflation of a volcano edifice due to elevation of pressure and magma intrusion. The results obtained made it possible to include this research as a part of scientific program of Chilean Remote Sensing Satellite mission to be launched in 2010.

Use of high resolution satellite images for monitoring of earthquakes and volcano activity.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, Alonso A.

Our studies have shown that the strain energy accumulation deep in the Earth's crust that precedes a strong earthquake can be detected by applying a lineament extraction technique to the high-resolution multispectral satellite images. A lineament is a straight or a somewhat curved feature in a satellite image, which it is possible to detect by a special processing of images based on directional filtering and or Hough transform. We analyzed tens of earthquakes occurred in the Pacific coast of the South America with the Richter scale magnitude ˜4.5, using ASTER/TERRA multispectral satellite images for detection and analysis of changes in the system of lineaments previous to a strong earthquake. All events were located in the regions with small seasonal variations and limited vegetation to facilitate the tracking of features associated with the seismic activity only. It was found that the number and orientation of lineaments changed significantly about one month before an earthquake approximately, and a few months later the system returns to its initial state. This effect increases with the earthquake magnitude. It also was shown that the behavior of lineaments associated to the volcano seismic activity is opposite to that obtained previously for earthquakes. This discrepancy can be explained assuming that in the last case the main reason of earthquakes is compression and accumulation of strength in the Earth's crust due to subduction of tectonic plates, whereas in the first case we deal with the inflation of a volcano edifice due to elevation of pressure and magma intrusion. The results obtained made it possible to include this research as a part of scientific program of Chilean Remote Sensing Satellite mission to be launched in 2010.

Satellite Monitoring of Accumulation of Strain in the Earth's Crust Related to Seismic and Volcanic Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arellano-Baeza, A. A.

2009-12-01

Our studies have shown that the strain energy accumulation deep in the Earth’s crust that precedes seismic and volcanic activity can be detected by applying a lineament extraction technique to the high-resolution multispectral satellite images. A lineament is a straight or a somewhat curved feature in a satellite image, which it is possible to detect by a special processing of images based on directional filtering and or Hough transform. We analyzed tens of earthquakes occurred in the Pacific coast of the South America with the magnitude > 4 Mw, using ASTER/TERRA multispectral satellite images for detection and analysis of changes in the system of lineaments previous to a strong earthquake. All events were located in the regions with small seasonal variations and limited vegetation to facilitate the tracking of features associated with the seismic activity only. It was found that the number and orientation of lineaments changed significantly about one month before an earthquake approximately, and a few months later the system returns to its initial state. This effect increases with the earthquake magnitude. It also was shown that the behavior of lineaments associated to the volcano seismic activity is opposite to that obtained previously for earthquakes. This discrepancy can be explained assuming that in the last case the main reason of earthquakes is compression and accumulation of strength in the Earth’s crust due to subduction of tectonic plates, whereas in the first case we deal with the inflation of a volcano edifice due to elevation of pressure and magma intrusion. The results obtained made it possible to include this research as a part of scientific program of Chilean Remote Sensing Satellite mission to be launched in 2010.

Orbital observations of the lunar highlands on Apollo 16 and their interpretation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mattingly, T. K.; El-Baz, F.

1973-01-01

From orbital altitudes, the lunar highlands display the same surface characteristics on both the far and near sides. Rugged terra and plains forming materials all appear as if dusted with a uniform mantle. No stratigraphy or evidence of layering are seen in highland craters, with the possible exception of South Ray Crater in the Descartes landing site area. Among the discussed small scale features of the lunar highlands are: fine lineaments, that appear to be real rather than artifacts of lighting, on both horizontal and inclined surfaces; ridge-like scarps that cut across highland topography; and benches that are believed to be high lava marks rather than talus accumulates.

Identification and interpretation of tectonic features from Skylab imagery. [California to Arizona

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdel-Gawad, M. (Principal Investigator)

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. S190-B imagery confirmed previous conclusions from S190-A that the Garlock fault does not extend eastward beyond its known termination near the southern end of Death Valley. In the Avawatz Mountains, California, two faults related to the Garlock fault zone (Mule Spring fault and Leach Spring fault) show evidence of recent activity. There is evidence that faulting related to Death Valley fault zone extends southeastward across the Old Dad Mountains. There, the Old Dad fault shows evidence of recent activity. A significant fault lineament has been identified from McCullough Range, California southeastward to Eagle Tail Mountains in southwestern Arizona. The lineament appears to control tertiary and possible cretaceous intrusives. Considerable right lateral shear is suspected to have taken place along parts of this lineament.

Evaluation of LANDSAT-1 image applications to geologic mapping, structural analysis and mineral resource inventory of South America with special emphasis on the Andes Mountain region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, W. D. (Principal Investigator)

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The discovery of copper mineralization along a lineament mapped in Area 7 (La Paz) has lent credence to the use of LANDSAT 1 data as a basic step in mineral exploration. In Area 9 (Copiapo Region), a number of lineaments were found to be associated with the largest copper deposits of the region. In Area 12 (Magallanes), the identification of what is believed to be a tertiary basin from LANDSAT 1 data has resulted in a new area for petroleum exploration. Band 7 images, as black and white transparencies, were found to be the most useful for geologic interpretation in both tropical vegetated areas and desert regions. Color composites made by the diazochrome process, chromaline process, and from color additive viewers provided additional information. Mosaics of LANDSAT 1 data covering 4 x 6 degrees of latitude and longitude compiled at the 1:1,000,000 scale were found to be an ideal size and format for most users.

Lineaments and fracture traces, Decatur County, Indiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Greeman, Theodore K.

1983-01-01

Well placement is important in a fractured bedrock terrane, as fractures are a principal source of water to the well. Here, the most productive bedrock wells are at the mapped intersection of two or more fracture traces or lineaments and at the lowest local altitude. Use of a fracture-trace map will not guarantee a sufficient supply of ground water but will reduce the chance of drilling an inadequate well.

Investigation of lineaments on Skylab and ERTS images of Peninsular Ranges, Southwestern California

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merifield, P. M. (Principal Investigator); Lamar, D. L.

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Northwest trending faults such as the Elsinore and San Jacinto are prominently displayed on Skylab and ERTS images of the Peninsular Ranges, southern California. Northeast, north-south, and west-north-west trending lineaments and faults are also apparent on satellite imagery. Several of the lineaments represent previously unmapped faults. Other lineaments are due to erosion along foliation directions and sharp bends in basement rock contacts rather than faulting. The northeast trending Thing Valley fault appears to be offset by the south branch of the Elsinore fault near Agua Caliente Hot Springs. Larger horizontal displacement along the Elsinore fault further northwest may be distributed along several faults which branch from the Elsinore fault in the Peninsular Ranges. The northeast and west-northwest trending faults are truncated by the major northwest trending faults and appear to be restricted to basement terrane. Limited data on displacement direction suggests that the northeast and west-northwest trending faults formed in response to an earlier period of east-northeast, west-southwest crustal shortening. Such a stress system is consistent with the plate tectonic model of a subduction zone parallel to the continental margin suggested in the late Mesozoic and early Tertiary.

Application of Geologic Mapping Techniques and Autonomous Feature Detection to Future Exploration of Europa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunte, M. K.; Tanaka, K. L.; Doggett, T.; Figueredo, P. H.; Lin, Y.; Greeley, R.; Saripalli, S.; Bell, J. F.

2013-12-01

Europa's extremely young surface age, evidence for extensive resurfacing, and indications of a sub-surface ocean elevate its astrobiological potential for habitable environments and make it a compelling focus for study. Knowledge of the global distribution and timing of Europan geologic units is a key step in understanding the history of the satellite and for identifying areas relevant for exploration. I have produced a 1:15M scale global geologic map of Europa which represents a proportionate distribution of four unit types and associated features: plains, linea, chaos, and crater materials. Mapping techniques differ somewhat from other planetary maps but do provide a method to establish stratigraphic markers and to illustrate the surface history through four periods of formation as a function of framework lineament cross-cutting relationships. Correlations of observed features on Europa with Earth analogs enforce a multi-process theory for formation rather than the typical reliance on the principle of parsimony. Lenticulae and microchaos are genetically similar and most likely form by diapirism. Platy and blocky chaos units, endmembers of archetypical chaos, are best explained by brine mobilization. Ridges account for the majority of lineaments and may form by a number of methods indicative of local conditions; most form by either tidal pumping or shear heating. The variety of morphologies exhibited by bands indicates that multiple formation mechanisms apply once fracturing of the brittle surface over a ductile subsurface is initiated. Mapping results support the interpretation that Europa's shell has thickened over time resulting in changes in the style and intensity of deformation. Mapping serves as an index for change detection and classification, aids in pre-encounter targeting, and supports the selection of potential landing sites. Highest priority target areas are those which indicate geophysical activity by the presence of volcanic plumes, outgassing, or disrupted surface morphologies. Areas of high interest include lineaments and chaos margins. The limitations on detecting activity at these locations are approximated by studying similar observed conditions on other bodies. By adapting machine learning and data mining techniques to signatures of plumes and morphology, I have demonstrated autonomous rule-based detection of known features using edge-detection and supervised classification methods. These methods successfully detect ≤94% of known volcanic plumes or jets at Io, Enceladus, and comets. They also allow recognition of multiple feature types. Applying these results to conditions expected for Europa enables a prediction of the potential for detection of similar features and enables recommendations for mission concepts to increase the science return and efficiency of future missions to observe Europa. This post-Galileo view of Europa provides a synthesis of the overall history of this unique icy satellite and will be a useful frame of reference for future exploration of the jovian system and other potentially active outer solar system bodies.

Structural control on geothermal circulation in the Cerro Tuzgle-Tocomar geothermal volcanic area (Puna plateau, Argentina)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giordano, Guido; Pinton, Annamaria; Cianfarra, Paola; Baez, Walter; Chiodi, Agostina; Viramonte, José; Norini, Gianluca; Groppelli, Gianluca

2013-01-01

The reconstruction of the stratigraphical-structural framework and the hydrogeology of geothermal areas is fundamental for understanding the relationships between cap rocks, reservoir and circulation of geothermal fluids and for planning the exploitation of the field. The Cerro Tuzgle-Tocomar geothermal volcanic area (Puna plateau, Central Andes, NW Argentina) has a high geothermal potential. It is crossed by the active NW-SE trans-Andean tectonic lineament known as the Calama-Olacapato-Toro (COT) fault system, which favours a high secondary permeability testified by the presence of numerous springs. This study presents new stratigraphic and hydrogeological data on the geothermal field, together with the analysis from remote sensed image analysis of morphostructural evidences associated with the structural framework and active tectonics. Our data suggest that the main geothermal reservoir is located within or below the Pre-Palaeozoic-Ordovician basement units, characterised by unevenly distributed secondary permeability. The reservoir is recharged by infiltration in the ridges above 4500 m a.s.l., where basement rocks are in outcrop. Below 4500 m a.s.l., the reservoir is covered by the low permeable Miocene-Quaternary units that allow a poor circulation of shallow groundwater. Geothermal fluids upwell in areas with more intense fracturing, especially where main regional structures, particularly NW-SE COT-parallel lineaments, intersect with secondary structures, such as at the Tocomar field. Away from the main tectonic features, such as at the Cerro Tuzgle field, the less developed network of faults and fractures allows only a moderate upwelling of geothermal fluids and a mixing between hot and shallow cold waters. The integration of field-based and remote-sensing analyses at the Cerro Tuzgle-Tocomar area proved to be effective in approaching the prospection of remote geothermal fields, and in defining the conceptual model for geothermal circulation.

Off-axis volcano-tectonic activity during continental rifting: Insights from the transversal Goba-Bonga lineament, Main Ethiopian Rift (East Africa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corti, Giacomo; Sani, Federico; Agostini, Samuele; Philippon, Melody; Sokoutis, Dimitrios; Willingshofer, Ernst

2018-03-01

The Main Ethiopian Rift, East Africa, is characterized by the presence of major, enigmatic structures which strike approximately orthogonal to the trend of the rift valley. These structures are marked by important deformation and magmatic activity in an off-axis position in the plateaus surrounding the rift. In this study, we present new structural data based on a remote and field analysis, complemented with analogue modelling experiments, and new geochemical analysis of volcanic rocks sampled in different portions of one of these transversal structures: the Goba-Bonga volcano-tectonic lineament (GBVL). This integrated analysis shows that the GBVL is associated with roughly E-W-trending prominent volcano-tectonic activity affecting the western plateau. Within the rift floor, the approximately E-W alignment of Awasa and Corbetti calderas likely represent expressions of the GBVL. Conversely, no tectonic or volcanic features of similar (E-W) orientation have been recognized on the eastern plateau. Analogue modelling suggests that the volcano-tectonic features of the GBVL have probably been controlled by the presence of a roughly E-W striking pre-existing discontinuity beneath the western plateau, which did not extend beneath the eastern plateau. Geochemical analysis supports this interpretation and indicates that, although magmas have the same sub-lithospheric mantle source, limited differences in magma evolution displayed by products found along the GBVL may be ascribed to the different tectonic framework to the west, to the east, and in the axial zone of the rift. These results support the importance of the heterogeneous nature of the lithosphere and the spatial variations of its structure in controlling the architecture of continental rifts and the distribution of the related volcano-tectonic activity.

Determination of points of entry for potential contaminants into limestone aquifers using thermal infrared imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doyle, F. L.

1974-01-01

Lineations were identified involving the application of ERTS imagery to geologic and hydrologic problems. Interpretation of the southwest Madison County area is discussed. The tracing of the Beech Grove lineament to the northern boundary of Madison County, Alabama raises the question of its relationship to the trend of lineations in southwestern Madison County. The use of thermography as an indication of soil moisture is reviewed. The effect of soil moisture on surface temperature and the relationship between soil moisture and ground water are examined.

Chaotic terrain of Mars - A tectonic interpretation from Mariner 6 imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, R. C.; Harp, E. L.; Picard, M. D.; Ward, S. H.

1973-01-01

Sharp et al. (1971) define chaotic terrain as an irregular jumble of topographic forms covering a certain area within Pyrrhae Regio and adjacent regions centered at about 10 deg S., 35 deg W. This area is covered by Mariner 6 television imagery. An analysis of fracture patterns in the Martian surface from high-resolution Mariner 6 imagery suggests that the lineaments observed in both the chaotic terrain and the cratered plateau areas in Pyrrhae Regio are tectonic fractures resulting from stresses within the Martian crust.

Deciphering tectonic phases of the Amundsen Sea Embayment shelf, West Antarctica, from a magnetic anomaly grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gohl, Karsten; Denk, Astrid; Eagles, Graeme; Wobbe, Florian

2013-02-01

The Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE), with Pine Island Bay (PIB) in the eastern embayment, is a key location to understanding tectonic processes of the Pacific margin of West Antarctica. PIB has for a long time been suggested to contain the crustal boundary between the Thurston Island block and the Marie Byrd Land block. Plate tectonic reconstructions have shown that the initial rifting and breakup of New Zealand from West Antarctica occurred between Chatham Rise and the eastern Marie Byrd Land at the ASE. Recent concepts have discussed the possibility of PIB being the site of one of the eastern branches of the West Antarctic Rift System (WARS). About 30,000 km of aeromagnetic data - collected opportunistically by ship-based helicopter flights - and tracks of ship-borne magnetics were recorded over the ASE shelf during two RV Polarstern expeditions in 2006 and 2010. Grid processing, Euler deconvolution and 2D modelling were applied for the analysis of magnetic anomaly patterns, identification of structural lineaments and characterisation of magnetic source bodies. The grid clearly outlines the boundary zone between the inner shelf with outcropping basement rocks and the sedimentary basins of the middle to outer shelf. Distinct zones of anomaly patterns and lineaments can be associated with at least three tectonic phases from (1) magmatic emplacement zones of Cretaceous rifting and breakup (100-85 Ma), to (2) a southern distributed plate boundary zone of the Bellingshausen Plate (80-61 Ma) and (3) activities of the WARS indicated by NNE-SSW trending lineaments (55-30 Ma?). The analysis and interpretation are also used for constraining the directions of some of the flow paths of past grounded ice streams across the shelf.

Environmental tritium and radiocarbon studies in the Vedavati River basin, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukhija, B. S.; Achutha Rao, A.

1983-01-01

Environmental tritium and radiocarbon studies were undertaken in the Vedavati river basin situated partly in Karnataka and partly in Andhra Pradesh, India, aimed at the determination of the general recharge condition of the water-bearing zones in the gneissic complex, granites and the Dharwar Group of metamorphic rocks, where groundwater occurs under semi-unconfined to semi-confined conditions and at places under the water-table condition. The groundwater movement is controlled by fractures, fissures, a weathered zone and surficial mantle. An attempt was also made to find out whether substantial recharge occurs along fractured lineaments; whether the water-bearing zones can be considered as interconnected or isolated, and whether the recharge and discharge areas identified by geohydrological considerations can be confirmed. Environmental tritium and radiocarbon contents, measured in ˜ 45 groundwater samples, show that a large number of samples are very young, containing water from post-thermonuclear-era rain, thus indicating an age less than 25 yr. In some other samples, despite radiocarbon ages found to be older, some component of recent precipitation is found to be present as indicated by bomb tritium. Groundwater dating in the area shows an excellent correlation between hydro-isochrons of minimum age with the recharge contour of maximum magnitude. This study has clearly resulted in the demarcation of the recharge areas. However, the discharge areas as such cannot be clearly delineated because of lack of a pattern indicating increase of ages in any particular direction. This, however, also reflects somewhat discontinuous groundwater bodies, which may also be expected from the general structure and hydrogeology of the region. Along a major lineament the groundwater is found to be very young thus confirming that substantial recharge occurs along lineaments.

Synergistic relationships among remote-sensing and geophysical media: Geological and hydrological applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goebel, J. E.; Walton, M.; Batten, L. G. (Principal Investigator)

1980-01-01

The synergistic relationships among LANDSAT imagery, Skylab photographs, and aerial photographs were useful for establishing areas of near surface bedrock. Lineaments were located on LANDSAT imagery and aerial photographs during 1978 and near surface water tables were to be located during 1980. Both of these subjects can be identified by remote sensing methods more reliably than individual outcrops, which are small and occur in a wide variety of environments with a wide range of responses. Bedrock outcrops themselves could not be resolved by any of the data sources used, nor did any combination of data sources specifically identify rock at the ground surface. The data sources could not simply be combined mathematically to produce a visual image of probable areas of near surface bedrock. Outcrops and near surface bedrock had to be verified visually at the site. Despite these drawbacks, a procedure for locating areas of near surface bedrock within which actual surface outcrops may occur was developed.

Three-dimensional distribution of igneous rocks near the Pebble porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposit in southwestern Alaska: constraints from regional-scale aeromagnetic data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, Eric D.; Zhou, Wei; Li, Yaoguo; Hitzman, Murray W.; Monecke, Thomas; Lang, James R.; Kelley, Karen D.

2014-01-01

Aeromagnetic data helped us to understand the 3D distribution of plutonic rocks near the Pebble porphyry copper deposit in southwestern Alaska, USA. Magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that rocks in the Pebble district are more magnetic than rocks of comparable compositions in the Pike Creek–Stuyahok Hills volcano-plutonic complex. The reduced-to-pole transformation of the aeromagnetic data demonstrated that the older rocks in the Pebble district produce strong magnetic anomaly highs. The tilt derivative transformation highlighted northeast-trending lineaments attributed to Tertiary volcanic rocks. Multiscale edge detection delineated near-surface magnetic sources that are mostly outward dipping and coalesce at depth in the Pebble district. The total horizontal gradient of the 10-km upward-continued magnetic data showed an oval, deep magnetic contact along which porphyry deposits occur. Forward and inverse magnetic modeling showed that the magnetic rocks in the Pebble district extend to depths greater than 9 km. Magnetic inversion was constrained by a near-surface, 3D geologic model that is attributed with measured magnetic susceptibilities from various rock types in the region. The inversion results indicated that several near-surface magnetic sources with moderate susceptibilities converge with depth into magnetic bodies with higher susceptibilities. This deep magnetic source appeared to rise toward the surface in several areas. An isosurface value of 0.02 SI was used to depict the magnetic contact between outcropping granodiorite and nonmagnetic sedimentary host rocks. The contact was shown to be outward dipping. At depths around 5 km, nearly the entire model exceeded the isosurface value indicating the limits of nonmagnetic host material. The inversion results showed the presence of a relatively deep, northeast-trending magnetic low that parallels lineaments mapped by the tilt derivative. This deep low represents a strand of the Lake Clark fault.

Fault identification using multidisciplinary techniques at the Mars/Uranus Station antenna sites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Santo, D. S.; Schluter, M. B.; Shlemon, R. J.

1992-01-01

A fault investigation was performed at the Mars and Uranus antenna sites at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in the Mojave desert. The Mars/Uranus Station consists of two large-diameter reflector antennas used for communication and control of deep-space probes and other missions. The investigation included interpretation of Landsat thematic mapper scenes, side-looking airborne radar transparencies, and both color-infrared and black-and-white aerial photography. Four photolineaments suggestive of previously undocumented faults were identified. Three generally discrete morphostratigraphic alluvial-fan deposits were also recognized and dated using geomorphic and soil stratigraphic techniques. Fourteen trenches were excavated across the four lineaments; the trenches show that three of the photolineaments coincide with faults. The last displacement of two of the faults occurred between about 12,000 and 35,000 years ago. The third fault was judged to be older than 12,000 years before present (ybp), although uncertainty remains. None of the surface traces of the three faults crosses under existing antennas or structures; however, their potential activity necessitates appropriate seismic retrofit designs and loss-prevention measures to mitigate potential earthquake damage to facilities and structures.

Introducing the Japan Unified HIgh-Resolution Relocated Catalog for Earthquakes (JUICE) Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yano, T. E.; Takeda, T.; Shiomi, K.

2013-12-01

To understand the tectonic processes, seismogenic zones, and active fault evaluations, the precise location of earthquake hypocenters is necessary. Routinely determined hypocenters typically have uncertainties that can make seismically active areas appear more diffuse. These uncertainties influence the interpretation of what are active faults. Objective of this Japan Unified HIgh-resolution Relocated Catalog for Earthquakes (JUICE) project is to create a high-resolution earthquake relocated catalog for all of Japan. To initiate the project, we relocate hypocenters around Kanto-Tokai region. The network geometry, available phases, arrival-time reading accuracy, and knowledge of crustal structure control the accuracy of absolute hypocenter locations (Pavlis, 1986; Gomberg et al., 1990). We take advantage of having an excellent network operated by NIED Hi-net team. We use the high-quality data from this network for events from 2001 to the present. To initiate the JUICE project, we utilize more than 5,500,000 and 5,300,000 P and S phase arrival-time readings (catalog data) and waveforms for about 120,000 events between M0 and M6.5 from 2001 through 2012 in the Kanto and Tokai region. To reduce uncertainties, we apply the double-difference algorithm (hypoDD) by Waldhauser and Ellsworth (2000) to the data. To obtain the travel time differences for the pairs of earthquakes, we cross correlate the seismograms at the stations, which produces another data set -- cross-correlation data. In addition to the catalog phase data, we add 800,000 and 1,000,000 of P and S phase cross-correlations that are used to relocate hypocenters. We use Hi-net routine velocity structure (Ukawa et al., 1984) to estimate theoretical differential travel times. The newly relocated hypocenters show tighter clusters and lineaments compared to the routinely generated hypocenters. Figure 1 (a) shows the hypocenters in the Shizuoka region before relocation and (b) shows the hypocenters after relocation. Particularly, more compact clusters and lineaments clearly appear in the Shizuoka region after relocation. Significant changes are indicated in red circles and arrows for clusters and lineaments, respectively This relocated catalog will contribute to a better understanding of the depth of seismogenic zone and the mechanism for earthquakes. Because relocated hypocenters reflect the thickness of the seismogenic zone more accurately (Hauksson et al., 2012), they are more easily related to other data sets, such as geodetic, geological, gravity, and stress field measurements. We will continue expanding the area of study to relocate events all over Japan. We will apply 3D velocity model in future updated JUICE catalog to complete this project. Figure 1 (a): Map of hypocenters routinely determined by NIED Hi-net. (b): An example of hypocenters after relocations. Significant changes are indicated in red circles/arrows for clusters/lineaments.

The imprint of Late Holocene tectonic reactivation on a megafan landscape in the northern Amazonian wetlands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rossetti, D. F.; Valeriano, M. M.; Gribel, R.; Cohen, M. C. L.; Tatumi, S. H.; Yee, M.

2017-10-01

The modern Amazonian ecosystem outcomes from the complex interplay of different factors performed over the geological history, with tectonics being long speculated as perhaps a fundamental one. Nevertheless, areas where tectonic activity can be fully characterized are still scarce in view of the large dimension of this region. In this work, we investigate the signature of neotectonics in one megafan paleolandform that typifies a large sector of the Negro-Branco basin in northern Amazonia. The approach joined regional morphostructural descriptions of the Viruá megafan surface and the acquisition of topographic, sedimentological, and chronological data focusing on the central sector of the megafan. The results revealed an abundance of rivers that form dendritic, subdendritic, and trellis patterns. These rivers also have numerous straight segments, orthogonal junctions, and orthogonal shifts in courses. Structural lineaments, defined by straight channels and also straight lake margins, are aligned along the NW-SE and NE-SW directions that are coincidental with the main regional structural pattern in Amazonia. This study also led to recognize two large areas of lower topography in the south-central part of the megafan that consist of rectangular depressions parallel to the morphostructural lineaments. A sedimentological survey indicated that cores extracted external to the largest depression have only distributary channel and overbank sand sheet megafan deposits. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages ranged from 17.5 ± 2.0 to 46.9 ± 3.4 ky and radiocarbon ages ranged from 5.9-5.7 to 20.1-19.6 cal ky BP. In contrast, cores extracted within the depression consisted of fluvial deposits younger than 2.1-1.9 cal ky BP that increased in thickness toward the central part of the depression. We propose that the studied megafan was affected by tectonic reactivation until at least a couple thousand years ago. Tectonics would have produced subsiding areas more prone to flooding than adjacent terrains, which constituted sites for renewed deposition of fluvial sediments reworked from the megafan surface following its abandonment. A comparison of our data with those from other Amazonian areas with similar records of late Holocene tectonics suggests a landscape imprinted by faulting, probably of strike-slip motion. This finding increases the record of neotectonic activity in the Amazonian wetlands and may be useful in studies aiming at discussing the origin and extension of late Holocene deformation in the South American intraplate. In addition, we present a megafan with an unusual development in a cratonic region under the combined effect of climate and tectonics.

Fallon Geothermal Exploration Project, Naval Air Station, Fallon, Nevada.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-01

magneto- telluric studies. LINEAMENT ANALYSIS As part of the initial phase of the Fallon Exploration Project, a composite lineament analysis of the region...Nevada. United States Geological Survey Bulletin 750, 1924, pp. 79-86. Hoover, D. B., R. M. Senterfit, and Bruce Radtke. Telluric Profile Loca- tion...Map and Telluric Data for the Salt Wells Known Geothermal Resource Area, Nevada. United States Geological Survey Open File Report 77-66F, 1977. Horton

Recognition of a porphyry system using ASTER data in Bideghan - Qom province (central of Iran)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feizi, F.; Mansouri, E.

2014-07-01

The Bideghan area is located south of the Qom province (central of Iran). The most impressive geological features in the studied area are the Eocene sequences which are intruded by volcanic rocks with basic compositions. Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) image processing have been used for hydrothermal alteration mapping and lineaments identification in the investigated area. In this research false color composite, band ratio, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Least Square Fit (LS-Fit) and Spectral Angel Mapping (SAM) techniques were applied on ASTER data and argillic, phyllic, Iron oxide and propylitic alteration zones were separated. Lineaments were identified by aid of false color composite, high pass filters and hill-shade DEM techniques. The results of this study demonstrate the usefulness of remote sensing method and ASTER multi-spectral data for alteration and lineament mapping. Finally, the results were confirmed by field investigation.

Fractures on Europa - Possible response of an ice crust to tidal deformation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helfenstein, P.; Parmentier, E. M.

1980-01-01

The surface of Europa contains a planetwide system of low albedo lineaments which have been interpreted as fractures in an icy crust. The pattern of fractures on the surface consists of radial and concentric fractures having the general appearance of tension cracks within a region near the antipode of the sub-Jupiter point. Outside this region, linear fractures intersect at angles near 60 deg, suggesting that they are conjugate shear fractures. The orientation of this pattern on the surface suggests that a principal axis of the deformation that produced the fractures was approximately radial to Jupiter. Fracturing may thus be consistent with an origin due to cyclical tidal deformation resulting from orbital eccentricity. Orbital eccentricity related to a relatively recent establishment of orbital resonance among the Galilean satellites may explain the presence of fractures in a relatively young, lightly cratered planetary surface.

Neotectonic of Southern Brazilian Passive Margin: evidence from field and remote sensing studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riffel, S. B.; Fernandes, L. A. D.

2017-12-01

Canyons and structured-controlled coastal lagoons along Southern Brazil show morphotectonic evidence of an active response from the compressive strain on rifted continental margins. Considering the current main stress directions (E-W) and co-axial deformation, the most likely faults to be reactivated are the N45E and N45W trending systems. The area set in the eastern limit of the Paraná-Etendeka large igneous province, where a fault scarp marks regressive erosion and exposes a succession of fine-grained sediments belonging to the Pelotas Offshore Basin. Extrusion of enormous volumes of lavas provoked isostatic compensation during the Lower Cretaceous followed by the break-up of the Gondwanaland and the development of a volcanic passive margin. At this latitude (29°30´S), the Paraná Basin occurs as a promontory and extends below the Pelotas Offshore Basin, which sets in a continental crust. Regionally, this area is characterized by a down-warping known as Torres Syncline, limited towards the North by the outcropping of Permian sedimentary units, whilst the Serra Geral escarpment is recessed into the interior. The abrupt scarp on acidic volcanic rocks is cut-across by lineaments produced by reactivation of pre-existing faults, resulting in one of the most remarkable sequences of canyons in South America (Aparados da Serra National Park). Along the V-shaped valleys, several sets of triangular facets and suspended valleys are common. Capture, and flow of streams are controlled by the N45-70E and N45-70W trending lineaments. Besides, fault scarps showing displacement of up to 2-3 m, alluvial fan sediments, and transported soil with several sets of fracture represent a geomorphological evidence of reactivation. At the coastal plain, four depositional episodes have developed along the last 400 ka, functioning as barrier-lagoon systems. In this region, linear NE and NW lineaments constrained the shape of Holocene lagoons and affected the distribution of wet lands and dunes. Epicenters of low-intensity earthquakes (<4.0) have been registered by a local array of stations, during 9 years, and are distributed along some of the NE and NW trending lineaments, suggesting reactivation of these older faults. This seems to be in agreement with geomorphological evidence such as the development of young valleys and streams.

The Crustal Structure And CTBT Monitoring Of India: New Insights From Deep Seismic Profiling

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-09-01

transitional type crust as a major source of Deccan trap flows. The Narmada-Son lineament is the most conspicuous linear geological feature in the... Deccan proto-continents) buckling of the upper and middle crustal layers of the proto-continents took place, resulting in the western block’s lower...crustal column subducting below the Deccan proto-continents. Thus, the collision process was of such severe magnitude that the impact was seen in both

Application of remote sensing to the geological study of the alkaline complex region of Itatiaia. [Brazil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dejesusparada, N. (Principal Investigator); Rodrigues, J. E.

1980-01-01

The methodology of remote sensing applied to geological study in a complex area was evaluated. Itatiaia was selected as a test area, which covers the alkaline massives and its precambrian basement. LANDSAT-MSS and radar mosaic of the RADAMBRASIL Project were used for photointerpretation. Previous geological works were consulted and many discrepancies in the distribution of stratigraphic units were found. Moreover, structural lineaments and talus deposits were clearly delineated.

Upper crustal structure of Alabama from regional magnetic and gravity data: Using geology to interpret geophysics, and vice versa

USGS Publications Warehouse

Steltenpohl, Mark G.; Horton, J. Wright; Hatcher, Robert D.; Zietz, Isidore; Daniels, David L.; Higgins, Michael W.

2013-01-01

Aeromagnetic and gravity data sets obtained for Alabama (United States) have been digitally merged and filtered to enhance upper-crustal anomalies. Beneath the Appalachian Basin in northwestern Alabama, broad deep-crustal anomalies of the continental interior include the Grenville front and New York–Alabama lineament (dextral fault). Toward the east and south, high-angle discordance between the northeast-trending Appalachians and the east-west–trending wedge of overlapping Mesozoic and Cenozoic Gulf Coastal Plain sediments reveals how bedrock geophysical signatures progressively change with deeper burial. High-frequency magnetic anomalies in the Appalachian deformed domain (ADD) correspond to amphibolites and mylonites outlining terranes, while broader, lower-amplitude domains include Paleozoic intrusive bodies and Grenville basement gneiss. Fundamental ADD structures (e.g., the Alexander City, Towaliga, and Goat Rock–Bartletts Ferry faults) can be traced southward beneath the Gulf Coastal Plain to the suture with Gondwanan crust of the Suwannee terrane. Within the ADD, there is clear magnetic distinction between Laurentian crust and the strongly linear, high-frequency magnetic highs of peri-Gondwanan (Carolina-Uchee) arc terranes. The contact (Central Piedmont suture) corresponds to surface exposures of the Bartletts Ferry fault. ADD magnetic and gravity signatures are truncated by the east-west–trending Altamaha magnetic low associated with the Suwannee suture. Arcuate northeast-trending magnetic linears of the Suwannee terrane reflect internal structure and Mesozoic failed-rift trends. Geophysical data can be used to make inferences on surface and subsurface geology and vice versa, which has applicability anywhere that bedrock is exposed or concealed beneath essentially non-magnetic sedimentary cover.

Locating potential biosignatures on Europa from surface geology observations.

PubMed

Figueredo, Patricio H; Greeley, Ronald; Neuer, Susanne; Irwin, Louis; Schulze-Makuch, Dirk

2003-01-01

We evaluated the astrobiological potential of the major classes of geologic units on Europa with respect to possible biosignatures preservation on the basis of surface geology observations. These observations are independent of any formational model and therefore provide an objective, though preliminary, evaluation. The assessment criteria include high mobility of material, surface concentration of non-ice components, relative youth, textural roughness, and environmental stability. Our review determined that, as feature classes, low-albedo smooth plains, smooth bands, and chaos hold the highest potential, primarily because of their relative young age, the emplacement of low-viscosity material, and indications of material exchange with the subsurface. Some lineaments and impact craters may be promising sites for closer study despite the comparatively lower astrobiological potential of their classes. This assessment will be expanded by multidisciplinary examination of the potential for habitability of specific features.

Two-Dimensional Boundary Element Method Application for Surface Deformation Modeling around Lembang and Cimandiri Fault, West Java

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahya, M. J.; Sanny, T. A.

2017-04-01

Lembang and Cimandiri fault are active faults in West Java that thread people near the faults with earthquake and surface deformation risk. To determine the deformation, GPS measurements around Lembang and Cimandiri fault was conducted then the data was processed to get the horizontal velocity at each GPS stations by Graduate Research of Earthquake and Active Tectonics (GREAT) Department of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering Study Program, ITB. The purpose of this study is to model the displacement distribution as deformation parameter in the area along Lembang and Cimandiri fault using 2-dimensional boundary element method (BEM) using the horizontal velocity that has been corrected by the effect of Sunda plate horizontal movement as the input. The assumptions that used at the modeling stage are the deformation occurs in homogeneous and isotropic medium, and the stresses that acted on faults are in elastostatic condition. The results of modeling show that Lembang fault had left-lateral slip component and divided into two segments. A lineament oriented in southwest-northeast direction is observed near Tangkuban Perahu Mountain separating the eastern and the western segments of Lembang fault. The displacement pattern of Cimandiri fault shows that Cimandiri fault is divided into the eastern segment with right-lateral slip component and the western segment with left-lateral slip component separated by a northwest-southeast oriented lineament at the western part of Gede Pangrango Mountain. The displacement value between Lembang and Cimandiri fault is nearly zero indicating that Lembang and Cimandiri fault are not connected each other and this area is relatively safe for infrastructure development.

Using SLAM to Look For the Dog Valley Fault, Truckee Area, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cronin, V. S.; Ashburn, J. A.; Sverdrup, K. A.

2014-12-01

The Truckee earthquake (9/12/1966, ML6.0) was a left-lateral event on a previously unrecognized NW-trending fault. The Prosser Creek and Boca Dams sustained damage, and the trace of the suspected causative fault passes near or through the site of the then-incomplete Stampede Dam. Another M6 earthquake occurred along the same general trend in 1948 with an epicenter in Dog Valley ~14 km to the NW of the 1966 epicenter. This trend is called the Dog Valley Fault (DVF), and its location on the ground surface is suggested by a prominent but broad zone of geomorphic lineaments near the cloud of aftershock epicenters determined for the 1966 event. Various ground effects of the 1966 event described by Kachadoorian et al. (1967) were located within this broad zone. The upper shoreface of reservoirs in the Truckee-Prosser-Martis basin are now exposed due to persistent drought. We have examined fault strands in a roadcut and exposed upper shoreface adjacent to the NE abutment of Stampede Dam. These are interpreted to be small-displacement splays associated with the DVF -- perhaps elements of the DVF damage zone. We have used the Seismo-Lineament Analysis Method (SLAM) to help us constrain the location of the DVF, based on earthquake focal mechanisms. Seismo-lineaments were computed, using recent revisions in the SLAM code (bearspace.baylor.edu/Vince_Cronin/www/SLAM/), for the 1966 main earthquake and for the better-recorded earthquakes of 7/3/1983 (M4) and 8/30/1992 (M3.2) that are inferred to have occurred along the DVF. Associated geomorphic analysis and some field reconnaissance identified a trend that might be associated with a fault, extending from the NW end of Prosser Creek Reservoir ~32° toward the Stampede Dam area. Triangle-strain analysis using horizontal velocities of local Plate Boundary Observatory GPS sites P146, P149, P150 and SLID indicates that the area rotates clockwise ~1-2°/Myr relative to the stable craton, as might be expected because the study area is within the Walker Lane transition zone between the Basin and Range and the Sierra Nevada-Great Valley Block. If the current seismogenic trace of the DVF is along the ~32° trend, perhaps the more prominent geomorphic lineaments traditionally associated with the DVF are inactive older features that are more strongly expressed on the landscape and that have rotated.

Aeromagnetic signatures over western Marie Byrd Land provide insight into magmatic arc basement, mafic magmatism and structure of the Eastern Ross Sea Rift flank

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferraccioli, F.; Bozzo, E.; Damaske, D.

2002-03-01

Aeromagnetic signatures over the Edward VII Peninsula (E7) provide new insight into the largely ice-covered and unexplored eastern flank of the Ross Sea Rift (RSR). Positive anomalies, 10-40 km in wavelength and with amplitudes ranging from 50 to 500 nT could reveal buried Late Devonian(?)-Early Carboniferous Ford Granodiorite plutons. This is suggested by similar magnetic signature over exposed, coeval Admiralty Intrusives of the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM). Geochemical data from mid-Cretaceous Byrd Coast Granite, contact metamorphic effects on Swanson Formation and hornblende-bearing granitoid dredge samples strengthen this magnetic interpretation, making alternative explanations less probable. These magnetic anomalies over formerly adjacent TAM and western Marie Byrd Land (wMBL) terranes resemble signatures typically observed over magnetite-rich magmatic arc plutons. Shorter wavelength (5 km) 150 nT anomalies could speculatively mark mid-Cretaceous mafic dikes of the E7, similar to those exposed over the adjacent Ford Ranges. Anomalies with amplitudes of 100-360 nT over the Sulzberger Bay and at the margin of the Sulzberger Ice Shelf likely reveal mafic Late Cenozoic(?) volcanic rocks emplaced along linear rift fabric trends. Buried volcanic rock at the margin of the interpreted half-graben-like "Sulzberger Ice Shelf Block" is modelled in the Kizer Island area. The volcanic rock is marked by a coincident positive Bouguer gravity anomaly. Late Cenozoic volcanic rocks over the TAM, in the RSR, and beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet exhibit comparable magnetic anomaly signature reflecting regional West Antarctic Rift fabric. Interpreted mafic magmatism of the E7 is likely related to mid-Cretaceous and Late Cenozoic regional crustal extension and possible mantle plume activity over wMBL. Magnetic lineaments of the E7 are enhanced in maximum horizontal gradient of pseudo-gravity, vertical derivative and 3D Euler Deconvolution maps. Apparent vertical offsets in magnetic basement at the location of the lineaments and spatially associated mafic dikes and volcanic rocks result from 2.5D magnetic modelling. A rift-related fault origin for the magnetic lineaments, segmenting the E7 region into horst and graben blocks, is proposed by comparison with offshore seismic reflection, marine gravity, on-land gravity, radio-echo sounding, apatite fission track data and structural geology. The NNW magnetic lineament, which we interpret to mark the eastern RSR shoulder, forms the western margin of the "Alexandra Mountains horst". This fundamental aeromagnetic feature lies on strike with the Colbeck Trough, a prominent NNW half-graben linked to Late Cretaceous(?) and Cenozoic(?) faulting in the eastern RSR. East-west and north-north-east to NE magnetic trends are also imaged. Magnetic trends, if interpreted as reflecting the signature of rift-related normal faults, would imply N-S to NE crustal extension followed by later northwest-southeast directed extension. NW-SE extension would be compatible with Cenozoic(?) oblique RSR rifting. Previous structural data from the Ford Ranges have, however, been interpreted to indicate that both Cretaceous and Cenozoic extensions were N-S to NE-SW directed.

Sutures and an Anomalous Deep Lithospheric Electrical Resistor in the Southeastern United States as Revealed by EarthScope Magnetotelluric Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, B. S.; Egbert, G. D.

2016-12-01

We use newly acquired long-period magnetotelluric data to examine lithospheric structure beneath the modern Southern Appalachian Mountains and the adjacent Piedmont. The New York-Alabama Lineament is clearly visible both in inverse models and in the data themselves as a major Appalachian-parallel, mid- to lower-crustal conductive feature. This observation supports geologically-based interpretations of the NY-AL Lineament as a major Grenville suture. We also discern several other suture zones in our inverse models, including the Central Piedmont Suture. Interestingly, we do not observe any geoelectric signature of the Suwannee Suture. Most strikingly, we find a zone of exceptionally high resistivity (>1000 μm) that extends to a depth of more than 200 km beneath the modern Piedmont. This resistive block abuts more conductive lithosphere ( 100 μm, as would be expected for Phanerozoic lithosphere) to the northwest. The boundary between these two distinct domains coincides with the modern Appalachian topographic escarpment to within our resolution. The high resistivity values would seem to require completely dry, highly depleted lithosphere at anomalously cold temperatures; however, corresponding seismically fast lithospheric mantle that would be expected for such a structure has not been observed in any previous studies. The exact nature of this feature therefore remains uncertain at present. Regardless, as it is a persistent feature in inversions and it is also readily apparent in the impedance data, this geoelectric structure likely holds important implications for the past, present, and future tectonic evolution of the Southeastern United States.

The French Atlantic littoral and the Massif Armoricain, part 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verger, F. (Principal Investigator); Scanvic, J. Y.; Monget, J. M.

1977-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results: (1) An original map of lineaments of the Armorican Massif and the Vendean platform was prepared. (2) Validity of spatial information through comparison with maps of various kinds, such as geological, geophysical, morphological, etc., was verified. (3) It was confirmed that LANDSAT images, in many cases, reflect data on deep phenomena which were only accessible geophysically and by means of borings. Tectonic domains were outlined, and known lineaments were extended.

Tearing the terroir: Details and implications of surface rupture and deformation from the 24 August 2014 M6.0 South Napa earthquake, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

DeLong, Stephen B.; Donnellan, Andrea; Ponti, Daniel J.; Rubin, Ron S.; Lienkaemper, James J.; Prentice, Carol S.; Dawson, Timothy E.; Seitz, Gordon G.; Schwartz, David P.; Hudnut, Kenneth W.; Rosa, Carla M.; Pickering, Alexandra J; Parker, Jay W.

2016-01-01

The Mw 6.0 South Napa earthquake of 24 August 2014 caused slip on several active fault strands within the West Napa Fault Zone (WNFZ). Field mapping identified 12.5 km of surface rupture. These field observations, near-field geodesy and space geodesy, together provide evidence for more than ~30 km of surface deformation with a relatively complex distribution across a number of subparallel lineaments. Along a ~7 km section north of the epicenter, the surface rupture is confined to a single trace that cuts alluvial deposits, reoccupying a low-slope scarp. The rupture continued northward onto at least four other traces through subparallel ridges and valleys. Postseismic slip exceeded coseismic slip along much of the southern part of the main rupture trace with total slip 1 year postevent approaching 0.5 m at locations where only a few centimeters were measured the day of the earthquake. Analysis of airborne interferometric synthetic aperture radar data provides slip distributions along fault traces, indicates connectivity and extent of secondary traces, and confirms that postseismic slip only occurred on the main trace of the fault, perhaps indicating secondary structures ruptured as coseismic triggered slip. Previous mapping identified the WNFZ as a zone of distributed faulting, and this was generally borne out by the complex 2014 rupture pattern. Implications for hazard analysis in similar settings include the need to consider the possibility of complex surface rupture in areas of complex topography, especially where multiple potentially Quaternary-active fault strands can be mapped.

Combined use of remote sensing and seismic observations to infer geologically recent crustal deformation, active faulting, and stress fields. [California and Pennsylvania

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, S. S. (Principal Investigator)

1982-01-01

Characteristic traits for earthquakes associated with strike-slip motion in Central California and the Salton Sea area, as revealed in ground based studies and LANDSAT imagery, were compared. The mapped lineaments are found to be oriented in several dominant directions. One direction is the same as the trend of the San Andreas fault. The other directions differ from area to area and may reflect the stresses of earlier geologic processes. The pattern of lineament orientations is significantly LANDSAT MSS data, SEASAT synthetic aperture radar data, and magnetic field data from the South Mountain area west of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania were registered to match each other in spatial position and merged. Pattern recognition techniques were applied to the composite data set to determine its utility in recognizing different rock types and structures in vegetated terrain around South Mountain. With the use of a texture algorithm to enhance geologic features, a classification of the entire area was made. A test of the correlation between SAR tone and texture, LANDSAT tone and texture, and magnetic field data revealed no tone or texture measures linking any two of the original data sets.

Geophysical reassessment of the role of ancient crustal structures on the development of western Laurentia and Selwyn Basin, Yukon and Northwest Territories, Canada.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayward, N.

2017-12-01

The structure of the western margin of the North American craton (Laurentia) in the northern Canadian Cordillera and its role in the development of the Neoproterozoic-Early Paleozoic Selwyn Basin are reassessed through 3D inversion of a new compilation of aeromagnetic data and archival Bouguer gravity data. The region's tectonic history is obscured by partial burial beneath Selwyn Basin, and a tectonic overprint that includes terrane accretion, regional plutonism, and strike-slip faults with displacements of 100s and perhaps 1000s of kilometers. Despite the implied complexity, preliminary geological and geophysical based interpretations of the structure of the western margin of Laurentia, have been adopted with few refinements in over two decades. Regionally continuous, NE-trending, crustal lineaments, including the Fort Norman line and Leith Ridge fault, were interpreted as having had long-standing influence on the craton development, its western margin, and overlapping sedimentary basin. New results reveal limited evidence for the regional continuity of the NE-trending lineaments. Instead, models suggest that the structure of the Laurentian margin is characterised by segmentation on numerous shorter structures of varied strike. The western margin of the craton and its structures are bound by a NW-trending structure that connects with the Richardson Trough to the north and may have been active during rifting of the Misty Creek embayment. This boundary also marks the easternmost limit of both granitic intrusions in Selwyn Basin, which gravity models suggest are of greater extent than reflected on geological maps, and SEDEX occurrences. An ENE-trending structure beneath northern Selwyn Basin is interpreted as marking the southern edge of a previously unidentified cratonic promontory, akin to the Liard line that marks a transfer fault that bounds the promontory of the Macdonald Platform, south of Selwyn Basin. The ENE-trending structure is traced from the Tintina fault in the west to near to the Great Bear magmatic zone. The structure's regional continuity also limits the interpretation of a post-Cretaceous structure, inboard of the Tintina fault that could be responsible for 1000's km of dextral strike-slip ascribed to the Baja-BC terrane translation model.

The Cottage Lake Lineament, Washington: Onshore Extension of the Southern Whidbey Island Fault?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blakely, R. J.; Weaver, C. S.; Sherrod, B. L.; Troost, K. G.; Haugerud, R. A.; Wells, R. E.; McCormack, D. H.

2003-12-01

The northwest-striking southern Whidbey Island fault zone (SWIF) is reasonably well expressed by borehole data, marine seismic surveys, and potential-field anomalies on Whidbey Island and beneath surrounding waterways. Johnson et al. (1996) described evidence for Quaternary movement on the SWIF, suggested the fault zone is capable of a M 7 earthquake, and projected three fault strands onto the mainland between the cities of Seattle and Everett. Evidence for this onshore projection is scant, however, and the exact location of the SWIF in this populated region is unknown. Four linear, northwest-striking magnetic anomalies on the mainland may help address this issue. All of the anomalies are low in amplitude and best illuminated in residual magnetic fields. The most prominent of the magnetic anomalies extends at least 15 km, is on strike with the SWIF on Whidbey Island, and passes near Cottage Lake, about 15 km south of downtown Everett. The magnetic anomaly is associated with linear topography along its entire length, but spectral analysis indicates that the source of the anomaly lies principally beneath the topographic surface and extends to depths greater than 2 km. The anomalies are likely created by northwest-trending, faulted and folded Tertiary volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Cascade foothills, which rise from beneath the Quaternary lowland fill to the southeast of the SWIF. High-resolution Lidar topography provided by King County shows subtle scarps cutting the latest Pleistocene glaciated surface at two locations along the magnetic anomaly; scarps are parallel to the anomaly trend. In the field, one scarp has 2 to 3 m of north-side-up offset; paleoseismic trench excavations are planned for Fall 2003 to determine their nature and history. Preliminary examination of boreholes, recently acquired as part of an ongoing sewer tunnel project, show anomalous stratigraphic and structural disturbances in the area of the magnetic anomalies. Analyses are underway to determine if faulting causes these disturbances. Taken together, the SWIF and the Cottage Lake lineament extend >50 km. Thus defined, the SWIF is spatially associated along its length with an arcuate (convex to the southwest) zone of deep (>10 km) crustal earthquakes, one of several arcuate alignments of epicenters between the SWIF and Olympia, Washington.

Tests of crustal divergence models for Aphrodite Terra, Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grimm, Robert E.; Solomon, Sean C.

1989-01-01

This paper discusses the characteristics of Aphrodite Terra, the highland region of Venus which is considered to be a likely site of mantle upwelling, active volcanism, and extensional tectonics, and examines the relation of these features to three alternative kinematic models for the interaction of mantle convection with the surface. These the 'vertical tectonics' model, in which little horizontal surface displacement results from mantle flow; the 'plate divergence' model, in which shear strain from large horizontal displacements is accommodated only in narrow zones of deformation; and the 'distributed deformation' model, in which strain from large horizontal motions is broadly accommodated. No convincing observational evidence was found to support the rigid-plate divergence, while the evidence of large-scale horizontal motions of Aphrodite argues against purely vertical tectonics. A model is proposed, involving a broad disruption of a thin lithosphere. In such a model, lineaments are considered to be surface manifestations of mantle convective flow.

Geologic applications of thermal-inertia mapping from satellite. [Powder River, Wyoming; Cubeza Prieta, Arizona, and Yellowstone National Park

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Offield, T. W. (Principal Investigator); Watson, K.; Hummer-Miller, S.

1981-01-01

In the Powder River Basin, Wyo., narrow geologic units having thermal inertias which contrast with their surroundings can be discriminated in optimal images. A few subtle thermal inertia anomalies coincide with areas of helium leakage believed to be associated with deep oil and gas concentrations. The most important results involved delineation of tectonic framework elements some of which were not previously recognized. Thermal and thermal inertia images also permit mapping of geomorphic textural domains. A thermal lineament appears to reveal a basement discontinuity which involves the Homestake Mine in the Black Hill, a zone of Tertiary igneous activity and facies control in oil producing horizons. Applications of these data to the Cabeza Prieta, Ariz., area illustrate their potential for igneous rock type discrimination. Extension to Yellowstone National Park resulted in the detection of additional structural information but surface hydrothermal features could not be distinguished with any confidence. A thermal inertia mapping algorithm, a fast and accurate image registration technique, and an efficient topographic slope and elevation correction method were developed.

Integrated geographic information systems (IGIS) analysis and definition of the tectonic framework of northern Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez Pina, Carlos Manuel

Crustal rupture structures reactivated in the course of the tectonic history of northern Mexico are the surface expressions of planes of weakness, in the form of simple or composite rectilinear features or slightly curved, defined as lineaments. Unless otherwise defined as strike-slip faults, lineaments are part of parallel and sub-parallel oblique convergent or oblique divergent tectonic zones cross cutting the Sierra Madre Occidental and northern Mexico, in a NW trend. These shear zones are the response to the oblique subduction of the Farallon plate beneath North America. Kinematic analysis of five selected sites in northern Mexico, three basins and two compressional shear zones, proved possible a combination of shear mechanism diagram and models from analogue materials, with satellite imagery and geographic information systems, as an aid to define strike-slip fault motion. This was done using a reverse engineering process by comparing geometries. One of the sites assessed, involving the Parras Basin, Coahuila Block (CB), San Marcos fault, a postulated PBF-1 fault, allowed for palinpastic reconstruction of the CB that corroborated the results of the vector motion defined, in addition to an extension of ˜25% in a northwest southeast direction. A GIS-based compilation and georeferenced regional structural studies by several researchers were used as ground control areas (GCA); their interpolation and interpretation, resulted in a tectonic framework map of northern Mexico. In addition, shaded relief models overlaid by the lineaments / fault layer allowed structural analyses of basins related to these major structures. Two important results were obtained from this study: the Tepehuanes-San Luis-fault (TSL) and the Guadalupe fault, named herein, displaces the Villa de Reyes graben, and the Aguascalientes graben, respectively, to the SE, confirming their left lateral vector motion; afterwards TSL was displaced south by the right lateral strike slip Taxco-San Miguel de Allende fault. The second result refers to the hypothesis that the Mesa Central was brought to its present location by a subduction zone located to the north. This subduction zone coincides with several researchers who postulated the idea. The compressional zones refer to segments of the Sinforosa and a postulated Aquinquari fault located in the stratotectonic Guerrero Terrane regarded as a highly mineralized zone. Negative anomalies near -200 milligals are strongly suggestive of a cratonic block identified in western Chihuahua, it being named the Western Chihuahua Cratonic Block (WCCB). In the southwestern portion of the North American craton the age provinces are well documented, but the block versus mobile belt idea has not been put forth or emphasized. The present study combines data of several types, sedimentological, structural, igneous geochemistry, and geochronologic data to evaluate this behavior in SW NA, and the proposed block is tested against these data. The presence of the WCCB is supported by a wide variety of data. Basins, troughs, aulacogens, bimodal volcanism, and other rift and rift shoulder features, characterize the spatially constrained mobile belts. Mobile belts surrounding the WCCB contain geologic records of the events going back to 1.4 Ga, with different aspects being dominant over geologic time. Mobile belts will participate in compression,(subduction), extension (rifting), and transform (lateral) faulting. The WCCB may have been derived from closely, adjacent, North American craton by mobile belt action. This study has shown that integration of data is essential, because allows detection of differences in hypotheses for the same event in the same area. This integration capability is what makes integrated geographic information systems a powerful tool, not only for their synergy, but because they can be combined with specific techniques that provide data before going to conduct fieldwork. Whether the issue of defining the tectonic framework of northern Mexico can be resolved or not, depends on the viability of integrating volumes of data from research, hypotheses, or maps, and put together under the same geographic frame.

Geothermal Exploration of the Winston Graben, Central New Mexico, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sophy, M. J.; Kelley, S. A.

2011-12-01

We are assessing the geothermal potential of the Winston Graben of central New Mexico using borehole temperature logs and geophysical data. The Winston Graben is a late Cenozoic rift basin, part of the larger Rio Grande rift, which is 5 to 10 km wide and 56 km long with northern and southern termini occurring at accommodation zones that coincide with late Cenozoic volcanic lineaments. The graben is interpreted to be symmetric based on geologic mapping, with 2 km of stratigraphic offset on both the western and eastern margins. The graben is bordered by the Black Range to the west and is separated from the Rio Grande valley by the Sierra Cuchillo, a horst block made of Paleozoic rocks intruded by a laccolith. Geothermal and geophysical data, including water table measurements, well temperature logs, thermal conductivity samples, bottom hole temperatures, water chemistry, and gravity data have been extracted from the New Mexico Geothermal Database, part of the National Geothermal Database, and the Geonet Gravity and Magnetic Dataset Repository. Combined with existing geologic maps of the Winston Graben and surroundings, these data help to identify spatial relationships between geologic structures and groundwater parameters and distribution. Geothermal gradients from industry temperature-depth well profiles range from 20°C/km to 60°C/km with a spatial distribution of higher gradients located on the eastern side of the Sierra Cuchillo horst, which is where a mapped warm spring is located. Lower thermal gradients were observed to the west in the groundwater recharge area of the basin. Analysis of Bouguer gravity data indicate a gravity low coinciding with the center of the Winston Graben, which is attributed to be the deepest part of the basin, symetrically surrounded by gravity highs. Gravity highs coincide with the middle Cenozoic Morenci and Chise volcanic lineaments along the northern and southern ends of the graben. The mapped warm spring occurs at the intersection of basin bounding faults and the Chise lineament. Water table gradient information from phreatic aquifers less than 75 meters deep suggests both along axis and cross axis flow direction within the basin. Because the temperature anomalies trend east-west and water table gradients trend north-south, a two component hydrogeologic system may exist. The east-west trend may be the result of deep groundwater, heated along its flowpath beneath the basin and the Sierra Cuchillo, being forced to the surface at structural zones. Major rift bounding faults along the Sierra Cuchillo horst block serve as fluid pathways for the existing warm springs, and a low temperature geothermal resource may have formed as deep warm, and shallow cool waters interact. Planned work on this project includes collecting hydrogen and oxygen isotopic data of precipitation and groundwater which may show distinct water chemistries of a two component system, continued temperature logging of deeper wells in order to understand temperature distributions at depth, and an increased number of gravity measurements of the southern end of the Winston Graben to improve mapping of the southern accommodation zone relative to the hydrogeologic system.

Seafloor Volcanic and Structural Features Adjacent to the 90deg 50'N Transform - Galapagos Spreading Center: Clues for Understanding Plate Boundary Kinematics and Lithospheric Melting Processes (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fornari, D. J.; Soule, S.; Harpp, K. S.; Mittelstaedt, E. L.; Geist, D.; Kurz, M. D.; R/v Melville Mv1007 Cruise Scientific Party

2010-12-01

High-resolution EM122 multibeam and MR-1 sidescan sonar data collected over a wide area of seafloor west and east of the 90deg 50’N transform along the Galapagos Spreading Center (GSC) reveal seafloor morpho-structural fabric created along this intermediate spreading plate boundary. In concert with geochemical and geophysical data collected during the cruise, these data will be used to help unravel the kinematics of hotspot-ridge interactions in the northern Galapagos. West of the transform, the seafloor is dominated by three prominent NW-SE trending seamount lineaments, each ~20-30 km wide, including the prominent Wolf-Darwin Lineament (WDL) as well as two other smaller volcanic chains east of the WDL, which are oriented along intermediate trends that become more subparallel to the N-S trend of the transform from west to east. This suggests a possible strong controlling influence of the transform on the orientation of lithospheric fractures involved in supplying magmas to the volcanic centers. Interestingly, each seamount lineament west of the transform appears to have nascent volcanoes nucleating immediately south of the GSC axis at locations that mark along-axis discontinuities of the spreading center, suggesting ridge-related magmatic focusing is also influencing crustal generation on the Nazca plate in this region. The tectonized terrain associated with the transform is 60 km wide, whereas the transform valley is only 20 km wide. The northern 40 km of the transform has a well-defined linear shear zone and bounding faults. The southern 50 km of the transform are characterized by a wide zone of extensive oblique shear structures that trend NW-SE. Within this zone are numerous small volcanic cones and ridges that decorate the margins and axis of the transform domain. The structural evolution of the transform appears to be undergoing a transition along its length with intra-transform volcanism in the south and more normal shear in the north, however the tectonic imprint of the oblique structures is observed along nearly all of the length of the transform out to 15-20 km from the margins of the transform valley. Terrain east of the transform is markedly different in morphological character and structural elements. A series of five, generally E-W ridges, some of which display clear volcanic constructional terrain, extend from the eastern margin of the oblique fabric associated with the transform domain. Some of these E-W features are linked by N-S structures, creating a general patchwork pattern of seafloor that is unlike any we have observed at well-mapped ridge-transform intersections at fast and intermediate spreading mid-ocean ridges. The terrain bears some similarities to structures developed at microplates. We also note that this region lies at the southwestern extremity of the Cocos Ridge, an aseismic ridge that has undergone a complex history of volcanic and tectonic construction associated with hotspot magmatism and ridge jumps.

Structural geology of the Rub' Al-Khali Basin, Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, S. A.

2016-10-01

The Rub' Al-Khali basin lies below a Quaternary sand sea, and the structural evolution from the Late Precambrian to Neogene is known only from reflection seismic, gravity, and magnetic data, and wells. Gravity and magnetic data show north-south and northwest-southeast trends, matching mapped Precambrian faults. The deepest structures imaged on reflection seismic data are undrilled Precambrian rifts filled with layered strata at depths up to 13 km. The distribution of Ediacaran-Cambrian Ara/Hormuz mobile salt is restricted to an embayment in the eastern Rub' Al-Khali. The Precambrian rifts show local inversion and were peneplained at base Phanerozoic. A broad crustal-scale fold (Qatar Arch) developed in the Carboniferous and amplified in the Late Triassic, separating subbasins in the west and east Rub' Al-Khali. A phase of kilometer-scale folding occurred in the Late Cretaceous, coeval with thrusting and ophiolite obduction in eastern Oman. These folds trend predominantly north-south, oblique to the northwesterly shortening direction, and occasionally have steep fault zones close to their axial surfaces. The trend and location of these folds closely matches the Precambrian lineaments identified in this study, demonstrating preferential reactivation of basement structures. Compression along the Zagros suture reactivated these folds in the Neogene, this time the result of highly oblique, north-northeast to south-southwest shortening. Cretaceous-Tertiary fold style is interpreted as transpression with minor strain partitioning. Permian, Jurassic, and Eocene evaporite horizons played no role in the structural evolution of the basin, but the Eocene evaporites caused widespread kilometer-scale dissolution collapse structures in the basin center.

Effects of groundwater flow on the distribution of biogenic gas in parts of the northern Great Plains of Canada and United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anna, Lawrence O.

2011-01-01

Parts of the northern Great Plains in eastern Montana and western North Dakota and southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada, were studied as part of an assessment of shallow biogenic gas in Upper Cretaceous rocks.Parts of the northern Great Plains in eastern Montana and western North Dakota and southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada, were studied as part of an assessment of shallow biogenic gas in Upper Cretaceous rocks. Large quantities of shallow biogenic gas are produced from low-permeability, Upper Cretaceous reservoirs in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada. Rocks of similar types and age produce sparingly in the United States except on large structures, such as Bowdoin dome and Cedar Creek anticline. Significant production also occurs in the Tiger Ridge area, where uplift of the Bearpaw Mountains created stratigraphic traps. The resource in Canada is thought to be a continuous, biogenic-gas-type accumulation with economic production in a variety of subtle structures and stratigraphic settings. The United States northern Great Plains area has similar conditions but only broad structural closures or stratigraphic traps associated with local structure have produced economically to date. Numerical flow modeling was used to help determine that biogenic gas in low-permeability reservoirs is held in place by high hydraulic head that overrides buoyancy forces of the gas. Modeling also showed where hydraulic head is greater under Tertiary capped topographic remnants rather than near adjacent topographic lows. The high head can override the capillary pressure of the rock and force gas to migrate to low head in topographically low areas. Most current biogenic gas production is confined to areas between mapped lineaments in the northern Great Plains. The lineaments may reflect structural zones in the Upper Cretaceous that help compartmentalize reservoirs and confine gas accumulations.

The Niassa Gold Belt, northern Mozambique - A segment of a continental-scale Pan-African gold-bearing structure?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bjerkgard, T.; Stein, H. J.; Bingen, B.; Henderson, I. H. C.; Sandstad, J. S.; Moniz, A.

2009-01-01

The Niassa Gold Belt, in northernmost Mozambique, is hosted in the Txitonga Group, a Neoproterozoic rift sequence overlying Paleoproterozoic crust of the Congo-Tanzania Craton and deformed during the Pan-African Orogeny. The Txitonga Group is made up of greenschist-facies greywacke and schist and is characterized by bimodal, mainly mafic, magmatism. A zircon U-Pb age for a felsic volcanite dates deposition of the sequence at 714 ± 17 Ma. Gold is mined artisanally from alluvial deposits and primary chalcopyrite-pyrite-bearing quartz veins containing up to 19 ppm Au have been analyzed. In the Cagurué and M'Papa gold fields, dominantly N-S trending quartz veins, hosted in metagabbro and schist, are regarded as tension gashes related to regional strike-slip NE-SW-trending Pan-African shear zones. These gold deposits have been classified as mesozonal and metamorphic in origin. Re-Os isotopic data on sulfides suggest two periods of gold deposition for the Cagurué Gold Field. A coarse-crystalline pyrite-chalcopyrite assemblage yields an imprecise Pan-African age of 483 ± 72 Ma, dating deposition of the quartz veins. Remobilization of early-formed sulfides, particularly chalcopyrite, took place at 112 ± 14 Ma, during Lower Cretaceous Gondwana dispersal. The ˜483 Ma assemblage yields a chondritic initial 187Os/ 188Os ratio of 0.123 ± 0.058. This implies a juvenile source for the ore fluids, possibly involving the hosting Neoproterozoic metagabbro. The Niassa Gold Belt is situated at the eastern end of a SW-NE trending continental-scale lineament defined by the Mwembeshi Shear Zone and the southern end of a NW-SE trending lineament defined by the Rukwa Shear Zone. We offer a review of gold deposits in Zambia and Tanzania associated with these polyphase lineaments and speculate on their interrelation.

Analysis of a Spatial Point Pattern: Examining the Damage to Pavement and Pipes in Santa Clara Valley Resulting from the Loma Prieta Earthquake

USGS Publications Warehouse

Phelps, G.A.

2008-01-01

This report describes some simple spatial statistical methods to explore the relationships of scattered points to geologic or other features, represented by points, lines, or areas. It also describes statistical methods to search for linear trends and clustered patterns within the scattered point data. Scattered points are often contained within irregularly shaped study areas, necessitating the use of methods largely unexplored in the point pattern literature. The methods take advantage of the power of modern GIS toolkits to numerically approximate the null hypothesis of randomly located data within an irregular study area. Observed distributions can then be compared with the null distribution of a set of randomly located points. The methods are non-parametric and are applicable to irregularly shaped study areas. Patterns within the point data are examined by comparing the distribution of the orientation of the set of vectors defined by each pair of points within the data with the equivalent distribution for a random set of points within the study area. A simple model is proposed to describe linear or clustered structure within scattered data. A scattered data set of damage to pavement and pipes, recorded after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, is used as an example to demonstrate the analytical techniques. The damage is found to be preferentially located nearer a set of mapped lineaments than randomly scattered damage, suggesting range-front faulting along the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains is related to both the earthquake damage and the mapped lineaments. The damage also exhibit two non-random patterns: a single cluster of damage centered in the town of Los Gatos, California, and a linear alignment of damage along the range front of the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. The linear alignment of damage is strongest between 45? and 50? northwest. This agrees well with the mean trend of the mapped lineaments, measured as 49? northwest.

Geological mysteries on Ganymede

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

This image shows some unusual features on the surface of Jupiter's moon, Ganymede. NASA's Galileo spacecraft imaged this region as it passed Ganymede during its second orbit through the Jovian system. The region is located at 31 degrees latitude, 186 degrees longitude in the north of Marius Regio, a region of ancient dark terrain, and is near the border of a large swathe of younger, heavily tectonised bright terrain known as Nippur Sulcus. Situated in the transitional region between these two terrain types, the area shown here contains many complex tectonic structures, and small fractures can be seen crisscrossing the image. North is to the top-left of the picture, and the sun illuminates the surface from the southeast. This image is centered on an unusual semicircular structure about 33 kilometers (20 miles) across. A 38 kilometer (24 miles) long, remarkably linear feature cuts across its northern extent, and a wide east-west fault system marks its southern boundary. The origin of these features is the subject of much debate among scientists analyzing the data. Was the arcuate structure part of a larger feature? Is the straight lineament the result of internal or external processes? Scientists continue to study this data in order to understand the surface processes occurring on this complex satellite.

The image covers an area approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) by 52 kilometers (32 miles) across. The resolution is 189 meters (630 feet) per picture element. The images were taken on September 6, 1996 at a range of 9,971 kilometers (6,232 miles) by the solid state imaging (CCD) system on NASA's Galileo spacecraft.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA manages the Galileo mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, DC. JPL is an operating division of California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

This image and other images and data received from Galileo are posted on the World Wide Web, on the Galileo mission home page at URL http://galileo.jpl.nasa.gov.

Structural control on arc volcanism: The Caviahue Copahue complex, Central to Patagonian Andes transition (38°S)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melnick, Daniel; Folguera, Andrés; Ramos, Victor A.

2006-11-01

This paper describes the volcanostratigraphy, structure, and tectonic implications of an arc volcanic complex in an oblique subduction setting: the Caviahue caldera Copahue volcano (CAC) of the Andean margin. The CAC is located in a first-order morphotectonic transitional zone, between the low and narrow Patagonian and the high and broad Central Andes. The evolution of the CAC started at approximately 4-3 Ma with the opening of the 20 × 15 km Caviahue pull-apart caldera; Las Mellizas volcano formed inside the caldera and collapsed at approximately 2.6 Ma; and the Copahue volcano evolved in three stages: (1) 1.2-0.7 Ma formed the approximately 1 km thick andesitic edifice, (2) 0.7-0.01 Ma erupted andesitic-dacitic subglacial pillow lavas, and (3) 0.01-0 Ma erupted basaltic-andesites and pyroclastic flows from fissures, aligned cones, and summit craters. Magma ascent has occurred along planes perpendicular to the least principal horizontal stress, whereas hydrothermal activity and hot springs also occur along parallel planes. At a regional scale, Quaternary volcanism concentrates along the NE-trending, 90 km long Callaqui-Copahue-Mandolegüe lineament, the longest of the southern volcanic zone, which is here interpreted as an inherited crustal-scale transfer zone from a Miocene rift basin. At a local scale within the CAC, effusions are controlled by local structures that formed at the intersection of regional fault systems. The Central to Patagonian Andes transition occurs at the Callaqui-Copahue-Mandolegüe lineament, which decouples active deformation from the intra-arc strike-slip Liquiñe-Ofqui fault zone to the south and the backarc Copahue-Antiñir thrust system.

MSSA de-noising of horizon time structure to improve the curvature attribute analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, R. K.; Rekapalli, R.; Vedanti, N.

2017-12-01

Although the seismic attributes are useful for identifying sub-surface structural features like faults, fractures, lineaments and sharp stratigraphy etc., the different kinds of noises arising from unknown physical sources during the data acquisition and processing creates acute problems in physical interpretation of complex crustal structures. Hence, we propose to study effect of noise on curvature attribute analysis of seismic time structure data. We propose here Multichannel Singular Spectrum Analysis (MSSA) de-noising algorithm as a pre filtering scheme to reduce effect of noise. To demonstrate the procedure, first, we compute the most positive and negative curvature on a synthetic time structure with surface features resembling anticlines, synclines and faults and then adding the known percentage of noise. We noticed that the curvatures estimated from the noisy data reveal considerable deviations from the curvature of pure synthetic data. This suggests that there is a strong impact of noise on the curvature estimates. Further, we have employed 2D median filter and MSSA methods to filter the noisy time structure and then computed the curvatures. The comparisons of curvatures estimated from de-noised data suggest that the results obtained from MSSA de-noised data match well with the curvatures of pure synthetic data. Finally, we present an example of real data analysis from Utsira Top (UT) horizon of Southern Viking Graben, Norway to identify the time-lapse changes in UT horizon after CO2 injection. We applied the MSSA de-noising algorithm on UT horizon time structure and amplitude data of pre and post CO2 injection. Our analyses suggest modest but clearly visible, structural changes in the UT horizon after CO2 injection at a few locations, which seem to be associated with the locations of change in seismic amplitudes. Thus, the results from both the synthetic and real field data suggest that the MSSA based de-noising algorithm is robust for filtering the horizon time structures for accurate curvature attributes analysis and better interpretation of structural changes in geological features. Key Words: Curvature attributes, MSSA, Seismic Horizon, 2D-median filter, Utsira Horizon.

Morphological Analysis of Apo Volcanic Complex in Southern Mindanao, Philippines: implications on volcano-tectonic evolution of different volcanic units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrero, T. M. L.; van Wyk de Vries, B.; Lagmay, A. M. A.; Eco, R. C.

2015-12-01

The Apo Volcanic Complex (AVC) is one of the largest volcanic centers in the Philippines, located in the southern island of Mindanao. It is composed of four edifices and several smaller cones. The youngest volcanic unit, the Apo Dome, is the highest elevation in the Philippines. This unit is classified as potentially active, whereas other units, Talomo, Sibulan and Kitubod, are inactive. The study gives insight to the construction and deformation history of the volcanic units and imparts foresight to subsequent events that can affect populated areas. A morphological analysis integrating high-resolution digital terrain models and public domain satellite data and images was done to recognize and discriminate volcanic units and characterize volcano-tectonic features and processes. Morphological domains were defined based on surface textures, slope variation, degrees and controls of erosion, and lineament density and direction. This establishes the relative ages and extent of volcanic units as well as the volcano-tectonic evolution of the complex. Six edifice building events were recognized, two of which form the elevated base of Apo dome. The geodynamic setting of the region is imprinted in the volcanic units as five morphostructural lineaments. They reveal the changes in maximum regional stress through time such as the N-S extension found across the whole volcanic complex displaying the current stress regime. This has implications on the locality and propagation of geothermal activity, magma ascent, and edifice collapses. One main result of the compounded effects of inherited structures and current stress regime is the Sandawa Collapse Zone. This is a large valley formed by several collapses where NE-SW fractures propagate and the increasing lateral spreading by debuttressing continue to eat away the highest peak. The AVC is surrounded by the major metropolitan area of Davao City to the east and the cities of Kidapawan and Digos to the west and south, respectively. In addition, within 3 km of Apo Dome is a geothermal power plant. With the obvious socio-economic significance of the area, it is imperative to understand these deformations that allow structures to propagate, resulting to instability of the edifice and possibly volcanic unrest, and ultimately for the assessment of hazards and risks to the immediate sectors.

Plume-ridge interaction: Shaping the geometry of mid-ocean ridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mittelstaedt, Eric L.

Manifestations of plume-ridge interaction are found across the ocean basins. Currently there are interactions between at least 21 hot spots and nearby ridges along 15--20% of the global mid-ocean ridge network. These interactions produce a number of anomalies including the presence of elevated topography, negative gravity anomalies, and anomalous crustal production. One form of anomalous crustal production is the formation of volcanic lineaments between hotspots and nearby mid-ocean ridges. In addition, observations indicate that mantle plumes tend to "capture" nearby mid-ocean ridges through asymmetric spreading, increased ridge propagation, and discrete shifts of the ridge axis, or ridge jumps. The initiation of ridge jumps and the formation of off-axis volcanic lineaments likely involve similar processes and may be closely related. In the following work, I use theoretical and numerical models to quantify the processes that control the formation of volcanic lineaments (Chapter 2), the initiation of mid-ocean ridge jumps associated with lithospheric heating due to magma passing through the plate (Chapter 3), and the initiation of jumps due to an upwelling mantle plume and magmatic heating governed by melt migration (Chapter 4). Results indicate that lineaments and ridge jumps associated with plume-ridge interaction are most likely to occur on young lithosphere. The shape of lineaments on the seafloor is predicted to be controlled by the pattern of lithospheric stresses associated with a laterally spreading, near-ridge mantle plume. Ridge jumps are likely to occur due to magmatic heating alone only in lithosphere ˜1Myr old, because the heating rate required to jump increases with spreading rate and plate age. The added effect of an upwelling plume introduces competing effects that both promote and inhibit ridge jumps. For models where magmatic heating is controlled by melt migration, repeat ridge jumps are predicted to occur as the plume and ridge separate, but only for restricted values of spreading rate, ridge migration rate, and heating rate. Overall, the results suggest that the combined effect of stresses and magmatism associated with plume-ridge interaction can significantly alter plate geometry over time.

Seismoball: A Small Europa Orbiter Drop-Off Probe for Early Exploration of the Europan Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tamppari, L.; Zimmerman, W.; Green, J.

2001-01-01

Recent magnetometry data received from Galileo indicate that the most likely explanation for the magnetic signature there is indeed a global conducting layer below the surface. This conducting layer is well matched by a salty, mineral rich strata beneath the Europan ice crust or a salt water ocean. Galileo imaging results show a variety of terrain types thought to contain young material; for example, lineaments, chaotic terrain, and eruption features. Additionally, Galileo images have shown indications of areas of up-welling where subsurface material periodically gets pushed to the surface due to the forces of fracturing, butting, and refreezing of the ice sheet. While Europa Orbiter will provide close-flyby high resolution images, as well as magnetometry, spectroscopy and other remote sensing data of the surface, it will not be able to provide essential engineering data like surface hardness and surface ice structure needed to support eventual landed missions. Additionally, ice chemical composition at microscopic scales can only be studied in detail through in situ instrumentation. Seismoball is a small probe designed to be injected into a surface intersect orbit around Europa. Using small reverse thrusters, the probe will be capable of nulling the high horizontal injection velocity as it approaches the 2 km surface injection altitude, thus allowing it to fall to the surface at an impact velocity of < 100m/sec (much less than the DS-2 impact velocities). The external breakaway thruster structure and crushable exterior shell absorb the impact energy while allowing the science instrument suite to remain intact. JPL has already started analyzing the entry dynamics and designing/building a small, low mass probe which will withstand the impact g-forces and fit as a 'carry-on' on board the Europa Orbiter. The probe will carry a suite of 5-6 micro-instruments for imaging the surface (both microscopic and far-field), surface and shallow subsurface ice temperatures, surface hardness, crustal dynamics and periodicity, and compositional chemistry. If selected, this flight development activity will provide a unique science opportunity and adjunct to the primary Orbiter science mission. The final flight system will be designed to accommodate orbiter mass, volume, and power interface constraints, as well as entry dynamics, g-load mitigation, and arbitrary landing orientation.

Evidence for distributed clockwise rotation of the crust in the northwestern United States from fault geometries and focal mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brocher, Thomas M.; Wells, Ray E.; Lamb, Andrew P.; Weaver, Craig S.

2017-05-01

Paleomagnetic and GPS data indicate that Washington and Oregon have rotated clockwise for the past 16 Myr. Late Cenozoic and Quaternary fault geometries, seismicity lineaments, and focal mechanisms provide evidence that this rotation is accommodated by north directed thrusting and right-lateral strike-slip faulting in Washington, and SW to W directed normal faulting and right-lateral strike-slip faulting to the east. Several curvilinear NW to NNW trending high-angle strike-slip faults and seismicity lineaments in Washington and NW Oregon define a geologic pole (117.7°W, 47.9°N) of rotation relative to North America. Many faults and focal mechanisms throughout northwestern U.S. and southwestern British Columbia have orientations consistent with this geologic pole as do GPS surface velocities corrected for elastic Cascadia subduction zone coupling. Large Quaternary normal faults radial to the geologic pole, which appear to accommodate crustal rotation via crustal extension, are widespread and can be found along the Lewis and Clark zone in Montana, within the Centennial fault system north of the Snake River Plain in Idaho and Montana, to the west of the Wasatch Front in Utah, and within the northern Basin and Range in Oregon and Nevada. Distributed strike-slip faults are most prominent in western Washington and Oregon and may serve to transfer slip between faults throughout the northwestern U.S.

Evidence for distributed clockwise rotation of the crust in the northwestern United States from fault geometries and focal mechanisms

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brocher, Thomas M.; Wells, Ray E.; Lamb, Andrew P.; Weaver, Craig S.

2017-01-01

Paleomagnetic and GPS data indicate that Washington and Oregon have rotated clockwise for the past 16 Myr. Late Cenozoic and Quaternary fault geometries, seismicity lineaments, and focal mechanisms provide evidence that this rotation is accommodated by north directed thrusting and right-lateral strike-slip faulting in Washington, and SW to W directed normal faulting and right-lateral strike-slip faulting to the east. Several curvilinear NW to NNW trending high-angle strike-slip faults and seismicity lineaments in Washington and NW Oregon define a geologic pole (117.7°W, 47.9°N) of rotation relative to North America. Many faults and focal mechanisms throughout northwestern U.S. and southwestern British Columbia have orientations consistent with this geologic pole as do GPS surface velocities corrected for elastic Cascadia subduction zone coupling. Large Quaternary normal faults radial to the geologic pole, which appear to accommodate crustal rotation via crustal extension, are widespread and can be found along the Lewis and Clark zone in Montana, within the Centennial fault system north of the Snake River Plain in Idaho and Montana, to the west of the Wasatch Front in Utah, and within the northern Basin and Range in Oregon and Nevada. Distributed strike-slip faults are most prominent in western Washington and Oregon and may serve to transfer slip between faults throughout the northwestern U.S.

A high-resolution aeromagnetic survey over the Lanterman Range, northern Victoria Land, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruppel, Antonia; Läufer, Andreas; Crispini, Laura; Capponi, Giovanni; Lisker, Frank

2017-04-01

During the GANOVEX XI (German North Victoria Land Expedition) in 2015-16, a high-resolution aeromagnetic survey was carried out over the Lanterman Range in northern Victoria Land (NVL). The helicopter-based survey aimed to resolve the fine structure over the so-called Lanterman Suture Zone, which represents one of the main key areas regarding geodynamic evolution of NVL during the Early Palaeozoic Ross Orogeny. This was achieved by reducing the flight line spacing to 1-2 km with 10 km tie lines and flying in a terrain-following mode. The survey was completed by ground truth magnetic susceptibility readings by using a Kappameter KM-7. The Ross-aged basement of NVL is subdivided into three tectonometamorphic so-called "terranes", comprising from W to E the Wilson-, the Bowers- and the Robertson Bay Terrane. They are generally interpreted to have formed by accretion processes at the Palaeo-Pacific active continental margin of East Gondwana in the Cambrian and Ordovician. The survey over the Lanterman Range covered parts of the two western terranes, namely the Wilson and Bowers terranes, which are separated by the Lanterman Fault Zone. This polyphase tectonic discontinuity is characterized by a belt of mafic and ultramafic rocks comprising metabasites with eclogite-facies relicts. Preliminary results show two distinct and nearly parallel magnetic lineaments in the survey area that will be further interpreted by combined magnetic susceptibility measurements and geological field data. One magnetic lineament correlates well with the known boundary between the Wilson and Bowers terranes, which comprises also a metaconglomerate belt with mafic to ultramafic clasts. The second, further easterly magnetic lineament is so far not supported by outcrops of associated highly magnetic rocks in the field. Similar parallel structures have been observed further to the southeast and seem to be offset by a major sinistral strike-slip fault zone of possibly post-Jurassic age. One tentative interpretation of this extensive, strongly linear, and about 50-60 km long magnetic feature could be that it represents remnants of the subducted Palaeo-Pacific slab underlying the Bowers/Robertson Bay terrane boundary. Future modeling of the data set will help to identify the specific nature and origin of the observed anomalies and their geodynamic significance with regard to Ross-orogenic geodynamics.

Crustal evolution of Eocene paleo arc around Ogasawara region obtained by seismic reflection survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, M.; Takahashi, N.; Kodaira, S.; Miura, S.; Ishizuka, O.; Tatsumi, Y.

2011-12-01

The Izu-Bonin (Ogasawara)-Mariana (IBM) arc is known to the typical oceanic island arc, and it is the most suitable area to understand the growth process of island arc. The existence of two paleo arc which consists of Oligocene and Eocene paleo age is known in IBM forearc region by geological and geophysical studies. The Ogasawara ridge is also known to locate the initial structure of arc evolution from geologic sampling of research submersible. In this region, IODP drilling site: IBM-2 is proposed in order to understand the temporal and spatial change in arc crust composition from 50 to 40Ma magmatism. Site IBM-2 consists of two offset drilling holes (BON-1, BON-2). BON-1 designed to first encounter forearc basalt and will reach the sheeted dykes. BON-2 will start in boninites and finish in fore arc basalts. The purpose of these drilling is sampling the full volcanic stratigraphy from gabbro to boninite. There is no seismic data around BON-1 and BON-2, therefore it is need to conduct the multi-channel seismic reflection survey. Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology carried out multi-channel seismic reflection survey and wide-angle reflection survey using 7,800 cu.in. air gun, 5 km streamer with 444 ch hydrophones and 40 OBSs in March 2011. We obtained two seismic reflection profiles of lines KT06 and KT07 along the paleo arc around Ogasawara ridge. Line KT06 located the north side of Ogasawara ridge. Line KT07 located the trench side of Ogasawara ridge. Lines KT06 is also deployed the OBSs every 5 km interval. Thin sediments are covered with basement in both survey lines. There are some sediment filled in depression topography. The low-frequency reflection from the top of subducting Pacific plate is recognized in line KT06. The continuity of this reflection is not clear due to the complicated bathymetry. The displacement of basement in northern side of Ogasawara ridge is identified along the lineament of bathymetry in Line 06. This structure is estimated to relate the deformation in the Ogasawara Trough and lineament of paleo arc. We will discuss the relationship this lineament and deformation with regard to activity such as post volcanism.

Structural geology of the African rift system: Summary of new data from ERTS-1 imagery. [Precambrian influence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mohr, P. A.

1974-01-01

ERTS imagery reveals for the first time the structural pattern of the African rift system as a whole. The strong influence of Precambrian structures on this pattern is clearly evident, especially along zones of cataclastic deformation, but the rift pattern is seen to be ultimately independent in origin and nature from Precambrian tectonism. Continuity of rift structures from one swell to another is noted. The widening of the Gregory rift as its northern end reflects an underlying Precambrian structural divergence, and is not a consequence of reaching the swell margin. Although the Western Rift is now proven to terminate at the Aswa Mylonite Zone, in southern Sudan, lineaments extend northeastwards from Lake Albert to the Eastern Rift at Lake Stefanie. The importance of en-echelon structures in the African rifts is seen to have been exaggerated.

Relation of lineaments to sulfide deposits: Bald Eagle Mountain, Centre County, Pennsylvania

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcmurtry, G. J.; Petersen, G. W. (Principal Investigator); Krohn, M. D.; Gold, D. P.

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Discrete areas of finely-fractured and brecciated sandstone float are present along the crest of Bald Mountain and are commonly sites of sulfide mineralization, as evidenced by the presence of barite and limonite gossans. The frequency distributions of the brecciated float as the negative binomial distribution supports the interpretation of a separate population of intensely fractured material. Such zones of concentrated breccia float have an average width of one kilometer with a range from 0.4 to 1.6 kilometers and were observed in a quarry face to have subvertical dips. Direct spatial correlation of the Landsat-derived lineaments to the fractured areas on the ridge is low; however, the mineralized and fracture zones are commonly assymetrical to the lineament positions. Such a systematic dislocation might result from an inherent bias in the float population or could be the product of the relative erosional resistance of the silicified material in the mineralized areas in relation to the erosionally weak material at the stream gaps.

Integrated geophysical and geological study of the tectonic framework of the 38th Parallel Lineament in the vicinity of its intersection with the extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Braile, L.W.; Hinze, W.J.; Keller, G.R.

1978-06-01

Extensive gravity and aeromagnetic surveys have been conducted in critical areas of Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana centering around the intersection of the 38th Parallel Lineament and the extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone. Available aeromagnetic maps have been digitized and these data have been processed by a suite of computer programs developed for this purpose. Seismic equipment has been prepared for crustal seismic studies and a 150 km long seismic refraction line has been observed along the Wabash River Valley Fault System. Preliminary basement rock and configuration maps have been prepared based on studies of the samples derived frommore » basement drill holes. Interpretation of these data are at a preliminary stage, but studies to this date indicate that the 38th Parallel Lineament features extend as far north as 39/sup 0/N and a subtle northeasterly striking magnetic and gravity anomaly cuts across Indiana from the southwest corner of the state, roughly on strike with the New Madrid Seismic Zone.« less

Geomorphology and seismic risk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panizza, Mario

1991-07-01

The author analyses the contributions provided by geomorphology in studies suited to the assessment of seismic risk: this is defined as function of the seismic hazard, of the seismic susceptibility, and of the vulnerability. The geomorphological studies applicable to seismic risk assessment can be divided into two sectors: (a) morpho-neotectonic investigations conducted to identify active tectonic structures; (b) geomorphological and morphometric analyses aimed at identifying the particular situations that amplify or reduce seismic susceptibility. The morpho-neotectonic studies lead to the identification, selection and classification of the lineaments that can be linked with active tectonic structures. The most important geomorphological situations that can condition seismic susceptibility are: slope angle, debris, morphology, degradational slopes, paleo-landslides and underground cavities.

Imaging the concealed section of the Whakatane fault below Whakatane city, New Zealand, with a shear wave land streamer system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polom, Ulrich; Mueller, Christof; Krawczyk, CharLotte M.

2016-04-01

The Mw 7.1 Darfield Earthquake in September 2010 ruptured the surface along the Greendale Fault that was not known prior to the earthquake. The subsequent Mw 6.3 Christchurch earthquake in February 2011 demonstrated that concealed active faults have a significant risk potential for urban infrastructure and human life in New Zealand if they are located beneath or close to such areas. Mapping exposures and analysis of active faults incorporated into the National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) suggests that several thousands of these active structures are yet to be identified and have the potential to generate moderate to large magnitude earthquakes (i.e. magnitudes >5). Geological mapping suggests that active faults pass beneath, or within many urban areas in New Zealand, including Auckland, Blenheim, Christchurch, Hastings/Napier, Nelson, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, and Whakatane. Since no established methodology for routinely locating and assessing the earthquake hazard posed by concealed active faults is available, the principal objective of the presented study was to evaluate the usefulness of high-resolution shear wave seismic reflection profiling using a land streamer to locate buried faults in urban areas of New Zealand. During the survey carried out in the city of Whakatane in February 2015, the method was first tested over a well known surface outcrop of the Edgecumbe Fault 30 km south-west of Whakatane city. This allowed further to investigate the principle shear wave propagation characteristics in the unknown sediments, consisting mainly of effusive rock material of the Taupo volcanic zone mixed with marine transgression units. Subsequently the survey was continued within Whakatane city using night operation time slots to reduce the urban noise. In total, 11 profiles of 5.7 km length in high data quality were acquired, which clearly show concealed rupture structures of obviously different age in the shallow sediments down to 100 m depth. Subject to depth verification by drillings normal fault displacements of up to 15 m are visible in depths of 20-40 m, deeper rupture structures show displacements of up to 20 m. Furthermore, indications of strike-slip fault activities are visible. The concealed rupture structures found are not aligned along former estimated fault lineaments or main surface structures like the Whakatane river bed. Correlations exist with small topographic variations detected by LIDAR imaging and surface signatures on a historic map of 1867.

The use of LANDSAT imagery in relation to air survey imagery for terrain analysis in northwest Queensland, Australia, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cole, M. M.; Owen-Jones, E. S. (Principal Investigator)

1977-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Distinctive spectral signatures discriminated areas underlain by distinctive lithological/stratigraphical units where bedrock either outcrops or is relatively near to surface in the Lady Annie-Mt. Gordon fault zone, the Mary Kathleen, and Dugald River-Naraku areas. Spectral signatures associated with discrete plant communities distinguished different types of superficial deposits over the Cloncurry Plains. Distinctive spectral signatures also revealed the presence and nature of concealed bedrock beneath cover of residuum and superficial deposits where this is relatively thin in the Cloncurry Plains. Major faults were clearly displayed in areas of outcropping and near surface bedrock. Sets of lineaments with preferred orientations were identified in the Lady Annie and Dugald River areas. Known base metal deposits occur along these features.

Bahía de Banderas, Mexico: Morphology, Magnetic Anomalies and Shallow Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mortera Gutiérrez, Carlos A.; Bandy, William L.; Ponce Núñez, Francisco; Pérez Calderón, Daniel A.

2016-10-01

The Bahía de Banderas lies within a tectonically complex area at the northern end of the Middle America Trench. The structure, morphology, subsurface geology and tectonic history of the bay are essential for unraveling the complex tectonic processes occurring in this area. With this focus, marine geophysical data (multi-beam bathymetry, high resolution seismic reflection and total field magnetic data) were collected within the bay and adjacent areas during four campaigns aboard the B.O. EL PUMA conducted in 2006 and 2009. These data image the detailed morphology of, and sedimentation patterns within, the Banderas Canyon (a prominent submarine canyon situated on the south side of the bay) as well as the shallow subsurface structure of the northern part of the bay and the submarine Marietas Ridge, which bounds the bay to the west. We find that the Marietas Ridge is presently a transtensional feature; the course of the Banderas Canyon is controlled by extensive turbidite fan sedimentation in its eastern extremity and by structural lineaments to the west; the canyon floor is filled by sediments and exhibits almost no evidence for recent tectonic movements; the southern canyon wall is quite steep and a few sediments are deposited as submarine fans at the base of the southern wall; and extensive turbidite fans form the lower part of the northern canyon wall, producing a gently sloping lower northern wall. We find no evidence for a regional east-west striking lineament between the bay and the Middle America Trench, which casts doubts on the previous assertion that the Banderas Canyon is unequivocally related to the presence of a regional half-graben. Finally, a N71°E oriented normal fault offsets the seafloor reflector by 15 m within the central part of the bay, suggesting that the bay is currently being subjected to NNW-SSE extension.

The Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone: Reactivation of an Ancient Continent-Continent Suture Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powell, C. A.

2014-12-01

The eastern Tennessee seismic zone (ETSZ) may represent reactivation of an ancient shear zone that accommodated left-lateral, transpressive motion of the Amazon craton during the Grenville orogeny. Several different lines of evidence support this concept including velocity models for the crust, earthquake hypocenter alignments, focal mechanism solutions, potential field anomalies, paleomagnetic pole positions, and isotopic geochemical studies. The ETSZ trends NE-SW for about 300 km and displays remarkable correlation with the prominent New York - Alabama (NY-AL) aeromagnetic lineament. Vp and Vs models for the crust derived from a local ETSZ earthquake tomography study reveal the presence of a narrow, NE-SW trending, steeply dipping zone of low velocities that extends to a depth of at least 24 km and is associated with the vertical projection of the NY-AL aeromagnetic lineament. The low velocity zone is interpreted as a major basement fault. The recent Mw 4.2 Perry County eastern Kentucky earthquake occurred north of the ETSZ but has a focal depth and mechanism that are similar to those for ETSZ earthquakes. We investigate the possibility that the proposed ancient shear zone extends into eastern Kentucky using Bouguer and aeromagnetic maps. The southern end of the ETSZ is characterized by hypocenters that align along planes dipping at roughly 45 degrees and focal mechanisms that contain large normal faulting components. The NY-AL aeromagnetic lineament also changes trend in the southern end of the ETSZ and the exact location of the lineament is ambiguous. We suggest that the southern portion of the ETSZ involves reactivation of reverse faults (now as normal faults) that mark the ancient transition between a collisional to a more transpressive boundary between Amazonia and Laurentia during the formation of the super continent Rodinia.

Grabens on Io: Evidence for Extensional Tectonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoogenboom, T.; Schenk, P.

2012-12-01

Io may well be the most geologically active body in the solar system. A variety of volcanic features have been identified, including a few fissure eruptions, but tectonism is generally assumed to be limited to compression driven mountain formation (Schenk et al., 2001). A wide range of structural features can also be identified including scarps, lineaments, faults, and circular depressions (pits and patera rims). Narrow curvilinear graben (elongated, relatively depressed crustal unit or block that is bounded by faults on its sides) are also scattered across Io's volcanic plains. These features are dwarfed by the more prominent neighboring volcanoes and mountains, and have been largely ignored in the literature. Although they are likely to be extensional in origin, their relationship to local or global stress fields is unknown. We have mapped the locations, length and width of graben on Io using all available Voyager and Galileo images with a resolution better than 5 km. We compare the locations of graben with existing volcanic centers, paterae and mountain data to determine the degree of correlation between these geologic features and major topographic variations (basins/swells) in our global topographic map of Io (White et al., 2011). Graben are best observed in > 1-2 km low-sun angle images. Approximately 300 images were converted from ISIS to ArcMap format to allow easy comparison with the geological map of Io (Williams et al., 2012) along with previous higher resolution structural mapping of local areas (e.g. Crown et al., 1992). We have located >45 graben to date. Typically 1-3 kilometers across, some of these features can stretch for over 500 kilometers in length. Their formation may be related to global tidal stresses or local deformation. Io's orbit is eccentric and its solid surface experiences daily tides of up to ˜0.1 km, leading to repetitive surface strains of 10-4 or greater. These tides flex and stress the lithosphere and can cause it to fracture (as also occurs extensively on neighboring Europa). The record can be confused if the features formed at different times or if the stress pattern shifts due to nonsynchronous rotation of the lithosphere (Milazzo et al., 2001). Alternatively, curvilinear or concentric extensional fractures (graben) could be related to local loading of planetary lithospheres. On Io, this could be the result of construction of volcanic edifices or global convection patterns forming localized sites of upwelling and downwelling (e.g., Tackley et al., 2001). However, constructional volcanic edifices are quite rare on Io (Schenk et al., 2004a) and convective stresses on Io are likely to be quite small (Kirchoff and McKinnon, 2009). An obvious caveat to stress analyses is the possibility of resurfacing locally erasing tectonic signatures of graben, in part or entirely. Despite resurfacing, erosional and tectonic scarps, lineaments and grabens are relatively abundant at all latitudes and longitudes on Io, given the limited global mapping. Grabens are typically not found on the younger units, suggesting that tectonic forces on Io were of greater magnitude in the past, that much of the surface is very young and has not yet undergone deformation, or that only with age do the surface materials become strong enough to deform by brittle failure rather than ductile flow (Whitford-Stark et al., 1990).

Wavy and Cycloidal Lineament Formation on Europa from Combined Diurnal and Nonsynchronous Stresses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gleeson, Damhnait; Crawford, Zane; Barr, Amy C.; Mullen, McCall; Pappalardo, Robert T.; Prockter, Louise M.; Stempel, Michelle M.; Wahr, John

2005-01-01

In a companion abstract, we show that fractures propagated into combined diurnal and nonsynchronous rotation (NSR) stress fields can be cycloidal, "wavy," or arcuate in planform as the relative proportion of NSR stress in increased. These transitions occur as NSR stress accumulates over approx. 0 to 10 deg of ice shell rotation, for average fracture propagation speeds of approx. 1 to 3 m/s. Here we consider the NSR speed parameter space for these morphological transitions, and explore the effects on cycloids of adding NSR to diurnal stress. Fitting individual Europan lineaments can constrain the combined NSR plus diurnal stress field at the time of formation.

Hypothesis on the origin of lineaments in the LANDSAT and SLAR images of precambrian soil in the low Contas River Valley (southern Bahia)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, C. C. (Principal Investigator); Rodrigues, J. E.

1984-01-01

Examination of LANDSAT and SLAR images in southern Bahia reveals numerous linear features, which are grouped in five sets, based on their trends: N65 degrees E, N70 degrees W, N45 degrees E and NS/N15 degrees E. Owing to their topographic expressions, distributive patterns, spacing between individual lineaments and their mutual relationships, the lineament sets of N65 degrees E and N70 degrees W, as well as the sets of N40 degrees E and N45 degrees W, are considered as two groups of conjugate shear fractures and the former is older and is always cut by the latter. Their conjugate shear angles are 45 degrees and 85 degrees and their bisector lines are approximately in east-west and north-south directions, respectively. According to Badgeley's argumentation on the conjugate shear angles, the former conjugate shear fractures would be caused by: (1) vertical movements, and the bisector of their conjugate angle would be parallel to the long axis of horsting or folding, or (2) by a compressive force in the east-west direction and under a condition of low confining pressure and temperature.

An integrated geophysical and geological study of the tectonic framework of the 38th Parallel Lineament in the vicinity of its intersection with the extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone. Geotechnical report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Braile, L.W.; Hinze, J.H.; Keller, G.R.

1978-09-01

Extensive gravity and aeromagnetic surveys have been conducted in critical areas of Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana centering around the intersection of the 38th Parallel Lineament and the extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone. Available aeromagnetic maps have been digitized and these data have been processed by a suite of computer programs developed for this purpose. Seismic equipment has been prepared for crustal seismic studies and a 150 km long seismic refraction line has been observed along the Wabash River Valley Fault System. Preliminary basement rock and configuration maps have been prepared based on studies of the samples derived frommore » basement drill holes. Interpretation of these data are only at a preliminary stage, but studies to this date indicate that the 38th Parallel Lineament features extend as far north as 39 degrees N and a subtle northeasterly-striking magnetic and gravity anomaly cuts across Indiana from the southwest corner of the state, roughly on strike with the New Madrid Seismic Zone.« less

Combining outcrop, magnetic, and airborne LiDAR data in a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE): interpretation of bedrock fracturing in the northeastern Deep River Basin and adjacent basement, North Carolina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedigo, R.; Waters-Tormey, C. L.; Styers, D.; Hurst, E.

2017-12-01

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are a way for students to learn the power of combining geological, geophysical, and geodetic datasets, while also generating new results to answer real questions. A 5-week undergraduate geophysics CURE combined newly released public domain LiDAR-derived ground models with outcrop and magnetic data. The goal was to see if this approach could improve understanding of bedrock fracture sets in the NC Piedmont, which in turn would improve decisions about groundwater resources and proposed hydraulic fracturing of "tight" shale reservoirs in the 230 Ma Deep River failed rift basin. The 10 km2 study area was selected because it straddles the fault contact between crystalline basement and basin sedimentary rocks, it contains 200 Ma NW-SE trending mafic dikes related to successful rifting of Pangea common in the Piedmont, bedrock exposure is typical of the Piedmont (poor), and its land use history is representative of much of the Piedmont. Students visited representative field sites to collect observations then manually identified lineaments in several adjacent LiDAR ground model tiles. Results suggest that (1) lineaments as short as a few m are easily identified except underneath Quaternary deposits, (2) the dominant lineament set trends NW-SE with m- to 10 m-scale spacing, (3) lineaments are better expressed in sedimentary rocks and (4) do not spatially coincide with dike traces. Using field observations, map patterns, and total magnetic intensity profiles across several dikes, the lineaments are interpreted to be edges of subvertical joint fractures recording extension parallel to the dikes' dilation direction. The CURE concluded with students in small groups proposing next steps for the larger research project. The CURE introduced geology majors to the power of using geophysical and remote sensing data with geological data to address geoscience questions. Student feedback was very positive even though the learning curve with software and dataset interpretation was steep. Two students opted to continue independent work on the project (one for a senior thesis), suggesting that the earlier students work with multi-disciplinary datasets, the more likely they will consider these approaches in their research and professional development.

Geological applications of LANDSAT-1 imagery to the Great Salt Lake area

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, A. T.; Smith, A. F.

1975-01-01

The ERTS program has been designed as a research and development tool to demonstrate that remote sensing from orbital altitudes is a feasible and practical approach to efficient management of earth resources. From this synoptic view and repetitive coverage provided by ERTS imagery of the Great Salt Lake area, large geological and structural features, trends, and patterns have been identified and mapped. A comparative analysis of lineaments observed in September and December data was conducted, existing mineral locations were plotted, and areas considered prospective for mineralization based on apparent structure-mineralization relationships were defined. The additional information obtained using ERTS data provides an added source of information to aid in the development of more effective mineral exploration programs.

Modeling and Crustal Structure in the Future Reservoir of Jequitaí, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teixeira, C. D.; Von Huelsen, M. G.; Chemale, F., Jr.; Nascimento, A. V. D. S., Sr.; do Sacramento, V., Sr.; Garcia, V. B. P., Sr.

2017-12-01

Integrated geophysical and geological data analysis in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, allowed the modeling of the subsurface framework in a region where a reservoir - the Jequitaí reservoir - will be constructed. Studies of this nature during the previous stages of the construction of large hydroelectric projects are highly important, because the regional geology understanding associated with geophysical data interpretation can help to prevent damage in the physical structure of the dam, which will aid in its preservation. The use of gravity and magnetic data in a 2D crustal model provided information on a possible framework of the area and revealed features not mapped until now, which may be useful for further studies and can contribute to the understanding of this portion of the crust. The results show the presence of high gravity anomalies in the southern part of the study area, besides extensive lineaments that cross the whole area, interpreted as possible faults and dykes. Depth estimation techniques, such as Euler deconvolution and radially averaged power spectrum, allowed the identification of continuous structures up to 400 m depth, and showed differences in the basement depth in the northern and southern portions of the study area. Inversion of the gravity data along a profile crossing a gravity anomaly yielded to information about the depth, thickness and shape of a possible intrusive body. The geological-geophysical model was consistent with the interpretations based on surface geology and in the gravity and magnetic signal, because the section could be modeled respecting the geophysical data and the pre-existing structural proposals.

Role of local to regional-scale collisions in the closure history of the Southern Neotethys, exemplified by tectonic development of the Kyrenia Range active margin/collisional lineament, N Cyprus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robertson, Alastair; Kinnaird, Tim; McCay, Gillian; Palamakumbura, Romesh; Chen, Guohui

2016-04-01

Active margin processes including subduction, accretion, arc magmatism and back-arc extension play a key role in the diachronous, and still incomplete closure of the S Neotethys. The S Neotethys rifted along the present-day Africa-Eurasia continental margin during the Late Triassic and, after sea-floor spreading, began to close related to northward subduction during the Late Cretaceous. The northern, active continental margin of the S Neotethys was bordered by several of the originally rifted continental fragments (e.g. Taurides). The present-day convergent lineament ranges from subaqueous (e.g. Mediterranean Ridge), to subaerial (e.g. SE Turkey). The active margin development is partially obscured by microcontinent-continent collision and post-collisional strike-slip deformation (e.g. Tauride-Arabian suture). However, the Kyrenia Range, N Cyprus provides an outstanding record of convergent margin to early stage collisional processes. It owes its existence to strong localised uplift during the Pleistocene, which probably resulted from the collision of a continental promontory of N Africa (Eratosthenes Seamount) with the long-lived S Neotethyan active margin to the north. A multi-stage convergence history is revealed, mainly from a combination of field structural, sedimentological and igneous geochemical studies. Initial Late Cretaceous convergence resulted in greenschist facies burial metamorphism that is likely to have been related to the collision, then rapid exhumation, of a continental fragment (stage 1). During the latest Cretaceous-Palaeogene, the Kyrenia lineament was characterised by subduction-influenced magmatism and syn-tectonic sediment deposition. Early to Mid-Eocene, S-directed thrusting and folding (stage 2) is likely to have been influenced by the suturing of the Izmir-Ankara-Erzincan ocean to the north ('N Neotethys'). Convergence continued during the Neogene, dominated by deep-water terrigenous gravity-flow accumulation in a foredeep setting. Further S-directed compression took place during Late Miocene-earliest Pliocene (stage 3) in an oblique left-lateral stress regime, probably influenced by the collision of the Tauride and Arabian continents to the east. Strong uplift of the active margin lineament then took place during the Pleistocene, related to incipient continental collision (stage 4). The uplift is documented by a downward-younging flight of marine and continental terrace deposits on both flanks of the Kyrenia Range. The geological record of the S Neotethyan active continental margin, based on regional to global plate kinematic reconstructions, appears to have been dominated by on-going convergence (with possible temporal changes), punctuated by the effects of relatively local to regional-scale collisional events. Similar processes are likely to have affected other S Neotethyan segments and other convergent margins.

CHARACTERIZATION OF SANDSTONE RESERVOIRS FOR ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY: THE PERMIAN UPPER MINNELUSA FORMATION, POWDER RIVER BASIN, WYOMING.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schenk, C.J.; Schmoker, J.W.; Scheffler, J.M.

1986-01-01

Upper Minnelusa sandstones form a complex group of reservoirs because of variations in regional setting, sedimentology, and diagenetic alteration. Structural lineaments separate the reservoirs into northern and southern zones. Production in the north is from a single pay sand, and in the south from multi-pay sands due to differential erosion on top of the Upper Minnelusa. The intercalation of eolian dune, interdune, and sabkha sandstones with marine sandstones, carbonates, and anhydrites results in significant reservoir heterogeneity. Diagenetic alterations further enhance heterogeneity, because the degree of cementation and dissolution is partly facies-related.

Systematic data interpretation of remote sensing in the reception of hydrocarbons, volume 1. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Demiranda, F. P. (Principal Investigator)

1984-01-01

The utilization of MSS-LANDSAT and RADAR imagery in the definition of morphostructural anomalies, which are indicative of hydrocarbon entrapment sites in the limit of the Middle and Lower Amazons basins was systemized. The identification and classification of the morphostructural anomalies were accomplished by means of the drainage network interpretation, based on the criteria previously proposed. Thirty anomalies were recognized, being subdivided into twenty domes, two fault controlled domes, six structural depressions, one fault controlled structural depression and one structure developed on a tilted fault block. Many anomalies are not randomly located. Rather, they seem to be aligned according to directions ENE and NNW, suggesting the presence of morphstructural trends in this part of the Amazons Basin. Significant orientations of lineaments were determined through statistical analysis, which defined many regional trends. The directions coincide with morphostructural trends orientations and with the directions of important structures in the Precambrian basement.

Application of Landsat-8 and ALOS-2 data for structural and landslide hazard mapping in Kelantan, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beiranvand Pour, Amin; Hashim, Mazlan

2017-07-01

Identification of high potential risk and susceptible zones for natural hazards of geological origin is one of the most important applications of advanced remote sensing technology. Yearly, several landslides occur during heavy monsoon rainfall in Kelantan River basin, Peninsular Malaysia. Flooding and subsequent landslide occurrences generated significant damage to livestock, agricultural produce, homes and businesses in the Kelantan River basin. In this study, remote sensing data from the recently launched Landsat-8 and Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-2 (PALSAR-2) on board the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) were used to map geologic structural and topographical features in the Kelantan River basin for identification of high potential risk and susceptible zones for landslides and flooding areas. The data were processed for a comprehensive analysis of major geological structures and detailed characterizations of lineaments, drainage patterns and lithology at both regional and district scales. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach was used for landslide susceptibility mapping. Several factors such as slope, aspect, soil, lithology, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land cover, distance to drainage, precipitation, distance to fault and distance to the road were extracted from remote sensing satellite data and fieldwork to apply the AHP approach. Directional convolution filters were applied to ALOS-2 data for identifying linear features in particular directions and edge enhancement in the spatial domain. Results indicate that lineament occurrence at regional scale was mainly linked to the N-S trending of the Bentong-Raub Suture Zone (BRSZ) in the west and Lebir Fault Zone in the east of the Kelantan state. The combination of different polarization channels produced image maps that contain important information related to water bodies, wetlands and lithological units. The N-S, NE-SW and NNE-SSW lineament trends and dendritic, sub-dendritic and rectangular drainage patterns were detected in the Kelantan River basin. The analysis of field investigation data indicates that many of flooded areas were associated with high potential risk zones for hydrogeological hazards such as wetlands, urban areas, floodplain scroll, meander bend, dendritic and sub-dendritic drainage patterns, which are located in flat topographic regions. Numerous landslide points were located in a rectangular drainage system that is associated with a topographic slope of metamorphic and quaternary rock units. Consequently, structural and topographical geology maps were produced for Kelantan River basin using PALSAR-2 data, which could be broadly applicable for landslide hazard mapping and identification of high potential risk zone for hydrogeological hazards. Geohazard mitigation programs could be conducted in the landslide recurrence regions and flooded areas to reduce natural catastrophes leading to loss of life and financial investments in the Kelantan River basin. In this investigation, Landsat-8 and ALOS-2 have proven to successfully provide advanced Earth observation satellite data for disaster monitoring in tropical environments.

Spatial Distribution and Characteristics of Graben on the Lunar Nearside

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nahm, Amanda

2016-04-01

Faults and fractures are visible records of the stresses operating on and in planetary bodies. On the Moon, tectonic structures are concentrated on the nearside and are spatially associated with the maria. Large-scale graben may be the oldest tectonic structures on the Moon, with current estimates suggesting cessation of normal faulting around 3.6 Ga [e.g., 1, 2]. However, recent work [3] has found that normal faulting at Rupes Recta is younger than 3.2 Ga, indicating that the timing of graben formation and extensional tectonics on the Moon may be less well constrained than previously thought. Mapping of graben on the lunar nearside (270° to 90° E, 70°N to 70°S) at a scale of 1:500,000 has been completed, a significant improvement over earlier maps produced using low resolution pre-Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) data at scales of 1:5 million and 1:1 million. Based on map view morphology, the mapped graben have been divided into 4 categories: arcuate graben, graben in floor fractured craters, lineaments, and linear graben. The general graben morphology is similar for 3 of the groups: steep walls, relatively flat floors, and resolvable (near constant) widths. However the map view morphology differs in detail; linear graben are roughly linear, while arcuate graben are highly curved along their length and often are concentric to basin margins. Floor fractured craters (FFC) are craters with floors cut by radial, concentric, and/or polygonal fractures and mapped graben that occur within these craters are classified here as graben in FFC. Lineaments are defined here as structures that may follow the trends of identified graben in the area, but are narrow, shallow, V-shaped depressions. These lineaments may not be graben, but are likely to have formed in a similar stress field. Generally, mapped graben are concentrated near the margins of the nearside maria as observed previously, but some structures have been mapped within the maria or in the highlands far from mare margins. In some places within and on the margins of the maria, graben are observed to cut 'highland islands,' that is, graben cut older highland terrain but not mare. This observation indicates that graben in these locations are younger than the highland material but older than the maria, providing a means with which to constrain the timing of faulting, critical for understanding the temporal distribution and evolution of stresses on the lunar nearside. In addition, these observations will help determine the source(s) of stress responsible for the formation of graben on the lunar nearside. References: [1] Lucchitta and Watkins (1978), Proc. Lunar Planet. Sci. Conf. 9, 3459-3472. [2] Watters and Johnson (2010), in Planetary Tectonics, pp. 121-182, Cambridge University Press. [3] Nahm and Schultz (2013), Geol. Soc. Sp. Pub. 401, 377-394.

Modeling Tidal Stresses on Satellites Using an Enhanced SatStressGUI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patthoff, D. A.; Pappalardo, R. T.; Li, J.; Ayton, B.; Kay, J.; Kattenhorn, S. A.

2015-12-01

Icy and rocky satellites of our solar system display a wide range of geological deformation on their surfaces. Some are old and heavily cratered while other are observed to be presently active. Many of the potential sources of stress which can deform satellites are tied to the tidal deformation the moons experience as they orbit their parent planets. Other plausible sources of global-scale stress include a change in orbital parameters, nonsynchronous rotation, or volume change induced by the melting or freezing of a subsurface layer. We turn to computer modeling to correlate observed geologic features to the possible stresses that created them. One model is the SatStress open-source program developed by Z. Selvans (Wahr et al.,2009) to compute viscoelastic diurnal and nonsynchronous rotation stresses using a four-layer viscoelastic satellite model. Kay and Katternhorn (2010) expanded on this work by developing SatStressGUI, which integrated SatStress's original features into a graphical user interface. SatStressGUI computes stress vectors and Love numbers, and generates stress plots and lineaments. We have expanded on SatStressGUI by adding features such as the ability to generate cycloid-style lineaments, calculate stresses resulting from obliquity, and more efficient batch the processing of data. Users may also define their own Love numbers to propagate through further calculations. Here we demonstrate our recent enhancements to SatStressGUI and its abilities, by comparing observed features on Enceladus and Europa to modeled diurnal, nonsynchronous, and obliquity stresses.

Sequential deformation of plains along Tessera boundaries on Venus: Evidence from Alpha Regio

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilmore, M. S.; Head, James W., III

1992-01-01

Tesserae are regions of elevated terrain characterized by two or more sets of ridges and grooves that intersect orthogonally. Tesserae comprise 15-20 percent of the surface of Venus, but the nature of their formation and evolution is not well understood; processes proposed to account for their characteristics are many and varied. Two types of tessera boundaries have been described: type 1 are generally embayed by plains; and type 2 boundaries are characterized by being linear at the 100-km scale and often associated with steep scarps or tectonic features. Margins such as the western edge of Alpha have been described as type 2. Some of the tessera have boundaries that display deformation of both the edge of the tessera and the adjoining plains. This study focuses on the western edge of Alpha Regio in an effort to characterize on occurrence of this type of boundary and assess the implications of the style in general. Using Magellan SAR imagery, lineament lengths, orientations, and spacing were measured for ten 50 x 60 km areas spanning 500 km of the western boundary. Structural characteristics and orientations were compared to stratigraphic units in order to assess the sequence and style of deformation.

Complex fold and thrust belt structural styles: Examples from the Greater Juha area of the Papuan Fold and Thrust Belt, Papua New Guinea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahoney, Luke; Hill, Kevin; McLaren, Sandra; Hanani, Amanda

2017-07-01

The remote and inhospitable Papuan Fold Belt in Papua New Guinea is one of the youngest yet least well-documented fold and thrust belts on Earth. Within the frontal Greater Juha area we have carried out >100 km of geological traverses and associated analyses that have added significantly to the contemporary geological and geophysical dataset. Our structural analysis provides evidence of major inversion, detachment and triangle zone faults within the uplifted Eastern Muller Ranges. We have used the dataset to develop a quasi-3D model for the Greater Juha area, with associated cross-sections revealing that the exposed Cenozoic Darai Limestone is well-constrained with very low shortening of 12.6-21.4% yet structures are elevated up to 7 km above regional. We suggest the inversion of pre-existing rift architecture is the primary influence on the evolution of the area and that structures link to the surface via triangle zones and detachment faults within the incompetent Mesozoic passive-margin sedimentary sequence underlying competent Darai Limestone. Arc-normal oriented structures, dominantly oblique dextral, up-to-the-southeast, are pervasive across a range of scales and are here interpreted to relate at depth to weakened pre-existing basement cross-structures. It is proposed that Palaeozoic basement fabric controlled the structural framework of the basin during Early Mesozoic rifting forming regional-scale accommodation zones and related local-scale transfer structures that are now expressed as regional-scale arc-normal lineaments and local-scale arc-normal structures, respectively. Transfer structures, including complexly breached relay ramps, utilise northeast-southwest striking weaknesses associated with the basement fabric, as a mechanism for accommodating displacement along major northwest-southeast striking normal faults. These structures have subsequently been inverted to form arc-normal oriented zones of tear faulting that accommodate laterally variable displacement along inversion faults and connected thrust structures.

Gravity and magnetic study of the Pahute Mesa and Oasis Valley region, Nye County, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mankinen, Edward A.; Hildenbrand, Thomas G.; Dixon, Gary L.; McKee, Edwin H.; Fridrich, Christopher J.; Laczniak, Randell J.

1999-01-01

Regional gravity and aeromagnetic maps reveal the existence of deep basins underlying much of the southwestern Nevada volcanic field, approximately 150 km northwest of Las Vegas. These maps also indicate the presence of prominent features (geophysical lineaments) within and beneath the basin fill. Detailed gravity surveys were conducted in order to characterize the nature of the basin boundaries, delineate additional subsurface features, and evaluate their possible influence on the movement of ground-water. Geophysical modeling of gravity and aeromagnetic data indicates that many of the features may be related to processes of caldera formation. Collapse of the various calderas within the volcanic field resulted in dense basement rocks occurring at greater depths within caldera boundaries. Modeling indicates that collapse occurred along faults that are arcuate and steeply dipping. There are indications that the basement in the western Pahute Mesa - Oasis Valley region consists predominantly of granitic and/or fine-grained siliceous sedimentary rocks that may be less permeable to groundwater flow than the predominantly fractured carbonate rock basement to the east and southeast of the study area. The northeast-trending Thirsty Canyon lineament, expressed on gravity and basin thickness maps, separates dense volcanic rocks on the northwest from less dense intracaldera accumulations in the Silent Canyon and Timber Mountain caldera complexes. The source of the lineament is an approximately 2-km wide ring fracture system with step-like differential displacements, perhaps localized on a pre-existing northeast-trending Basin and Range fault. Due to vertical offsets, the Thirsty Canyon fault zone probably juxtaposes rock types of different permeability and, thus, it may act as a barrier to ground-water flow and deflect flow from Pahute Mesa along its flanks toward Oasis Valley. Within the Thirsty Canyon fault zone, highly fractured rocks may serve also as a conduit, depending upon the degree of alteration and its effect on porosity and permeability. In the Oasis Valley region, other structures that may influence ground-water flow include the western and southern boundaries of the Oasis Valley basin, where the basement abruptly shallows.

Study of the crater deformation of the CODELCO/Andina mine using the satellite and ground data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caverlotti-Silva, M. A.; Arellano-Baeza, A. A.

2011-12-01

The correct monitoring of the subsidence of the craters related to the underground mine exploitation is one of the most important endeavors of the satellite remote sensing. The ASTER and LANDSAT satellite images have been used to study the deformation of the crater of the CODELCO/Andina mine, Valparaiso Region, Chile. The high-resolution satellite images were used to detect changes in the lineament patterns related to the subsidence. These results were compared with the ground deformation extracted from the GPS and topography station networks. It was found that sudden changes in the lineament patterns appear when the ground deformation overcomes a definite threshold.

Application of EREP imagery to fracture-related mine safety hazards in coal mining and mining-environmental problems in Indiana. [Indiana and Illinois

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wier, C. E. (Principal Investigator); Powell, R. L.; Amato, R. V.; Russell, O. R.; Martin, K. R.

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. This investigation evaluated the applicability of a variety of sensor types, formats, and resolution capabilities to the study of both fuel and nonfuel mined lands. The image reinforcement provided by stereo viewing of the EREP images proved useful for identifying lineaments and for mined lands mapping. Skylab S190B color and color infrared transparencies were the most useful EREP imagery. New information on lineament and fracture patterns in the bedrock of Indiana and Illinois extracted from analysis of the Skylab imagery has contributed to furthering the geological understanding of this portion of the Illinois basin.

Rome in its setting. Post-glacial aggradation history of the Tiber River alluvial deposits and tectonic origin of the Tiber Island

PubMed Central

Motta, Laura; Brock, Andrea L.; Macrì, Patrizia; Florindo, Fabio; Sadori, Laura; Terrenato, Nicola

2018-01-01

The Tiber valley is a prominent feature in the landscape of ancient Rome and an important element for understanding its urban development. However, little is known about the city’s original setting. Our research provides new data on the Holocene sedimentary history and human-environment interactions in the Forum Boarium, the location of the earliest harbor of the city. Since the Last Glacial Maximum, when the fluvial valley was incised to a depth of tens of meters below the present sea level, 14C and ceramic ages coupled with paleomagnetic analysis show the occurrence of three distinct aggradational phases until the establishment of a relatively stable alluvial plain at 6–8 m a.s.l. during the late 3rd century BCE. Moreover, we report evidence of a sudden and anomalous increase in sedimentation rate around 2600 yr BP, leading to the deposition of a 4-6m thick package of alluvial deposits in approximately one century. We discuss this datum in the light of possible tectonic activity along a morpho-structural lineament, revealed by the digital elevation model of this area, crossing the Forum Boarium and aligned with the Tiber Island. We formulate the hypothesis that fault displacement along this structural lineament may be responsible for the sudden collapse of the investigated area, which provided new space for the observed unusually large accumulation of sediments. We also posit that, as a consequence of the diversion of the Tiber course and the loss in capacity of transport by the river, this faulting activity triggered the origin of the Tiber Island. PMID:29590208

Rome in its setting. Post-glacial aggradation history of the Tiber River alluvial deposits and tectonic origin of the Tiber Island.

PubMed

Marra, Fabrizio; Motta, Laura; Brock, Andrea L; Macrì, Patrizia; Florindo, Fabio; Sadori, Laura; Terrenato, Nicola

2018-01-01

The Tiber valley is a prominent feature in the landscape of ancient Rome and an important element for understanding its urban development. However, little is known about the city's original setting. Our research provides new data on the Holocene sedimentary history and human-environment interactions in the Forum Boarium, the location of the earliest harbor of the city. Since the Last Glacial Maximum, when the fluvial valley was incised to a depth of tens of meters below the present sea level, 14C and ceramic ages coupled with paleomagnetic analysis show the occurrence of three distinct aggradational phases until the establishment of a relatively stable alluvial plain at 6-8 m a.s.l. during the late 3rd century BCE. Moreover, we report evidence of a sudden and anomalous increase in sedimentation rate around 2600 yr BP, leading to the deposition of a 4-6m thick package of alluvial deposits in approximately one century. We discuss this datum in the light of possible tectonic activity along a morpho-structural lineament, revealed by the digital elevation model of this area, crossing the Forum Boarium and aligned with the Tiber Island. We formulate the hypothesis that fault displacement along this structural lineament may be responsible for the sudden collapse of the investigated area, which provided new space for the observed unusually large accumulation of sediments. We also posit that, as a consequence of the diversion of the Tiber course and the loss in capacity of transport by the river, this faulting activity triggered the origin of the Tiber Island.

Evidence for an east-west regional gravity trend in northern Tunisia: Insight into the structural evolution of northern Tunisian Atlas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jallouli, Chokri; Mogren, Saad; Mickus, Kevin; Turki, Mohamed Moncef

2013-11-01

The Atlas orogeny in northern Algeria and Tunisia led to the destruction of Tethys oceanic lithosphere and cumulated in a collision of microplates rifted off the European margin with the North African continental margin. The location of the boundary between African plate and Kabylian microplate is expressed in northern Algeria by a crustal wedge with double vergence of thrust sheets, whereas in northern Tunisia the geologic environment is more complex and the location of the plate boundary is ambiguous. In this study, we analyzed gravity data to constrain the crustal structure along the northern margin of Tunisia. The analysis includes a separation of regional and residual gravity anomalies and the application of gradient operators to locate density contrast boundaries. The horizontal gradient magnitude and directional gradient highlight a prominent regional E-W gravity gradient in the northern Tunisian Atlas interpreted as a deep fault (active since at least the Early Mesozoic) having a variable kinematic activity depending on the tectonic regime in the region. The main E-W gravity gradient separates two blocks having different gravitational and seismic responses. The southern block has numerous gravity lineaments trending in different directions implying several density variations within the crust, whereas the northern block shows a long-wavelength negative gravity anomaly with a few lineaments. Taking into account the geologic context of the Western Mediterranean region, we consider the E-W prominent feature as the boundary between African plate and Kabylian microplate in northern Tunisia that rifted off Europe. This hypothesis fits most previous geological and geophysical studies and has an important impact on the petroleum and mineral resource prospection as these two blocks were separated by an ocean and they did not belong to the same margin.

Remote sensing revealed drainage anomalies and related tectonics of South India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramasamy, SM.; Kumanan, C. J.; Selvakumar, R.; Saravanavel, J.

2011-03-01

Drainages have characteristic pattern and life histories with youthful stage in hilly areas, mature stage in plains and old stage in the coastal zones. The deviations from their normal life histories, especially aberrations in their flow pattern in the form of various drainage anomalies have been inferred to be the indications of dominantly the Eustatic and Isostatic changes. This, especially after the advent of Earth Observing Satellites, has attracted the geoscientists from all over the world, for studying such drainage anomalies. In this connection, a study has been undertaken in parts of South India falling south of 14° south latitude to comprehensively map some drainage anomalies like deflected drainages, eyed drainages and compressed meanders and to evolve the tectonic scenario therefrom. The mapping of such mega drainage anomalies and the related lineaments/faults from the satellite digital data and the integration of such lineaments/faults with the overall lineament map of South India showed that the study area is marked by active N-S block faults and NE-SW sinistral and NW-SE dextral strike slip faults. Such an architecture of active tectonic grains indicates that the northerly directed compressive force which has originally drifted the Indian plate towards northerly is still active and deforming the Indian plate.

Near-surface structure of the Central Scandinavian Caledonides in northern Trøndelag, Norway, from correlation of seismic and MT profiles using gravity and magnetic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebbing, J.; Goerigk, L.; Nasuti, A.; Roberts, D.; Korja, T. J.; Smirnov, M.

2014-12-01

The deep geology of northern Trøndelag is somewhat speculative as the Central Scandinavian Caledonides are intersected by the Møre-Trøndelag Fault Complex (MTFC) and only a few depth-penetrating geophysical profiles exist. Here, we correlate the mapped geological units and faults between a seismic-reflection profile and a MT profile. The seismic-reflection data were acquired in 5 segments over the period 1986-1990. The westernmost section of the seismic profile is dominated by a complex pattern of reflections and diffractions. This type of pattern is typical of polydeformed terranes with a mixture of contrasting felsic and mafic lithologies. The two steeply-dipping strands of the MTFC (Hitra-Snåsa and Verran faults) that transect the profile do not show any distinctive signature in the seismic data. The MT data were acquired in 2007 from the Swedish border to the Norwegian coast. The conductivity profile shows some distinct vertical changes as well as changes from the near-surface to shallow depths. The strands of the MTFC show especially a distinctive change in conductivity. The two profiles are almost parallel but separated by 100 km. To correlate the structures seen on both profiles, we have applied lineament analysis and 3D modelling of the gravity and magnetic field. The tilt derivative of the magnetic and isostatic gravity anomaly clearly allows us to identify and link the main geological boundaries between the profiles and to trace the strands of the MTFC from one profile to the other. This trend analysis indicates that at least the Verran Fault visibly modifies the pattern of seismic reflections. However, the main change in crustal lithology occurs farther to the west, almost at the coast where the Tarva Fault intersects the MT profile. This integrated analysis shows the benefit of combining gravity and magnetic interpretations with MT and seismic data to enable us to understand the near-surface geology and structure in more detail.

Some aspects of active tectonism in Alaska as seen on ERTS-1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gedney, L. D.; Vanwormer, J. D.

1973-01-01

ERTS-1 imagery is proving to be exceptionally useful in delineating structural features in Alaska which have never been recognized on the ground. Previously unmapped features such as seismically active faults and major structural lineaments are especially evident. Among the more significant results of this investigation is the discovery of an active strand of the Denali fault. The new fault has a history of scattered seismicity and was the scene of a magnitude 4.8 earthquake on October 1, 1972. Perhaps of greater significance is the disclosure of a large scale conjugate fracture system north of the Alaska Range. This fracture system appears to result from compressive stress radiating outward from around the outside of the great bend of the Alaska Range at Mt. McKinley.

Cordilleran hingeline: Late Precambrian rifted margin of the North American craton and its impact on the depositional and structural history, Utah and Nevada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Picha, Frank; Gibson, Richard I.

1985-07-01

The structural pattern set by late Precambrian rifting and fragmentation of the North American continent is apparent in both sedimentary and tectonic trends in western Utah and eastern Nevada. The late Precambrian cratonic margin (Cordilleran hingeline) displays several prominent structural features, such as the Wasatch and Ancient Ephraim faults, Fillmore arch and northeast-trending lineaments, which were repeatedly reactivated as structural uplifts, ramps, strike-slip faults, and extensional detachments. The renewed activity affected, among others, the geometry of the late Paleozoic Ancestral Rocky Mountain uplifts and basins, the extent of the Jurassic Arapien basin, the sedimentary pattern of the Cretaceous foreland basin, the geometry of the Sevier orogenic belt, and the extent and type of Basin-and-Range extensional tectonics. The rifted cratonic margin has thus remained a major influence on regional structures long after rifting has ceased. *Present address: Everest Geotech, 10101 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074

Neogene-Recent Reactivation of Cretaceous-age Faults in Southern Vietnam, with Implications for the Himalayan-Tibetan Orogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burberry, C. M.; Elkins, L. J.; Hoang, N.; Anh, L. D.; Dinh, S. Q.

2017-12-01

The tectonic activity and ongoing diffuse volcanic activity of the Central Highlands of Vietnam have, to date, been challenging to explain using accepted plate tectonics principles. The various hypotheses invoked to explain the voluminous magmatism include extrusion related to the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen, extension related to the South China Sea, and plume activity beneath Hainan. We present a combined remote sensing and field study, focused on fault orientation and age relative to lava flows in order to discriminate between these models. Landsat ETM+ and SPOT data were processed to highlight variations in lithology and to remove vegetation, and lineaments were interpreted from these images. The lineament data were compared to existing geologic maps, and to regions of known flow age. Key locations were visited in the field, where fault orientations and relative age were recorded. At many locations, the slip direction could be measured using trend and plunge of mineral lineations. The remote data reveal a complex pattern of lineaments, with prominent N-S, NE-SW and NW-SE directions. Lineaments are observed to cut lava flows with ages of 2.2+/- 0.1 Ma and younger. In the field, NE-SW oriented faults were identified in Jurassic-Cretaceous sedimentary rocks with two phases of movement; a dip-slip phase and a younger, dominantly strike-slip phase. Strike-slip faults were identified in lava flows of approx. 3.2 Ma, also oriented NE-SW. These results indicate that there has been fault activity since the Pliocene, and that this fault activity includes reactivation of dip-slip faults as strike-slip. This is consistent with the movement vector of the southern Indochina Block SE with respect to the Sunda block, and with microplate rotation due to asthenospheric extrusion. These results therefore suggest that ongoing Himalayan-Tibetan collision is still being accommodated, in part, by active lithospheric extrusion of the Indo-China block.

Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field magmatism in the context of the Jemez Lineament

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schrader, C. M.; Pontbriand, A.

2013-12-01

The Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field (RCVF) was active from 9 Ma to approximately 50 Ka and stretches from Raton, New Mexico in the west to Clayton, New Mexico in the east. The field occurs in the Great Plains at the northeastern end of the Jemez Lineament, a major crustal feature and focus of volcanism that extends southwest to the Colorado Plateau in Arizona and encompasses five other major volcanic fields. Jemez Lineament magmatism is temporally related to Rio Grande Rift magmatism, though it extends NE and SW from the rift itself, and it has been suggested that it represents an ancient crustal suture that serves as a conduit for magmatism occurring beneath the larger region of north and central New Mexico (Magnani et al., 2004, GEOL SOC AM BULL, 116:7/8, pp. 1-6). This study extends our work into the RCVF from prior and ongoing work in the Mount Taylor Volcanic Field, where we identified different mantle sources with varying degrees of subduction alteration and we determined some of the crustal processes that contribute to the diversity of magma chemistry and eruptive styles there (e.g., AGU Fall Meeting, abst. #V43D-2884 and #V43D-2883). In the RCVF, we are analyzing multiple phases by electron microprobe and plagioclase phenocrysts and glomerocrysts by LA-ICPMS for Sr isotopes and trace elements. We are undertaking this investigation with the following goals: (1) to evaluate previous magma mixing and crustal assimilation models for Sierra Grande andesites (Zhu, 1995, unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, Rice University; Hesse, 1999, unpublished M.S. thesis, Northern Arizona University); (2) to evaluate subduction-modified mantle as the source for RCVF basanites (specifically those at Little Grande); and (3) to assess the possible role of deep crustal cumulates in buffering transitional basalts. In the larger context, these data will be used to evaluate the varying degree of subduction-modification and the effect of crustal thickness on magmatism along the Jemez Lineament.

Identifying Non-Hotspot Volcanism in the Young Walvis Ridge Guyot Province using High-Resolution 40Ar/39Ar Geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schnur, S.; Koppers, A. A.

2013-12-01

The Walvis Ridge is a linear volcanic feature stretching almost 3000 km from the coast of Namibia to its hypothesized origin at the Tristan and Gough hotspots in the South Atlantic. It is considered a key example of a primary hotspot trail and is frequently used as a constraint on African plate motion. Despite its importance, the Walvis Ridge has remained poorly studied, and it is unknown if all the seamounts at its young end can be attributed to a hotspot source. Only about 15 of the more than 80 volcanic centers in the young Walvis Ridge Guyot Province have been dated. A group of about 14 large (2-3 km high) seamounts forms a lineament that runs roughly perpendicular to the nearby Mid-Atlantic Ridge (38°S lineament). These seamounts do not seem to match the spatial trends of the Tristan and Gough tracks and are thought to have formed either as near-ridge seamounts or by lithospheric cracking related to the nearby fracture zone. We present here the results of 26 step heating experiments by the 40Ar/39Ar method. Experiments were conducted on groundmass, plagioclase, alkali feldspar, and biotite separates from 13 samples, representing 7 seamounts in and around the 38°S lineament. Biotite and alkali feldspar are common at the 38°S seamounts, but are rarely found elsewhere on the Walvis Ridge, providing additional evidence that these seamounts may have a unique source. The high resolution 40Ar/39Ar ages will be used to plot the age progression of volcanism along this lineament and at nearby seamounts. This information may indicate if the 38°S seamounts are part of the main hotspot trend or are related to magmatic and tectonic processes at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

How to build the Eiger: Surface expression of litho-tectonic preconditioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mair, David; Lechmann, Alessandro; Schlunegger, Fritz

2017-04-01

The north face of the Eiger has exerted a strong attraction on alpinists, but also on geologists during the past decades, mainly because of its triangular, nearly vertical shape. We build on this tradition and investigate the relationship between the shape of this mountain and its underlying lithology, and its history of folding and thrusting. To this extent, we constructed a geometric 3D geological model of the Eiger-Moench-Jungfrau mountain chain in the central Swiss Alps. We proceeded through compilations of geological maps that we combined with new mapping in the field and collection of structural data such as the orientation of lineaments and faults. The model itself was constructed by interpolation of interfaces between geological formations, thrust- and fold-geometries between several NW-SE running, balanced, cross-sections. In addition, new geological data from the Jungfraubahn railway tunnel was used to verify surface data and improve the resulting model in the depth. The analyzed units of the Hercynian crystalline basement of the Aar massif and the Mesozoic cover rocks of the Helvetics form a foliated and thrusted stack. Multiple ductile structure sets bear witness of Alpine deformation and are dominant amid the mark of later brittle deformation across the whole mountain. There are two major outcomes of this analysis. First, the thrust contact between two stacks, which comprise a foliated basement and cover rocks, are responsible for the shape and overall architecture of the Eiger and its famous north face. Second, the high-resolution 3D structural model paired with petrological data shows that second-order, horizontally aligned morphological steps in the north face are related to the foliation within the bedrock. We suspect the inherited fabric significantly modified the susceptibility to erosion mechanisms which in turn further amplified the morphological differences (expressed in e.g. terrain roughness or slope).

Changing concepts of geologic structure and the problem of siting nuclear reactors: Examples from Washington State

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabor, R. W.

1986-09-01

The conflict between regulation and healthy evolution of geological science has contributed to the difficulties of siting nuclear reactors. On the Columbia Plateau in Washington, but for conservative design of the Hanford reactor facility, the recognition of the little-understood Olympic-Wallowa lineament as a major, possibly still active structural alinement might have jeopardized the acceptability of the site for nuclear reactors. On the Olympic Peninsula, evolving concepts of compressive structures and their possible recent activity and the current recognition of a subducting Juan de Fuca plate and its potential for generating great earthquakes—both concepts little-considered during initial site selection—may delay final acceptance of the Satsop site. Conflicts of this sort are inevitable but can be accommodated if they are anticipated in the reactor-licensing process. More important, society should be increasing its store of geologic knowledge now, during the current recess in nuclear reactor siting.

Use of ERTS imagery for natural resources research and development in Lesotho. [Southern Africa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nixon, P. H. (Principal Investigator); Jackson, A. A.

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. As far as the geological aspects of the project were concerned, the project was a success. It was concluded that: (1) It is possible to trace the lithological boundaries between sedimentary rocks and basaltic rocks, both extrusive and intrusive. (2) It was possible to localize sponges in the mountain areas, some of which may conceal undiscovered diamond pipes. (3) Possible main structural axes were localized within the framework of lineaments. Due to drought which occured at the time the images were gathered by ERTS-1, the usefulness of the data was limited for agricultural purposes.

Rayleigh-wave phase-velocity maps and three-dimensional shear velocity structure of the western US from local non-plane surface wave tomography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pollitz, F.F.; Snoke, J. Arthur

2010-01-01

We utilize two-and-three-quarter years of vertical-component recordings made by the Transportable Array (TA) component of Earthscope to constrain three-dimensional (3-D) seismic shear wave velocity structure in the upper 200 km of the western United States. Single-taper spectral estimation is used to compile measurements of complex spectral amplitudes from 44 317 seismograms generated by 123 teleseismic events. In the first step employed to determine the Rayleigh-wave phase-velocity structure, we implement a new tomographic method, which is simpler and more robust than scattering-based methods (e.g. multi-plane surface wave tomography). The TA is effectively implemented as a large number of local arrays by defining a horizontal Gaussian smoothing distance that weights observations near a given target point. The complex spectral-amplitude measurements are interpreted with the spherical Helmholtz equation using local observations about a succession of target points, resulting in Rayleigh-wave phase-velocity maps at periods over the range of 18–125 s. The derived maps depend on the form of local fits to the Helmholtz equation, which generally involve the nonplane-wave solutions of Friederich et al. In a second step, the phase-velocity maps are used to derive 3-D shear velocity structure. The 3-D velocity images confirm details witnessed in prior body-wave and surface-wave studies and reveal new structures, including a deep (>100 km deep) high-velocity lineament, of width ∼200 km, stretching from the southern Great Valley to northern Utah that may be a relic of plate subduction or, alternatively, either a remnant of the Mojave Precambrian Province or a mantle downwelling. Mantle seismic velocity is highly correlated with heat flow, Holocene volcanism, elastic plate thickness and seismicity. This suggests that shallow mantle structure provides the heat source for associated magmatism, as well as thinning of the thermal lithosphere, leading to relatively high stress concentration. Our images also confirm the presence of high-velocity mantle at 100 km depth beneath areas of suspected mantle delamination (southern Sierra Nevada; Grande Ronde uplift), low velocity mantle underlying active rift zones, and high velocity mantle associated with the subducting Juan de Fuca plate. Structure established during the Proterozoic appears to exert a lasting influence on subsequent volcanism and tectonism up to the Present.

Facilitating the exploitation of ERTS imagery using snow enhancement techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wobber, F. J.; Martin, K. (Principal Investigator); Amato, R. V.; Leshendok, T.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Comparative analysis of snow-free and snow-covered imagery of the New England Test Area has resulted in a larger number of lineaments mapped from snow-covered imagery in three out of four sets of comparative imagery. Analysts unfamiliar with the New England Test Area were utilized; the quality of imagery was independently judged to be uniform. In all image sets, a greater total length of lineaments was mapped with the snow-covered imagery. The value of this technique for fracture mapping in areas with thick soil cover is suggested. A number of potentially useful environmental applications of snow enhancement related to such areas as mining, land use, and hydrology have been identified.

Episodic plate separation and fracture infill on the surface of Europa

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sullivan, R.; Greeley, R.; Homan, K.; Klemaszewski, J.; Belton, M.J.S.; Carr, M.H.; Chapman, C.R.; Tufts, R.; Head, J. W.; Pappalardo, R.; Moore, J.; Thomas, P.

1998-01-01

Images obtained by the Voyager spacecraft revealed dark, wedge-shaped bands on Europa that were interpreted as evidence that surface plates, 50- 100 km across, moved and rotated relative to each other. This implied that they may be mechanically decoupled from the interior by a layer of warm ice or liquid water. Here we report similar features seen in higher resolution images (420 metres per pixel) obtained by the Galileo spacecraft that reveal new details of wedge-band formation. In particular, the interior of one dark band shows bilateral symmetry of parallel lineaments and pit complexes which indicates that plate separation occurred in discrete episodes from a central axis. The images also show that this style of tectonic activity involved plates < 10 km across. Although this tectonic style superficially resembles aspects of similar activity on Earth, such as sea-floor spreading and the formation of ice leads in polar seas, there are significant differences in the underlying physical mechanisms: the wedge-shaped bands on Europa most probably formed when lower material (ice or water) rose to fill the fractures that widened in response to regional surface stresses.

Lac Télé structure, Republic of Congo: Geological setting of a cryptozoological and biodiversity hotspot, and evidence against an impact origin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Master, Sharad

2010-11-01

Lac Télé is a large lake, ˜5.6 km in diameter, with an ovoid shape, situated at 17°10'E, 1°20'N, in the great tropical rain forest region of the Republic of Congo. This lake has attracted widespread attention, mainly because of the legends among the local people that it harbours a strange animal known as the Mokele-Mbembe, but also because it is situated in a region that is a hotbed of biodiversity and conservation efforts with respect to various endangered mammalian species, including gorillas and chimpanzees. Because of its appearance, Lac Télé has been regarded as a possible meteorite impact structure. Various expeditions, studying cryptozoology, conservation ecology, biodiversity, and the impact hypothesis, have visited Lac Télé in the past several decades. The Lac Télé structure is located in the NW part of the intracratonic Congo Basin, in a region dominated by Holocene alluvium, dense tropical rain forest, and swamps which form part of the basin of the Likouala aux Herbes, a multi-branched meandering river flowing over very low gradients into the Sangha river, a major tributary of the Congo river. Previous bathymetric studies have shown that the average depth of Lac Télé is only 4 m, including organic-rich silty sediments. The structure is that of a flat-bottomed dish. Modelling of the Lac Télé as an impact structure indicates a number of features which ought to be present. The absence of any of these features, coupled with the irregular ovoid shape, the palynological record, and the location of the structure at the intersection of major regional lineaments, is regarded as evidence against the impact hypothesis. Lac Télé as an isolated lake ecosystem is not unique in the Congo Basin, and there are several other similar small shallow isolated lakes surrounded by rain forest and marshes, some of which formed by damming of drainage systems by neotectonic faults. It is suggested that the formation of Lac Télé may be related to its location over neotectonically reactivated regional lineaments, which are also seismically active. Lac Télé and other similar hydrologic systems may be biodiversity hotspots because they acted as refugia following neotectonic hydrological re-organization of the Congo Basin.

Development of multiple source data processing for structural analysis at a regional scale. [digital remote sensing in geology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carrere, Veronique

1990-01-01

Various image processing techniques developed for enhancement and extraction of linear features, of interest to the structural geologist, from digital remote sensing, geologic, and gravity data, are presented. These techniques include: (1) automatic detection of linear features and construction of rose diagrams from Landsat MSS data; (2) enhancement of principal structural directions using selective filters on Landsat MSS, Spacelab panchromatic, and HCMM NIR data; (3) directional filtering of Spacelab panchromatic data using Fast Fourier Transform; (4) detection of linear/elongated zones of high thermal gradient from thermal infrared data; and (5) extraction of strong gravimetric gradients from digitized Bouguer anomaly maps. Processing results can be compared to each other through the use of a geocoded database to evaluate the structural importance of each lineament according to its depth: superficial structures in the sedimentary cover, or deeper ones affecting the basement. These image processing techniques were successfully applied to achieve a better understanding of the transition between Provence and the Pyrenees structural blocks, in southeastern France, for an improved structural interpretation of the Mediterranean region.

Tectonics and volcanism on Mars: a compared remote sensing analysis with earthly geostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baggio, Paolo; Ancona, M. A.; Callegari, I.; Pinori, S.; Vercellone, S.

1999-12-01

The recent knowledge on Mars' lithosphere evolution does not find yet sufficient analogies with the Earth's tectonic models. The Viking image analysis seems to be even now frequently, rather fragmentary, and do not permits to express any coherent relationships among the different detected phenomena. Therefore, today it is impossible to support any reliable kinematic hypothesis. The Remote-Sensing interpretation is addressed to a Viking image mosaic of the known Tharsis Montes region and particularly focused on the Arsia Mons volcano. Several previously unknown lineaments, not directly linked to volcano-tectonics, were detected. Their mutual relationships recall transcurrent kinematics that could be related to similar geostructural models known in the Earth plate tectonic dynamics. Several concordant relationships between the Arsia Mons volcano and the brittle extensive tectonic features of earthly Etnean district (Sicily, South Italy), interpreted on Landsat TM images, were pointed out. These analogies coupled with the recently confirmed strato- volcano topology of Tharsis Montes (Head and Wilson), the layout distribution of the effusive centers (Arsia, Pavonis and Ascraeus Montes), the new tectonic lineaments and the morphological features, suggest the hypothesis of a plate tectonic volcanic region. The frame could be an example in agreement with the most recent interpretation of Mars (Sleep). A buried circular body, previously incorrectly interpreted as a great landslide event from the western slope of Arsia Mons volcano, seems really to be a more ancient volcanic structure (Arsia Mons Senilis), which location is in evident relation with the interpreted new transcurrent tectonic system.

Southern Appalachian Regional Seismic Network

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chiu, S.C.C.; Johnston, A.C.; Chiu, J.M.

1994-08-01

The seismic activity in the southern Appalachian area was monitored by the Southern Appalachian Regional Seismic Network (SARSN) since late 1979 by the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at Memphis State University. This network provides good spatial coverage for earthquake locations especially in east Tennessee. The level of activity concentrates more heavily in the Valley and Ridge province of eastern Tennessee, as opposed to the Blue Ridge or Inner Piedmont. The large majority of these events lie between New York - Alabama lineament and the Clingman/Ocoee lineament, magnetic anomalies produced by deep-seated basement structures. Therefore SARSN, even withmore » its wide station spacing, has been able to define the essential first-order seismological characteristics of the Southern Appalachian seismic zone. The focal depths of the southeastern U.S. earthquakes concentrate between 8 and 16 km, occurring principally beneath the Appalachian overthrust. In cross-sectional views, the average seismicity is shallower to the east beneath the Blue Ridge and Piedmont provinces and deeper to the west beneath the Valley and Ridge and the North American craton. Results of recent focal mechanism studies by using the CERI digital earthquake catalog between October, 1986 and December, 1991, indicate that the basement of the Valley and Ridge province is under a horizontal, NE-SW compressive stress. Right-lateral strike-slip faulting on nearly north-south fault planes is preferred because it agrees with the trend of the regional magnetic anomaly pattern.« less

Integrated geophysical imaging of the Aluto-Langano geothermal field (Ethiopia).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizzello, Daniele; Armadillo, Egidio; Verdoya, Massimo; Pasqua, Claudio; Kebede, Solomon; Mengiste, Andarge; Hailegiorgis, Getenesh; Abera, Fitsum; Mengesha, Kebede; Meqbel, Naser

2017-04-01

The Aluto-Langano geothermal system is located in the central part of the Main Ethiopian Rift, one of the world's most tectonically active areas, where continental rifting has been occurring since several Ma and has yielded widespread volcanism and enhanced geothermal gradient. The geothermal system is associated to the Mt Aluto Volcanic Complex, located along the eastern margin of the rift and related to the Wonji Fault Belt, constituted by Quaternary NNE-SSW en-echelon faults. These structures are younger than the NE-SW border faults of the central Main Ethiopian Rift and were originated by a stress field oblique to the rift direction. This peculiar tectonism yielded local intense rock fracturing that may favour the development of geothermal reservoirs. In this paper, we present the results of an integrated geophysical survey carried out in 2015 over an area of about 200 km2 covering the Mt Aluto Volcanic Complex. The geophysical campaign included 162 coincident magnetotelluric and time domain electromagnetic soundings, and 207 gravity stations, partially located in the sedimentary plain surrounding the volcanic complex. Three-dimensional inversion of the full MT static-corrected tensor and geomagnetic tipper was performed in the 338-0.001 Hz band. Gravity data processing comprised digital enhancement of the residual Bouguer anomaly and 2D-3D inverse modelling. The geophysical results were compared to direct observations of stratigraphy, rock alteration and temperature available from the several deep wells drilled in the area. The magnetotelluric results imaged a low-resistivity layer which appears well correlated with the mixed alteration layer found in the wells and can be interpreted as a low-temperature clay cap. The clay-cap bottom depth is well corresponds to a change of thermal gradient. The clay cap is discontinuous, and in the central area of the volcanic complex is characterised by a dome-shape structure likely related to isotherm rising. The propilitic alteration layer, pinpointed as the 80-Ohm-m isosurface, shows two dome-shape highs. The first is NNE-trending, and may be interpreted as an upflow zone along a fault of the Wonji belt. Two productive wells are located along the borders of this area, as well as the alignements of fumaroles and altered grounds. The second is linked to a wide resistive area, located at shallow depth, where no clay cap was detected. It could be interpreted as a fossil high-temperature alteration zone reaching shallow depths, and it is associated to several fumaroles. Modeling of 2D/3D gravity data shows that the anomalies are due to shallow density variations likely related to lithology. The deep lateral variations due to structural lineaments inferred from well stratigraphy have no detectable signature. However, the trend analysis performed on the residual Bouguer anomaly (via horizontal and tilt derivative computations), allowed to identify five lineaments. Three of them exhibit NNE-SSW strike, corresponding to the Wonji Fault Belt Trend, whereas two have NNW-SSE strike, corresponding to the Red Sea Rift trend, which in this area is of minor evidence. The signature of shallow structures is then indicative of major regional structures. One of the lineaments marks the presence of a major fumarolic zone.

A comparison of Gemini and ERTS imagery obtained over southern Morocco

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blodget, H. W.; Anderson, A. T.

1973-01-01

A mosaic constructed from three ERTS MSS band 5 images enlarged to 1:500,000 compares favorably with a similar scale geologic map of southern Morocco, and a near-similar scale Gemini 5 photo pair. A comparative plot of lineations and generalized geology on the three formats show that a significantly greater number of probable fractures are visible on the ERTS imagery than on the Gemini photography, and that both orbital formats show several times more lineaments than were previously mapped. A plot of mineral occurrences on the structural overlays indicates that definite structure-mineralization relationships exist; this finding is used to define underdeveloped areas which are prospective for mineralization. More detailed mapping is possible using MSS imagery than on Gemini 5 photographs, and in addition, the ERTS format is not restricted to limited coverage.

Subsurface structure and kinematics of the Calaveras-Hayward fault stepover from three-dimensional Vp and seismicity, San Francisco Bay region, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Manaker, David M.; Michael, Andrew J.; Burgmann, Roland

2005-01-01

We perform a joint inversion for hypocenters and the 3D P-wave velocity structure of the stepover region using 477 earthquakes. We find strong velocity contrasts across the Calaveras and Hayward faults, corroborated by geologic, gravity, and aeromagnetic data. Detailed examination of two seismic lineaments in conjunction with the velocity model and independent geologic and geophysical evidence suggests that they represent the southern extension of a northeasterly dipping Hayward fault that splays off the Calaveras fault, directly accounting for the deep slip transfer. The Mission fault appears to be accommodating deformation within the block between the Hayward and Calaveras faults. Thus, the Calaveras and Hayward faults need to be considered as a single system for developing rupture scenarios for seismic hazard assessments.

Major crustal fractures in the Baltic Shield

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuominen, H. V. (Principal Investigator)

1972-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Initial analysis of the bands for images 1039-09322, 1039-09315, and 1040-09371 provide a detailed picture of a zone extending 500 km north-northeast from the northern coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. Highways (on bands 0.5-0.6 and 0.6-0.7), rivers (bands 0.7-0.8, 0.8-1.1) and bare fell tops are visible. Schist belts, as known from ground surveys, can be discerned from areas occupied by their basement rocks or major plutons. A number of sharp lineaments, apparently faults, are visible. Some major fracture zones, up to 50 km wide, that form distinct lineaments in weather satellite pictures and belong to the main objects of this study, are rather indistinct in the images but can be traced.

Magnetic mapping for structural geology and geothermal exploration in Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mercier de Lépinay, jeanne; munschy, marc; geraud, yves; diraison, marc; navelot, vivien; verati, christelle; corsini, michel; lardeaux, jean marc; favier, alexiane

2017-04-01

This work is implemented through the GEOTREF program which benefits from the support of both the ADEME and the French public funds "Investments for the future". The program focuses on the exploration for geothermal resources in Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles, where a geothermal power plant is in production since 1986 (Bouillante, Basse Terre). In Les Saintes archipelago, in the south of Guadeloupe, the outcrop analysis of Terre-de-Haut Island allows to point out an exhumed geothermal paleo-system that is thought to be an analogue of the Bouillante active geothermal system. We show that a detailed marine magnetic survey with a quantitative interpretation can bring information about the offshore structures around Les Saintes archipelago in order to extend the geological limits and structural elements. A similar survey and workflow is also conducted offshore Basse-Terre where more geophysical data is already available. In order to correctly link the offshore and onshore structures, the magnetic survey must be close enough to the shoreline and sufficiently detailed to correctly outline the tectonic structures. An appropriate solution for such a survey is to use a three component magnetometer aboard a speedboat. Such a boat allows more navigation flexibility than a classic oceanic vessel towing a magnetometer; it can sail at higher speed on calm seas and closer to the shoreline. This kind of magnetic acquisition is only viable because the magnetic effect of the ship can be compensated using the same algorithms than those used for airborne magnetometry. The use of potential field transforms allows a large variety of structures to be highlighted, providing insights to build a general understanding of the nature and distribution of the magnetic sources. In particular, we use the tilt angle operator to better identify the magnetic lineaments offshore in order to compare them to the faults identified onshore during the outcrop analysis. All the major faults and fractures directions observed onshore are well represented through the magnetic lineaments except the main N90-110 system which is almost inexistent. We also invert the magnetic data to obtain a magnetization intensity map. This inversion assumes a constant depth magnetized layer and a constant magnetization's direction. The calculated variations on the map are consistent with on-field measurements showing that hydrothermalized rocks have a lower magnetic susceptibility (2 orders of magnitude) than fresh ones. Our interpretation and the onshore structural and petrographic analysis allow us to recognize the offshore extension of the hydrothermalized area, as well as different structural orientations.

Geophysical and Geochemical Analysis of the 8°20' N Seamount Chain: Studies of Off-Axis Volcanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCully, E.; Fornari, D. J.; Gregg, P. M.; Perfit, M. R.; Wanless, V. D.; Anderson, M.; Lubetkin, M.

2017-12-01

The 8°20' N Seamount Chain is an off-axis lineament of volcanoes located west of the East Pacific Rise (EPR) and 15 km north of the Siqueiros Fracture Zone. The volcanoes are located 11 km west of the EPR axis and extend 160 km to the west. The OASIS (Off-Axis Seamount Investigations at Siqueiros) expedition in November 2016 collected ship-based EM122 bathymetry aboard the R/V Atlantis over the entire seamount chain at a 50 m resolution, and AUV Sentry bathymetric and sidescan sonar data were collected over 11 selected areas on some of the seamount summits and flanks at 1-2 m resolution. 90,000 high-resolution digital images were acquired using DSV Alvin and analyzed and classified according to morphology, structure, sediment and manganese presence, and biology. These data are used to create geologic facies maps to correlate seafloor morphology and type with acoustic reflectivity. Major and trace element data of samples collected by Alvin and dredging are also correlated to geological parameters of the seafloor features on each studied seamount. Initial estimates for the volumes of individual constructional features (e.g., mounds, cones) that comprise the seamounts were derived from the high-resolution EM122 multibeam and Sentry AUV bathymetric data and calculated using IVS Fledermaus and plotted as a function of distance from the EPR. These individually constructed volcanic features, dependent on geochemical diversity, may ultimately be grouped into larger eruptive volumes. Thus far, Sentry-derived volumes range from 0.0011-2.96 km3, while EM122-derived volumes range from 0.13-123 km3. The seamounts were classified into 3 shapes; circular, volcanic lineaments aligning parallel to the ridge-axis, and ridge-like constructions, trending perpendicular to the EPR axis. The central 60 km of the chain (60-120 km off-axis) is dominated by ridges and circular seamounts, which exhibit the largest volumes observed along the 8°20' N chain. The seamounts with the lowest volumes are observed in the eastern-most 50 km of the lineament, nearest to the ridge axis. Future work includes distinguishing monogenetic and polygenetic cones and better quantifying how many eruptive periods occurred to form the present seamount morphology.

High-resolution seismic reflection imaging of growth folding and shallow faults beneath the Southern Puget Lowland, Washington State

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clement, C.R.; Pratt, T.L.; Holmes, M.L.; Sherrod, B.L.

2010-01-01

Marine seismic reflection data from southern Puget Sound, Washington, were collected to investigate the nature of shallow structures associated with the Tacoma fault zone and the Olympia structure. Growth folding and probable Holocene surface deformation were imaged within the Tacoma fault zone beneath Case and Carr Inlets. Shallow faults near potential field anomalies associated with the Olympia structure were imaged beneath Budd and Eld Inlets. Beneath Case Inlet, the Tacoma fault zone includes an ???350-m wide section of south-dipping strata forming the upper part of a fold (kink band) coincident with the southern edge of an uplifted shoreline terrace. An ???2 m change in the depth of the water bottom, onlapping postglacial sediments, and increasing stratal dips with increasing depth are consistent with late Pleistocene to Holocene postglacial growth folding above a blind fault. Geologic data across a topographic lineament on nearby land indicate recent uplift of late Holocene age. Profiles acquired in Carr Inlet 10 km to the east of Case Inlet showed late Pleistocene or Holocene faulting at one location with ???3 to 4 m of vertical displacement, south side up. North of this fault the data show several other disruptions and reflector terminations that could mark faults within the broad Tacoma fault zone. Seismic reflection profiles across part of the Olympia structure beneath southern Puget Sound show two apparent faults about 160 m apart having 1 to 2 m of displacement of subhorizontal bedding. Directly beneath one of these faults, a dipping reflector that may mark the base of a glacial channel shows the opposite sense of throw, suggesting strike-slip motion. Deeper seismic reflection profiles show disrupted strata beneath these faults but little apparent vertical offset, consistent with strike-slip faulting. These faults and folds indicate that the Tacoma fault and Olympia structure include active structures with probable postglacial motion.

High-resolution seismic reflection imaging of growth folding and shallow faults beneath the Southern Puget Lowland, Washington State

USGS Publications Warehouse

Odum, Jackson K.; Stephenson, William J.; Pratt, Thomas L.; Blakely, Richard J.

2016-01-01

Marine seismic reflection data from southern Puget Sound, Washington, were collected to investigate the nature of shallow structures associated with the Tacoma fault zone and the Olympia structure. Growth folding and probable Holocene surface deformation were imaged within the Tacoma fault zone beneath Case and Carr Inlets. Shallow faults near potential field anomalies associated with the Olympia structure were imaged beneath Budd and Eld Inlets. Beneath Case Inlet, the Tacoma fault zone includes an ∼350-m wide section of south-dipping strata forming the upper part of a fold (kink band) coincident with the southern edge of an uplifted shoreline terrace. An ∼2 m change in the depth of the water bottom, onlapping postglacial sediments, and increasing stratal dips with increasing depth are consistent with late Pleistocene to Holocene postglacial growth folding above a blind fault. Geologic data across a topographic lineament on nearby land indicate recent uplift of late Holocene age. Profiles acquired in Carr Inlet 10 km to the east of Case Inlet showed late Pleistocene or Holocene faulting at one location with ∼3 to 4 m of vertical displacement, south side up. North of this fault the data show several other disruptions and reflector terminations that could mark faults within the broad Tacoma fault zone. Seismic reflection profiles across part of the Olympia structure beneath southern Puget Sound show two apparent faults about 160 m apart having 1 to 2 m of displacement of subhorizontal bedding. Directly beneath one of these faults, a dipping reflector that may mark the base of a glacial channel shows the opposite sense of throw, suggesting strike-slip motion. Deeper seismic reflection profiles show disrupted strata beneath these faults but little apparent vertical offset, consistent with strike-slip faulting. These faults and folds indicate that the Tacoma fault and Olympia structure include active structures with probable postglacial motion.

Geophysical investigations of well fields to characterize fractured-bedrock aquifers in southern New Hampshire

USGS Publications Warehouse

Degnan, James R.; Moore, Richard Bridge; Mack, Thomas J.

2001-01-01

Bedrock-fracture zones near high-yield bedrock wells in southern New Hampshire well fields were located and characterized using seven surface and six borehole geophysical survey methods. Detailed surveys of six sites with various methods provide an opportunity to integrate and compare survey results. Borehole geophysical surveys were conducted at three of the sites to confirm subsurface features. Hydrogeologic settings, including a variety of bedrock and surface geologic materials, were sought to gain an insight into the usefulness of the methods in varied terrains. Results from 15 survey lines, 8 arrays, and 3 boreholes were processed and interpreted from the 6 sites. The surface geophysical methods used provided physical properties of fractured bedrock. Seismic refraction and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) primarily were used to characterize the overburden materials, but in a few cases indicated bedrock-fracture zones. Magnetometer surveys were used to obtain background information about the bedrock to compare with other results, and to search for magnetic lows, which may result from weathered fractured rock. Electromagnetic terrain conductivity surveys (EM) and very-low-frequency electromagnetic surveys (VLF) were used as rapid reconnaissance techniques with the primary purpose of identifying electrical anomalies, indicating potential fracture zones in bedrock. Direct-current (dc) resistivity methods were used to gather detailed subsurface information about fracture depth and orientation. Two-dimensional (2-D) dc-resistivity surveys using dipole-dipole and Schlumberger arrays located and characterized the overburden, bedrock, and bedrock-fracture zones through analysis of data inversions. Azimuthal square array dc-resistivity survey results indicated orientations of conductive steep-dipping bedrock-fracture zones that were located and characterized by previously applied geophysical methods. Various available data sets were used for site selection, characterizations, and interpretations. Lineament data, developed as a part of a statewide and regional scale investigation of the bedrock aquifer, were available to identify potential near-vertical fracture zones. Geophysical surveys indicated fracture zones coincident with lineaments at 4 of the sites. Geologic data collected as a part of the regional scale investigation provided outcrop fracture measurements, ductile fabric, and contact information. Dominant fracture trends correspond to the trends of geophysical anomalies at 4 of the sites. Water-well drillers? logs from water supply and environmental data sets also were used where available to characterize sites. Regional overburden information was compiled from stratified-drift aquifer maps and surficial-geological maps.

Crustal Structure across Rivera Plate and Jalisco Block (MEXICO): TsuJal Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuñez-Cornu, F. J.; Nunez, D.; Barba, D. C., Sr.; Trejo, E.; Escalona, F.; Danobeitia, J.; Gutierrez Pena, Q. J.

2015-12-01

Located on the western margin of Mexico, the collision zone between Rivera, Cocos and North American plates is a complex tectonic collage with high seismic hazards and potential tsunamigenic sources. During the spring of 2014, within the framework of TSUJAL project, Spanish and Mexican scientists investigated this region with the main objective of defining the crustal architecture of this active margin and recognizing potential structural sources that can trigger earthquakes and tsunamis at the convergence between Rivera plate-Jalisco block with the North American Plate. To achieve these goals, a wide-ranging of geophysical data was acquired in this region both offshore and onshore. In this paper, we present the preliminary results obtained from this project about bathymetric, structural geology and wide-angle seismic data of the southern coast of Bahía de Banderas. A crustal P-wave velocity model for the southern coast of Bahía de Banderas was obtained using WAS data recorded by OBS and land seismic stations for more than 150 km across Rivera Plate and Jalisco Block. The thickness of the slab in this area is about 10 km and presents a dip angle about 8º. Continental crustal thickness below Puerto Vallarta is about 20 km, no evidence of continental Moho was found in this study. This model support that due to the convergence of Rivera Plate against Jalisco Block, the region of Bahía de Banderas is under strong crustal stresses that generate structural lineaments and have the same trends offshore and inland. Most of the seismicity reported can be associated to the main structural lineaments. The Banderas Canyon apparently is in an opening process from west to east, which seems to continue through the Rio Pitillal river valley. There is no seismic or morphological evidence to consider that the Banderas Canyon is a continuation of Vallarta Graben.South of María Cleofas Island, the SC marks the limit between RP and JB, possibly being the result of the RP against JB push, and where it is established the beginning of current subduction process with seismic activity associated. If a subduction type earthquake occurs in the SC, which is 100 km length, the associated magnitude will be about 7.5 and could be tsunamigenic. In the studied area, no clear subduction features (trench, accretionary prism) are observed.

Application of remote sensing to the photogeologic mapping of the region of the Itatiaia alkaline complex. M.S. Thesis; [Minas Gerais, Rio De Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Itatiaia, Brazil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dejesusparada, N. (Principal Investigator); Rodrigues, J. E.

1981-01-01

Remote sensing methods applied to geologically complex areas, through interaction of ground truth and information obtained from multispectral LANDSAT images and radar mosaics were evaluated. The test area covers parts of Minos Gerais, Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo states and contains the alkaline complex of Itatiaia and surrounding Precambrian terrains. Geological and structural mapping was satisfactory; however, lithological varieties which form the massif's could not be identified. Photogeological lineaments were mapped, some of which represent the boundaries of stratigraphic units. Automatic processing was used to classify sedimentary areas, which includes the talus deposits of the alkaline massifs.

Geologic map of the Rusalka Planitia Quadrangle (V-25), Venus

USGS Publications Warehouse

Young, Duncan A.; Hansen, Vicki L.

2003-01-01

The Rusalka Planitia quadrangle (herein referred to as V-25) occupies an 8.1 million square kilometer swath of lowlands nestled within the eastern highlands of Aphrodite Terra on Venus. The region (25?-0? N., 150?-180? E.) is framed by the crustal plateau Thetis Regio to the southwest, the coronae of the Diana-Dali chasmata complex to the south, and volcanic rise Atla Regio to the west. Regions to the north, and the quadrangle itself, are part of the vast lowlands, which cover four-fifths of the surface of Venus. The often-unspectacular lowlands of Venus are typically lumped together as ridged or regional plains. However, detailed mapping reveals the mode of resurfacing in V-25's lowlands: a mix of corona-related flow fields and local edifice clusters within planitia superimposed on a background of less clearly interpretable extended flow fields, large volcanoes, probable corona fragments, and edifice-flow complexes. The history detailed within the Rusalka Planitia quadrangle is that of the extended evolution of long-wavelength topographic basins in the presence of episodes of extensive corona-related volcanism, pervasive low-intensity small-scale eruptions, and an early phase of regional circumferential shortening centered on central Aphrodite Terra. Structural reactivation both obscures and illuminates the tectonic development of the region. The data are consistent with progressive lithospheric thickening, although the critical lack of an independent temporal marker on Venus severely hampers our ability to test this claim and correlate between localities. Two broad circular basins dominate V-25 geology: northern Rusalka Planitia lies in the southern half of the quadrangle, whereas the smaller Llorona Planitia sits along the northwestern corner of V-25. Similar large topographic basins occur throughout the lowlands of Venus, and gravity data suggest that some basins may represent dynamic topography over mantle downwellings. Both planitiae include coronae and associated lava flows, as well as fields of volcanic shields. Within each basin, the local geologic histories are relatively well constrained; correlations between the planitiae are difficult without making assumptions. The region between the two basins contains large volcanoes, corona fragments, deformation belts, and shield fields embedded within a topographically higher heterogeneous expanse of rolling plains. V-25's most prominent structural grain is a suite of wrinkle ridges that arc around the southwest corner of the quadrangle. A patchy suite of northeast-trending assorted lineaments underlies much of the map area. Although these lineaments originally were narrow fractures, this structural suite appears to have subsequently opened up along extensional troughs near Corpman crater in the southwest corner of the map area and been reactivated as wrinkle ridges at Ran Colles in the middle of the southern boundary of V-25. Nineteen impact craters dot the quadrangle. Craters Yazruk, du Chatelet, and Caccini contribute large geology- obscuring ejecta halos. Crater densities are too low for either relative or absolute age dating. Ten splotches, presumably associated with meteor airbursts, also occur across V-25.

Spaceborne radar observations: A guide for Magellan radar-image analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ford, J. P.; Blom, R. G.; Crisp, J. A.; Elachi, Charles; Farr, T. G.; Saunders, R. Stephen; Theilig, E. E.; Wall, S. D.; Yewell, S. B.

1989-01-01

Geologic analyses of spaceborne radar images of Earth are reviewed and summarized with respect to detecting, mapping, and interpreting impact craters, volcanic landforms, eolian and subsurface features, and tectonic landforms. Interpretations are illustrated mostly with Seasat synthetic aperture radar and shuttle-imaging-radar images. Analogies are drawn for the potential interpretation of radar images of Venus, with emphasis on the effects of variation in Magellan look angle with Venusian latitude. In each landform category, differences in feature perception and interpretive capability are related to variations in imaging geometry, spatial resolution, and wavelength of the imaging radar systems. Impact craters and other radially symmetrical features may show apparent bilateral symmetry parallel to the illumination vector at low look angles. The styles of eruption and the emplacement of major and minor volcanic constructs can be interpreted from morphological features observed in images. Radar responses that are governed by small-scale surface roughness may serve to distinguish flow types, but do not provide unambiguous information. Imaging of sand dunes is rigorously constrained by specific angular relations between the illumination vector and the orientation and angle of repose of the dune faces, but is independent of radar wavelength. With a single look angle, conditions that enable shallow subsurface imaging to occur do not provide the information necessary to determine whether the radar has recorded surface or subsurface features. The topographic linearity of many tectonic landforms is enhanced on images at regional and local scales, but the detection of structural detail is a strong function of illumination direction. Nontopographic tectonic lineaments may appear in response to contrasts in small-surface roughness or dielectric constant. The breakpoint for rough surfaces will vary by about 25 percent through the Magellan viewing geometries from low to high Venusian latitudes. Examples of anomalies and system artifacts that can affect image interpretation are described.

Linking orogen and peripheral foreland basin: conceptual model and application to the Southalpine-Dinaric (Friuli) orocline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heberer, Bianca; Neubauer, Franz

2010-05-01

Surface uplift and rock exhumation within an orogen are generally a consequence of convergence, and can often be linked with subsidence in a peripheral foreland. Since vertical loads act on the entire lithosphere, these processes can, therefore, be considered as plate-scale processes. Here, we propose a conceptual model for this linkage for the Friuli orocline and its surrounding units. The Friuli orocline stretches from the ENE-trending Southern Alps to the SE-trending Dinarides. There, two Neogene stages of convergence and associated deformation can be differentiated: (1) a Mid-Late Miocene phase of increased surface uplift and intra-orogenic subsidence of sedimentary basins reflecting intra-orogenic crustal-scale folding. Depocentres are e.g. the flexural Belluno, Ljubljana and Klagenfurt basins. (2) A second stage of convergence during Late Pliocene-Pleistocene times led to overall surface uplift in the orogen and contemporaneous pronounced subsidence in the peripheral foreland basin (Venetian platform and the northern Adriatic Sea). We propose, that the spatially variable extent of subsidence originates in variably strong orogen-basin coupling, i.e. weak coupling during stage 1 vs. strong coupling during stage 2. This interpretation is based on the apatite fission track age pattern, the distribution of intra-orogenic Neogene sediment basins and subsidence analyses in the foreland basin (Barbieri et al., 2007). Available low-temperature thermochronological data for the Southern Alps and the NW Dinarides are sparse, in contrast to a dense network of primarily apatite fission track ages north of the Periadriatic lineament (e.g. summarized by Luth & Willingshofer, 2008). AFT ages adjacent to the eastern Periadriatic Lineament mainly range from 15 to 25 Ma (Hejl, 1997; Fodor et al., 2008). Detrital studies on Oligocene to Miocene sediments from the Venetian foreland basin yielded dominant age groups clustering roughly around 20 and 30 Ma (Stefani et al., 2008). Bedrock ages from the vicinity of the Valsugana thrust indicate an important exhumational event at about 10 Ma (Zattin et al., 2006). The existing data already hint at decreasing rates of thermal overprint towards the foreland. Basement uplifts partly display AFT ages contemporaneous to subsidence in intra-orogenic basins. Consequently, existing AFT data and their relationships to intervening Neogene basins suggest a Neogene large-wavelength crustal-scale fold structure between the Klagenfurt basin and the Adriatic Sea. The main stage of subsidence in the Venetian-Adriatic foreland is younger and of Late Pliocene-Pleistocene age reflecting the final, still ongoing stage of shortening (Barbieri et al., 2007). In order to further test these observations, we aim at collecting more structural and low-T thermochronological data from the region. First results from the recently started project "AlDi-Adria" will be presented. References Barbieri, C. et al. 2007: Natural subsidence of the Venice area during the last 60 Myr. Basin Res., 19, 105-123. Fodor, L. et al. 2008: Miocene emplacement and rapid cooling of the Pohorje pluton at the Alpine-Pannonian-Dinaric junction: a geochronological and structural study. Swiss J. Geosci., 101 Suppl. 1, S255-S271. Hejl, E. 1997: 'Cold spots' during the Cenozoic evolution of the Eastern Alps: thermochronological interpretation of apatite fission-track data. Tectonophysics, 272, 159-172. Luth S. W. & Willingshofer, E. 2008: Mapping of the Post-Collisional Cooling History of the Eastern Alps. Swiss J. Geosci., 101, 207-223. Stefani, C. 2008: Provenance and Paleogeographic Evolution in a Multi-Source Foreland: The Cenozoic Venetian-Friulian Basin (NE Italy). J. Sediment. Res., 77, 867-887. Zattin, M. et al. 2006: From Middle Jurassic heating to Neogene cooling: The thermochronological evolution of the southern Alps. Tectonophysics, 414, 191-202.

Geophysical imaging of karst features in Missouri

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obi, Jeremiah Chukwunonso

Automated electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) supported with multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) and boring data were used to map karst related features in Missouri in order to understand karst processes better in Missouri. Previous works on karst in Missouri were mostly surficial mapping of bedrock outcrops and joints, which are not enough to define the internal structure of karst system, since most critical processes in karst occur underground. To understand these processes better, the density, placement and pattern of karst related features like solution-widened joints and voids, as well as top of bedrock were mapped. In the course of the study, six study sites were visited in Missouri. The sites were in Nixa, Gasconade River Bridge in Lebanon, Battlefield, Aurora, Protem and Richland. The case studies reflect to a large extent some of the problems inherent in karst terrain, ranging from environmental problems to structural problems especially sinkhole collapses. The result of the study showed that karst in Missouri is mostly formed as a result of piping of sediments through solution-widened joints, with a pattern showing that the joints/fractures are mostly filled with moist clay-sized materials of low resistivity values. The highest density of mapped solution-widened joints was one in every one hundred and fifty feet, and these areas are where intense dissolution is taking place, and bedrock pervasively fractured. The study also showed that interpreted solution-widened joints trend in different directions, and often times conform with known structural lineaments in the area. About 40% of sinkhole collapses in the study areas are anthropogenic. Karst in Missouri varies, and can be classified as a combination of kI (juvenile), kIII (mature) and kIV (complex) karsts.

New geomorphic data on the active Taiwan orogen: A multisource approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deffontaines, B.; Lee, J.-C.; Angelier, J.; Carvalho, J.; Rudant, J.-P.

1994-01-01

A multisource and multiscale approach of Taiwan morphotectonics combines different complementary geomorphic analyses based on a new elevation model (DEM), side-looking airborne radar (SLAR), and satellite (SPOT) imagery, aerial photographs, and control from independent field data. This analysis enables us not only to present an integrated geomorphic description of the Taiwan orogen but also to highlight some new geodynamic aspects. Well-known, major geological structures such as the Longitudinal Valley, Lishan, Pingtung, and the Foothills fault zones are of course clearly recognized, but numerous, previously unrecognized structures appear distributed within different regions of Taiwan. For instance, transfer fault zones within the Western Foothills and the Central Range are identified based on analyses of lineaments and general morphology. In many cases, the existence of geomorphic features identified in general images is supported by the results of geological field analyses carried out independently. In turn, the field analyses of structures and mechanisms at some sites provide a key for interpreting similar geomorphic featues in other areas. Examples are the conjugate pattern of strike-slip faults within the Central Range and the oblique fold-and-thrust pattern of the Coastal Range. Furthermore, neotectonic and morphological analyses (drainage and erosional surfaces) has been combined in order to obtain a more comprehensive description and interpretation of neotectonic features in Taiwan, such as for the Longitudinal Valley Fault. Next, at a more general scale, numerical processing of digital elevation models, resulting in average topography, summit level or base level maps, allows identification of major features related to the dynamics of uplift and erosion and estimates of erosion balance. Finally, a preliminary morphotectonic sketch map of Taiwan, combining information from all the sources listed above, is presented.

Proceedings of the Southwest section of AAPG 1987 convention transactions (Abstracts)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kamin, T.C.; Ahr, W.M.; Roberts, D.

1987-01-01

These proceedings collect papers on petroleum geology. Topics include: depositional environments in Texas, sand prospecting, lineaments, hydrocarbon production in Texas, the Caddo lime reservoirs, algal reef reservoirs, and microfacies interpretations.

Ion-absorption band analysis for the discrimination of iron-rich zones. [Nevada

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rowan, L. C. (Principal Investigator); Wetlaufer, P. H.

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. A technique which combines digital computer processing and color composition was devised for detecting hydrothermally altered areas and for discriminating among many rock types in an area in south-central Nevada. Subtle spectral reflectance differences among the rock types are enhanced by ratioing and contrast-stretching MSS radiance values for form ratio images which subsequently are displayed in color-ratio composites. Landform analysis of Nevada shows that linear features compiled without respect to length results in approximately 25 percent coincidence with mapped faults. About 80 percent of the major lineaments coincides with mapped faults, and substantial extension of locally mapped faults is commonly indicated. Seven major lineament systems appear to be old zones of crustal weakness which have provided preferred conduits for rising magma through periodic reactivation.

Landsat analysis for uranium exploration in Northeast Turkey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, Keenan

1983-01-01

No uranium deposits are known in the Trabzon, Turkey region, and consequently, exploration criteria have not been defined. Nonetheless, by analogy with uranium deposits studied elsewhere, exploration guides are suggested to include dense concentrations of linear features, lineaments -- especially with northwest trend, acidic plutonic rocks, and alteration indicated by limonite. A suite of digitally processed images of a single Landsat scene served as the image base for mapping 3,376 linear features. Analysis of the linear feature data yielded two statistically significant trends, which in turn defined two sets of strong lineaments. Color composite images were used to map acidic plutonic rocks and areas of surficial limonitic materials. The Landsat interpretation yielded a map of these exploration guides that may be used to evaluate relative uranium potential. One area in particular shows a high coincidence of favorable indicators.

Crack azimuths on Europa: The G1 lineament sequence revisited

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sarid, A.R.; Greenberg, R.; Hoppa, G.V.; Brown, D.M.; Geissler, P.

2005-01-01

The tectonic sequence in the anti-jovian area covered by regional mapping images from Galileo's orbit E15 is determined from a study of cross-cutting relationships among lineament features. The sequence is used to test earlier results from orbit G1, based on lower resolution images, which appeared to display a progressive change in azimuthal orientation over about 90?? in a clockwise sense. Such a progression is consistent with expected stress variations that would accompany plausible non-synchronous rotation. The more recent data provide a more complete record than the G1 data did. We find that to fit the sequence into a continual clockwise change of orientation would require at least 1000?? (> 5 cycles) of azimuthal rotation. If due to non-synchronous rotation of Europa, this result implies that we are seeing back further into the tectonic record than the G1 results had suggested. The three sets of orientations found by Geissler et al. now appear to have been spaced out over several cycles, not during a fraction of one cycle. While our more complete sequence of lineament formation is consistent with non-synchronous rotation, a statistical test shows that it cannot be construed as independent evidence. Other lines of evidence do support non-synchronous rotation, but azimuths of crack sequences do not show it, probably because only a couple of cracks form in a given region in any given non-synchronous rotation period. ?? 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Facilitating the exploitation of ERTS imagery using snow enhancement techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wobber, F. J. (Principal Investigator); Martin, K. R.; Amato, R. V.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. New fracture detail within New England test area has been interpreted from ERTS-1 images. Comparative analysis of snow-free imagery (1096-15065 and 1096-15072) has demonstrated that MSS bands 5 and 7 supply the greatest amount of geological fracture detail. Interpretation of the first snow-covered ERTS-1 images (1132-15074 and 1168-15065) in correlation with ground snow depth data indicates that a heavy blanket of snow (less than 9 inches) accentuates major structural features while a light dusting (greater than 1 inch) accentuates more subtle topographic expressions. Snow cover was found to accentuate drainage patterns which are indicative of lithological and/or structural variations. Snow cover provided added enhancement for viewing and detecting topographically expressed fractures and faults. A recent field investigation was conducted within the New England test area to field check lineaments observed from analysis of ERTS-1 imagery, collect snow depth readings, and obtain structural joint readings at key locations in the test area.

Regional Crustal Structures and Their Relationship to the Distribution of Ore Deposits in the Western United States, Based on Magnetic and Gravity Data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hildenbrand, T.G.; Berger, B.; Jachens, R.C.; Ludington, S.

2000-01-01

Upgraded gravity and magnetic databases and associated filtered-anomaly maps of western United States define regional crustal fractures or faults that may have guided the emplacement of plutonic rocks and large metallic ore deposits. Fractures, igneous intrusions, and hydrothermal circulation tend to be localized along boundaries of crustal blocks, with geophysical expressions that are enhanced here by wavelength filtering. In particular, we explore the utility of regional gravity and magnetic data to aid in understanding the distribution of large Mesozoic and Cenozoic ore deposits, primarily epithermal and porphyry precious and base metal deposits and sediment-hosted gold deposits in the western United States cordillera. On the broadest scale, most ore deposits lie within areas characterized by low magnetic properties. The Mesozoic Mother Lodge gold belt displays characteristic geophysical signatures (regional gravity high, regional low-to-moderate background magnetic field anomaly, and long curvilinear magnetic highs) that might serve as an exploration guide. Geophysical lineaments characterize the Idaho-Montana porphyry belt and the La Caridad-Mineral Park belt (from northern Mexico to western Arizona) and thus indicate a deep-seated control for these mineral belts. Large metal accumulations represented by the giant Bingham porphyry copper and the Butte polymetallic vein and porphyry copper systems lie at intersections of several geophysical lineaments. At a more local scale, geophysical data define deep-rooted faults and magmatic zones that correspond to patterns of epithermal precious metal deposits in western and northern Nevada. Of particular interest is an interpreted dense crustal block with a shape that resembles the elliptical deposit pattern partly formed by the Carlin trend and the Battle Mountain-Eureka mineral belt. We support previous studies, which on a local scale, conclude that structural elements work together to localize mineral deposits within regional zones or belts. This study of mineral deposits of the western United States demonstrates the ability of magnetic and gravity data to elucidate the regional geologic framework or structural setting and to contribute in locating favorable environments for hydrothermal mineralization.

Fracture related-fold patterns analysis and hydrogeological implications: Insight from fault-propagation fold in Northwestern of Tunisia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanai, L.; Chenini, I.; Ben Mammou, A.; Mercier, E.

2015-01-01

The spatial distribution of fracturing in hard rocks is extremely related to the structural profile and traduces the kinematic evolution. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of fracturing combined to GIS techniques seem to be primordial and efficient in geometric characterization of lineament's network and to reconstruct the relative timing and interaction of the folding and fracturing histories. Also a detailed study of the area geology, lithology, tectonics, is primordial for any hydrogeological study. For that purpose we used a structural approach that consist in comparison between fracture sets before and after unfolding completed by aerospace data and DEM generated from topographic map. The above methodology applied in this study carried out in J. Rebia located in Northwestern of Tunisia demonstrated the heterogeneity of fracturing network and his relation with the fold growth throught time and his importance on groundwater flow.

Evaluation of EREP techniques for geological mapping. [southern Pyrenees and Ebro basin in Spain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandermeermohr, H. E. C.; Srivastava, G. S. (Principal Investigator)

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Skylab photographs may be successfully utilized for preparing a reconnaissance geological map in the areas where no maps or semi-detailed maps exist. Large coverage of area and regional perspective from Skylab photographs can help better coordination in regional mapping. It is possible to delineate major structural trends and other features like mega-lineaments, geofractures, and faults, which have evaded their detection by conventional methods. The photointerpretability is better in areas dominated by sedimentary rocks. Rock units of smaller extent and having poor geomorphic expressions are difficult to map. Demarcation of quaternary river alluvium can be made with better precision and ease with the Skylab photographs. Stereoscopic viewing greatly helps in interpretation of area structures. Skylab photographs are not good for preparing geological maps larger than 1:270,000 scale.

Prediction of Exploration Target Areas for GEM Deposits in Mogok Stone Tract, Northern Myanmar by Integrating Remote Sensing and Geoscience Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oo, Tin Ko

2011-07-01

The Mogok Stone Tract area has long been known for world famous finest ruby since 1597. The Mogok area lies in northern Myanmar and is located at about 205.99km northeast from Mandalay, the second largest city of Myanmar. The Mogok Group of metasedimentary rocks is divided into four units: (1) Wabyudaung Marble, (2) Ayenyeinchantha Calc-silicate, (3) Gwebin Quartzite, and (4) Kabe Gneiss. Igneous rocks in the Mogok area are classified into two units: (1) Kabaing Granite and (2) Pingutaung Leucogranite. The Mogok area has a complex structure involving several folds and faults. Using marbles and calc-silicates as marker horizons, a series of anticline and syncline can be identified such as Mogok syncline, Ongaing anticline, Bawpadan syncline, and Kyatpyin anticline. All the foldings show a low-angle plunge to the south. The main precious stones of the Mogok area are ruby and sapphire; and the other important semi-precious stones are spinel, topaz, peridot, garnet, apatite, beryl, tourmaline (rubellite), quartz, diopside, fluorite, and enstatite. Geological and remote sensing data are processed to extract the indicative features of gem mineralized areas: lithology, structure, and hydrothermal alteration. Density slice version of Landsat ETM band ratios 5/7 is used to map clay alterations. Filtering Landsat ETM band 5 by using edge detection filter is applied for lineament mapping. Spatial integration of various geoscience and remote sensing data sets such as geological maps, Landsat ETM images, and the location map of gem mines show the distribution of alteration zones associated with the gem mineralization in the study area. Geographic Information System (GIS) model has been designed and implemented by ARCVIEW software package based on the overlay of lithologic, lineament, and alteration vector maps. This process has resulted in delineation of most promising areas of probable gem mineralized zones as on the output map.

Dirty snowball - now is too primitive for a scientific description of comets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kochemasov, G.

Success of the "Deep Space 1" scientists which acquired excellent pictures of comet Borrelli, brings comets into the family of small celestial bodies with common regularities of shaping. Often attracted accidental impact process never can explain constantly repeated shapes of small bodies. Understanding their shaping is important in view of coming missions to small bodies. "Orbits make structures". This fundamental notion is unfolded into 4 theorems of planetary tectonics [1]: 1. Celestial bodies are dichotomic; 2. -" - are sectoral; 3. -"- are granular; 4. Angular momenta of different level blocks tend to be equal. All these general rules of shaping and structurization are a consequence of interferences of warping any body standing planetary waves due to inertia forces acting in any moving in non-circular orbit body. Dichotomy is the most global tectonic feature due to the fundamental waves (wave 1). It is typical to all planetary spheres. In Earth it is in the core, mantle, crust, atmosphere. At Venus it is very pronounced in the crust and in atmosphere: lying Y-feature and inverse C-feature in the cloud layer. Coherent martian lithosphere- atmosphere dichotomies are well known. In small bodies the dichotomy is specifically pronounced as ubiquitous convexo -concave shape. Most detailed studied at Eros this shape was also observed at comet Halley and recently at Borrelli. Borrelli's convex extended half is strongly jagged (not easy to find a place for landing!), the contracted concave half spits out tremendous tail. Surface areas around the tail outlets are whitish and lighter than surroundings. It seems that the gas-dust material squeezed out of interiors not only disappears in space but leaves traces on the concave surface. The concave hemisphere has shorter radius than the convex one and tends to compensate loosing angular momentum by denser material extracted from interiors (Theorem 4 [1];compare with the basaltic Pacific hemisphere opposed by the granitic continental one). The arctic-antarctic symptom - an opposition of sharp and blunt ends (Theorem 2) - is perfectly presented at Borrelli. It seems that the blunt end is rather smooth and whiter than the sharp end: again denser material from interiors tends to be on surface (compare basic Arctic and granitic Antarctic). This kind of cometary surfaces probably is m ore suitable for landing and sampling because of relative smoothness and the deeper material exposed on surface. A granular structurization (Theorem 3) is distinguished almost on the whole surface. Crossing lineaments marking rows of equidimensional dark and light spots ("craters") are distinct mainly on the darker areas. Ref.: [1] Kochemasov G. (1999) Geophys. Res. Abstr.,v.1, #3, 700.

Episodic plate separation and fracture infill on the surface of Europa. Galileo Imaging Team.

PubMed

Sullivan, R; Greeley, R; Homan, K; Klemaszewski, J; Belton, M J; Carr, M H; Chapman, C R; Tufts, R; Head, J W; Pappalardo, R; Moore, J; Thomas, P

1998-01-22

Images obtained by the Voyager spacecraft revealed dark, wedge-shaped bands on Europa that were interpreted as evidence that surface plates, 50-100 km across, moved and rotated relative to each other. This implied that they may be mechanically decoupled from the interior by a layer of warm ice or liquid water. Here we report similar features seen in higher resolution images (420 metres per pixel) obtained by the Galileo spacecraft that reveal new details of wedge-band formation. In particular, the interior of one dark band shows bilateral symmetry of parallel lineaments and pit complexes which indicates that plate separation occurred in discrete episodes from a central axis. The images also show that this style of tectonic activity involved plates < 10 km across. Although this tectonic style superficially resembles aspects of similar activity on Earth, such as sea-floor spreading and the formation of ice leads in polar seas, there are significant differences in the underlying physical mechanisms: the wedge-shaped bands on Europa most probably formed when lower material (ice or water) rose to fill the fractures that widened in response to regional surface stresses.

The Mara Rosa 2010 GT-5 earthquake and its possible relationship with the continental-scale transbrasiliano lineament

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barros, Lucas V.; Assumpção, Marcelo; Chimpliganond, Cristiano; Carvalho, Juraci M.; Von Huelsen, Mônica G.; Caixeta, Daniel; França, George Sand; de Albuquerque, Diogo F.; Ferreira, Vinicius M.; Fontenele, Darlan P.

2015-07-01

On October 8th, 2010, a 5.0 mb earthquake with intensity VI (MM) occurred close to Mara Rosa, in the North of Goiás State, central Brazil, in an area where previous low magnitude seismicity had been observed. This earthquake was felt up to 300 km away from the epicenter, and was the biggest event ever detected in Central Brazil Seismic Zone. Despite the difficulty of associating earthquakes in Stable Continental Interior with geological structures, this event is possibly related to the reactivation of a geological fault of the continental-scale Transbrasiliano Lineament (TBL): the aftershock activity observed with an 8-station seismic network, indicates a NW dipping, SW-NE trending reverse fault, parallel to the TBL. The P axis is NW-SE oriented, consistent with expected stress direction in the region. Cross correlation technique was used to synchronize the weak P- and S- wave phases of some of the aftershocks, recorded at regional stations, with the corresponding arrivals of the main shock producing a consistent set of relative arrival times. The use of regional station corrections allowed the mainshock to be located with uncertainties small enough to qualify for a GT5 event, which will help to constrain 3D velocity models in South America. We found that the aftershocks were distributed around a circular area about 1.5-2.0 km across, with no events in the middle. This is interpreted as the mainshock rupture completely releasing all stresses. The rupture area and the mainshock moment correspond to a stress-drop of about 2 MPa.

Lithospheric Structure of Arabia from the Joint Inversion of P- and S-wave Receiver Functions and Dispersion Velocities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Julia, Jordi; Al-Amri, Abdullah; Pasyanos, Michael; Rodgers, Arthur; Matzel, Eric; Nyblade, Andrew

2013-04-01

Seismic imaging of the lithosphere under the Arabian shield and platform is critical to help answer important geologic questions of regional and global interest. The Arabian Shield can be regarded as an amalgamation of several arcs and microplates of Proterozoic age that culminated in the accretion of the Arabian portion of Gondwana during the Pan-African event at ~550 Ma and the role of important geologic features observed on the surface - such as the lineaments and shear zones separating the Proterozoic terrains in the shield - is not completely understood. Also, current models of Precambrian crustal evolution predict that Proterozoic terranes are underlain by fertile (FeO-rich) cratonic roots that should promote the production of mafic magmas and underplating of the Arabian shield terranes, and the shield contains Tertiary and Quaternary volcanic rocks related to the early stages of the Red Sea formation that might also be related to plume-related lithospheric "erosion". In order to better understand these relationships, we are developing new velocity models of litospheric structure for the Arabian shield and platform from the joint inversion of up to four seismic data sets: P-wave receiver functions, S-wave receiver functions, dispersion velocities from surface-waves, and dispersion velocities from ambient-noise cross-correlations. The joint inversion combines constraints on crustal thickness from P-wave receiver functions, constraints on lithospheric thickness from S-wave receiver functions and constraints on S-velocity and S-velocity gradients from dispersion velocities to produce detailed S-velocity profiles under single recording stations. We will present S-velocity profiles for a number of permanent stations operated by the Saudi Geological Survey and the King ing Abdulaziz Center for Science and Technology as well as stations from past temporary deployments and discuss the implications of the velocity models regarding composition and tectonics of the Arabian shield and platform.

INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGY FOR DETECTION OF FRACTURE-CONTROLLED SWEET SPOTS IN THE NORTHERN APPALACHIAN BASIN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Robert Jacobi; John Fountain

2002-01-30

In the structure task, we completed reducing the data we had collected from a N-S transect on the east of Seneca Lake. We have calculated the fracture frequency for all the fracture sets at each site, and constructed modified rose diagrams that summarize the fracture attributes at each site. These data indicate a N-striking fault near the southeastern shore of Seneca Lake, and also indicate NE and ENE-trending FIDs and faults north of Valois. The orientation and existence of the ENE-striking FIDs and faults are thought to be guided by faults in the Precambrian basement; these basement faults apparently weremore » sufficiently reactivated to cause faulting in the Paleozoic section. Other faults are thrust ramps above the Silurian salt section that were controlled by a far-field Alleghanian stress field. Structure contour maps and isopach maps have been revised based on additional well log analyses. Except for the Glodes Corners Field, the well spacing generally is insufficient to definitively identify faults. However, relatively sharp elevational changes east of Keuka Lake support the contention that faults occur along the east side of Keuka Lake. Outcrop stratigraphy along the east side of Seneca Lake indicates that faults and gentle folds can be inferred from the some exposures along Seneca Lake, but the lensing nature of the individual sandstones can preclude long-distance definitive correlations and structure identification. Soil gas data collected during the 2000 field season was reduced and displayed in the previous semiannual report. The seismic data that Quest licensed has been reprocessed. Several grabens observed in the Trenton reflector are consistent with surface structure, soil gas, and aeromagnetic anomalies. In this report we display an interpreted seismic line that crosses the Glodes Corners and Muck Farm fields. The final report from the subcontractor concerning the completed aeromagnetic survey is included. Prominent magnetic anomalies suggest that faults in the Precambrian basement are located beneath regions where grabens in the Trenton are located. The trend and location of these faults based on aeromagnetics agrees with the location based on FIDs. These data indicate that integration of aeromagnetic and topographic lineaments, surface structure, soil gas with seismic and well logs allows us to extrapolate Trenton-Black River trends away from confirmatory seismic lines.« less

P wave crustal velocity structure in the greater Mount Rainier area from local earthquake tomography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moran, S.C.; Lees, J.M.; Malone, S.D.

1999-01-01

We present results from a local earthquake tomographic imaging experiment in the greater Mount Rainier area. We inverted P wave arrival times from local earthquakes recorded at permanent and temporary Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network seismographs between 1980 and 1996. We used a method similar to that described by Lees and Crosson [1989], modified to incorporate the parameter separation method for decoupling the hypocenter and velocity problems. In the upper 7 km of the resulting model there is good correlation between velocity anomalies and surface geology. Many focal mechanisms within the St. Helens seismic zone have nodal planes parallel to the epicentral trend as well as to a north-south trending low-velocity trough, leading us to speculate that the trough represents a zone of structural weakness in which a moderate (M 6.5-7.0) earthquake could occur. In contrast, the western Rainier seismic zone does not correlate in any simple way with anomaly patterns or focal mechanism fault planes, leading us to infer that it is less likely to experience a moderate earthquake. A ???10 km-wide low-velocity anomaly occurs 5 to 18 km beneath the summit of Mount Rainier, which we interpret to be a signal of a region composed of hot, fractured rock with possible small amounts of melt or fluid. No systematic velocity pattern is observed in association with the southern Washington Cascades conductor. A midcrustal anomaly parallels the Olympic-Wallowa lineament as well as several other geophysical trends, indicating that it may play an important role in regional tectonics. Copyright 1999 by the American Geophysical Union.

Use of the high-resolution satellite images for detection of fractures related to the ore deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruz-Mondaca, M.; Soto-Pinto, C. A.; Arellano-Baeza, A. A.

2012-12-01

The Aster and GeoEye satellite high-resolution images were used to detect the structures related to the fracturing of the upper crust in the North of Chile. In particular, lineament analysis has been applied to detect the presence of epithermal fluids of low sulfurization associated with the Paleozoic ore deposits. These results have been compared with the location of the minerals altered by the presence of geothermal fluids detected using the spectral libraries. Later, the presence of fractures has been corroborated during recognition of fractures in situ and the geochemical analysis of samples of minerals altered by the presence of fluids. It was shown that the results obtained are relevant for the gold vein detection.

Management of natural resources through automatic cartographic inventory. [Spanish Catalonia and Landes of Gascony (France)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rey, P. A.; Gourinard, Y.; Cambou, F. (Principal Investigator); Guyader, J. C.; Gouaux, P.; Letoan, T.; Monchant, M.; Donville, B.; Loubet, D.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Significant results of the ARNICA program (February - December 1973) were: (1) The quantitative processing of ERTS-1 data was developed along two lines: the study of geological structures and lineaments of Spanish Catalonia, and the phytogeographical study of the forest region of the Landes of Gascony (France). In both cases it is shown that the ERTS-1 imagery can be used in establishing zonings of equal quantitative interpretation value. (2) In keeping with the operational transfer program proposed in previous reports between exploration of the imagery and charting of the object, a precise data processing method was developed, concerning more particularly the selection of digital equidensity samples computer display and rigorous referencing.

Kimberlites in western Liberia - An overview of the geological setting in a plate tectonic framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haggerty, S. E.

1982-12-01

Evidence which includes Landsat images is presented for prolonged periods of tectonism, marginal to and extending within the intracratonic region of the West African platform. Also found are indications of intermittent, or perhaps even sustained activity, dating back to more than three billion years. The petrology and mineral chemistry of kimberlites, and their associated nodule suites in the present region, are broadly similar to those from kimberlite localities throughout the African continent, and should therefore be considered as part of a major province. Attention is drawn to the lineament control of kimberlites, and the coincidence of these lineaments with the basement fabric and with faults. The proposed interpretation for the distribution of West African kimberlites is in essential agreement with the intraplate and intracratonic model of Dawson (1970) and Sykes (1978), which calls upon the reactivation of paleofaults and sutures during plate tectonism.

Applicability of ERTS-1 to Montana geology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weidman, R. M. (Principal Investigator); Alt, D. D.; Berg, R.; Johns, W.; Flood, R.; Hawley, K.; Wackwitz, L.

1976-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Late autumn imagery provides the advantages of topographic shadow enhancement and low cloud cover. Mapping of rock units was done locally with good results for alluvium, basin fill, volcanics, inclined Paleozoic and Mesozoic beds, and host strata of bentonite beds. Folds, intrusive domes, and even dip directions were mapped where differential erosion was significant. However, mapping was not possible for belt strata, was difficult for granite, and was hindered by conifers compared to grass cover. Expansion of local mapping required geologic control and encountered significant areas unmappable from ERTS imagery. Annotation of lineaments provided much new geologic data. By extrapolating test site comparisons, it is inferred that 27 percent of some 1200 lineaments mapped from western Montana represent unknown faults. The remainder appear to be localized mainly by undiscovered faults and sets of minor faults or joints.

Study geomorphology, past and present, linear trench, tectonics relationship between Pyrenees and Alps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guillemot, J. (Principal Investigator)

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. ERTS-1 images obviously show up some large linear features trending N 80 E or N 30 E common to both Alps and Pyrenees. One of them, the Ligurian Fault, had been previously forecast by Laubscher in an interpretation of the Alps by the plate tectonic theory, but it extends westward farthest from the Alps, cutting the Pyrenees axis. These lineaments have been interpreted as reflections of deep seated wrench faults in the surficial part of the sedimentary series. A large set of such lineaments is perceptible in western Europe, such as the Guadalquivir Fault in southern Spain, Ligurian Fault, Insubrian Fault, Northern-Jura Fault, Metz Fault. Perhaps these may be interpreted as transform faults of the mid-Atlantic ridge or of a paleo-rift seated in the Rhine-Rhone graben.

Tectonic lineaments in the cenozoic volcanics of southern Guatemala: Evidence for a broad continental plate boundary zone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baltuck, M.; Dixon, T. H.

1984-01-01

The northern Caribbean plate boundary has been undergoing left lateral strike slip motion since middle Tertiary time. The western part of the boundary occurs in a complex tectonic zone in the continental crust of Guatemala and southernmost Mexico, along the Chixoy-Polochic, Motogua and possibly Jocotan-Chamelecon faults. Prominent lineaments visible in radar imagery in the Neogene volcanic belt of southern Guatemala and western El Salvador were mapped and interpreted to suggest southwest extensions of this already broad plate boundary zone. Because these extensions can be traced beneath Quaternary volcanic cover, it is thought that this newly mapped fault zone is active and is accommodating some of the strain related to motion between the North American and Caribbean plates. Onshore exposures of the Motoqua-Polochic fault systems are characterized by abundant, tectonically emplaced ultramafic rocks. A similar mode of emplacement for these off shore ultramafics, is suggested.

Geotechnical applications of remote sensing and remote data transmission; Proceedings of the Symposium, Cocoa Beach, FL, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 1986

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, A.I.; Pettersson, C.B.

1988-01-01

Papers and discussions concerning the geotechnical applications of remote sensing and remote data transmission, sources of remotely sensed data, and glossaries of remote sensing and remote data transmission terms, acronyms, and abbreviations are presented. Aspects of remote sensing use covered include the significance of lineaments and their effects on ground-water systems, waste-site use and geotechnical characterization, the estimation of reservoir submerging losses using CIR aerial photographs, and satellite-based investigation of the significance of surficial deposits for surface mining operations. Other topics presented include the location of potential ground subsidence and collapse features in soluble carbonate rock, optical Fourier analysis ofmore » surface features of interest in geotechnical engineering, geotechnical applications of U.S. Government remote sensing programs, updating the data base for a Geographic Information System, the joint NASA/Geosat Test Case Project, the selection of remote data telemetry methods for geotechnical applications, the standardization of remote sensing data collection and transmission, and a comparison of airborne Goodyear electronic mapping system/SAR with satelliteborne Seasat/SAR radar imagery.« less

A strategy for mineral and energy resource independence

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carter, W.D.

1983-01-01

Data acquired by Landsats 1, 2, and 3, are beginning to provide the information on which an improved mineral and energy resource exploration strategy can be based. Landsat 4 is expected to augment this capability with its higher resolution (30 m) and additional spectral bands in the Thematic Mapper (TM) designed specifically to discriminate clay minerals associated with mineral alteration. In addition, a new global magnetic anomaly map, derived from the recent Magsat mission, has recently been compiled by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and others. Preliminary, extremely small-scale renditions of this map indicate that global coverage is nearly complete and that the map will improve upon a previous one derived from Polar Orbiting Geophysical Observatory (POGO) data. Digital processing of the Landsat image data and Magsat geophysical data can be used to create three-dimensional stereoscopic models for which Landsat images provide surface reference to deep structural anomalies. Comparative studies of national Landsat lineament maps, Magsat stereoscopic models, and metallogenic information derived from the Computerized Resources Information Bank (CRIB) inventory of U.S. mineral resources, provide a way of identifying and selecting exploration areas that have mineral resource potential. Landsat images and computer-compatible tapes can provide new and better mosaics and also provide the capability for a closer look at promising sites. ?? 1983.

Source parameters for the 1952 Kern County earthquake, California: A joint inversion of leveling and triangulation observations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bawden, G.W.

2001-01-01

Coseismic leveling and triangulation observations are used to determine the faulting geometry and slip distribution of the July 21, 1952, Mw 7.3 Kem County earthquake on the White Wolf fault. A singular value decomposition inversion is used to assess the ability of the geodetic network to resolve slip along a multisegment fault and shows that the network is sufficient to resolve slip along the surface rupture to a depth of 10 km. Below 10 km, the network can only resolve dip slip near the fault ends. The preferred source model is a two-segment right-stepping fault with a strike of 51?? and a dip of 75?? SW. The epicentral patch has deep (6-27 km) leftlateral oblique slip, while the northeastern patch has shallow (1-12.5 km) reverse slip. There is nearly uniform reverse slip (epicentral, 1.6 m; northeast, 1.9 m), with 3.6 m of left-lateral strike slip limited to the epicentral patch. The seismic moment is M0= 9.2 ?? 0.5 ?? 1019 N m (Mw= 7.2). The signal-to-noise ratio of the leveling and triangulation data is reduced by 96% and 49%, respectively. The slip distribution from the preferred model matches regional geomorphic features and may provide a driving mechanism for regional shortening across the Comanche thrust and structural continuity with the Scodie seismic lineament to the northeast.

Magnetic Data Interpretation for the Source-Edge Locations in Parts of the Tectonically Active Transition Zone of the Narmada-Son Lineament in Central India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, G. K.

2016-02-01

The study has been carried out in the transition zone of the Narmada-Son lineament (NSL) which is seismically active with various geological complexities, upwarp movement of the mantle material into the crust through fault, fractures lamination and upwelling. NSL is one of the most prominent lineaments in central India after the Himalaya in the Indian geology. The area of investigation extends from longitude 80.25°E to 81.50°E and latitude 23.50°N to 24.37°N in the central part of the Indian continent. Different types of subsurface geological formations viz. alluvial, Gondwana, Deccan traps, Vindhyan, Mahakoshal, Granite and Gneisses groups exist in this area with varying geological ages. In this study area tectonic movement and crustal variation have been taken place during the past time and which might be reason for the variation of magnetic field. Magnetic anomaly suggests that the area has been highly disturbed which causes the Narmada-Son lineament trending in the ENE-WSW direction. Magnetic anomaly variation has been taken place due to the lithological variations subject to the changes in the geological contacts like thrusts and faults in this area. Shallow and deeper sources have been distinguished using frequency domain analysis by applying different filters. To enhance the magnetic data, various types of derivatives to identify the source-edge locations of the causative source bodies. The present study carried out the interpretation using total horizontal derivative, tilt angle derivative, horizontal tilt angle derivative and Cos (θ) derivative map to get source-edge locations. The results derived from various derivatives of magnetic data have been compared with the basement depth solutions calculated from 3D Euler deconvolution. It is suggested that total horizontal derivative, tilt angle derivative and Cos (θ) derivative are the most useful tools for identifying the multiple source edge locations of the causative bodies in this tectonically active and transition zone area. As this area is highly prone to hydrocarbon bearing zone, hence, the integrated interpretation could reliably image various thrusts and faults boundaries and the source edge locations with dip and strike orientation along with the basement lineation in encouraging exploration for better understanding of the geo-scientific data.

Cenozoic tectonic events at the border of the Paraná Basin, São Paulo, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandes, A. J.; Amaral, G.

2002-03-01

In the last decade, even in areas that had been considered tectonically stable, a great amount of Cenozoic, including the Quaternary period, structural data have been collected throughout Brazil. The main goal of this study is to describe the Cenozoic structures and tectonic evolution of an area that is located at the border of the Paraná Basin in the state of São Paulo. The research methods consisted of the analysis of: (1) brittle structure data, mainly conjugate fractures and fault slip data; (2) lineaments traced on air photos and TM Landsat and radar images; and (3) a second-order base surface map. The study area, during the Cenozoic, has been affected by five strike-slip tectonic events, which generated mainly strike-slip faults, and secondarily normal and reverse ones. The events were named, from the oldest to the youngest, E1-NE, E2-EW, E3-NW, E4-NS, and E5-NNE; and the maximum principal stresses σ1 strike approximately NE-SW, E-W, NW-SE, N-S, and NNE-SSW, respectively. Event E2-EW seems to have been contemporaneous with the deposition of the Rio Claro Formation, the most important Cenozoic deposit of probable Neogenic age, and also to have controlled the distribution of its deposits. Event E3-NW was the strongest one in the area, as is pointed out by structural data, and the maximum principal stress σ1 of event E5-NNE is partially concordant with the orientation of σH-max of well break-out data in the Paraná Basin, suggesting a Neotectonic activity for this event. Finally, discontinuities parallel and correlated to the directions of strike-slip faults of the Cenozoic events seem to have actively controlled the sculpturing of the relief in the study area.

Fault reactivation: The Picuris-Pecos fault system of north-central New Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, David Wilson

The PPFS is a N-trending fault system extending over 80 km in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico. Precambrian basement rocks are offset 37 km in a right-lateral sense; however, this offset includes dextral strike-slip (Precambrian), mostly normal dip-slip (Pennsylvanian), mostly reverse dip-slip (Early Laramide), limited strike-slip (Late Laramide) and mostly normal dip-slip (Cenozoic). The PPFS is broken into at least 3 segments by the NE-trending Embudo fault and by several Laramide age NW-trending tear faults. These segments are (from N to S): the Taos, the Picuris, and the Pecos segments. On the east side of the Picuris segment in the Picuris Mountains, the Oligocene-Miocene age Miranda graben developed and represents a complex extension zone south of the Embudo fault. Regional analysis of remotely sensed data and geologic maps indicate that lineaments subparallel to the trace of the PPFS are longer and less frequent than lineaments that trend orthogonal to the PPFS. Significant cross cutting faults and subtle changes in fault trends in each segment are clear in the lineament data. Detailed mapping in the eastern Picuris Mountains showed that the favorably oriented Picuris segment was not reactivated in the Tertiary development of the Rio Grande rift. Segmentation of the PPFS and post-Laramide annealing of the Picuris segment are interpreted to have resulted in the development of the subparallel La Serna fault. The Picuris segment of the PPFS is offset by several E-ESE trending faults. These faults are Late Cenozoic in age and interpreted to be related to the uplift of the Picuris Mountains and the continuing sinistral motion on the Embudo fault. Differential subsidence within the Miranda graben caused the development of several synthetic and orthogonal faults between the bounding La Serna and Miranda faults. Analysis of over 10,000 outcrop scale brittle structures reveals a strong correlation between faults and fracture systems. The dominant trends are NNE to NNW related to the PPF, NE related to the Embudo fault, and ENE to ESE and NW related to Laramide and younger tectonic events. Recent faults are characterized by a significant increase in fracture density near the fault while ancient faults show a lesser increase. The results from this study suggest that in regions where sigma1 is vertical and sigma2 ≈ sigma 3, fractures orthogonal to the main faults are as likely as fractures parallel to the main faults.

P-wave tomography of Northeast Asia: Constraints on the western Pacific plate subduction and mantle dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jincheng; Tian, You; Liu, Cai; Zhao, Dapeng; Feng, Xuan; Zhu, Hongxiang

2018-01-01

A high-resolution model of 3-D P-wave velocity structure beneath Northeast Asia and adjacent regions is determined by using 244,180 arrival times of 14,163 local and regional earthquakes and 319,857 relative travel-time residuals of 9988 teleseismic events recorded at ∼2100 seismic stations in the study region. Our tomographic results reveal the subducting Pacific slab clearly as a prominent high-velocity anomaly from the Japan Trench to the North-South Gravity lineament (NSGL) in East China. The NSGL is roughly coincident with the western edge of the stagnant Pacific slab in the mantle transition zone (MTZ). The subducting Pacific slab has partly sunk into the lower mantle beneath Northeast China, but under the Sino-Korean Craton the slab lies horizontally in the MTZ. The NSGL, as an important tectonic line in Mainland China, is marked by sharp differences in the surface topography, gravity anomaly, crustal and lithospheric thickness and mantle seismic velocity from the east to the west. These features of the NSGL and large-scale hot and wet upwelling in the big mantle wedge (BMW) in the east of the NSGL are all related to the subduction processes of the Western Pacific plate. The Changbai intraplate volcanic group is underlain by a striking low-velocity anomaly from the upper MTZ and the BMW up to the surface, and deep earthquakes (410-650 km depths) occur actively in the subducting Pacific slab to the east of the Changbai volcano. We propose that the Changbai volcanic group is caused by upwelling of hot and wet asthenospheric materials and active convection in the BMW. The formation of other volcanic groups in the east of the NSGL is also associated with the subduction-driven corner flow in the BMW.

Proterozoic crustal boundary in the southern part of the Illinois Basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Heigold, P.C.; Kolata, Dennis R.

1993-01-01

Recently acquired COCORP and proprietary seismic reflection data in the southern part of the Illinois Basin, combined with other geological and geophysical data, indicate that a WNW-trending Proterozoic terrane boundary (40 km wide) lies within basement. The boundary is characterized by the termination of subhorizontal Proterozoic reflectors and associated diffraction patterns along a line coinciding with the major magnetic lineament in this region (South Central Magnetic Lineament). North of the boundary, where reflectors thought to represent a sequence of layered Proterozoic rocks in the upper crust are widespread and as much as 11 km thick, total magnetic intensity values are relatively high, suggesting layers of rock with high magnetic susceptibility. To the south, the Proterozoic rocks are acoustically transparent on seismic reflection sections and total magnetic intensity values are relatively low. Moreover, relatively high Bouguer gravity anomaly values to the south may be caused by a dense, altered, lower crustal layer similar to that interpreted from deep seismic refraction studies to underlie the northern Mississippi Embayment. The boundary lies along the projected trend of the northern margin of the Early Proterozoic Central Plains orogen and we suggest that it marks the convergent margin of this orogen. Reactivation of the boundary and the associated zone of weakness during late Paleozoic times apparently resulted in structural deformation in the southern part of the Illinois Basin, including movement along the Cottage Grove Fault System and Ste. Genevieve Fault Zone and igneous activity at Hicks Dome. In addition to the role played by this crustal boundary in the evolution of the Illinois Basin, its location between the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone to the northeast and the New Madrid Seismic Zone to the southwest may be a significant factor in present-day seismicity. ?? 1993.

Active tectonics of the Imperial Valley, southern California: fault damage zones, complex basins and buried faults

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Persaud, P.; Ma, Y.; Stock, J. M.; Hole, J. A.; Fuis, G. S.; Han, L.

2016-12-01

Ongoing oblique slip at the Pacific-North America plate boundary in the Salton Trough produced the Imperial Valley. Deformation in this seismically active area is distributed across a complex network of exposed and buried faults resulting in a largely unmapped seismic hazard beneath the growing population centers of El Centro, Calexico and Mexicali. To better understand the shallow crustal structure in this region and the connectivity of faults and seismicity lineaments, we used data primarily from the Salton Seismic Imaging Project (SSIP) to construct a P-wave velocity profile to 15 km depth, and a 3-D velocity model down to 8 km depth including the Brawley Geothermal area. We obtained detailed images of a complex wedge-shaped basin at the southern end of the San Andreas Fault system. Two deep subbasins (VP <5.65 km/s) are located in the western part of the larger Imperial Valley basin, where seismicity trends and active faults play a significant role in shaping the basin edge. Our 3-D VP model reveals previously unrecognized NE-striking cross faults that are interacting with the dominant NW-striking faults to control deformation. New findings in our profile include localized regions of low VP (thickening of a 5.65-5.85 km/s layer) near faults or seismicity lineaments interpreted as possibly faulting-related. Our 3-D model and basement map reveal velocity highs associated with the geothermal areas in the eastern valley. The improved seismic velocity model from this study, and the identification of important unmapped faults or buried interfaces will help refine the seismic hazard for parts of Imperial County, California.

Mapping erosion susceptibility by a multivariate statistical method: A case study from the Ayvalık region, NW Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akgün, Aykut; Türk, Necdet

2011-09-01

Erosion is one of the most important natural hazard phenomena in the world, and it poses a significant threat to Turkey in terms of land degredation and desertification. To cope with this problem, we must determine which areas are erosion-prone. Many studies have been carried out and different models and methods have been used to this end. In this study, we used a logistic regression to prepare an erosion susceptibility map for the Ayvalık region in Balıkesir (NW Turkey). The following were our assessment parameters: weathering grades of rocks, slope gradient, structural lineament density, drainage density, land cover, stream power index (SPI) and profile curvature. These were processed by Idrisi Kilimanjaro GIS software. We used logistic regression analysis to relate predictor variables to the occurrence or non-occurrence of gully erosion sites within geographic cells, and then we used this relationship to produce a probability map for future erosion sites. The results indicate that lineament density, weathering grades of rocks and drainage density are the most important variables governing erosion susceptibility. Other variables, such as land cover and slope gradient, were revealed as secondary important variables. Highly weathered basalt, andesite, basaltic andesite and lacustrine sediments were the units most susceptible to erosion. In order to calculate the prediction accuracy of the erosion susceptibility map generated, we compared it with the map showing the gully erosion areas. On the basis of this comparison, the area under curvature (AUC) value was found to be 0.81. This result suggests that the erosion susceptibility map we generated is accurate.

Crustal seismicity in central Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrientos, S.; Vera, E.; Alvarado, P.; Monfret, T.

2004-06-01

Both the genesis and rates of activity of shallow intraplate seismic activity in central Chile are poorly understood, mainly because of the lack of association of seismicity with recognizable fault features at the surface and a poor record of seismic activity. The goal of this work is to detail the characteristics of seismicity that takes place in the western flank of the Andes in central Chile. This region, located less than 100 km from Santiago, has been the site of earthquakes with magnitudes up to 6.9, including several 5+ magnitude shocks in recent years. Because most of the events lie outside the Central Chile Seismic Network, at distances up to 60 km to the east, it is essential to have adequate knowledge of the velocity structure in the Andean region to produce the highest possible quality of epicentral locations. For this, a N-S refraction line, using mining blasts of the Disputada de Las Condes open pit mine, has been acquired. These blasts were detected and recorded as far as 180 km south of the mine. Interpretation of the travel times indicates an upper crustal model consisting of three layers: 2.2-, 6.7-, and 6.1-km thick, overlying a half space; their associated P wave velocities are 4.75-5.0 (gradient), 5.8-6.0 (gradient), 6.2, and 6.6 km/s, respectively. Hypocentral relocation of earthquakes in 1986-2001, using the newly developed velocity model, reveals several regions of concentrated seismicity. One clearly delineates the fault zone and extensions of the strike-slip earthquake that took place in September 1987 at the source of the Cachapoal River. Other regions of activity are near the San José volcano, the source of the Maipo River, and two previously recognized lineaments that correspond to the southern extension of the Pocuro fault and Olivares River. A temporary array of seismographs, installed in the high Maipo River (1996) and San José volcano (1997) regions, established the hypocentral location of events with errors of less than 1 km. These events are clustered along no particular lineament approximately 25 km away from the San José and Maipo volcanoes. Recurrence intervals, based on a frequency magnitude relationship for lower magnitude events, indicate that earthquakes with magnitudes of 4.7 and 7 have a repeat time of 1 and 1200 years, respectively. Focal mechanisms of the two largest events indicate horizontal maximum and minimum compressive stresses with σ1 varying from a NW-SE orientation in the north to E-W at the southern extreme.

Geophysics of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wells, R. A.

1979-01-01

A physical model of Mars is presented on the basis of light-scattering observations of the Martian atmosphere and surface and interior data obtained from observations of the geopotential field. A general description of the atmosphere is presented, with attention given to the circulation and the various cloud types, and data and questions on the blue haze-clearing effect and the seasonal darkening wave are summarized and the Mie scattering model developed to explain these observations is presented. The appearance of the planet from earth and spacecraft through Mariner 9 is considered, and attention is given to the preparation of topographical contour maps, the canal problem and large-scale lineaments observed from Mariner 9, the gravity field and shape of the planet and the application of Runcorn's geoid/convection theory to Mars. Finally, a summary of Viking results is presented and their application to the understanding of Martian geophysics is discussed.

Application of the ERTS system to the study of Wyoming resources with emphasis on the use of basic data products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houston, R. S.; Marrs, R. W.; Breckenridge, R. M.; Blackstone, D. L., Jr.

1974-01-01

Many potential users of ERTS data products and other aircraft and satellite imagery are limited to visual methods of analyses of these products. Illustrations are presented from Wyoming studies that have employed these standard data products for a variety of geologic and related studies. Possible economic applications of these studies are summarized. Studies include regional geologic mapping for updating and correcting existing maps and to supplement incomplete regional mapping; illustrations of the value of seasonal images in geologic mapping; specialized mapping of such features as sand dunes, playa lakes, lineaments, glacial features, regional facies changes, and their possible economic value; and multilevel sensing as an aid in mineral exploration. Examples of cooperative studies involving botanists, plant scientists, and geologists for the preparation of maps of surface resources that can be used by planners and for environmental impact studies are given.

A reconnaissance space sensing investigation of crustal structure for a strip from the eastern Sierra Nevada to the Colorado Plateau

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liggett, M. A. (Principal Investigator)

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Research progress in an investigation using ERTS-1 MSS imagery to study regional tectonics and related natural resources is summarized. Field reconnaissance guided by analysis of ERTS-1 imagery has resulted in development of a tectonic model relating strike-slip faulting to crustal extension in the southern Basin Range Province. The tectonics of the northern Death Valley-Furnace Creek Fault Zone and spacially associated volcanism and mercury mineralization were also investigated. Field work in the southern Sierra Nevada has confirmed the existence of faults and diabase dike swarms aligned along several major lineaments first recognized in ERTS-1 imagery. Various image enhancement and analysis techniques employed in the study of ERTS-1 data are summarized.

Results of Skylab investigation over Italy. [Sicily and Sardinia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cassinis, R.; Lechi, G. M.; Tonelli, A. M. (Principal Investigator)

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Multispectral high resolution photography of S190A was successfully applied to the detection of paleoriverbeds in flat lands. Results of SL-3 mission were compared to those of LANDSAT for two regional geological surveys (linear structures) on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. On Sicily, the seasonal conditions were unfavorable for Skylab while LANDSAT played a major role in discovering long, unknown lineaments of great interest for the geodynamics of the area. On Sardinia, owing to the vegetation type and to the geomorphic conditions, the Skylab imagery was successfully employed to describe the network of linears, both regional and local. Results can be used to study the relationship between linears, actual fracturing and the occurrence of mineral deposits.

Explicit topographic expressions of neotectonic movements along the Tønder Graben structure, Denmark - an example of fault reactivation due to deglaciation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandersen, Peter B. E.; Jørgensen, Flemming; Møller, Rasmus R.

2013-04-01

The topography in southern Denmark is dominated by Late Glacial outwash plains surrounding remnants of older Saalian hills. The outwash plains were formed outside the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) with a gently sloping surface averaging 1 m per 1.000 m. Formed in a proglacial environment the outwash plains have largely remained undisturbed by glacier ice and we would thus expect any topographic irregularities to relate to postglacial events. In that sense, the outwash plains constitute an ideal landform for identifying tectonic events during the late and postglacial periods. Irregularities in the present day glacial topography, such as kettle holes and other types of depressions are commonly linked to decay of dead ice. But this perception needs in many instances a further examination especially because of the recent availability of highly detailed LiDAR data. The investigation area is situated above the Tønder Graben structure at the northern margin of the North German Basin. The Tønder Graben was formed along the WNW-ESE trending Rømø Fault Zone and mobilization of Zechstein salt added to the evolution of the graben. The Tønder Graben has caused a significant impact on the Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary successions and is for instance clearly expressed as large elongate depressions in the Top Chalk surface. On the larger scale, no clear signs of the outline of the graben structure can be seen in the present day topography to indicate movements during the Quaternary. However, when high resolution LiDAR data is investigated carefully signatures of neotectonic movements emerges on the outwash plain. Among these are morphological features such as: 1) Significant level changes along distinct lineaments, 2) frequent slope changes of neighboring areas, 3) 180 degree changes in dip direction and 4) presence of close lying polygonal areas with marked shifts in terrain level. All these morphological features are found right on top of the Tønder Graben. In addition to these smaller scale morphological features we also identify a large area of the outwash plain without the expected slope forming a large and unusual threshold in the surface. Combined with information from boreholes and seismic data we relate the morphological irregularities to movements of the underlying Tønder Graben structure. Because we observe both negative and positive morphological features we propose that the tectonic movement within the graben has a strike-slip component. Based on dating of soil samples from depressions in the outwash plain the onset of the movements are constrained to around 9.000 years BP. We conclude that the deformation of the outwash plain is related to short-term reactivations of faults related to the Tønder Graben structure following the deglaciation.

Enhancement of subsurface geologic structure model based on gravity, magnetotelluric, and well log data in Kamojang geothermal field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yustin Kamah, Muhammad; Armando, Adilla; Larasati Rahmani, Dinda; Paramitha, Shabrina

2017-12-01

Geophysical methods such as gravity and magnetotelluric methods commonly used in conventional and unconventional energy exploration, notably for exploring geothermal prospect. They used to identify the subsurface geology structures which is estimated as a path of fluid flow. This study was conducted in Kamojang Geothermal Field with the aim of highlighting the volcanic lineament in West Java, precisely in Guntur-Papandayan chain where there are three geothermal systems. Kendang Fault has predominant direction NE-SW, identified by magnetotelluric techniques and gravity data processing techniques. Gravity techniques such as spectral analysis, derivative solutions, and Euler deconvolution indicate the type and geometry of anomaly. Magnetotelluric techniques such as inverse modeling and polar diagram are required to know subsurface resistivity charactersitics and major orientation. Furthermore, the result from those methods will be compared to geology information and some section of well data, which is sufficiently suitable. This research is very useful to trace out another potential development area.

Integrating Reflection Seismic, Gravity and Magnetic Data to Reveal the Structure of Crystalline Basement: Implications for Understanding Rift Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lenhart, Antje; Jackson, Christopher A.-L.; Bell, Rebecca E.; Duffy, Oliver B.; Fossen, Haakon; Gawthorpe, Robert L.

2016-04-01

Numerous rifts form above crystalline basement containing pervasive faults and shear zones. However, the compositional and mechanical heterogeneity within crystalline basement and the geometry and kinematics of discrete and pervasive basement fabrics are poorly understood. Furthermore, the interpretation of intra-crustal structures beneath sedimentary basins is often complicated by limitations in the depth of conventional seismic imaging, the commonly acoustically transparent nature of basement, limited well penetrations, and complex overprinting of multiple tectonic events. Yet, a detailed knowledge of the structural and lithological complexity of crystalline basement rocks is crucial to improve our understanding of how rifts evolve. Potential field methods are a powerful but perhaps underutilised regional tool that can decrease interpretational uncertainty based solely on seismic reflection data. We use petrophysical data, high-resolution 3D reflection seismic volumes, gridded gravity and magnetic data, and 2D gravity and magnetic modelling to constrain the structure of crystalline basement offshore western Norway. Intra-basement structures are well-imaged on seismic data due to relatively shallow burial of the basement beneath a thin (<3.5 km) sedimentary cover. Variations in basement composition were interpreted from detailed seismic facies analysis and mapping of discrete intra-basement reflections. A variety of data filtering and isolation techniques were applied to the original gravity and magnetic data in order to enhance small-scale field variations, to accentuate formation boundaries and discrete linear trends, and to isolate shallow and deep crustal anomalies. In addition, 2D gravity and magnetic data modelling was used to verify the seismic interpretation and to further constrain the configuration of the upper and lower crust. Our analysis shows that the basement offshore western Norway is predominantly composed of Caledonian allochthonous nappes overlying large-scale anticlines of Proterozoic rocks of the Western Gneiss Region. Major Devonian extensional brittle faults, detachments and shear zones transect those tectono-stratigraphic units. Results from structural analysis of enhanced gravity and magnetic data indicate the presence of distinct intra-basement bodies and structural lineaments at different scales and depth levels which correlate with our seismic data interpretation and can be linked to their onshore counterparts exposed on mainland Norway. 2D forward models of gravity and magnetic data further support our interpretation and quantitatively constrain variations in magnetic and density properties of principal basement units. We conclude that: i) enhanced gravity and magnetic data are a powerful tool to constrain the geometry of individual intra-basement bodies and to detect structural lineaments not imaged in seismic data; ii) insights from this study can be used to evaluate the role of pre-existing basement structures on the evolution of rift basins; and iii) the integration of a range of geophysical datasets is crucial to improve our understanding of the deep subsurface.

Fracture controls on valley persistence: the Cairngorm Granite pluton, Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, A. M.; Gillespie, M. R.

2017-09-01

Valleys are remarkably persistent features in many different tectonic settings, but the reasons for this persistence are rarely explored. Here, we examine the structural controls on valleys in the Cairngorms Mountains, Scotland, part of the passive margin of the eastern North Atlantic. We consider valleys at three scales: straths, glens and headwater valleys. The structural controls on valleys in and around the Cairngorm Granite pluton were examined on satellite and aerial photographs and by field survey. Topographic lineaments, including valleys, show no consistent orientation with joint sets or with sheets of microgranite and pegmatitic granite. In this granite landscape, jointing is not a first-order control on valley development. Instead, glens and headwater valleys align closely to quartz veins and linear alteration zones (LAZs). LAZs are zones of weakness in the granite pluton in which late-stage hydrothermal alteration and hydro-fracturing have greatly reduced rock mass strength and increased permeability. LAZs, which can be kilometres long and >700 m deep, are the dominant controls on the orientation of valleys in the Cairngorms. LAZs formed in the roof zone of the granite intrusion. Although the Cairngorm pluton was unroofed soon after emplacement, the presence of Old Red Sandstone (ORS) outliers in the terrain to the north and east indicates that the lower relief of the sub-ORS basement surface has been lowered by <500 m. Hence, the valley patterns in and around the Cairngorms have persisted through >1 km of vertical erosion and for 400 Myr. This valley persistence is a combined product of regionally low rates of basement exhumation and of the existence of LAZs in the Cairngorm pluton and sub-parallel Caledonide fractures in the surrounding terrain with depths that exceed 1 km.

High-resolution Geophysical Constraints on Fault Structure and Morphology in the Catalina Basin, Southern California Inner Continental Borderland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walton, M. A. L.; Roland, E. C.; Brothers, D. S.; Kluesner, J.; Maier, K. L.; Conrad, J. E.; Hart, P. E.; Balster-Gee, A. F.

2016-12-01

Southern California's Inner Continental Borderland, offshore of Los Angeles and San Diego, contains a complex arrangement of basins, ridges, and active faults that present seismic hazards to the region. In 2014 and 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Washington collected new geophysical data throughout the Catalina Basin (CB), including multibeam bathymetry, Chirp sub-bottom profiles, and more than 2000 line-km of high-resolution multi-channel seismic reflection profiles. These data provide the first detailed imaging of the San Clemente and Catalina faults, which border the CB. We now have improved constraints on the seabed morphology, fault structure, and deformation history along significant length of the San Clemente and Catalina fault systems, as well as insights into sediment deposition and basin development in the CB since the late Miocene. New multibeam data image the Catalina Fault as a continuous linear seafloor feature along the base of Catalina Island, and subsurface imaging indicates dominantly strike-slip motion. We also image the San Clemente Fault as a straight lineament along the seafloor downslope of San Clemente Island; the fault offsets several gullies and ridges, suggesting recent strike-slip motion. In the northwest region of the CB, the San Clemente Fault's main trace splits into several transpressional splays, as indicated by a series of uplifted, fault-bounded blocks. Growth strata throughout the CB suggest that oblique transform motion along the Catalina and San Clemente faults has affected regional sedimentation patterns and depocenters over time, providing a fundamental control on sediment distribution within the CB. Buried folds, faults, and unconformities within basin strata, including a prominent surface that is likely late Miocene based on regional geology, indicate multiple episodes of deformation throughout the CB's history.

Facilitating the exploitation of ERTS-1 imagery using snow enhancement techniques. [geological fault maps of Massachusetts and Connecticut

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wobber, F. J. (Principal Investigator); Martin, K. R.; Amato, R. V.; Leshendok, T.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The applications of ERTS-1 imagery for geological fracture mapping regardless of season has been repeatedly confirmed. The enhancement provided by a differential cover of snow increases the number and length of fracture-lineaments which can be detected with ERTS-1 data and accelerates the fracture mapping process for a variety of practical applications. The geological mapping benefits of the program will be realized in geographic areas where data are most needed - complex glaciated terrain and areas of deep residual soils. ERTS-1 derived fracture-lineament maps which provide detail well in excess of existing geological maps are not available in the Massachusetts-Connecticut area. The large quantity of new data provided by ERTS-1 may accelerate and improve field mapping now in progress in the area. Numerous other user groups have requested data on the techniques. This represents a major change in operating philosophy for groups who to data judged that snow obscured geological detail.

Extension of the Narmada — Son lineament on the continental margin off Saurashtra, Western India as obtained from magnetic measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, G. C.; Subrahmanyam, V.

1986-12-01

Magnetic total intensity values and bathymetric data collected on the continental margin off Saurashtra were, used to prepare magnetic anomalies and bathymetric contour maps. The magnetic anomalies are considered to have been caused by the Deccan Trap flood basalts which underlie the Tertiary sediments. Interpretation of the magnetic data using two-dimensional modelling method suggests that the magnetic basement is block faulted and deepens in steps from less than 1.0 km in the north to about 8.0 km towards the southern portion of the study area. The WNW-ESE trending faults identified in the present study extend across the Saurashtra continental margin between Porbandar and Veraval and appear to represent a major linear tectonic feature. The relationship of these fault lineaments with the regional tectonic framework have been discussed to indicate that they conform better as the northern boundary faults of the Narmada rift graben on the continental margin off Saurashtra.

Analysis of Europan Cycloid Morphology and Implications for Formation Mechanisms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, S. T.; Kattenhorn, S. A.

2004-01-01

Europa's highly fractured crust has been shown to contain features with a range of differing morphologies. Most lineaments on Europa are believed to have initiated as cracks, although the type of cracking (e.g. tensile vs. shear) remains unclear and may vary for different morphologies. Arcuate lineaments, called cycloids or flexi, have been observed in nearly all imaged regions of Europa and have been modeled as tensile fractures that were initiated in response to diurnal variations in tides. Despite this hypothesis about the formation mechanism, there have been no detailed analyses of the variable morphologies of cycloids. We have examined Galileo images of numerous locations on Europa to develop a catalog of the different morphologies of cycloids. This study focuses on variations in morphology along individual cycloid segments and differences in cusp styles between segments, while illustrating how morphologic evidence can help unravel formation mechanisms. In so doing, we present evidence for cycloid cusps forming due to secondary fracturing during strike-slip sliding on pre-existing cycloid segments.

Pre-Earthquake Paleoseismic Trenching in 2014 Along a Mapped Trace of the West Napa Fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubin, R. S.; Dawson, T. E.; Mareschal, M.

2014-12-01

Paleoseismic trenching in July 2014 across a previously mapped trace of the West Napa fault in eastern Alston Park (EAP) was undertaken with NEHRP funding as part of an effort to better characterize activity of the fault for regional seismic hazard assessments, and as part of an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning (APEFZ) evaluation. The trench was excavated across a prominent escarpment that had been interpreted by others to represent evidence of Holocene fault activity, based on faults logged in an ~1-m-deep natural drainage exposure. Our trench was located ~3 m south of the drainage exposure and encompassed the interpreted fault zone, and beyond. The trench exposed the same surficial units as the natural exposure, as well as additional Pleistocene and older stratigraphy at depth. Escarpment parallel channeling was evident within deposits along the base of the slope. Faulting was not encountered, and is precluded by unbroken depositional contacts. Our preferred interpretation is that the escarpment in EAP is a result of fluvial and differential erosion, which is consistent with existence of channels along the base of the escarpment and a lack of faulting. The location of surface rupture of the South Napa Earthquake (SNE) of 8/24/14 occurred on fault strands south and west of this study and crosses Alston Park approximately 800 m west of our trench site, at its nearest point. Pre- and post-earthquake UAVSAR from NASA's JPL been useful in identifying major and minor ruptures of the SNE. Based on the imagery, a subtle lineament has been interpreted upslope from the trench. However, field observations along this feature yielded no visible surface deformation and the origin of this lineament is uncertain. The fault rupture pattern expressed by the SNE, as reflected by detailed field mapping and UAVSAR imagery, provides a unique opportunity to better understand the complex nature of the West Napa fault. Our study illustrates the value of subsurface investigations as part of fault characterization in order to accurately assess geomorphic features that may, or may not, be formed by tectonic processes. Selection of additional trench locations will be aided by soon-to-be-released post-earthquake LiDAR imagery and existing UAVSAR imagery, with the ultimate goal of preparing an accurate APEFZ in this area.

Geology of the Bellona Fossae (V15) Region of Venus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimbelman, J. R.

2002-05-01

A preliminary geologic map of the the Bellona Fossae (V15) quadrangle on Venus was produced as part of the NASA-funded planetary mapping program. Geologic interpretations are based primarily on the basis of morphology, texture, radar reflectance, and relative stratigraphy derived from Magellan Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images, based on FMAP mosaics showing SAR data at 75 m/pixel resolution, and compiled on a digital base map at 1:5M scale produced by the U.S. Geological Survey. This quadrangle covers approximately 5 million square kilometers of the northern lowlands of Venus, and it includes the Bellona Fossae and Fee Fossae fracture systems of western Kawelu Planitia and northern Ulfrun Regio, along with an arcuate chain of volcano-tectonic centers called coronae (e.g., Ki and Tituba Coronae). Exposed materials are dominated by relatively featureless regional plains and several centers of lobate plains (e.g., Uzume Fluctus) interpreted to be lava flow fields emplaced by effusion from separate vents. Based on stratigraphic relationships at unit contacts, the oldest exposed material units are isolated patches of complex-faulted tessera terrain, restricted to the eastern and southwestern margins of the quadrangle. Relatively small exposures of lineated plains, mountain belt, ridged plains, and dark plains materials are scattered throughout the quadrangle, with only a few impact craters and their associated ejecta and impact-induced flows (e.g., Mumtaz-Mahal crater) representing the latest materials. The tectonism associated with the coronae appears to predate the regional plains for the most part, but individual coronae are the source for lobate plains volcanism which implies that activity at these structural features encompasses much of the time span portrayed in the regional stratigraphy. Northeast-southwest-oriented lineaments exposed in Bellona Fossae not only are generally coincident with the coronae structures, but also cut patches of the stratigraphically late lobate plains units. Extensional tectonism evident in the north-south-oriented graben and lineaments of Fea Fossae cut both regional and lobate plains, and is associated with some of the greatest relief in the quadrangle. The general history portrayed in this quadrangle is consistent with published maps and reports of adjacent portions of the northern lowlands of Venus.

The upper mantle structure of the central Rio Grande rift region from teleseismic P and S wave travel time delays and attenuation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Slack, P.D.; Davis, P.M.; Baldridge, W.S.; Olsen, K.H.; Glahn, A.; Achauer, U.; Spence, W.

1996-01-01

The lithosphere beneath a continental rift should be significantly modified due to extension. To image the lithosphere beneath the Rio Grande rift (RGR), we analyzed teleseismic travel time delays of both P and S wave arrivals and solved for the attenuation of P and S waves for four seismic experiments spanning the Rio Grande rift. Two tomographic inversions of the P wave travel time data are given: an Aki-Christofferson-Husebye (ACH) block model inversion and a downward projection inversion. The tomographic inversions reveal a NE-SW to NNE-SSW trending feature at depths of 35 to 145 km with a velocity reduction of 7 to 8% relative to mantle velocities beneath the Great Plains. This region correlates with the transition zone between the Colorado Plateau and the Rio Grande rift and is bounded on the NW by the Jemez lineament, a N52??E trending zone of late Miocene to Holocene volcanism. S wave delays plotted against P wave delays are fit with a straight line giving a slope of 3.0??0.4. This correlation and the absolute velocity reduction imply that temperatures in the lithosphere are close to the solidus, consistent with, but not requiring, the presence of partial melt in the mantle beneath the Rio Grande rift. The attenuation data could imply the presence of partial melt. We compare our results with other geophysical and geologic data. We propose that any north-south trending thermal (velocity) anomaly that may have existed in the upper mantle during earlier (Oligocene to late Miocene) phases of rifting and that may have correlated with the axis of the rift has diminished with time and has been overprinted with more recent structure. The anomalously low-velocity body presently underlying the transition zone between the core of the Colorado Plateau and the rift may reflect processes resulting from the modern (Pliocene to present) regional stress field (oriented WNW-ESE), possibly heralding future extension across the Jemez lineament and transition zone.

Revised nomenclature and stratigraphic relationships of the Fredericksburg Complex and Quantico Formation of the Virginia Piedmont

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pavlides, Louis

1980-01-01

The Fredericksburg Complex, in part a migmatitic terrane in northeast Virginia, is subdivided on the basis of lithology, as well as aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric data, into two metamorphic suites. These suites are separated by the northeast-trending Spotsylvania lineament, a rectilinear geophysical feature that is probably the trace of an old fault zone. East of the lineament, the Po River Metamorphic Suite, of Proterozoic Z and (or) early Paleozoic age, consists dominantly of biotite gneiss, generally augen gneiss, and lesser amounts of hornblende gneiss and mica schist. West of the Spotsylvania lineament is the Ta River Metamorphic Suite, composed mostly of amphibolite and amphibole gneiss. However, to the southwest, along its strike belt, the Ta River contains abundant biotite gneiss and mica schist. Both the Ta River and Po River contain abundant foliated granitoid and pegmatoid bodies as concordant tabular masses and as crosscutting dikes; these rocks are considered part of the Ta River and Po River Metamorphic Suites. The amphibolitic Holly Corner Gneiss is interpreted to be a western allochthonous equivalent of the Ta River. Both the Ta River and Holly Corner are considered to be coeval, eastern, distal facies of the Lower Cambrian(?) Chopawamsic Formation. The Paleozoic Falls Run Granite Gneiss intrudes the Ta River Metamorphic Suite and the Holly Corner Gneiss; locally the Falls Run is interpreted to have been transported westward with the Holly Corner after intrusion. The Quantico Formation, in the core of the Quantico-Columbia synclinorium, rests with angular unconformity along its northwest and southeast limbs, respectively, on the Chopawamsic Formation and the Ta River Metamorphic Suite. The Quantico Formation is assigned the same Late Ordovician age and similar stratigraphic position as the Arvonia Slate of the Arvonia syncline. The youngest rocks of the area are the granitoid and pegmatoid bodies of the Falmouth Intrusive Suite. They consist of several generations of chiefly dikes and sills that are intrusive into the Fredericksburg Complex and into the Quantico Formation. Granitoid rocks also form small plutons. The Falmouth is isotopically dated as Carboniferous in age. Some of the metavolcanic rocks of the Evington Group and part of the amphibolite gneiss and amphibolite of the Hatcher Complex, named by W. B. Brown in 1969, are probably coeval with the Chopawamsic Formation and hence equivalents of the Ta River Metamorphic Suite and the Holly Corner Gneiss. The biotitic gneiss and granitoid rocks east of the Spotsylvania lineament in the Dillwyn area are considered to be coeval with the Po River Metamorphic Suite.

Magmatic Plumbing Systems in the Eastern Galápagos: Monogenetic Seamounts Surrounding San­tiago Island­

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwartz, D. M.; Wanless, V. D.; Soule, S. A.; Kurz, M. D.

2017-12-01

The hotspot derived Galápagos Archipelago consists of innumerable subaerial and submarine volcanic features, ranging from monogenetic cones to complex multigenetic islands. The older, eastern islands of Santiago, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal have remained active long since their transport off the hotspot center, and erupt variable lava compositions from distributed vent systems. Two recent cruises to the Galápagos by the E/V Nautilus (7/15) and M/V Alucia (8/15) mapped and sampled seamounts surrounding Santiago, to assess their origins and their relationship to the magmatic plumbing systems of the larger subaerial volcano. We collected 74 rock samples from 11 seamounts surrounding Santiago (18-588 m depth), by ROV and HOV and analyzed them for major and trace element concentrations, and 3He/4He. We have identified 34 seamounts with relief >100 m, resulting in a total seamount volume of 6.7 km3, which is 8% of the subaerial volume of Santiago Island (82 km3). The seamounts are comprised of relatively mafic (Mg# = 45-67), tholeiitic to mildly alkaline (K2O+Na2O = 1.4-5.4 wt%) basalts. Limited variability of trace element ratios at individual seamounts suggest that they are monogenetic in origin (e.g., RSD of [La/Sm]N at 10 seamounts < 5%). The highest density of seamounts is located off the island's eastern flank. These seamounts form multiple lineaments and are variably elongate (mean aspect ratio = 1.7) subparallel to their respective lineaments (mean elongation direction = 96°), and to the strike of the elliptical island of Santiago. Seamounts along single lineaments typically have similar trace element ratios, but variable chemistries between closely spaced lineaments suggests they were generated from different extents of melting (e.g., [Sm/Yb]N= 1.3-2.3) and mantle sources (3He/4He =8.5-11.9 RA; [La/Nb] N = 0.80-1.1). The compositions of these lavas, and those from more dispersed, circular (mean aspect ratio = 1.1) seamounts off the island's southwestern flank ([Sm/Yb]N= 2.1-2.5; 3He/4He =10.45 RA; [La/Nb] N =0.84) resemble the suite of Santiago subaerial lavas. The similarity of cone compositions to subaerial lavas, and their geographic distribution, suggests that the seamounts are derived from Santiago's complex magma plumbing system and are subsequently redistributed onto the flanks and seafloor.

Application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wier, C. E.; Wobber, F. J. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The most important result to date is the demonstration of the special value of repetitive ERTS-1 multiband coverage for detecting previously unknown fracture lineaments despite the presence of a deep glacial overburden. The Illinois Basin is largely covered with glacial drift and few rock outcrops are present. A contribution to the geological understanding of Illinois and Indiana has been made. Analysis of ERTS-1 imagery has provided useful information to the State of Indiana concerning the surface mined lands. The contrast between healthy vegetation and bare ground as imaged by Band 7 is sharp and substantial detail can be obtained concerning the extent of disturbed lands, associated water bodies, large haul roads, and extent of mined lands revegetation. Preliminary results of analysis suggest a reasonable correlation between image-detected fractures and mine roof fall accidents for a few areas investigated. ERTS-1 applications to surface mining operations appear probable, but further investigations are required. The likelihood of applying ERTS-1 derived fracture data to improve coal mine safety in the entire Illinois Basin is suggested from studies conducted in Indiana.

Evidence for non-synchronous rotation of Europa. Galileo Imaging Team.

PubMed

Geissler, P E; Greenberg, R; Hoppa, G; Helfenstein, P; McEwen, A; Pappalardo, R; Tufts, R; Ockert-Bell, M; Sullivan, R; Greeley, R; Belton, M J; Denk, T; Clark, B; Burns, J; Veverka, J

1998-01-22

Non-synchronous rotation of Europa was predicted on theoretical grounds, by considering the orbitally averaged torque exerted by Jupiter on the satellite's tidal bulges. If Europa's orbit were circular, or the satellite were comprised of a frictionless fluid without tidal dissipation, this torque would average to zero. However, Europa has a small forced eccentricity e approximately 0.01 , generated by its dynamical interaction with Io and Ganymede, which should cause the equilibrium spin rate of the satellite to be slightly faster than synchronous. Recent gravity data suggest that there may be a permanent asymmetry in Europa's interior mass distribution which is large enough to offset the tidal torque; hence, if non-synchronous rotation is observed, the surface is probably decoupled from the interior by a subsurface layer of liquid or ductile ice. Non-synchronous rotation was invoked to explain Europa's global system of lineaments and an equatorial region of rifting seen in Voyager images. Here we report an analysis of the orientation and distribution of these surface features, based on initial observations made by the Galileo spacecraft. We find evidence that Europa spins faster than the synchronous rate (or did so in the past), consistent with the possibility of a global subsurface ocean.

Geophysical methods for identification of active faults between the Sannio-Matese and Irpinia areas of the Southern Apennines.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaudiosi, Germana; Nappi, Rosa; Alessio, Giuliana; Cella, Federico; Fedi, Maurizio; Florio, Giovanni

2014-05-01

The Southern Apennines is one of the Italian most active areas from a geodynamic point of view since it is characterized by occurrence of intense and widely spread seismic activity. Most seismicity of the area is concentrated along the chain, affecting mainly the Irpinia and Sannio-Matese areas. The seismogenetic sources responsible for the destructive events of 1456, 1688, 1694, 1702, 1732, 1805, 1930, 1962 and 1980 (Io = X-XI MCS) occurred mostly on NW-SE faults, and the relative hypocenters are concentrated within the upper 20 km of the crust. Structural observations on the Pleistocene faults suggest normal to sinistral movements for the NW-SE trending faults and normal to dextral for the NE-SW trending structures. The available focal mechanisms of the largest events show normal solutions consistent with NE-SW extension of the chain. After the 1980 Irpinia large earthquake, the release of seismic energy in the Southern Apennines has been characterized by occurrence of moderate energy sequences of main shock-aftershocks type and swarm-type activity with low magnitude sequences. Low-magnitude (Md<5) historical and recent earthquakes, generally clustered in swarms, have commonly occurred along the NE-SW faults. This paper deals with integrated analysis of geological and geophysical data in GIS environment to identify surface, buried and hidden active faults and to characterize their geometry. In particular we have analyzed structural data, earthquake space distribution and gravimetric data. The main results of the combined analysis indicate good correlation between seismicity and Multiscale Derivative Analysis (MDA) lineaments from gravity data. Furthermore 2D seismic hypocentral locations together with high-resolution analysis of gravity anomalies have been correlated to estimate the fault systems parameters (strike, dip direction and dip angle) through the application of the DEXP method (Depth from Extreme Points).

New type of kinematic indicator in bed-parallel veins, Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Vaca Muerta Formation, Argentina: E-W shortening during Late Cretaceous vein opening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ukar, Estibalitz; Lopez, Ramiro G.; Gale, Julia F. W.; Laubach, Stephen E.; Manceda, Rene

2017-11-01

In the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Vaca Muerta Formation, previously unrecognized yet abundant structures constituting a new category of kinematic indicator occur within bed-parallel fibrous calcite veins (BPVs) in shale. Domal shapes result from localized shortening and thickening of BPVs and the intercalation of centimeter-thick, host-rock shale inclusions within fibrous calcite beef, forming thrust fault-bounded pop-up structures. Ellipsoidal and rounded structures show consistent orientations, lineaments of interlayered shale and fibrous calcite, and local centimeter-scale offset thrust faults that at least in some cases cut across the median line of the BPV and indicate E-W shortening. Continuity of crystal fibers shows the domal structures are contemporaneous with BPV formation and help establish timing of fibrous vein growth in the Late Cretaceous, when shortening directions were oriented E-W. Differences in the number of opening stages and the deformational style of the different BPVs indicate they may have opened at different times. The new domal kinematic indicators described in this study are small enough to be captured in core. When present in the subsurface, domal structures can be used to either infer paleostress orientation during the formation of BPVs or to orient core in cases where the paleostress is independently known.

Knickpoint finder: A software tool that improves neotectonic analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Queiroz, G. L.; Salamuni, E.; Nascimento, E. R.

2015-03-01

This work presents a new software tool for morphometric analysis of drainage networks based on the methods of Hack (1973) and Etchebehere et al. (2004). This tool is applicable to studies of morphotectonics and neotectonics. The software used a digital elevation model (DEM) to identify the relief breakpoints along drainage profiles (knickpoints). The program was coded in Python for use on the ArcGIS platform and is called Knickpoint Finder. A study area was selected to test and evaluate the software's ability to analyze and identify neotectonic morphostructures based on the morphology of the terrain. For an assessment of its validity, we chose an area of the James River basin, which covers most of the Piedmont area of Virginia (USA), which is an area of constant intraplate seismicity and non-orogenic active tectonics and exhibits a relatively homogeneous geodesic surface currently being altered by the seismogenic features of the region. After using the tool in the chosen area, we found that the knickpoint locations are associated with the geologic structures, epicenters of recent earthquakes, and drainages with rectilinear anomalies. The regional analysis demanded the use of a spatial representation of the data after processing using Knickpoint Finder. The results were satisfactory in terms of the correlation of dense areas of knickpoints with active lineaments and the rapidity of the identification of deformed areas. Therefore, this software tool may be considered useful in neotectonic analyses of large areas and may be applied to any area where there is DEM coverage.

Long-term landscape evolution of the South Atlantic passive continental margin along the Kaoko- and Damara Belts, NW-Namibia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menges, Daniel; Glasmacher, Ulrich Anton; Hackspacher, Peter; Schneider, Gabriele; Salomon, Eric

2015-04-01

The Kaoko Belt in northwestern Namibia originates in the collision of the Rio de la Plata and Kongo Craton during the Pan-African Orogeny in the Neoproterozoic (1) and represents the northern arm of the Damara Orogen. NW-Namibias continental crust mainly consists of the NE-SW striking intracontinental branch of the Pan-African Damara mobile belt, which separates the Congo from the Kalahari craton. The Damara Orogen is divided into several tectonostratigraphic zones that are bounded by steeply dipping, ductile shear zones. These regional lineaments can be traced at least 150 km offshore (2). The lithostratigraphic units consist of Proterozoic and Cambrian metamorphosed rocks (534 (7) Ma - 481 (25) Ma (3) as well as Mesozoic sedimentary and igneous rocks. From Permo-Carboniferous to Mid Jurassic northern Namibia was affected by deep erosion of the Damara Orogen, Permo-Triassic collisional processes along the southern margin of Gondwana and eastern margin of Africa (4), and the deposition of the Nama Group sediments and the Karoo megasequence (5). Between the Otjihorongo and the Omaruru Lineament-Waterberg Thrust early Mesozoic tectonic activity is recorded by coarse clastic sediments deposited within NE trending half-graben structures. The Early Jurassic Karoo flood basalt lavas erupted rapidly at 183±1 Ma (6). The Early Cretaceous Paraná-Etendeka flood basalts (132±1 Ma) and mafic dike swarms mark the rift stage of the opening of the South Atlantic (7). Early Cretaceous alkaline intrusions (137-124 Ma) occur preferentially along Mesozoic half-graben structures and are called the Damaraland Igneous Province (8). Late Cretaceous alkaline intrusions and kimberlite pipes occur in northern Namibia. Post Early Paleocene siliciclastic sedimentation in Namibia was largely restricted to a 150 km wide zone (9) and is represented by the Tsondab Sandstone Formation (~ 300 m thickness). The oldest part has an age of early Paleocene and the upper part span from middle Miocene (~13 Ma) to Pliocene (~2 Ma) (10). Cenozoic alkaline intrusions and kimberlite pipes are also known from the region. The so-called "Great Escarpment" that reach elevation of up to 2350 m characterizes strongly the morphology of the passive continental margin in Namibia (11,12). In contrast to Brazil, the escarpment is more than 150 km inland of Namibia. Interesting enough the Brandenberg intrusive complex of ~130 Ma age clearly indicates the post-intrusion denudation of more than 4,000m (13). The Great Escarpment can be traced from central Angola to the eastern edge of South Africa. A considerable variation along its distribution reflects variations in tectonic history, in lithologies, and in the drainage system. In Namibia, the retreating model has dominated the genetic discussion (14,15,16). However, surface process modeling has suggested other possibilities11. In addition, apatite fission-track research, terrigenious cosmogenic nuclides (TCN) have been used on specific landscape elements to determine denudation rates. In the central Namib Desert, denudation rates calculated from 10Be and 26Al are in the range of ±5 m Ma-1 and might be representative for the last 103 - 106 a (17). The persistence of arid climatic conditions throughout the Cenozoic might even lead to such low denudation rates for the past 10-12 Ma. A low retreat rate of ~10 m Ma-1 representative for the last 1 Ma was determined for the Great Escarpment in central and southern Namibia. Considering all currently, available thermochronological data for the Namibian margin (18,19,20), the validity of the scarp retreat model is highly problematic. Apatite fission-track ages revealed so far range between 390.9±17.9 Ma and 80.8±6.0 Ma. The large spread in ages is partly related to significant changes of ages at the NW-SE trending Purros Lineament and at the Sesfontein thrust. In general, the AFT-ages are older northeast of the Purros Lineament. Furthermore, all basalt samples of Etendeka age display the same AFT-age range within error, between 103.5±4.9 and 108.0±5.6 Ma. The oldest ages are revealed from metamorphic rocks of the Damara Group as well as sandstones and glacial deposits of the Permo-Carboniferous Karoo series. References 1. Goscombe, B. D., Gray, D. R., 2008. Structure and strain variation at mid-crustal levels in a transpressional orogen: A review of Kaoko Belt structure and the character of west Gondwana amalgamation and dispersal. Gondwana Res. 13, 45-85. 2. Clemson, J., Cartwright, J., Booth, J., 1997. Structural segmentation and the influence of basement structure on the Namibian passive margin. J. Geol. Soc. London 154, 477-482. 3. Miller, R.M., 1983. Evolution of the Damara Orogen, Vol. 11, Geol. Soc., South Africa Spec. Pub.. 4. Coward, M.P., Daly, M.C., 1984. Crustal lineaments and shear zones in Africa: Their relationships to plate movements, Precambrian Research 24: 27-45. 5. Stollhofen, H., 1999. Karoo Synrift-Sedimentation und ihre tektonische Kontrolle am entstehenden Kontinentalrand Namibias, Z.dt.geol.Ges. 149: 519-632. 6. Duncan, R., Hooper, P., Rehacek, J., March, J., Duncan, A., 1997. The timing and duration of the Karoo igneous event, southern Gondwana, J. Geophy. Res. 102: 18127-18138. 7. Renne, P.R., Glen, J.M., Milner, S.C., Duncan, A.R., 1996. Age of Etendeka flood volcanism and associated intrusions in southwestern Africa, Geology 24 (7): 659- 662. 8. Watkins, R.T., McDougall, I., le Roex, A. P., 1994. K-Ar ages of the Brandberg and Okenenya igneous complexes, north-western Namibia, Geol. Rund. 83: 348-356. 9. Ward, J.D., 1988. Geology of the Tsondab Sandstone Formation, Journal of Sedimentary Geology 55: 143-162. 10. Senut, B., Pickford, M., 1995. Fossil eggs and Cenozoic continental biostratigraphy of Namibia, Pal. Afr.,32: 33-37. 11. Gilchrist, A.R., Kooi, H., Beaumont, C.,1994. Post Gondwana geomorphic evolution of southwestern Africa: Implications for the controls on landscape development from observations and numerical experiments, J. Geophy. Res. 99: 12211-12228. 12. Brown, R. W., Gallagher, K. and Gleadow, A. J. W., 2000. Morphotectonic evolution of the South Atlantic margins of Africa and South America, in M. A. Summerfield (ed.), Geomorphology and Global Tectonics, JohnWiley and Sons Ltd., Chichester, pp. 255-281. 13. Raab, M. J., Brown, R. W., Gallagher, K., Weber, K., Gleadow, A. J. W., 2005. Denudational and thermal history of the Early Cretaceous Brandberg and Okenyenya igneous complexes on Namibia's Atlantic passive margin Tectonics 24: 1-15. 14. Guillocheau, F., Rouby, D., Robin, C. Helm, C., Rolland, N., Le Carlier de Veslud, C., Braun, J., 2012. Quantification and causes of the terrigeneous sediment budget at the scale of a continent margin: a new method applied to the Namibia-South Africa Margin. BasinRes. 24, 3-30. 15. Dauteuil, O., Rouby, D., Braun, J., Guillocheau, F., Deschamps, F., 2013. Post-breakup evolution of the margin of Namibia: constraints from numerical approach. Tectonophysics 604, 122-138. 16. Rouby, D., Braun, J., Dauteuil, O., Deschamps, F., Robin, C., 2013. Long-term stratigraphic evolution of Atlantic-type passive margins: a numerical approach of interactions between surface processes, flexural isostasy and 3D thermal subsidence. Tectonophysics 604, 83-103. 17. Cockburn, H. A. P., Brown, R. W., Summerfield, M. A. and Seidl, M. A., 2000. Quantifying passive margin denudation and landscape development using a combined fission-track thermochronology and cosmogenic isotope analysis approach, EPSL 179: 429-435. 18. Brown, R. W., 1992. A fission track thermochronology study of the tectonic and geomorphic development of the sub-aerial continental margins of southern Africa., PhD thesis, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia. 19. Gallagher, K. and Brown, R. W., 1999. Denudation and uplift at passive margins: the record on the Atlantic Margin of southern Africa, Philosophical Transactions Royal Society London A 357: 835-859. 20. Raab, M. J., Brown, R. W., Gallagher, K., Carter, A., Weber, K., 2002. Late Cretaceous reactivation of major crustal shear zones in northern Namibia: constraints from apatite fission track analysis. Tectonophysics 349: 75-92.

The global distribution of giant radiating dike swarms on Venus: Implications for the global stress state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grosfils, E. B.; Head, J. W.

1994-04-01

Magellan radar data of Venus reveal 163 large radial lineament systems composed of graben, fissure, and fracture elements. On the basis of their structure, plan view geometry, and volcanic associations, at least 72% are interpreted to have formed primarily through subsurface dike swarm emplacement, the remainder through uplift or a combination of these two mechanisms. The population of swarms is used to determine regional and global stress orientation. The stress configuration recorded from 330-210 deg E (Aphrodite Terra) is best explained by isostatic compensation of existing long wavelength topography or coupling between mantle flow and the lithosphere. The rest are correlated with concentrations of rifting and volcanism in the Beta-Atla-Themis region. The global stress field on Venus is different than that of Earth, where plate boundary forces dominate.

The global distribution of giant radiating dike swarms on Venus: Implications for the global stress state

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grosfils, Eric B.; Head, James W.

1994-01-01

Magellan radar data of Venus reveal 163 large radial lineament systems composed of graben, fissure, and fracture elements. On the basis of their structure, plan view geometry, and volcanic associations, at least 72% are interpreted to have formed primarily through subsurface dike swarm emplacement, the remainder through uplift or a combination of these two mechanisms. The population of swarms is used to determine regional and global stress orientation. The stress configuration recorded from 330-210 deg E (Aphrodite Terra) is best explained by isostatic compensation of existing long wavelength topography or coupling between mantle flow and the lithosphere. The rest are correlated with concentrations of rifting and volcanism in the Beta-Atla-Themis region. The global stress field on Venus is different than that of Earth, where plate boundary forces dominate.

Seismotectonics of the Pamir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schurr, Bernd; Sippl, Christian; Yuan, Xiaohui; Mechie, James; Lothar, Ratschbacher

2013-04-01

The Pamir Mountains form a complex orographic node north of the western Himalayan Syntaxis. Due to the Pamir's remote location, crustal tectonics of the region is not well studied. We report new data on distribution and kinematics of crustal earthquakes in the Pamir and its surroundings. Our data set stems from a deployment of seismometers between 2008-2010 that covered the SW Tien Shan, Pamir and Tajik basin. We detected and carefully relocated several thousand crustal earthquakes that are confined to the uppermost 20 km of the crust and thereby clearly separated from Pamir's unique intermediate depth seismicity. For the larger earthquakes (M<3) we use both full waveform inversion and first motion polarities to determine source mechanisms. A string of earthquakes outlines the thrust system along the northern Pamir's perimeter. In the east, where the Pamir collides with the Tien Shan, the M6.7 Nura earthquake activated several faults. Whereas the main shock shows almost pure reverse faulting on a south dipping thrust, many aftershocks also show sinistral strike-slip faulting along a NE striking lineamnet. In the centre, where the Pamir overthrusts the intramontane Alai valley, micro-seismicity recedes southward from the Frontal and Trans Alai thrust systems. The largest of these earthquakes show mostly strike-slip mechanisms. Further west, where the Pamir thrust system bends southward, earthquakes show thrust mechanisms again with strikes following the oroclinal structures. Inside the Pamir a NE striking lineament runs from the eastern end of Lake Sarez across Lake Kara Kul to the Pamir thrust system. Source mechanisms along the lineament are sinistral strike slip and transtensional. This lineament approximately separates the deeply incised western Pamir, which shows significant seismic deformation, from the relatively aseismic eastern Pamir. In the western Pamir earthquakes cluster along approximately the Vanch valley and near Lake Sarez. Diffuse seismicity is also visible beneath the SW Pamir's basement domes. Source mechanisms exhibit mostly sinistral strike slip faulting on NE striking or conjugate planes indicating north-south compression and east-west extension. At the Pamir's western margin, where the mountains merge into the Tajik basin's fold and thrust belt, we observe numerous earthquakes with mechanisms exhibiting EW slip on subhorizontal planes. We interpret this as movement along the Jurassic evaporite decollement that detaches the sedimentary section from the basement. Our data indicate that in the western Pamir NS compression is accommodated by westward escape, i.e. the western Pamir is pushed into the Tajik depression ontop of a weak evaporite detachment. This is in accordance with the observed GPS displacement vectors rotating anticlockwise from NS to EW when traversing from the eastern Pamir into the Tajik depression.

Fractures system within Qusaiba shale outcrop and its relationship to the lithological properties, Qasim area, Central Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, Mohamed I. M.; Hariri, Mustafa M.; Abdullatif, Osman M.; Makkawi, Mohammad H.; Elzain, Hussam

2017-09-01

The basal Qusaiba hot shale member of Qalibah Formation is considered to be an important source rock in the Paleozoic petroleum system of Saudi Arabia and an exploration target for tight shale as one of the Unconventional resources of petroleum. This work has been carried out to understand the fractures network of Qusaiba shale member in outcrops located to the west of Qusayba' village in Al-Qasim area, Central Saudi Arabia. The main objective of this study is to understand the distribution of natural fractures over different lithological units. Description data sheets were used for the detailed lithological description of Qusaiba shale member on two outcrops. Spot-7 and Landsat ETM+ satellite images were used for lineament mapping and analyses on a regional scale in a GIS environment. Fractures characterization in outcrop-scale was conducted by using linear scanline method. Qusaiba shale member in the study area consists of 5 main lithofacies, divided based on their sedimentary structures and petrographical properties, from base to top in the outcrops, the lithofacies are; fissile shale, very fine-grained micaceous siltstone, bioturbated mudstone, very fine to fine-grained hummocky cross-stratified sandstone, and fine to medium-grained low/high angle cross-stratified sandstone lithofacies. Lineaments interpretation of the Spot-7 and Landsat ETM+ satellite images showed two major directions in the study area; 320° that could be related to Najd fault system and 20° that could be related to the extensional activities which took place after Amar collision. Fractures are much denser in the fissile shale and mudstone lithofacies than sandstones lithofacies, and average spacing is smaller in the fissile shale and mudstone lithofacies than sandstones lithofacies. Lineaments and large-scale fractures are Non-Stratabound fractures and they deal with the area as one big mechanical unit, but small-scale fractures are Stratabound fractures that propose different mechanical units within Qusaiba shale member in the study area. The fractures network in the study area has a wide range of properties related to fractures density, length, spacing, height, and termination degree. The conceptual multi-scale model divides the fractures in the study area into 4 orders depending on the available data that have been observed from satellite images and field. The multi-scale fractures model that was generated in this study could help to understand the distribution of stratigraphically controlled fractures when integrated with flow simulation models. Overall, this work could have a significant contribution to tight shale exploration plans in the subsurface by providing some knowledge about the fractures mechanical behavior of the lower part of Qusaiba shale member of Qalibah Formation.

Monitoring the turbidity and surface temperature changes and effects of the 17 August 1999 earthquake in the Izmit Gulf, Turkey by the Landsat TM/ETM data.

PubMed

Tüfekçi, Kenan; Akman, A Unal

2005-09-01

The temporal turbidity and surface temperature changes and effects of the 17 August 1999 earthquake in the Izmit Gulf, Turkey have been investigated using Landsat TM/ETM data. The gulf is in the Mediterranean-Black Sea transition climatic zone and is partially surrounded by green vegetation cover and degraded and densely urbanized-industrialized areas. Landsat TM/ETM data acquired in 1990-1999 confirms increase in turbidity. Turbidity is always low in the southern part and high in the northern part of the gulf, because the more urbanized and industrialized areas are located in the northern part. The Landsat-7 ETM data acquired in the same year (1999) shows seasonal changes in turbidity. Moreover, the two high turbidity and surface temperature anomalies, one of which is parallel to the 17 August 1999 earthquake surface rupture (east-west) and the other which is in the northwest-southeast direction were mapped from Landsat-5 TM data acquired the day (18.08.1999) following the earthquake in the east end of the gulf. On the basis of turbidity implying the sea bottom movement, it is possible to state that a second rupture in the northwest and southeast direction could have occurred at the sea bottom during the earthquake. The distribution of the seismicity centers and the orientation of the lineaments in the area support this finding.

Geophysical surveys of the Joya Honda maar (México) and surroundings; volcanic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López Loera, Héctor; Aranda-Gómez, José Jorge; Arzate, Jorge A.; Molina-Garza, Roberto Stanley

2008-03-01

Joya Honda (JH) is a Quaternary maar excavated in Mesozoic limestone. It is located in central Mexico and belongs to the Ventura volcanic field (VVF), which is composed by cinder cones and maars made of intraplate-type mafic alkalic rocks. Volcanoes in the region form ˜ N20W lineaments, roughly parallel to a regional set of normal faults, but there is no obvious relation between these faults and vent distribution in the exposed geology around the maar. The volcanic rock volume is small in the VVF, and most volcanoes and their products are scattered in a region where outcrops are dominated by limestone. The near-vent tephra associated to the JH maar lies north of the crater. This relation suggests that the crater was formed by directed hydromagmatic explosions and may indicate an inclined volcanic conduit near the surface. The tephra stratigraphy suggests that the initial explosions were relatively dry and the amount of water increased during the maar forming eruption. Therefore, the existing model of the maar-diatreme formation may not be applicable to Joya Honda as it requires the formation of a cone of depression in the aquifer and deepening of the focii of the explosions as the crater and underlying diatreme grew. Thus, it is unlikely that there is a diatreme below Joya Honda. Aeromagnetic data shows a boundary between two regional magnetic domains near the elongated volcanic cluster of the VVF. The boundary is straight, with a distinct kink, from NE- to NW-trend, near JH. The limit between the domains is interpreted as fault contacts between mid-Tertiary volcanic rocks and marine Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. Hence, magma ascent in the area may have been facilitated by fractures near the surface. Magnetic and gravimetric ground surveys show that the anomalies associated with the maar are not centered in the crater, which could be consistent with an inclined volcanic conduit. A magnetic profile measured on exposed limestone across the volcanic lineament failed to show an anomaly such as that caused by a connecting dike between the volcanoes. Therefore, either the dike does not exist or it is so deep or so thin that it is beyond the limit of detection of the method and/or equipment used. Thus, the volcanic conduit immediately below Joya Honda can be reasonably modeled in the shape of a plug. A 2-D model of the crater anomaly is consistent with a roughly tabular deposit formed by fall-back pyroclasts and slump deposits near the surface. Based on this result we propose an alternative model for the formation of maar-type volcanoes excavated in hard rock, where there is no evidence of a gradual decrease of the water/magma ratio as the eruption advanced.

Remote sensing application possibilities on groundwater characterization in arid regions at the example of the Dead Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallast, U.; Siebert, C.; Gloaguen, R.; Wagner, B.; Schwonke, F.; Rödiger, T.; Geyer, S.; Krieg, R.; Sauter, M.; Kühn, F.; Merz, R.

2012-04-01

In arid regions like the Dead Sea (DS) water supply mostly relies on restricted groundwater resources, which are in many cases defined by large inaccessible areas with scarce in-situ data. However, particularly in these regions it is essential to obtain detailed information of this precious resource in order to develop a sustainable water management - one of the main aims of the BMBF-funded multilateral SUMAR (Sustainable Management of Arid and Semiarid Regions) project. The usage of remote sensing offers different indicators and directly sensed patterns from different platforms providing important data where practical alternatives or simply spatial data are not available (Becker, 2006). One application possibility regards the identification of lineaments which are simple or composite linear features of a surface and which have been proven to reflect general groundwater flow-paths (Sander, 1997). In a previous study we derived lineaments using a freely available digital elevation model (30 m spatial resolution) and developed a semi-automatic approach composed of low pass and 2nd order Laplace linear filtering and a subsequent object based classification. Based on these lineaments we could identify general groundwater flow-paths with striking directional trends towards known spring areas along the DS (Mallast et al., 2011). With the knowledge of both, location of spring areas and a given temperature contrast between ground- and DS water, we derived by using thermal remote sensing from satellite and airborne platforms a second application possibility. Satellite based thermal remote sensing with Landsat ETM+ images allowed us to identify groundwater discharge pattern, which highly correlate in location with the previously derived flow-paths, but also enabled us to relatively quantify also seasonal varying groundwater discharge over a time period of 12 years (2000-2011). The drawback remains in the spatial resolution of 30 m (resampled from United States Geological Survey from 60 m), which hinders to accurately delineate spring-caused thermal plumes or to identify small scale springs or even spring types (terrestrial springs and submarine springs) (Mallast et al., 2012). As exactly this fact is important for subsequent studies we pursued an airborne thermal campaign in January, 2011 where technical specifications (0.5 m spatial resolution, flight time at night for higher contrast) were chosen to account for any so far observed spring type and scale. The result confirms the delineated areas from the satellite findings but refines these areas showing numerous and differentiable discharge locations. It also reveals unknown submarine spring locations and a third spring type where groundwater diffusely seeps through high saline Dead Sea sediments in contrast to the other spring types, with rather concentrated flow. The study shows at two application examples how remote sensing can be used for groundwater studies and also points at related advantages and disadvantages. Integrating these information into numerical groundwater modelling or sustainable water management strategies can significantly improve existing approaches and hence, yields a valuable benefits.

Identification of areas of recharge and discharge using Landsat-TM satellite imagery and aerial photography mapping techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salama, R. B.; Tapley, I.; Ishii, T.; Hawkes, G.

1994-10-01

Aerial photographs (AP) and Landsat (TM) colour composites were used to map the geomorphology, geology and structures of the Salt River System of Western Australia. Geomorphic features identified are sand plains, dissected etchplain, colluvium, lateritic duricrust and rock outcrops. The hydrogeomorphic units include streams, lakes and playas, palaeochannels and palaeodeltas. The structural features are linear and curvilinear lineaments, ring structures and dolerite dykes. Suture lines control the course of the main river channel. Permeable areas around the circular granitic plutons were found to be the main areas of recharge in the uplands. Recharge was also found to occur in the highly permeable areas of the sandplains. Discharge was shown to be primarily along the main drainage lines, on the edge of the circular sandplains, in depressions and in lakes. The groundwater occurrence and hydrogeological classification of the recharge potential of the different units were used to classify the mapped areas into recharge and discharge zones. The results also show that TM colour composites provide a viable source of data comparable with AP for mapping and delineating areas of recharge and discharge on a regional scale.

Identification of a new fault and associated lineament features in Oregon's Summer Lake Valley using high-resolution LiDAR data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, L.; Madin, I.

2012-12-01

In 2012, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) contracted WSI to co-acquire airborne Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDAR) and Thermal Infrared Imagery (TIR) data within the region surrounding Summer Lake, Oregon. The objective of this project was to detect surficial expressions of geothermal activity and associated geologic features. An analysis of the LiDAR data revealed one newly identified fault and several accompanying lineaments that strike northwest, similar to the trend of the Ana River, Brothers, and Eugene-Denio Fault Zones in Central Oregon. The age of the Ana River Fault Zone and Summer Lake bed is known to be within the Holocene epoch. Apparent scarp height observed from the LiDAR is up to 8 meters. While detailed analysis is ongoing, the data illustrated the effectiveness of using high resolution remote sensing data for surficial analysis of geologic displacement. This presentation will focus on direct visual detection of features in the Summer Lake, Oregon landscape using LiDAR data.

Geomorphic domains and linear features on Landsat images, Circle Quadrangle, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Simpson, S.L.

1984-01-01

A remote sensing study using Landsat images was undertaken as part of the Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program (AMRAP). Geomorphic domains A and B, identified on enhanced Landsat images, divide Circle quadrangle south of Tintina fault zone into two regional areas having major differences in surface characteristics. Domain A is a roughly rectangular, northeast-trending area of relatively low relief and simple, widely spaced drainages, except where igneous rocks are exposed. In contrast, domain B, which bounds two sides of domain A, is more intricately dissected showing abrupt changes in slope and relatively high relief. The northwestern part of geomorphic domain A includes a previously mapped tectonostratigraphic terrane. The southeastern boundary of domain A occurs entirely within the adjoining tectonostratigraphic terrane. The sharp geomorphic contrast along the southeastern boundary of domain A and the existence of known faults along this boundary suggest that the southeastern part of domain A may be a subdivision of the adjoining terrane. Detailed field studies would be necessary to determine the characteristics of the subdivision. Domain B appears to be divisible into large areas of different geomorphic terrains by east-northeast-trending curvilinear lines drawn on Landsat images. Segments of two of these lines correlate with parts of boundaries of mapped tectonostratigraphic terranes. On Landsat images prominent north-trending lineaments together with the curvilinear lines form a large-scale regional pattern that is transected by mapped north-northeast-trending high-angle faults. The lineaments indicate possible lithlogic variations and/or structural boundaries. A statistical strike-frequency analysis of the linear features data for Circle quadrangle shows that northeast-trending linear features predominate throughout, and that most northwest-trending linear features are found south of Tintina fault zone. A major trend interval of N.64-72E. in the linear feature data, corresponds to the strike of foliations in metamorphic rocks and magnetic anomalies reflecting compositional variations suggesting that most linear features in the southern part of the quadrangle probably are related to lithologic variations brought about by folding and foliation of metamorphic rocks. A second important trend interval, N.14-35E., may be related to thrusting south of the Tintina fault zone, as high concentrations of linear features within this interval are found in areas of mapped thrusts. Low concentrations of linear features are found in areas of most igneous intrusives. High concentrations of linear features do not correspond to areas of mineralization in any consistent or significant way that would allow concentration patterns to be easily used as an aid in locating areas of mineralization. The results of this remote sensing study indicate that there are several possibly important areas where further detailed studies are warranted.

The intercrater plains of Mercury and the Moon: Their nature, origin and role in terrestrial planet evolution. Chronology of surface history of Mercury. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leake, M. A.

1982-01-01

Phases in the history of the planet Mercury include: (1) condensation and accretion; (2) heating; (3) planetary expansion during heavy bombardment; (4) tidal spin-down and lineament formation; (5) P5 plains emplacement; (6) P4 plains emplacement; (7) peak planetary volume in P3 period; (8) scarp formation; (9) Caloris Basin formation, late class 3; (10) scarp formation and P2 plains formation; (11) smooth plains formation in and around large basins; (12) late or local tectonic stress; and (13) quiescent class 1 period. Although the cooling and contraction of the lithosphere are complete, the core remains molten as an active dynamo, producing the magnetic fields detected by Mariner 10. Plains produced since core formation (P3 to P-1) should record its magnetic activity. Cratering during the Class 2 and Class 1 periods is probably not enough to distribute ballistic materials and homogenize any color differences.

Mineral target areas in Nevada from geological analysis of LANDSAT-1 imagery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdel-Gawad, M.; Tubbesing, L.

1975-01-01

Geological analysis of LANDSAT-1 Scene MSS 1053-17540 suggests that certain known mineral districts in east-central Nevada frequently occur near faults or at faults or lineament intersections and areas of complex deformation and flexures. Seventeen (17) areas of analogous characteristics were identified as favorable targets for mineral exploration. During reconnaissance field trips eleven areas were visited. In three areas evidence was found of mining and/or prospecting not known before the field trips. In four areas favorable structural and alteration features were observed which call for more detailed field studies. In one of the four areas limonitic iron oxide samples were found in the regolith of a brecciated dolomite ridge. This area contains quartz veins, granitic and volcanic rocks and lies near the intersection of two linear fault structures identified in the LANDSAT-1 imagery. Semiquantitative spectroscopic analysis of selected portions of the samples showed abnormal contents of arsenic, molybdenum, copper, lead, zinc, and silver. These limonitic samples found were not in situ and further field studies are required to assess their source and significance.

Structure of the midcontinent basement. Topography, gravity, seismic, and remote sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guinness, E. A.; Strebeck, J. W.; Arvidson, R. E.; Scholz, K.; Davies, G. F.

1981-01-01

Some 600,000 discrete Bouguer gravity estimates of the continental United States were spatially filtered to produce a continuous tone image. The filtered data were also digitally painted in color coded form onto a shaded relief map. The resultant image is a colored shaded relief map where the hue and saturation of a given image element is controlled by the value of the Bouguer anomaly. Major structural features (e.g., midcontinent gravity high) are readily discernible in these data, as are a number of subtle and previously unrecognized features. A linear gravity low that is approximately 120 to 150 km wide extends from southeastern Nebraska, at a break in the midcontinent gravity high, through the Ozark Plateau, and across the Mississippi embayment. The low is also aligned with the Lewis and Clark lineament (Montana to Washington), forming a linear feature of approximately 2800 km in length. In southeastern Missouri the gravity low has an amplitude of 30 milligals, a value that is too high to be explained by simple valley fill by sedimentary rocks.

Mapping and characterization from aeromagnetic data of the Foum Zguid dolerite Dyke (Anti-Atlas, Morocco) a member of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouiflane, Mustapha; Manar, Ahmed; Medina, Fida; Youbi, Nasrrddine; Rimi, Abdelkrim

2017-06-01

A high-resolution aeromagnetic survey was carried out in the Anti- Atlas, Morocco covering the main areas traversed by the Great CAMP Foum Zguid dyke (FZD). This ;doleritic; dyke belongs to the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP), a Large Igneous Province which is associated with the fragmentation of the supercontinent Pangaea and the initial stages of rifting of the Central Atlantic Ocean. It also coincides in time with the mass extinction of the Triassic - Jurassic boundary. Based on the study of geological maps and Google Earth satellite images, it appears that the FZD is poorly exposed and, often covered by Quaternary deposits. This work proposes aeromagnetic modelling and interpretation of the FZD in order to better constrain its structural extent. The data have allowed (i) mapping of the dyke over great distances, under the Quaternary deposits and through areas where it was poorly characterized on the geological map; (ii) identifying major tectonic lineaments interpreted as faults; (iii) recognizing magnetic anomalies related to mafic intrusive bodies; and (iv) informing about regional structural context.

Geothermal Geodatabase for Rico Hot Springs Area and Lemon Hot Springs, Dolores and San Miguel Counties, Colorado

DOE Data Explorer

Richard Zehner

2012-11-01

This geodatabase was built to cover several geothermal targets developed by Flint Geothermal in 2012 during a search for high-temperature systems that could be exploited for electric power development. Several of the thermal springs have geochemistry and geothermometry values indicative of high-temperature systems. In addition, the explorationists discovered a very young Climax-style molybdenum porphyry system northeast of Rico, and drilling intersected thermal waters at depth. Datasets include: 1. Structural data collected by Flint Geothermal 2. Point information 3. Mines and prospects from the USGS MRDS dataset 4. Results of reconnaissance shallow (2 meter) temperature surveys 5. Air photo lineaments 6. Areas covered by travertine 7. Groundwater geochemistry 8. Land ownership in the Rico area 9. Georeferenced geologic map of the Rico Quadrangle, by Pratt et al. 10. Various 1:24,000 scale topographic maps

Venus - Landslide Deposits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The Magellan spacecraft has observed remnant landslide deposits apparently resulting from the collapse of volcanic structures. This image, centered at 45.2 degrees south latitude, 201.4 degrees east longitude, shows a collapse deposit 70 kilometers (43 miles) across. The bright, highly textured deposit near the center of the image probably consists of huge blocks of fractured volcanic rock, many as large as several hundred meters across. A remnant of the volcano itself, about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) across, is seen at the center of the image. The distorted radar appearance of the volcano is a result of extremely steep slopes on the 'scars' from which the landslide material originated. A field of numerous small volcanic domes can be seen in the northern half of the image. The bright irregular lineaments trending to the north-northwest are ridges caused by regional tectonic deformation of the upper layers of the Venusian crust.

Contribution of space platforms to a ground and airborne remote sensing programme over active Italian volcanoes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cassinis, R. (Principal Investigator); Lechi, G. M.; Marino, C. M.; Tonelli, A. M.

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. A method has been suggested for the forecasting of the lateral eruptions of Mount Etna, through the multispectral analysis of the vegetation behavior. Unknown geological lineaments which seem to be related to deep crustal movements have been discovered using the ERTS-1 imagery. Results in the geological field were obtained in the study of the general structure of the Alpine range. In the field of official vegetation classification, ERTS-1 images were used for a preliminary study of rice fields in northern Italy. Very good experimental results have been obtained using the Skylab multispectral photographs. In the field of hydrogeology and soil type discrimination discoveries of unknown paleoriver beds have been made in the northeastern part of the Po Valley using the multispectral imagery of SL3. The superior resolution of Skylab was a fundamental element for the success of this investigation.

Assessment of subsidence in karst terranes at selected areas in East Tennessee and comparison with a candidate site at Oak Ridge, Tennessee: Phase 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Newton, J.G.; Tanner, J.M.

1987-09-01

Work in the respective areas included assessment of conditions related to sinkhole development. Information collected and assessed involved geology, hydrogeology, land use, lineaments and linear trends, identification of karst features and zones, and inventory of historical sinkhole development and type. Karstification of the candidate, Rhea County, and Morristown study areas, in comparison to other karst areas in Tennessee, can be classified informally as youthful, submature, and mature, respectively. Historical sinkhole development in the more karstified areas is attributed to the greater degree of structural deformation by faulting and fracturing, subsequent solutioning of bedrock, thinness of residuum, and degree of developmentmore » by man. Sinkhole triggering mechanisms identified are progressive solution of bedrock, water-level fluctuations, piping, and loading. 68 refs., 18 figs., 11 tabs.« less

Geophysical study of the East Pacific Rise 15°N-17°N: An unusually robust segment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiland, Charles M.; MacDonald, Ken C.

1996-09-01

Bathymetric, side-scan sonar, magnetic and gravity data from the East Pacific Rise (EPR) between 15° and 17°N are used to establish the spreading history and examine melt delivery to an unusually robust spreading segment. The axial ridge between the Orozco transform fault (15°30'N) and the 16°20'N overlapping spreading center (OSC) has an average elevation of 2300 m which is 300 m shallower than typical EPR depths, and its cross-sectional area is double the average value for the northern EPR. The total opening rate is 86 km/Myr, but the inflated segment appears to have spread faster to the east by more than 20% since 0.78 Ma. The orientation of magnetic isochrons and lineaments in the side-scan sonar indicates a ˜3° counterclockwise rotation of the spreading direction since 1.8 Ma (C2) and reflects a change in the Pacific-Cocos plate motion. The side-scan lineaments also show that the percentage of inward facing faults (83%) and the spacing between faults (1.5 km) are consistent with the spreading rate dependence shown by Carbotte and Macdonald [1994]. However, the mean fault length (4.8 km) is 1.5 km shorter than expected for the spreading rate and suggests that extensive off-axis volcanism has draped the faults. Gravity analysis shows that the inflated segment has a ˜12-mGal bull's eye shaped low in residual mantle Bouguer anomaly. We offer several possible end-member models for the anomaly, including a prism of 10% partial melt in the mantle and lower crust or a crustal thickness anomaly of 2.25 km. Kinematic modeling that is based on structure and magnetic data suggests that two large magmatic pulses occurred at approximately 0.8 Ma and 0.3 Ma and have reshaped the plate boundary geometry and inflated the segment.

Quantifying geological structures of the Nigde province in central Anatolia, Turkey using SRTM DEM data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demirkesen, A. C.

2009-01-01

A digital terrain model and a 3D fly-through model of the Nigde province in central Anatolia, Turkey were generated and quantitatively analyzed employing the shuttle radar topographic mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM). Besides, stream drainage patterns, lineaments and structural-geological features were extracted and analyzed. In the process of analyzing and interpreting the DEM for landforms, criteria such as color and color tones (attributes of heights), topography (shaded DEM and 3D fly-through model) and stream drainage patterns were employed to acquire geo-information about the land, such as hydrologic, geomorphologic, topographic and tectonic structures. In this study, the SRTM DEM data of the study region were experimentally used for both DEM classification and quantitative analysis of the digital terrain model. The results of the DEM classification are: (1) low plain including the plains of Bor and Altunhisar (20.7%); (2) high plain including the Misli (Konakli) plain (28.8%); (3) plateau plain including the Melendiz (Ciftlik) plateau plain (1.0%); (4) mountain including the Nigde massif (33.3%); and (5) high mountain (16.2%). High mountain areas include a caldera complex of Mt Melendiz, Mt Hasan and Mt Pozanti apart from the Ala mountains called Aladaglar and the Bolkar mountains called Bolkarlar in the study region (7,312 km2). Analysis of both the stream drainage patterns and the lineaments revealed that the Nigde province has a valley zone called Karasu valley zone (KVZ) or Nigde valley zone (NVZ), where settlements and agricultural plains, particularly the Bor plain in addition to settlements of the Bor town and the central city of Nigde have the most flooding risk when a heavy raining occurs. The study revealed that the NVZ diagonally divides the study region roughly into two equal parts, heading from northeast to southwest. According to the map created in this study, the right side of the NVZ has more mountainous area, where the Aladaglar is a wildlife national park consisting of many species of fauna and flora whereas the left side of the NVZ has more agricultural plain, with exception of a caldera complex of Mt Melendiz and volcanic Mt Hasan. The south of the study region includes the Bolkarlar. In addition, the Ecemis fault zone (EFZ) lying along the Ecemis rivulet, running from north to south at the west side of the Aladaglar, forms the most important and sensitive location in the region in terms of the tectonics.

The Politics of 'Lifelong Learning' in Post-1997 Hong Kong

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kennedy, Peter

2004-01-01

This article is concerned with the politics of lifelong learning policy in post-1997 Hong Kong (HK). The paper is in four parts. Continuing Education, recast as 'lifelong learning', is to be the cornerstone of the post-Handover education reform agenda. The lineaments of a familiar discourse are evident in the Education Commission policy documents.…

Groundwater potential index in a crystalline terrain using remote sensing data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subba Rao, N.

2006-08-01

Demand for groundwater for drinking, agricultural and industrial purposes has increased due to uncertainty in the surface water supply. Agriculture is the main occupation of the rural people in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Development of groundwater in the district is very less, indicating a lot of scope for further development of groundwater resources. However, assessment of groundwater conditions, particularly in a crystalline terrain, is a complex task because of variations in weathering and fracturing zones from place to place. Systematic studies for evaluation of groundwater potential zones have been carried out in a crystalline terrain of the district. Information on soils, geological formations and groundwater conditions is collected during the hydrogeological survey. Topographical and drainage conditions are derived from the Survey of India topographical maps. Geomorphological units and associated landform features inferred and delineated from the Indian remote sensing satellite imagery (IRS ID LISS III FCC) are moderately buried pediplain (BPM), shallow buried pediplain (BPS), valley fills (VF), structural hill (SH), residual hills (RH), lineaments and land use/land cover. A groundwater potential index (GPI) is computed for relative evaluation of groundwater potential zones in the study area by integrating all the related factors of occurrence and movement of groundwater resources. Accordingly, the landforms, BPM, BPS, VF, SH and RH, of the area are categorized as very good groundwater potential zone, good to moderate groundwater potential zone, moderate to poor groundwater potential zone, poor to very poor groundwater potential zone and very poor groundwater potential zone, respectively, for development and utilization of both groundwater and surface water resources for eliminating water scarcity. This study could help to improve the agrarian economy for better living conditions of the rural people. Taking the total weight-score of the GPI into account, a generalized classification of groundwater potential zones is evaluated for a quick assessment of the occurrence of groundwater resources on regional scale.

Erosion-tectonics feedbacks in shaping the landscape: An example from the Mekele Outlier (Tigray, Ethiopia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sembroni, Andrea; Molin, Paola; Dramis, Francesco; Faccenna, Claudio; Abebe, Bekele

2017-05-01

An outlier consists of an area of younger rocks surrounded by older ones. Its formation is mainly related to the erosion of surrounding rocks which causes the interruption of the original continuity of the rocks. Because of its origin, an outlier is an important witness of the paleogeography of a region and, therefore, essential to understand its topographic and geological evolution. The Mekele Outlier (N Ethiopia) is characterized by poorly incised Mesozoic marine sediments and dolerites (∼2000 m in elevation), surrounded by strongly eroded Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks and Tertiary volcanic deposits in a context of a mantle supported topography. In the past, studies about the Mekele outlier focused mainly in the mere description of the stratigraphic and tectonic settings without taking into account the feedback between surface and deep processes in shaping such peculiar feature. In this study we present the geological and geomorphometric analyses of the Mekele Outlier taking into account the general topographic features (slope map, swath profiles, local relief), the river network and the principal tectonic lineaments of the outlier. The results trace the evolution of the study area as related not only to the mere erosion of the surrounding rocks but to a complex interaction between surface and deep processes where the lithology played a crucial role.

Tectonic Processes on Europa: Tidal Stresses, Mechanical Response, and Visible Features

USGS Publications Warehouse

Greenberg, R.; Geissler, P.; Hoppa, G.; Tufts, B.R.; Durda, D.D.; Pappalardo, R.; Head, J.W.; Greeley, R.; Sullivan, R.; Carr, M.H.

1998-01-01

Europa's orbital eccentricity, driven by the resonance with Io and Ganymede, results in "diurnal" tides (3.5-day period) and possibly in nonsynchronous rotation. Both diurnal variation and nonsynchronous rotation can create significant stress fields on Europa's surface, and both effects may produce cracking. Patterns and time sequences of apparent tectonic features on Europa include lineaments that correlate with both sources of stress, if we take into account nonsynchronous rotation, after initial crack formation, by amounts ranging up to several tens of degrees. For example, the crosscutting time sequence of features in the Cadmus and Minos Linea region is consistent with a combined diurnal and nonsynchronous tensile-stress field, as it evolves during tens of degrees of nonsynchronous rotation. Constraints on the rotation rate from comparing Voyager and Galileo images show that significant rotation requires 104yr, but could be fast enough to have allowed significant rotation since the last global resurfacing, even if such resurfacing was as recent as a few million years ago. Once cracking is initiated, diurnal tides work cracks so that they open and close daily. Although the daily effect is small, over 105yr double ridges could plausibly be built along the cracks with sizes and morphologies consistent with observed structures, according to a model in which underlying liquid water fills the open cracks, partially freezes, and is extruded during the daily closing of the cracks. Thus, several lines of observational and theoretical evidence can be integrated if we assume nonsynchronous rotation and the existence of a liquid water layer. ?? 1998 Academic Press.

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Outer Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

The session 'Outer Solar System" inlcuded:Monte Carlo Modeling of [O I] 630 nm Auroral Emission on Io; The Detection of Iron Sulfide on Io; Io and Loki in 2003 as Seen from the Infrared Telescope Facility Using Mutual Satellite and Jupiter Occultations; Mapping of the Zamama-Thor Region of Io; First Solar System Results of the Spitzer Space Telescope; Mapping the Surface of Pluto with the Hubble Space Telescope; Experimental Study on Fischer-Tropsch Catalysis in the Circum-Saturnian Subnebula; New High-Pressure Phases of Ammonia Dihydrate; Gas Hydrate Stability at Low Temperatures and High Pressures with Applications to Mars and Europa; Laboratory UV Photolysis of Planetary Ice Analogs Containing H2O + CO2 (1:1); The OH Stretch Infrared Band of Water Ice and Its Temperature and Radiation Dependence; Band Position Variations in Reflectance Spectra of the Jovian Satellite Ganymede; Comparison of Porosity and Radar Models for Europa s Near Surface; Combined Effects of Diurnal and Nonsynchronous Surface Stresses on Europa; Europa s Northern Trailing Hemisphere: Lineament Stratigraphic Framework; Europa at the Highest Resolution: Implications for Surface Processes and Landing Sites; Comparison of Methods to Determine Furrow System Centers on Ganymede and Callisto; Resurfacing of Ganymede by Liquid-Water Volcanism; Layered Ejecta Craters on Ganymede: Comparisons with Martian Analogs; Evaluation of the Possible Presence of CO2-Clathrates in Europa s Icy Shell or Seafloor; Geosciences at Jupiter s Icy Moons: The Midas Touch; Planetary Remote Sensing Science Enabled by MIDAS (Multiple Instrument Distributed Aperture Sensor); and In Situ Surveying of Saturn s Rings.

Lidar-enhanced geologic mapping, examples from the Medford and Hood River areas, Oregon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiley, T. J.; McClaughry, J. D.

2012-12-01

Lidar-based 3-foot digital elevation models (DEMs) and derivatives (slopeshade, hillshade, contours) were used to help map geology across 1700 km2 (650 mi2) near Hood River and Medford, Oregon. Techniques classically applied to interpret coarse DEMs and small-scale topographic maps were adapted to take advantage of lidar's high resolution. Penetration and discrimination of plant cover by the laser system allowed recognition of fine patterns and textures related to underlying geologic units and associated soils. Surficial geologic maps were improved by the ability to examine tiny variations in elevation and slope. Recognition of low-relief features of all sizes was enhanced where pixel elevation ranges of centimeters to meters, established by knowledge of the site or by trial, were displayed using thousands of sequential colors. Features can also be depicted relative to stream level by preparing a DEM that compensates for gradient. Near Medford, lidar-derived contour maps with 1- to 3-foot intervals revealed incised bajada with young, distal lobes defined by concentric contour lines. Bedrock geologic maps were improved by recognizing geologic features associated with surface textures and patterns or topographic anomalies. In sedimentary and volcanic terrain, structure was revealed by outcrops or horizons lying at one stratigraphic level. Creating a triangulated irregular network (TIN) facet from positions of three or more such points gives strike and dip. Each map area benefited from hundreds of these measurements. A more extensive DEM in the plane of the TIN facet can be subtracted from surface elevation (lidar DEM) to make a DEM with elevation zero where the stratigraphic horizon lies at the surface. The distribution of higher and lower stratigraphic horizons can be shown by highlighting areas similarly higher or lower on the same DEM. Poor fit of contacts or faults projected between field traverses suggest the nature and amount of intervening geologic structure. Intrusive bodies were locally delimited by linear mounds where contact metamorphism hardened soft, fractured country rock. Bedrock faults were revealed where fault traces formed topographic anomalies or where topography associated with stratigraphic horizons or bedding-parallel textural fabrics was offset. This was important for identification of young faults and associated earthquake hazards. Previously unknown Holocene faults southwest of Hood River appear as subtle lineaments redirecting modern drainages or offsetting glacial moraines or glaciated bedrock. West of Medford, the presence young faulting was confirmed by elevation data that showed bedrock in the channel of the Rogue River at higher elevations below Gold Ray dam than in boreholes upstream. Such obscure structural features would have gone unrecognized using traditional topographic analysis or field reconnaissance. Fieldwork verified that lidar techniques improved our early geologic models, resolution of geologic features, and mapping of surficial and bedrock geology between traverses.

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI, Part 20

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

The topics include: 1) Virtual Reality Technology as a Tool to Enhance Collaboration Between Space Exploration and Public Outreach: The Case Using the Mars Exploration Rover Images; 2) Atmospheric Electron-induced X-Ray Spectrometer (AEXS) Instrument Development; 3) Impact of Low Thermal Conductivity Layers on the Bulk Conductivity of a Martian Crustal Column; 4) Impacting Classroom Teachers Through Long-Term Professional Development; 5) Oxygen, Ca, and Ti Isotopic Compositions of Hibonite-bearing Inclusions; 6) Phenomenological Excitation Functions of Xe Isotopes with Protons on Nuclei of Cs, La and Ce; 7) Double-Diffusive Convection and Other Modes of Salinity-modulated Heat and Material Transport in Europa s Ocean; 8) Slope Morphologies of the Hellas Mensae Constructs, Eastern Hellas Planitia, Mars; 9) Development of Polygonal Thermal Contraction Patterns in a South Polar Trough, Mars 3 Years of Observations; 10) Martian Relevance of Dehydration and Rehydration in the Mg-Sulfate System; 11) Formation of Martian Volcanic Provinces by Lower Mantle Flushing? 12) Can Glasses Help Us to Unravel the Origin of Barred Olivine Chondrules? 13) Loki Patera: A Magma Sea Story; 14) Compositions of Partly Altered Olivine and Replacement Serpentine in the CM2 Chondrite QUE93005; 15) Model of Light Scattering by Lunar Regolith at Moderate Phase Angles: New Results; 16) Radiation Resistance of a Silicone Polymer Grease Based Regolith Collector for the HERA Near-Earth Asteroid Sample Return Mission; 17) Analysis of the Tectonic Lineaments in the Ganiki Planitia (V14) Quadrangle, Venus; 18) Nanometer-sized Diamonds from AGB Stars; 19) Quantifying Exact Motions Along Lineaments on Europa; 20) Geometry of Thrust Faults Beneath Amenthes Rupes, Mars; 21) Mapping of the Physical Characteristics and Mineral Composition of a Superficial Layer of the Moon or Mars and Ultra-Violet Polarimetry from the Orbital Station; 22) Negative Searches for Evidence of Aqueous Alteration on Asteroid Surfaces; 23) What Processes Have Shaped Basalt Boulders on Earth and Mars? Studies of Feature Persistence Using Facet Mapping and Fractal Analysis; 24) The Popigai Fluidizites: Dense Water Inclusions in Lechatelierite; Evidence for Shock-generated Carbonate and Hydrous Silicate Melts; 25) Missing Xenon Problem and Climate of the Early Earth; and 26) More on Magnetic Spectra from Correlated Crustal Sources on Mars

Applications of remote sensing in resource management in Nebraska

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drew, J. V.

1974-01-01

The project is reported for studying the application of remote sensing in land use classification and delineation of major tectonic lineaments in Nebraska. Other research reported include the use of aircraft and ERTS-1 satellite imagery in detecting and estimating the acreage of irrigated land, and the application of remote sensing in estimating evapotranspiration in the Platte River Basin.

To evaluate ERTS-1 data for usefulness as a geological sensor in the diverse geological terranes of New York State

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Isachsen, Y. W. (Principal Investigator)

1972-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. In the present imagery, obtained during the full foliage of summer and fall, the greatest amount of spectral geology is displayed in the Adirondack region where bedrock geology is strongly linked to topography. Of the four spectral bands imaged, band 5 and 7 provide the most geological information. The boundary between the basement rocks of the Adirondack Dome and the surrounding Lower Paleozoic rocks is well delineated except in the Northwest Lowlands and along parts of the eastern Adirondacks. Within the basement complex, the most prominently displayed features are numerous north-northeast trending faults and topographic lineaments, and arcuate east-west valleys developed in some of the weaker metasedimentary rocks. The majority of the faults and lineaments shown on the geologic map of New York appear in the ERTS-1 imagery. In addition, many new linears were detected, as well as a number of anomalous curvilinear elements, some circular in plan and measuring up to 25 km in diameter, which do not bear any clear relationship to mapped geological contacts. The possibility that it is an astrobleme will be investigated after snow melts in the spring.

Simulating Tidal Stresses on Satellites Using SatStressGUI: Now with Polar Wander

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patthoff, D. A.; Pappalardo, R. T.; Ismailyan, A.; Sinclair, P.; Li, J.; Ayton, B.; Tang, L.; Kay, J.; Kattenhorn, S. A.

2016-12-01

Some satellites of our solar system are old and heavily cratered while others are observed to be presently active or recently tectonically deformed. Many of the potential sources of stress which can deform satellites are driven by the tidal deformation the moons experience as they orbit their parent planets. Other plausible sources of global-scale stress include nonsynchronous rotation, volume change induced by the melting or freezing of a subsurface layer, orbital obliquity, and polar wander. We turn to computer modeling to correlate observed geologic features to the possible stresses that created them. Here we demonstrate our recent enhancements to our open source SatStressGUI model. SatStressGUI computes stress vectors and Love numbers for diurnal tidal stresses, nonsynchronous rotation, ice shell thickening, obliquity, and polar wander. The program generates stress plots and lineaments that predict where fracturing should occur. We have expanded on SatStressGUI by adding features such as the ability to batch process stressing mechanisms, generate cycloid-style lineaments, and calculate stresses resulting from polar wander and despinning. Here we demonstrate our recent enhancements to SatStressGUI and its abilities, by comparing observed features on Enceladus and Europa to modeled stressing mechanisms.

Identification of geostructures of continental crust, particularly as they relate to mineral resource evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gryc, G. (Principal Investigator); Lathram, E. H.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The southeastward continuation of a fault that has been mapped in the vicinity of Dan Creek, Alaska, shows up as a lineament on ERTS-1 image 1043-20163 that can be traced for more than 50 miles southeastward to beyond the Alaska-Canada boundary. The lineament probably reflects a major fault that is significant in understanding the complicated tectonics of the Wrangell Mountains-Saint Elias Mountains complex. From a study of the ERTS-1 image, low level vertical photography, and limited field work in the largely unmapped region, E.M. Mackevett, Jr., speculates that the eastern part of the fault may mark the southern boundary of a mild-Paleozoic metamorphic terrane that constitutes the westernmost known extent of the Alexander terrane of Berg, Jones, and Richter (1972) and correlates with the Kaskawulsh Group in Canada. This terrane, which consists dominantly of marble, was recognized during 1972 reconnaissance mapping in the eastcentral part of the McCarthy quadrangle by MacKevett, D.L. Jones, and D.H. Richter and contrasts strongly with the dominantly volcanic and volcanoclastic terrane of Pennsylvanian and Permian age that forms the basement in most of the McCarthy quadrangle.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sener, M.; Tufekci, K.

In Turkey, the three power plants (Yataan, Yenikoy, and Kemerkoy) in the southwestern part of Anatolia use Upper Miocene-Pliocene coal and cause environmental pollution in the winter. For this reason, some considerations have been given to the injection of CO{sub 2} from the power plants into the crust. A research project has been put into the practice for decreasing of global warming. Karstification and geological features, which are included in very thick carbonate rocks (a thickness over 2,000 m and limestone, dolomite, and marble from Paleozoic to Pliocene), and faults-lineaments have been considered as very important agents that will affectmore » the injection of CO{sub 2}. The micro- and macro-karstification and lineament of the region have been studied, and the rocks of the area have been grouped into two classes based on the appropriateness of karstification as suitable and unsuitable rocks. Karstic and geological features (rocks and dislocation lines) have been compared together in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS); thus, by taking note of the geological-geomorphological characteristics of the area, a case study has been proposed for the CO{sub 2} injection from the Gokova power plant emissions with GIS applications, and suitable areas for the injection have been determined for further research.« less

Delineation of tectonic provinces of New York state as a component of seismic-hazard evaluation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fakundiny, R.H.

2004-01-01

Seismic-hazard evaluations in the eastern United States must be based on interpretations of the composition and form of Proterozoic basement-rock terranes and overlying Paleozoic strata, and on factors that can cause relative movements among their units, rather than Phanerozoic orogenic structures, which may be independent of modern tectonics. The tectonic-province concept is a major part of both probabilistic and deterministic seismic-hazard evaluations, yet those that have been proposed to date have not attempted to geographically correlate modern earthquakes with regional basement structure. Comparison of basement terrane (megablock) boundaries with the spatial pattern of modern seismicity may lead to the mechanically sound definition of tectonic provinces, and thus, better seismic-hazard evaluation capability than is currently available. Delineation of megablock boundaries will require research on the many factors that affect their structure and movement. This paper discusses and groups these factors into two broad categories-megablock tectonics in relation to seismicity and regional horizontal-compressive stresses, with megablock tectonics divided into subcategories of basement, overlying strata, regional lineaments, basement tectonic terranes, earthquake epicenter distribution, and epeirogeny, and compressive stresses divided into pop-ups and the contemporary maximum horizontal-compressive stress field. A list presenting four to nine proposed research topics for each of these categories is given at the end.

Geometrical analysis of structural data collected at high South latitude: A modular arithmetic method that addresses meridional convergence

USGS Publications Warehouse

Siddoway, C.S.; Siddoway, M.F.

2007-01-01

The convergence of meridians toward the South Pole causes unique problems for geometrical comparison of structural geological and geophysical datasets from Antarctica. The true North reference direction ordinarily is used for measuring and reporting vector data (strike, trend) in Antarctica, as elsewhere. However, over a latitude distance of just 100 km at 85° South, the angular difference in the true North direction exceeds 10°. Consequently, when performing a regional tectonic analysis of vector data (strike, trend) for structures such as faults, dike arrays, or geophysical lineaments oriented with respect to North at different sites, it is necessary to rotate the data to a common reference direction. A modular arithmetic function, performed as a spreadsheet calculation, offers the means to unify data sets from sites having different longitude position, by rotation to a common reference direction. The function is SC ≡ SM + ∆L (mod 360), where SC = converted strike; SM = measured strike; ∆L = angle in degrees longitude between reference longitude and study site; and 360, the divisor, is the number of degrees in Earth’s circumference. The method is used to evaluate 1) paleomagnetic rotation of the Ellsworth-Whitmore Mountains with respect to the Transantarctic Mountains, and 2) orogenic curvature of the Ross Orogen

High resolution analysis of uranium and thorium concentration as well as U-series isotope distributions in a Neanderthal tooth from Payre (Ardèche, France) using laser ablation ICP-MS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grün, Rainer; Aubert, Maxime; Joannes-Boyau, Renaud; Moncel, Marie-Hélène

2008-11-01

We have mapped U ( 238U) and Th ( 232Th) elemental concentrations as well as U-series isotope distributions in a Neanderthal tooth from the Middle Palaeolithic site of Payre using laser ablation ICP-MS. The U-concentrations in an enamel section varied between 1 and 1500 ppb. The U-concentration maps show that U-migration through the external enamel surface is minute, the bulk of the uranium having migrated internally via the dentine into the enamel. The uranium migration and uptake is critically dependent on the mineralogical structure of the enamel. Increased U-concentrations are observed along lineaments, some of which are associated with cracks, and others may be related to intra-prismatic zones or structural weaknesses reaching from the dentine into the enamel. The uranium concentrations in the dentine vary between about 25,000 and 45,000 ppb. Our systematic mapping of U-concentration and U-series isotopes provides insight into the time domain of U-accumulation. Most of the uranium was accumulated in an early stage of burial, with some much later overprints. None of the uranium concentration and U-series profiles across the root of the tooth complied with a single stage diffusion-adsorption (D-A) model that is used for quality control in U-series dating of bones and teeth. Nevertheless, in the domains that yielded the oldest apparent U-series age estimates, U-leaching could be excluded. This means that the oldest apparent U-series ages of around 200 ka represent a minimum age for this Neanderthal specimen. This is in good agreement with independent age assessments (200-230 ka) for the archaeological layer, in which it was found. The Th elemental concentrations in the dental tissues were generally low (between about 1 and 20 ppb), and show little relationship with the nature of the tissue.

Surface-Water, Water-Quality, and Ground-Water Assessment of the Municipio of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 1999-2002

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rodríguez-Martínez, Jesús; Santiago-Rivera, Luis; Guzman-Rios, Senen; Gómez-Gómez, Fernando; Oliveras-Feliciano, Mario L.

2004-01-01

The surface-water assessment portion of this study focused on analysis of low-flow characteristics in local streams and rivers, because the supply of safe drinking water was a critical issue during recent dry periods. Low-flow characteristics were evaluated at one continuous-record gaging station based on graphical curve-fitting techniques and log-Pearson Type III frequency curves. Estimates of low-flow characteristics for 20 partial-record stations were generated using graphical-correlation techniques. Flow-duration characteristics for the continuous- and partial-record stations were estimated using the relation curves developed for the low-flow study. Stream low-flow statistics document the general hydrology under current land use, water-use, and climatic conditions. A survey of streams and rivers utilized 37 sampling stations to evaluate the sanitary quality of about 165 miles of stream channels. River and stream samples for fecal coliform and fecal streptococcus analyses were collected on two occasions at base-flow conditions. Bacteriological analyses indicate that a significant portion of the stream reaches within the municipio of Mayaguez may have fecal coliform bacteria concentrations above the water-quality goal (standard) established by the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (Junta de Calidad Ambiental de Puerto Rico) for inland surface waters. Sources of fecal contamination may include: illegal discharge of sewage to storm-water drains, malfunctioning sanitary sewer ejectors, clogged and leaking sewage pipes, septic tank leakage, unfenced livestock, and runoff from livestock pens. Long-term fecal coliform data from five sampling stations located within or in the vicinity of the municipio of Mayaguez have been in compliance with the water-quality goal for fecal coliform concentration established in July 1990. Geologic, topographic, soil, hydrogeologic, and streamflow data were compiled into a database and used to divide the municipio of Mayaguez into five hydrogeologic terranes. This integrated database then was used to evaluate the ground-water potential of each hydrogeologic terrane. Lineament-trace analysis was used to help assess the ground-water development potential in the hydrogeologic terranes containing igneous rocks. Analyses suggest that areas with slopes greater than 15 degrees have relatively low ground-water development potential. The presence of fractures, independent of the topographic slope, may locally enhance the water-bearing properties in the hydrogeologic terranes containing igneous rocks. The results of this study indicate that induced streamflow generally is needed to sustain low to moderate ground-water withdrawal rates in the five hydrogeologic terranes. The ground-water flow systems in the hydrogeologic terranes are only able to sustain small withdrawal rates that rarely exceed 50 gallons per minute. Areas with a high density of fractures, as could be the case at the intersection of lineament traces in the upper parts of the Rio Ca?as and Rio Yaguez watersheds, are worthy of exploratory drilling for ground-water development.

Modeling impacts of change in Landuse/ Landcover on groundwater system in Shiwaliks of Punjab using Remote Sensing and GIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, C. K.; Mukherjee, S.; Shashtri, S.

2009-04-01

The dependency of people has increased on groundwater due to tremendous increase in crop production, population and industrialization in past few decades. The groundwater is the main source of irrigation in Shiwaliks of Punjab. Loss of massive forest cover in Shiwaliks is resulting in drying-up of several sub-rivers and natural stream, as a result, the groundwater availability in Punjab is drastically hampered. At present Jayanti, Budki, Siswan the three major tributaries of river Satluj flowing through the district of Rupnagar have disappeared. Since infiltration, recharge, accumulation, and flow of ground water is controlled by various geological, morphological, topographical and other surface parameters by different degrees, study and analysis of these parameters provide vital clues and knowledge about groundwater occurrence and recharge. The characteristic of groundwater is reflected on the soil and vegetation of the surface above it in unconfined aquifers. Hence, the characteristics of the groundwater at a particular area can be determined to a particular extent, by its surface manifestation in terms of the landuse/ landcover pattern. This is the basis on which the classification of the images was performed by using clustering algorithms, that examine the unknown pixels in an image and aggregate them into a number of classes based on the natural groupings or clusters present in the image values. Unsupervised classification was performed on landsat images of year 1989, 2000 and LISS III image of 2005. In the last two decades we observed certain trends that were not very encouraging from environmental viewpoint. Primary among these are the trends displayed by area under river, dense forest, cropland and settlements. In the first three categories there is a continuous decrease with the ultimate difference accruing to around 17% and 22% and 31% respectively, the fourth field, which is settlement, has registered an alarming increase of 534%. The effect of gradually increasing influence of green revolution is continuously being manifested in the form of escalating area under salinization; the total increase being registered is around 94%. The areas lying within the vicinity of river have shown concentrations of several heavy metals to be higher than the desirable limits. Impact of agriculture has also shown alarming increase in nitrate concentration in some of the areas. Thematic maps for geology, geomorphology, slope, drainage, lineament density, distance from the lineaments, soil type, were prepared using GIS platform and a suitability analysis was performed for quantitative variation of groundwater in the study area. Several water quality parameters were analyzed and to observe spatial variation of suitability of groundwater in terms of quality a water quality index (WQI) was generated. Parameters such as relative humidity, temperature and rainfall for the last two decades were also analyzed in relation to decline in level of groundwater.

Contributions of gravity and field data on the structural scheme updating of the Tellian domain and its foreland (Nefza-Bizerte region, northern Tunisia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Essid, El Mabrouk; Kadri, Ali; Balti, Hadhemi; Gasmi, Mohamed; Zargouni, Fouad

2018-03-01

The Nefza-Bizerte region, eastern part of the Tunisian Alpine chain, covers the thrust sheets domain called the Tell and its Atlassic foreland. The deep structures under the Tellian thrust sheets are not enough explored. The structural interpretation of magmatic rocks, Triassic outcrops and the depressions are still a subject of discussion. In this work, we intend to investigate deep faults and their eventual role in magmatism and Triassic salt setting up and to explain the depression genesis. Analysis of the Bouguer anomaly map and its derivatives reveals the main gravity lineaments, organized in major NE- and NW-trending systems. The NE-trending system, dipping towards the NW, is the main component of the structural scheme and has controlled the tectonic evolution of this area. After the immobilization of the Tellian thrust sheets during the uppermost Langhian, the Tell and its Atlassic foreland were affected by the Tortonian compressive event with a NW-trending maximum horizontal stress. The reverse kinematics of the NE-trending deep-seated faults created at their front continental environments filled later by post-nappes Neogene deposits. After the early Pleistocene, a NNW-directed compressional stress regime deformed the post-nappes Neogene series and generated NW-trending grabens. This coexistence of compression-extension continues until present day.

Assessment of integrated electrical resistivity data on complex aquifer structures in NE Nuba Mountains - Sudan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, N. E.; Yaramanci, U.; Kheiralla, K. M.; Abdelgalil, M. Y.

2011-07-01

Two geophysical techniques were integrated to map the groundwater aquifers on complex geological settings, in the crystalline basement terrain in northeast Nuba Mountains. The water flow is structurally controlled by the northwest-southeast extensional faults as one of several in-situ deformational patterns that are attributed to the collision of the Pan-African oceanic assemblage of the Nubian shield against the pre-Pan African continental crust to the west. The structural lineaments and drainage systems have been enhanced by the remote sensing technique. The geophysical techniques used are: vertical electrical soundings (VES) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), in addition to hydraulic conductivity measurements. These measurements were designed to overlap in order to improve the producibility of the geophysical data and to provide a better interpretation of the hydrogeological setting of the aquifer complex structure. Smooth and Block inversion schemes were attempted for the observed ERT data to study their reliability in mapping the different geometries in the complex subsurface. The VES data was conducted where ERT survey was not accessible, and inverted smoothly and merged with the ERT in the 3D resistivity grid. The hydraulic conductivity was measured for 42 water samples collected from the distributed dug wells in the study area; where extremely high saline zones were recorded and have been compared to the resistivity values in the 3D model.

Integrated geophysical and geological study and petroleum appraisal of Cretaceous plays in the Western Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dkhaili, Noomen; Bey, Saloua; El Abed, Mahmoud; Gasmi, Mohamed; Inoubli, Mohamed Hedi

2015-09-01

An integrated study of available seismic and calibrated wells has been conducted in order to ascertain the structural development and petroleum potential of the Cretaceous Formations of the Western Gulf of Gabes. This study has resulted in an understanding of the controls of deep seated Tethyan tectonic lineaments by analysis of the Cretaceous deposits distribution. Three main unconformities have been identified in this area, unconformity U1 between the Jurassic and Cretaceous series, unconformity U2 separating Early from Late Cretaceous and known as the Austrian unconformity and the major unconformity U3 separating Cretaceous from Tertiary series. The seismic analysis and interpretation have confirmed the existence of several features dominated by an NE-SW extensive tectonic regime evidenced by deep listric faults, asymmetric horst and graben and tilted blocks structures. Indeed, the structural mapping of these unconformities, displays the presence of dominant NW-SE fault system (N140 to N160) bounding a large number of moderate sized basins. A strong inversion event related to the unconformity U3 can be demonstrated by the mapping of the unconformities consequence of the succession of several tectonic manifestations during the Cretaceous and post-Cretaceous periods. These tectonic events have resulted in the development of structural and stratigraphic traps further to the porosity and permeability enhancement of Cretaceous reservoirs.

Geophysical expression of elements of the Rio Grande rift in the northeast Tusas Mountains - Preliminary interpretations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drenth, Benjamin J.; Turner, Kenzie J.; Thompson, Ren A.; Grauch, V. J.; Cosca, Michael A.; Lee, John

2011-01-01

New interpretations of the nature of the Rio Grande rift and pre-existing rocks in the northeast Tusas Mountains region are derived from new and existing gravity and aeromagnetic data. 12-15 mGal amplitude gravity lows are interpreted to mainly reflect large thicknesses of the upper Oligocene to upper Miocene, syn-rift Los Pinos Formation and possibly significant amounts of the Eocene El Rito Formation. The Broke Off Mountain sub basin, named after the location of its greatest inferred depth, is interpreted to be a ~40 km long and ~13 km wide structure elongated in a northwest trend at the western margin of the San Luis Basin. The sub basin is interpreted to contain a maximum combined thickness of 900-2300 m of the Los Pinos Formation and El Rito Formation, with the Los Pinos Formation constituting the majority of the section. Sub basin age is constrained to be older than 21.6 ± 1.4 Ma, the age of a Hinsdale Formation basalt flow that caps the Los Pinos Formation section at Broke Off Mountain. This age constraint and surface geology indicate a pre- and early-rift age. The structural fabric of the northeast Tusas Mountains region is dominated by northwest-trending normal faults, as indicated by geologic mapping and interpretation of aeromagnetic data. Preliminary analysis of the aeromagnetic data suggests that lineaments, possibly reflecting faulting, trend through volcanic rocks as young as Pliocene in age. If correct, these interpretations challenge commonly held beliefs regarding two stages in the structural style of rifting, where early (Oligocene-Miocene) rifting was characterized by broad, shallow basins bounded by northwest-trending faults and later (Miocene-Pliocene) rifting was characterized by deep, narrow basins bounded by north-trending faults. The Broke Off Mountain sub basin is a counter example of a pre- and early-rift, deep and narrow basin. We hypothesize that the Broke Off Mountain sub basin may represent a southward extension of the Monte Vista graben in Colorado, based on similarities in geophysical expression, stratigraphy, and its position at the western portion of the San Luis Basin

Wilson cycle studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

Continents originate by the sweeping together of island arcs. Continental and island arc crusts are dominated by rocks of comparable compositional and density ranges, evidence of the operation of this process is abundant in the geological record, and can be seen in action today in Indonesia. Lineaments within continents are attributable to a small number of processes of continent formation and modification, but interactions among these processes may produce complex patterns.

Regional implications of geochemistry and style of emplacement of Miocene I-type diorite and granite, Delos, Cyclades, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pe-Piper, Georgia; Piper, David J. W.; Matarangas, Dionysis

2002-01-01

The Miocene plutons of the Cyclades were emplaced in a subduction setting during regional back-arc extension of continental crust, that led to flat-lying mid-crustal detachment faulting. Mapping of the island of Delos shows that quartz diorite and tonalite were emplaced as dykes in country rock of schist and marble within shear zones parallel to the extension direction. Mafic magmas were followed by numerous small batches of felsic magma, with magmatic and ductile deformation synchronous with magma emplacement. Late granite dykes occupy brittle fractures in the more deformed rocks. Mafic and intermediate rocks show a bimodal distribution of incompatible trace elements, with one group of broadly tholeiitic character and the other with substantial enrichment in Sr, Nb, and HFSE, but low Th and Ba. These differences appear to be inherited from two distinct mafic sources that are different from the mafic source for the plutons of the eastern Cyclades. Voluminous granodiorite results from these mafic magmas fractionating and/or mixing with felsic crustal material, some of which was derived by anatexis of a sedimentary protolith, indicated by high B and Mn. Some late granites appear derived from partial melting of Hercynian paragneiss. Regionally, the shear zones appear to be feeders to more extensive granitic plutons located at space produced at ramps in detachment fault zones. The shear zones parallel the Mid-Cycladic Lineament, a broad zone of displacement between two crustal blocks rotating in opposing directions as rollback took place at the Hellenic subduction zone. Distinctive geochemical features in Miocene igneous rocks suggests that these two blocks had quite different geological histories. The localisation of plutonism and core complexes near the Mid Cycladic Lineament suggests that this crustal-scale shear played a role in bringing subduction-derived magmas to mid-crustal levels. The heat supplied by the mafic magmas promoted ductile deformation high in the crust, where extension was concentrated, leading to the formation of core complexes. The regional extension resulted in progressive shallowing of the position of the granite solidus within the crust, leading to welding of the Mid-Cycladic Lineament, which is no longer seismically active.

Europa Imaging Highlights during GEM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

During the two year Galileo Europa Mission (GEM), NASA's Galileo spacecraft will focus intensively on Jupiter's intriguing moon, Europa. This montage shows samples of some of the features that will be imaged during eight successive orbits. The images in this montage are in order of increasing orbit from the upper left (orbit 11) to the lower right (orbit 19).

DESCRIPTIONS AND APPROXIMATE RESOLUTIONSTriple bands and dark spots

1.6 kilometers/pixelConamara Chaos

1.6 kilometers/pixelMannan'an Crater

1.6 kilometers/ pixelCilix

1.6 kilometers/pixelAgenor Linea and Thrace Macula

2 kilometers/pixelSouth polar terrain

2 kilometers/pixelRhadamanthys Linea

1.6 kilometers/pixelEuropa plume search

7 kilometers/pixel

1. Triple bands and dark spots were the focus of some images from Galileo's eleventh orbit of Jupiter. Triple bands are multiple ridges with dark deposits along the outer margins. Some extend for thousands of kilometers across Europa's icy surface. They are cracks in the ice sheet and indicate the great stresses imposed on Europa by tides raised by Jupiter, as well as Europa's neighboring moons, Ganymede and Io. The dark spots or 'lenticulae' are spots of localized disruption.

2. The Conamara Chaos region reveals icy plates which have broken up, moved, and rafted into new positions. This terrain suggests that liquid water or ductile ice was present near the surface. On Galileo's twelfth orbit of Jupiter, sections of this region with resolutions as high as 10 meters per picture element will be obtained.

3. Mannann'an Crater is a feature newly discovered by Galileo in June 1996. Color and high resolution images (to 40 meters per picture element) from Galileo's fourteenth orbit of Jupiter will offer a close look at the crater and help characterize how impacts affect the icy surface of this moon.

4. Cilix, a large mound about 1.5 kilometers high, is the center of Europa's coordinate system. Its concave top and what may be flow like features to the southwest of the mound are especially intriguing. The origin of this feature is unknown at present. Color, stereo, and high resolution images (to 65 meters per picture element) from Galileo's fifteenth orbit of Jupiter will offer new insights and resolve questions about its origin.

5. Images of Agenor Linea (white arrow) and Thrace Macula (black arrow) with resolutions as high as 30 meters per picture element will be obtained during Galileo's sixteenth orbit of Jupiter. Agenor is an unusually bright lineament on Europa. Is the brightness due to new ice, and if so, does it represent recent activity? Could the dark region of Thrace Macula be a flow from ice volcanism?

6. Images of Europa's south polar terrain obtained during Galileo's seventeenth orbit of Jupiter will offer insights into the processes which are active in this region. Is the ice crust thicker near Europa's poles than near the equator? The prominent dark line running from upper left to lower right through the center of this image is Astypalaea Linea. It is a fault about the length of the San Andreas fault in California and is the largest such fault known on Europa. Images with resolutions of 48 meters per picture element will be obtained to examine its geologic structure.

7. This long lineament, Rhadamanthys Linea. is spotted with dark 'freckles'. Are these freckle features formed by icy volcanism? Is this an early form of a triple band? Stereo and high resolution (to 46 meters per picture element) obtained during Galileo's eighteenth orbit of Jupiter may indicate whether the lineament is the result of volcanic processes or is formed by other surface processes.

8. During Galileo's nineteenth orbit of Jupiter, images of Europa will be taken with very low sun illuminations, similar to taking a picture at sunset or sunrise. The object will be to search for backlit plumes issuing from icy volcanic vents. Such plumes would be direct evidence of a liquid ocean beneath the ice. Resolutions will be as high as 40 meters per picture element. This picture was simulated image from Galileo data obtained during the spacecraft's second orbit of Jupiter in September 1996.

North is to the top of the pictures. During orbit 13, the Galileo spacecraft was behind the sun from our vantage point on Earth so it did not obtain or transmit data from that orbit. The left two images in the bottom row were obtained by NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1979; the remaining images were obtained by the Solid State Imaging (SSI) system on NASA's Galileo spacecraft in 1996.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA manages the Galileo mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, DC. JPL is an operating division of California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

This image and other images and data received from Galileo are posted on the World Wide Web, on the Galileo mission home page at URL http://galileo.jpl.nasa.gov. Background information and educational context for the images can be found at URL http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/galileo/sepo

Evaluation of feasibility of mapping seismically active faults in Alaska

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gedney, L. D. (Principal Investigator); Vanwormer, J. D.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. ERTS-1 imagery is proving to be exceptionally useful in delineating structural features in Alaska which have never been recognized on the ground. Previously unmapped features such as seismically active faults and major structural lineaments are especially evident. Among the more significant results of this investigation is the discovery of an active strand of the Denali fault. The new fault has a history of scattered activity and was the scene of a magnitude 4.8 earthquake on October 1, 1972. Of greater significance is the disclosure of a large scale conjugate fracture system north of the Alaska Range. This fracture system appears to result from compressive stress radiating outward from around Mt. McKinley. One member of the system was the scene of a magnitude 6.5 earthquake in 1968. The potential value of ERTS-1 imagery to land use planning is reflected in the fact that this earthquake occurred within 10 km of the site which was proposed for the Rampart Dam, and the fault on which it occurred passes very near the proposed site for the bridge and oil pipeline crossing of the Yukon River.

Coordination and establishment of centralized facilities and services for the University of Alaska ERTS survey of the Alaskan environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belon, A. E. (Principal Investigator); Miller, J. M.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Scene 1072-21173 of the Anaktuvuk Pass region of the Brooks Range, Alaska, was studied from the point of view of a resource survey for purposes of land use planning as part of the effort to develop ERTS data processing and interpretation techniques. Other data sources and surface observations were utilized to produce a resource survey of a remote and undeveloped region of Alaska. Three vegetative types are apparent: moist tundra, low brush, and high brush. Watersheds are easily defined on the multispectral imagery. Features related indirectly to economic minerals are discernible from ERTS-1 imagery supported by ground truth data. These include mountains, outwash plains and alluvial deposits, drainage patterns, lineaments and probable bedding planes. This region falls within present land class categories which are not inconsistent with the imperatives of the resources. These land class categories include native village withdrawals, regional deficiency area, national interest study area for possible inclusion in a national system, public interest areas, utility corridor, and state land selection.

The geomorphology of Rhea - Implications for geologic history and surface processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, J. M.; Horner, V. M.; Greeley, R.

1985-01-01

Morphological analyses of landforms on Rhea are used to define three physiographic provinces: cratered terrain 1 undifferentiated; cratered terrain 1 lineated; and cratered terrain 2. The important statigraphic relationships between the different provinces are examined with respect to major impact basins and tectonic features. It is shown that the formation of multiringed basins may have caused, or at least controlled the locations of major resurfacing and mantling events. The diameters of the central peaks relative to the impact crater diameters are found to be significantly larger than those within the craters of the moon or Mercury. Both cratered and noncrater lineaments have regional orientations which do not fit current global or regional stress models. On the basis of the morphological analysis, a chronological order is established for the origin of the three provinces: the cratered terrain 1 province was formed first; and cratered terrain 1 lineated and cratered terrain 2 were formed second, and last, respectively. It is shown that the chronological order is generally consistent with current theoretical models of the evolution of Rhea.

To evaluate ERTS-1 data for the usefulness as a geological sensor in the diverse geological terranes of New York State

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Isachsen, Y. W. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The straight NNE-trending escarpment that marks the easternmost extent of the Catskill Mountains appears, from ERTS-1 imagery (1079-15124) to be related to a set of parallel topographic lineaments which occur over a distance of 40 km to the west. The October 11 imagery of the Adirondacks (1080-15174) displays the pre-Paleozoic erosion surface along the western and northern margin of the Adirondack Mountains dome. The northern portion of this paleoplain is terminated to the southeast by an escarpment following an ENE topographic linear to produce a pseudo-cuesta. The snow covered terrain in the Mohawk Valley between Albany and Rome (1170-15182 and 1169-15123) displays with sculptural clarity a drumlin field having a cloud-free area of about 2600 sq km; glacial flow directions can be plotted readily because the stoss and lee sides of the drumlins can be distinguished. In the imagery of summer and fall, agricultural patterns obscured the detail which is visible in the winter imagery.

Geologic Mapping of the Guinevere Planitia Quadrangle of Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crown, David A.; Stofan, Ellen R.; Bleamaster, Leslie F., III

2008-01-01

The Guinevere Planitia quadrangle of Venus (0-25degN, 300-330deg) covers a lowland region east of Beta Regio and west of Eistla Regio, including parts of Guinevere and Undine Planitiae. The V-30 quadrangle is dominated by low-lying plains interpreted to be of volcanic origin and exhibiting numerous wrinkle ridges. Using Pioneer Venus, Goldstone, and Arecibo data, previous investigators have described radar bright, dark, and mottled plains units in the Guinevere Planitia region, as well as arcuate fracture zones and lineament belt segments that define the Beta-Eistla deformation zone [1-5]. Magellan SAR images show that volcanic landforms compose the majority of the surface units in V-30 [6-7]. The quadrangle contains parts of four major volcanoes: Atanua (9degN, 307deg), Rhpisunt (3degN, 302deg), Tuli (13degN, 314deg), and Var (3degN, 316deg) Montes, and three coronae: Hulda (12degN, 308deg), Madderakka (9degN, 316deg), and Poloznitsa (1degN, 303deg). Seymour crater, located at 18degN, 327deg, is associated with extensive crater outflow deposits.

Geologic map of the Sunshine 7.5' quadrangle, Taos County, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thompson, Ren A.; Turner, Kenzie J.; Shroba, Ralph R.; Cosca, Michael A.; Ruleman, Chester A.; Lee, John P.; Brandt, Theodore R.

2014-01-01

Pliocene and younger basin deposition was accommodated along predominantly north-trending fault-bounded grabens and is preserved as poorly exposed fault scarps that cut lava flows of Ute Mountain volcano, north of the map area. The Servilleta Basalt and younger surficial deposits record largely down-to-east basinward displacement. Faults are identified with varying confidence levels in the map area. Recognizing and mapping faults developed near the surface in relatively young, brittle volcanic rocks is difficult because: (1) they tend to form fractured zones tens of meters wide rather than discrete fault planes, (2) the relative youth of the deposits has resulted in only modest displacements on most faults, and (3) some of the faults may have significant strike-slip components that do not result in large vertical offsets that are readily apparent in offset of sub-horizontal contacts. Those faults characterized as “certain” either have distinct offset of map units or had slip planes that were directly observed in the field. Lineaments defined from magnetic anomalies form an additional constraint on potential fault locations.

Meter-scale thermal contraction crack polygons on the nucleus of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auger, A.-T.; Groussin, O.; Jorda, L.; El-Maarry, M. R.; Bouley, S.; Séjourné, A.; Gaskell, R.; Capanna, C.; Davidsson, B.; Marchi, S.; Höfner, S.; Lamy, P. L.; Sierks, H.; Barbieri, C.; Rodrigo, R.; Koschny, D.; Rickman, H.; Keller, H. U.; Agarwal, J.; A'Hearn, M. F.; Barucci, M. A.; Bertaux, J.-L.; Bertini, I.; Cremonese, G.; Da Deppo, V.; Debei, S.; De Cecco, M.; Fornasier, S.; Fulle, M.; Gutiérrez, P. J.; Güttler, C.; Hviid, S.; Ip, W.-H.; Knollenberg, J.; Kramm, J.-R.; Kührt, E.; Küppers, M.; Lara, L. M.; Lazzarin, M.; Lopez Moreno, J. J.; Marzari, F.; Massironi, M.; Michalik, H.; Naletto, G.; Oklay, N.; Pommerol, A.; Sabau, L.; Thomas, N.; Tubiana, C.; Vincent, J.-B.; Wenzel, K.-P.

2018-02-01

We report on the detection and characterization of more than 6300 polygons on the surface of the nucleus of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, using images acquired by the OSIRIS camera onboard Rosetta between August 2014 and March 2015. They are found in consolidated terrains and grouped in localized networks. They are present at all latitudes (from North to South) and longitudes (head, neck, and body), sometimes on pit walls or following lineaments. About 1.5% of the observed surface is covered by polygons. Polygons have an homogeneous size across the nucleus, with 90% of them in the size range 1 - 5 m and a mean size of 3.0 ± 1.4 m. They show different morphologies, depending on the width and depth of their trough. They are found in networks with 3- or 4-crack intersection nodes. The polygons observed on 67P are consistent with thermal contraction crack polygons formed by the diurnal or seasonal temperature variations in a hard (MPa) and consolidated sintered layer of water ice, located a few centimeters below the surface. Our thermal analysis shows an evolution of thermal contraction crack polygons according to the local thermal environment, with more evolved polygons (i.e. deeper and larger troughs) where the temperature and the diurnal and seasonal temperature range are the highest. Thermal contraction crack polygons are young surface morphologies that probably formed after the injection of 67P in the inner solar system, typically 100,000 years ago, and could be as young as a few orbital periods, following the decreasing of its perihelion distance in 1959 from 2.7 to 1.3 a.u. Meter scale thermal contraction crack polygons should be common features on the nucleus of Jupiter family comets.

Application of Skylab imagery to some geological and environmental problems in Italy. [and Sicily

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cassinis, R.; Lechi, G. M.; Tonelli, A. M.

1975-01-01

Four topics are considered: regional geology of Sicily, volcanic surveillance in southern Italy, hydrogeology (with special regard given to the discovery and mapping of paleoriverbeds), and crop investigation. The discovery of unknown lineaments and structures in Sicily contributes to the geological knowledge of this region and in particular to the mechanical phenomena involving the upper part of the crust. An attempt was made to relate the status of vegetation surrounding Etna volcano to the magmatic gas escapes filtering through the soil. False-color Skylab images were used to analyze the vigor of the Etnean forestal belt vegetation canopy in order to map possible gas-vent ways as well as the 'active' microfractures. In northern Italy, buried channels were mapped in the Venetian Plain, and a tentative cost-benefit evaluation was done in the field of vegetational studies, both disease detection and species inventory were performed in the Po River Delta and in northwestern Italy.

Geologic and mineral and water resources investigations in western Colorado, using Skylab EREP data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, K. (Principal Investigator); Prost, G. L.; Knepper, D. H.; Sawatzky, D. L.; Huntley, D.; Weimer, R. J.

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Skylab photographs are superior to ERTS images for photogeologic interpretation, primarily because of improved resolution. Lithologic contacts can be detected consistently better on Skylab S190A photos than on ERTS images. Color photos are best; red and green band photos are somewhat better than color-infrared photos; infrared band photos are worst. All major geologic structures can be recognized on Skylab imagery. Large folds, even those with very gentle flexures, can be mapped accurately and with confidence. Bedding attitudes of only a few degrees are recognized; vertical exaggeration factor is about 2.5X. Mineral deposits in central Colorado may be indicated on Skylab photos by lineaments and color anomalies, but positive identification of these features is not possible. S190A stereo color photography is adequate for defining drainage divides that in turn define the boundaries and distribution of ground water recharge and discharge areas within a basin.

The comparative evaluation of ERTS-1 imagery for resource inventory in land use planning. [Oregon - Newberry Caldera, Mt. Washington, and Big Summit Prairie in Crook County

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schrumpf, B. J. (Principal Investigator); Simonson, G. H.; Paine, D. P.; Lawrence, R. D.; Pyott, W. T.; Herzog, J. H.; Murray, R. J.; Norgren, J. A.; Cornwell, J. A.; Rogers, R. A.

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Multidiscipline team interpretation and mapping of resources for Crook County is complete on 1:250,000 scale enlargements of ERTS imagery and 1:120,000 hi-flight photography. Maps of geology, soils, vegetation-land use and land resources units were interpreted to show limitations, suitabilities, and geologic hazards for land use planning. Mapping of lineaments and structures from ERTS imagery has shown a number of features not previously mapped in Oregon. A multistage timber inventory of Ochoco National Forest was made, using ERTS images as the first stage. Inventory of forest clear-cutting practices was successfully demonstrated with color composites. Soil tonal differences in fallow fields correspond with major soil boundaries in loess-mantled terrain. A digital classification system used for discriminating natural vegetation and geologic material classes was successful in separating most major classes around Newberry Caldera, Mt. Washington, and Big Summit Prairie.

Provence and dispersal of Cretaceous elastics in northeastern Africa: climatic and structural setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beauchamp, J.; Omer, M. K.; Perriaux, J.

During Cretaceous times, NE Africa was covered by clastic sediments. These sandy deposits correspond to the so-called "Nubian Sandstones" of Sudan, and the equivalent series of Egypt, Ethiopia and Somalia. In Central Sudan, the sandstone are alluvial, deposited from braided rivers under a dry tropical climate. They grade into alluvial plain and beach deposits in northern and eastern Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia and Somalia. The source province was a north-south basement high, the Butana Massif, which extended northward into Egypt and eastward into Ethiopia and Somalia (Ethiopia-Sudan High, Harar-Nogal Swell). Nubian Sandstones were deposited in extensional tectonic framework. Old lineaments were rejuvenated as normal and strike-slip faults. Several geodynamics event could have interfered: northward drift of the African craton and downwarping of its northern margin as evidenced by Tethys transgressions, Indian Ocean opening and progressive uplift of the eastern margin of Africa, eastern updoming preceding the Red Sea and Aden Gulf opening.

Linear geologic structure and magic rock discrimination as determined from infrared data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Offield, T. W.; Rowan, L. C.; Watson, R. D.

1970-01-01

Color infrared photographs of the Beartooth Mountains, Montana show the distribution of mafic dikes and amphibolite bodies. Lineaments that cross grassy plateaus can be identified as dikes by the marked constrast between the dark rocks and the red vegetation. Some amphibolite bodies in granitic terrain can also be detected by infrared photography and their contacts can be accurately drawn due to enchanced contrast of the two types of rock in the near infrared. Reflectance measurements made in the field for amphibolite and granite show that the granite is 25% to 50% more reflective in the near infrared than in the visible region. Further enhancement is due to less atmospheric scattering than in the visible region. Thermal infrared images of the Mill Creek, Oklahoma test site provided information on geologic faults and fracture systems not obtainable from photographs. Subtle stripes that cross outcrop and intervening soil areas and which probably record water distribution are also shown on infrared photographs.

Utilizing ERTS-A imagery for tectonic analysis through study of the Bighorn Mountains Region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoppin, R. A. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Preliminary vegetation analysis has been undertaken on MSS scene 1085-17294, Oct. 16, 1973 in the Bighorn region. Forest Service maps showing detailed distribution of dominant forest types have been compared with MSS bands 5 and 7 positive transparencies, enlarged positive prints, and color imagery produced on an Addcol viewer. Patterns on the ERTS imagery match those on the Forest Service maps quite well. A tectonic map ovearlay of MSS band 7 of the Bighorn region reveals a strong concentration of linears in the uplift as compared to basins. Folds in the Bighorn Basin are visible where not covered by post-Paleocene deposits. In regions where far less is known of the geology than in this area, it might be possible to predict the subsurface occurrence of folds and lineaments on the basis of imagery analysis and more confidently explore covered areas for concealed oil structures and mineral deposits.

A study of Minnesota land and water resources using remote sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A pilot study of 60 lakes in Minnesota shows that LANDSAT data correlate very well with the Carlson trophic state index which is derived from measurements in the field. Nimbus satellite data reveal improvement in water quality in Lake Superior since the dumping of taconite tailings stopped in 1980. A feasibility study of using color infrared photography as a near real time tool for soil and crop management in corn and soybean areas of the state generated strong interest from farmers and agribusiness firms. The state geological survey had success in the use and applications of LANDSAT images. Subtleties of changes in vegetation, soil, and topography are such that ground water presence and depth to water table are nearly always impossible to qualify except for broad scale applications. Bedrock and structural differences as shown in lineaments offer great potential for resolution of some kinds of geologic studies. A synergistic concept is to be used to search for mineral resources in the northeastern part of the state.

Late Quaternary faulting along the Death Valley-Furnace Creek fault system, California and Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brogan, George E.; Kellogg, Karl; Slemmons, D. Burton; Terhune, Christina L.

1991-01-01

The Death Valley-Furnace Creek fault system, in California and Nevada, has a variety of impressive late Quaternary neotectonic features that record a long history of recurrent earthquake-induced faulting. Although no neotectonic features of unequivocal historical age are known, paleoseismic features from multiple late Quaternary events of surface faulting are well developed throughout the length of the system. Comparison of scarp heights to amount of horizontal offset of stream channels and the relationships of both scarps and channels to the ages of different geomorphic surfaces demonstrate that Quaternary faulting along the northwest-trending Furnace Creek fault zone is predominantly right lateral, whereas that along the north-trending Death Valley fault zone is predominantly normal. These observations are compatible with tectonic models of Death Valley as a northwest-trending pull-apart basin. The largest late Quaternary scarps along the Furnace Creek fault zone, with vertical separation of late Pleistocene surfaces of as much as 64 m (meters), are in Fish Lake Valley. Despite the predominance of normal faulting along the Death Valley fault zone, vertical offset of late Pleistocene surfaces along the Death Valley fault zone apparently does not exceed about 15 m. Evidence for four to six separate late Holocene faulting events along the Furnace Creek fault zone and three or more late Holocene events along the Death Valley fault zone are indicated by rupturing of Q1B (about 200-2,000 years old) geomorphic surfaces. Probably the youngest neotectonic feature observed along the Death Valley-Furnace Creek fault system, possibly historic in age, is vegetation lineaments in southernmost Fish Lake Valley. Near-historic faulting in Death Valley, within several kilometers south of Furnace Creek Ranch, is represented by (1) a 2,000-year-old lake shoreline that is cut by sinuous scarps, and (2) a system of young scarps with free-faceted faces (representing several faulting events) that cuts Q1B surfaces.

Development, description, and application of a geographic information system data base for water resources in karst terrane in Greene County, Missouri

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waite, L.A.; Thomson, Kenneth C.

1993-01-01

A geographic information system data base was developed for Greene County, Missouri, to provide data for use in the protection of water resources. The geographic information system data base contains the following map layers: geology, cave entrances and passages, county and quadrangle boundary, dye traces, faults, geographic names, hypsography, hydrography, lineaments, Ozark aquifer potentio- metric surface, public land survey system, sink- holes, soils, springs, and transportation. Several serious incidents of ground-water contamination have been reported in the karst terrane developed in soluble carbonate rocks in Greene County. Karst terranes are environmentally sensitive because any contaminant carried by surface runoff has the potential for rapid transport through solution enlarged fractures to the ground-water system. In the karst terrane in Greene County, about 2,500 sinkholes have been located; these sinkholes are potential access points for contamination to the ground-water system. Recent examples of ground-water contamination by sewage, fertilizers, and hydrocarbon chemicals have demonstrated the sensitivity of ground water in the Greene County karst terrane to degradation. The ground-water system is a major source of drinking water for Greene County. The population in Greene County, which includes Springfield, the third largest city in Missouri, is rapidly increasing and the protection of the water resources of Greene County is an increasing concern.

Micromechanics of sea ice gouge in shear zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sammonds, Peter; Scourfield, Sally; Lishman, Ben

2015-04-01

The deformation of sea ice is a key control on the Arctic Ocean dynamics. Shear displacement on all scales is an important deformation process in the sea cover. Shear deformation is a dominant mechanism from the scale of basin-scale shear lineaments, through floe-floe interaction and block sliding in ice ridges through to the micro-scale mechanics. Shear deformation will not only depend on the speed of movement of ice surfaces but also the degree that the surfaces have bonded during thermal consolidation and compaction. Recent observations made during fieldwork in the Barents Sea show that shear produces a gouge similar to a fault gouge in a shear zone in the crust. A range of sizes of gouge are exhibited. The consolidation of these fragments has a profound influence on the shear strength and the rate of the processes involved. We review experimental results in sea ice mechanics from mid-scale experiments, conducted in the Hamburg model ship ice tank, simulating sea ice floe motion and interaction and compare these with laboratory experiments on ice friction done in direct shear, and upscale to field measurement of sea ice friction and gouge deformation made during experiments off Svalbard. We find that consolidation, fragmentation and bridging play important roles in the overall dynamics and fit the model of Sammis and Ben-Zion, developed for understanding the micro-mechanics of rock fault gouge, to the sea ice problem.

To assess the value of satellite imagery in resource inventorization on a national scale

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malan, O. G. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Production of 1:500,000 scale false color photolithoprints proved to be very valuable. Significant results were obtained in geomorphological mapping, mapping of disturbed and undisturbed natural vegetation as well as in the discovery of major geologic lineaments, some of which may be associated with mineralization. The cartographic quality of system corrected MSS imagery was also evaluated.

Seismic Hazards of the Upper Mississippi Embayment

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-01

displacement of the Mississippi River; uplift of the Lake County uplift, Tiptonville dome, Blytheville arch; subsidence of Reelfoot Lake , Big Lake , and Lake St...slip faults within the Blytheville arch and western margin of the Reelfoot rift that are linked by the southwest dipping Reelfoot reverse fault. The...Bootheel lineament and back thrusts of the Reelfoot fault may also have slipped in 1811-12. Geomorphic effects of the 1811-12 sequence include

Manifestation of a neuro-fuzzy model to produce landslide susceptibility map using remote sensing data derived parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradhan, Biswajeet; Lee, Saro; Buchroithner, Manfred

Landslides are the most common natural hazards in Malaysia. Preparation of landslide suscep-tibility maps is important for engineering geologists and geomorphologists. However, due to complex nature of landslides, producing a reliable susceptibility map is not easy. In this study, a new attempt is tried to produce landslide susceptibility map of a part of Cameron Valley of Malaysia. This paper develops an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) based on a geographic information system (GIS) environment for landslide susceptibility mapping. To ob-tain the neuro-fuzzy relations for producing the landslide susceptibility map, landslide locations were identified from interpretation of aerial photographs and high resolution satellite images, field surveys and historical inventory reports. Landslide conditioning factors such as slope, plan curvature, distance to drainage lines, soil texture, lithology, and distance to lineament were extracted from topographic, soil, and lineament maps. Landslide susceptible areas were analyzed by the ANFIS model and mapped using the conditioning factors. Furthermore, we applied various membership functions (MFs) and fuzzy relations to produce landslide suscep-tibility maps. The prediction performance of the susceptibility map is checked by considering actual landslides in the study area. Results show that, triangular, trapezoidal, and polynomial MFs were the best individual MFs for modelling landslide susceptibility maps (86

Tectonic analysis of Baja California and Parras shear belt in Mexico

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdel-Gawad, M. (Principal Investigator); Tubbesing, L.

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Geological correlation of terrain across the Gulf of California using ERTS-1 imagery revealed significant similarities between Isla Tiburon, Isla Angel de la Guarda, and the San Carlos Range in mainland Mexico. ERTS-1 imagery was used to check the validity of the existence of major trans-Baja fault zones. ERTS-1 imagery also shows that high albedo sediments similar to known late Tertiary marine sediments are widespread in southern and middle Baja and extend in places to the eastern side of the Peninsula. Major faults in northern Mexico and across the border in the United States were mapped, and ample evidence was found that the Parras and parts of the Texas lineament are belts of major transverse shear faults in areas outside the supposed limit of the Texas and Parras lineaments. A fundamental concept which may help explain many complexities in the tectonic development is beginning to emerge: The southwestern part of North America was torn by massive left-lateral shear of transverse trend (east-west) during the compressive stage of the late Mesozoic and early Cenozoic. This tectonic style has changed into tensional rifting (Basin and Range) and right-lateral shear later in the Cenozoic and Quaternary.

Earthquake-induced deformations on ice-stream landforms in Kuusamo, eastern Finnish Lapland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutinen, Raimo; Hyvönen, Eija; Middleton, Maarit; Airo, Meri-Liisa

2018-01-01

Kuusamo in eastern Finnish Lapland is characterized by ice-streamlined landforms as well as clusters of historical and recent earthquakes (Mw < 4). Since recent earthquakes are often found to be located on the traces of postglacial faults (PGFs) within the Fennoscandian shield we postulate that some part of the ice-stream landforms have been deformed by the past earthquakes in Kuusamo. Airborne LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) DEMs (digital elevation models) revealed significant numbers of postglacial deformations, such as liquefaction deformations, rotational landslides, earth flows as well as kettle holes (craters), on the fluted surfaces within the Kuusamo ice-stream fan. We found these deformations to be a common feature on the Archean granitoid gneisses and within a 20 km wide and NW-SE oriented corridor between the major intrusives, the Iivaara nepheline syenite and the Näränkävaara gabbro. Of the paleolandslides, liquefaction morphologies were generally developed on the distal slopes (1.3-2.8%; 0.75-1.6°) of the streamlined forms. Sedimentary anisotropy, obtained with azimuthal electrical conductivity (σa; skin depth down to 3-6 m), of the deformed flutes significantly deviated from the non-deformed (clean) ones. The fields of the Pulju moraine, a subglacial landform, formed a grounding zone for the ice-streaming SW of the paleolandslide cluster. We therefore propose that both subglacial and postglacial earthquake-induced landforms are present in Kuusamo. No PGFs could be verified in the Kuusamo area, yet gravity, airborne magnetic, and LiDAR morphological lineaments suggest that the old Paleoproterozoic structures have been reactivated as strike-slip faults, due to the lithospheric plate stresses and glacio-isostatic adjustment (GIA).

Geoelectrical Tomographies for the study of some landslide areas in the Lucanian Apennine Chain (Southern Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perrone, A.; Lapenna, V.; Piscitelli, S.; Rizzo, E.; Sdao, F.

2003-04-01

In the frame of the two projects supported by the Italian Ministry of Research: "Design of geophysical monitoring network in areas of the Basilicata Region characterized by a high hydrogeological hazard" and "Geomorphological study and landslides control in some areas of the Basilicata region characterized by historical-cultural heritage", we developed a research activity focussed on a 2D electromagnetic monitoring and modelling of landslide bodies. Basilicata region (Southern Italy), being dissected by numerous and often significant rivers and characterized by the outcrop of terrains with bad mechanical properties, is one of the more exposed regions of the southern Apennine chain to hydrogeologic hazard and shows a complete panorama of mass movements. In order to study some landslide areas located in the Basilicata region, such as Varco Izzo, Latronico, Campomaggiore and Maratea, we carried out 2D electrical resistivity imaging (ERI), 2D-3D self-potential tomographies and maps, combining advanced technologies for data acquisition and new methods for data inversion (Loke and Barker, 1996; McCann and Forster, 1990; Patella, 1997). The geophysical results allowed us: to outline the discontinuity between landslide material and bedrock, to identify the possible reactivation surfaces, to obtain useful information about the thickness of the mobilised material and the main patterns of the underground fluid flow. Geophysical results were compared with the data coming from geological and hydrogeological surveys and from the analysis of aerial photo and boreholes. The good correlation between the main anomalous geoelectrical zones, the main structural lineaments and hydrogeological characteristics of the investigated areas, allowed us to consider the used geoelectrical methods as a possible powerful tool to investigate landslide areas characterised by very complex geology.

Geology and geothermal waters of Lightning Dock region, Animas Valley and Pyramid Mountains, Hidalgo County, New Mexico

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Elston, W.E.; Deal, E.G.; Logsdon, M.J.

1983-01-01

This circular covers the geology of the Pyramid Peak, Swallow Fork Peak, Table Top Mountain, and South Pyramid Peak 7-1/2-min quadrangles, which include the Lightning Dock KGRA. Hot wells (70 to 115.5/sup 0/C) seem to be structurally controlled by intersections of the ring-fracture zone of an Oligocene ash-flow tuff cauldron (Muir cauldron), a Miocene-to-Holocene north-trending basin-and-range fault (Animas Valley fault), and a northeast-trending lineament that appears to control anomalously heated underground waters and Pliocene-Pleistocene basalt cones in the San Bernardino, San Simon, and Animas Valleys. The Muir cauldron, approximately 20 km in diameter, collapsed in two stages, each associated withmore » the eruption of a rhyolite ash-flow-tuff sheet and of ring-fracture domes. Most of the hydrothermal alteration of the Lightning Dock KGRA is related to the first stage of eruption and collapse, not to the modern geothermal system. Contrary to previous reports, no silicic volcanic rocks younger than basin-and-range faulting are known; unconformities beneath rhyolite ring-fracture domes are caused by Oligocene caldera collapse, not by basin-and-range faulting. The Animas Valley is the site of widespread post-20 My travertine deposits and near-surface veins of calcite, fluorite, and/or psilomelane, controlled by north- or northwest-trending basin-and-range faults. The fluoride-bearing waters of the Lightning Dock KGRA may be a late stage of this hydrothermal activity. Distribution of Pliocene-Pleistocene basalt suggests that deep-seated basalt near the solids may be the ultimate heat source.« less

Geochemical study of travertines along middle-lower Tiber valley (central Italy): genesis, palaeo-environmental and tectonic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giustini, Francesca; Brilli, Mauro; Mancini, Marco

2018-06-01

Several travertine deposits dating to the Pleistocene outcrop along the Tiber valley between Orte and Rome. Mineralogically, they are mainly composed of calcite; various lithofacies (stromatolitic, phytoclastic, and massive) were identified and relatively wide ranges of carbon (δ13C -8.11 to +11.42‰ vs. VPDB) and oxygen (δ18O +22.74 to +27.71‰ vs. VSMOW) isotope compositions were measured. The isotope and chemical compositions of water and free gases, in some cases associated with the travertines, were also measured. Carbon isotope data show that several samples fall in the typical range of thermogenic travertine, i.e., linked to the addition of deep inorganic CO2. The oxygen isotope composition of the springs associated with the travertine deposits points to travertine precipitation by slightly thermal water of meteoric origin. In general, these travertines are in association with, or close to, mineralised groundwaters (with slightly acidic pH, low thermalism, and enrichment in sulphates or sodium chloride) and rich CO2 gas emissions, the origin of which may be linked to decarbonation reactions. The travertine bodies are locally connected with crustal structural lineaments favouring the circulation of ascending deep CO2-rich fluids. Conversely, some samples show isotopic connotations of meteogenic deposits, representing travertines formed mainly from soil biogenic or atmospheric carbon dioxide generally present in shallow groundwater or surface water. According to their morphology and isotope data, these travertines may be attributed to the sedimentary environment of waterfalls. These new geochemical and morphological data are integrated with those already available in the literature regarding the study area and contribute to shedding light on palaeo-environmental conditions in western-central Italy during the Quaternary.

The Fazenda Largo off-craton kimberlites of Piauí State, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaminsky, Felix V.; Sablukov, Sergei M.; Sablukova, Ludmila I.; Zakharchenko, Olga D.

2009-10-01

In the late 1990s, the Fazenda Largo kimberlite cluster was discovered in the Piauí State of Brazil. As with earlier known kimberlites in this area - Redondão, Santa Filomena-Bom Jesus (Gilbues) and Picos - this cluster is located within the Palaeozoic Parnaiba Sedimentary Basin that separates the São Francisco and the Amazonian Precambrian cratons. Locations of kimberlites are controlled by the 'Transbrasiliano Lineament'. The Fazenda Largo kimberlites are intensely weathered, almost completely altered rocks with a fine-grained clastic structure, and contain variable amounts of terrigene admixture (quartz sand). These rocks represent near-surface volcano-sedimentary deposits of the crater parts of kimberlite pipes. By petrographic, mineralogical and chemical features, the Fazenda Largo kimberlites are similar to average kimberlite. The composition of the deep-seated material in the Fazenda Largo kimberlites is quite diverse: among mantle microxenoliths are amphibolitised pyrope peridotites, garnetised spinel peridotites, ilmenite peridotites, chromian spinel + chromian diopside + pyrope intergrowths, and large xenoliths of pyrope dunite. High-pressure minerals are predominantly of the ultramafic suite, Cr-association minerals (purplish-red and violet pyrope, chromian spinel, chromian diopside, Cr-pargasite and orthopyroxene). The Ti-association minerals of the ultramafic suite (picroilmenite and orange pyrope), as well as rare grains of orange pyrope-almandine of the eclogite association, are subordinate. Kimberlites from all four pipes contain rare grains of G10 pyrope of the diamond association, but chromian spinel of the diamond association was not encountered. By their tectonic position, by geochemical characteristics, and by the composition of kimberlite indicator minerals, the Fazenda Largo kimberlites, like the others of such type, are unlikely to be economic.

Active high-resolution seismic tomography of compressional wave velocity and attenuation structure at Medicine Lake Volcano, northern California Cascade Range

USGS Publications Warehouse

Evans, J.R.; Zucca, J.J.

1988-01-01

Medicine Lake volcano is a basalt through rhyolite shield volcano of the Cascade Range, lying east of the range axis. The Pg wave from eight explosive sources which has traveled upward through the target volume to a dense array of 140 seismographs provides 1- to 2-km resolution in the upper 5 to 7 km of the crust beneath the volcano. The experiment tests the hypothesis that Cascade Range volcanoes of this type are underlain only by small silicic magma chambers. We image a low-velocity low-Q region not larger than a few tens of cubic kilometers in volume beneath the summit caldera, supporting the hypothesis. A shallower high-velocity high-density feature, previously known to be present, is imaged for the first time in full plan view; it is east-west elongate, paralleling a topographic lineament between Medicine Lake volcano and Mount Shasta. Differences between this high-velocity feature and the equivalent feature at Newberry volcano, a volcano in central regon resembling Medicine Lake volcano, may partly explain the scarcity of surface hydrothermal features at Medicine Lake volcano. A major low-velocity low-Q feature beneath the southeast flank of the volcano, in an area with no Holocene vents, is interpreted as tephra, flows, and sediments from the volcano deeply ponded on the downthrown side of the Gillem fault. A high-Q normal-velocity feature beneath the north rim of the summit caldera may be a small, possibly hot, subsolidus intrusion. A high-velocity low-Q region beneath the eastern caldera may be an area of boiling water between the magma chamber and the ponded east flank material. -from Authors

Geochemical study of travertines along middle-lower Tiber valley (central Italy): genesis, palaeo-environmental and tectonic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giustini, Francesca; Brilli, Mauro; Mancini, Marco

2017-09-01

Several travertine deposits dating to the Pleistocene outcrop along the Tiber valley between Orte and Rome. Mineralogically, they are mainly composed of calcite; various lithofacies (stromatolitic, phytoclastic, and massive) were identified and relatively wide ranges of carbon (δ13C -8.11 to +11.42‰ vs. VPDB) and oxygen (δ18O +22.74 to +27.71‰ vs. VSMOW) isotope compositions were measured. The isotope and chemical compositions of water and free gases, in some cases associated with the travertines, were also measured. Carbon isotope data show that several samples fall in the typical range of thermogenic travertine, i.e., linked to the addition of deep inorganic CO2. The oxygen isotope composition of the springs associated with the travertine deposits points to travertine precipitation by slightly thermal water of meteoric origin. In general, these travertines are in association with, or close to, mineralised groundwaters (with slightly acidic pH, low thermalism, and enrichment in sulphates or sodium chloride) and rich CO2 gas emissions, the origin of which may be linked to decarbonation reactions. The travertine bodies are locally connected with crustal structural lineaments favouring the circulation of ascending deep CO2-rich fluids. Conversely, some samples show isotopic connotations of meteogenic deposits, representing travertines formed mainly from soil biogenic or atmospheric carbon dioxide generally present in shallow groundwater or surface water. According to their morphology and isotope data, these travertines may be attributed to the sedimentary environment of waterfalls. These new geochemical and morphological data are integrated with those already available in the literature regarding the study area and contribute to shedding light on palaeo-environmental conditions in western-central Italy during the Quaternary.

To reactivate or not to reactivate: nature and varied behavior of structural inheritance in the Proterozoic basement of the Eastern Colorado mineral belt over 1.7 billion years of earth history

USGS Publications Warehouse

Caine, Jonathan S.; Ridley, John; Wessel, Zachary R.

2010-01-01

The eastern central Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado has long been a region of geologic interest because of Laramide-age hydrothermal polymetallic vein-related ores. The region is characterized by a well-exposed array of geologic structures associated with ductile and brittle deformation, which record crustal strain over 1.7 billion years of continental growth and evolution. The mineralized areas lie along a broad linear zone termed the Colorado Mineral Belt. This lineament has commonly been interpreted as following a fundamental boundary, such as a suture zone, in the North American Proterozoic crust that acted as a persistent zone of weakness localizing the emplacement of magmas and associated hydrothermal fluid flow. However, the details on the controls of the location, orientation, kinematics, density, permeability, and relative strength of various geological structures and their specific relationships to mineral deposit formation are not related to Proterozoic ancestry in a simple manner. The objectives of this field trip are to show key localities typical of the various types of structures present, show recently compiled and new data, offer alternative conceptual models, and foster dialogue. Topics to be discussed include: (1) structural history of the eastern Front Range; (2) characteristics, kinematics, orientations, and age of ductile and brittle structures and how they may or may not relate to one another and mineral deposit permeability; and (3) characteristics, localization, and evolution of the metal and non–metal-bearing hydrothermal systems in the eastern Colorado Mineral Belt.

Structural analysis of the Gachsar sub-zone in central Alborz range; constrain for inversion tectonics followed by the range transverse faulting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yassaghi, A.; Naeimi, A.

2011-08-01

Analysis of the Gachsar structural sub-zone has been carried out to constrain structural evolution of the central Alborz range situated in the central Alpine Himalayan orogenic system. The sub-zone bounded by the northward-dipping Kandovan Fault to the north and the southward-dipping Taleghan Fault to the south is transversely cut by several sinistral faults. The Kandovan Fault that controls development of the Eocene rocks in its footwall from the Paleozoic-Mesozoic units in the fault hanging wall is interpreted as an inverted basin-bounding fault. Structural evidences include the presence of a thin-skinned imbricate thrust system propagated from a detachment zone that acts as a footwall shortcut thrust, development of large synclines in the fault footwall as well as back thrusts and pop-up structures on the fault hanging wall. Kinematics of the inverted Kandovan Fault and its accompanying structures constrain the N-S shortening direction proposed for the Alborz range until Late Miocene. The transverse sinistral faults that are in acute angle of 15° to a major magnetic lineament, which represents a basement fault, are interpreted to develop as synthetic Riedel shears on the cover sequences during reactivation of the basement fault. This overprinting of the transverse faults on the earlier inverted extensional fault occurs since the Late Miocene when the south Caspian basin block attained a SSW movement relative to the central Iran. Therefore, recent deformation in the range is a result of the basement transverse-fault reactivation.

High resolution 3-D shear wave velocity structure in South China from surface wave tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, S.; Guo, Z.; Chen, Y. J.

2017-12-01

Using continuous data from a total of 638 seismic stations, including 484 from CEArray between 2008 and 2013 and 154 from SINOPROBE between 2014 and 2015, we perform both ambient noise and earthquake Rayleigh wave tomography across South China. Combining Rayleigh wave phase velocity between 6and 40s periods from ambient noise tomography and Rayleigh wave phase velocity between 20and 140s from teleseismic two-plane-wave tomography, we obtain phase velocity maps between 6 and140 s periods. We then invert Rayleigh wave phase velocity to construct a 3-D shear wave velocity structure of South China by Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Similar to other inversion results, our results correspond topography well. Moreover, our results also reveal that velocity structure of the eastern South China in mantle depth is similar to eastern North China, the core of the western South China, Sichuan Block (SB),still exists thick lithosphere. However, owing to much more data employed and some data quality control techniques in this research, our results reveal more detailed structures. Along Qinling-Dabie Orogenic Belt (QDOB), North-South Gravity Lineament (NSGL) and the Sichuan-Yunnan Rhombic Block (SYRB), there are obvious high speed anomalies in depths of 10-20 km, which possibly imply ancient intrusions. Moreover, it seems that Tancheng-Lujiang Fault Zone (TLFZ) has already cut through QDOB, forming a deep fracture cutting through the crust of the whole China continent. Although SB still exists thick lithosphere, there are indications for thermal erosion. At the same time, the lithosphere of the central SYRB seems to be experiencing delamination process, obviously forming a barrier to prevent the hot Tibetan Plateau (TP) mantle material from flowing further southeast. Upwelling hot mantle material possibly triggered by this delamination process might be the cause of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province. There exists an intercontinental low velocity layer in the crust of the TP, which not only extend to the northern part, but the whole SYRB, and further rifle through the vast region between the SYRB and the SB. Its scope corresponds well with topography high in there, which forms a strong evidence for the Lower Crustal Flow model in Eastern Tibet claimed by Royden et al. (Science, 1997).

Geophysical setting of western Utah and eastern Nevada between latitudes 37°45′ and 40°N

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mankinen, Edward A.; McKee, Edwin H.; Tripp, Bryce; Krahulec, Ken; Jordan, Lucy

2009-01-01

Gravity and aeromagnetic data refine the structural setting for the region of western Utah and eastern Nevada between Snake and Hamlin Valleys on the west and Tule Valley on the east. These data are used here as part of a regional analysis. An isostatic gravity map shows large areas underlain by gravity lows, the most prominent of which is a large semi-circular low associated with the Indian Peak caldera complex in the southwestern part of the study area. Another low underlies the Thomas caldera in the northeast, and linear lows elsewhere indicate low-density basin-fill in all major north-trending graben valleys. Gravity highs reflect pre-Cenozoic rocks mostly exposed in the mountain ranges. In the Confusion Range, however, the gravity high extends about 15 km east of the range front to Coyote Knolls, indicating a broad pediment cut on upper Paleozoic rocks and covered by a thin veneer of alluvium. Aeromagnetic highs sharply delineate Oligocene and Miocene volcanic rocks and intracaldera plutons associated with the Indian Peak caldera complex and the Pioche–Marysvale igneous belt. Jurassic to Eocene plutons and volcanic rocks elsewhere in the study area, however, have much more modest magnetic signatures. Some relatively small magnetic highs in the region are associated with outcrops of volcanic rock, and the continuation of those anomalies indicates that the rocks are probably extensive in the subsurface. A gravity inversion method separating the isostatic gravity anomaly into fields representing pre-Cenozoic basement rocks and Cenozoic basin deposits was used to calculate depth to basement and estimate maximum amounts of alluvial and volcanic fill within the valleys. Maximum depths within the Indian Peak caldera complex average about 2.5 km, locally reaching 3 km. North of the caldera complex, thickness of valley fill in most graben valleys ranges from 1.5 to 3 km thick, with Hamlin and Pine Valleys averaging ~3 km. The main basin beneath Tule Valley is relatively shallow (~0.6 km), reaching a maximum depth of ~1 km over a small area northeast of Coyote Knolls. Maximum horizontal gradients were calculated for both long-wavelength gravity and magnetic-potential data, and these were used to constrain major density and magnetic lineaments. These lineaments help delineate deep-seated crustal structures that separate major tectonic domains, potentially localizing Cenozoic tectonic features that may control regional ground-water flow.

The Ischia volcanic island (Southern Italy): Inferences from potential field data interpretation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paoletti, V.; Di Maio, R.; Cella, F.; Florio, G.; Motschka, K.; Roberti, N.; Secomandi, M.; Supper, R.; Fedi, M.; Rapolla, A.

2009-01-01

In this paper we present a study of the structural setting of the volcanic island of Ischia by the analysis and interpretation of high-resolution aeromagnetic and self-potential data recently acquired over the island. The magnetic data allowed us to locate the main anomaly sources and lineaments of the island and its offshore surroundings, while the self-potential (SP) data provided information on both the structural pattern of the resurgent caldera and the high-temperature fluid circulation. An inversion of the acquired magnetic and SP data, and a joint modelling of the magnetic data and of a previous gravity data set along a SW-NE profile allowed us to build a model of the island. The model is characterized by the presence of an igneous-very likely trachytic-structure, whose top is located at 1200-1750 m b.s.l. Such a body, possibly formed by several neighbouring intrusions, has a density contrast with the pyroclastic cover of about 0.4 gr/cm 3 and its central-western part, below Mt. Epomeo, seems to be demagnetized. The demagnetization should be connected to the high geothermal gradient measured in this portion of the island and may be due to hydro-chemical alteration processes and/or to the possible presence of partially melted spots within the intrusion. Our outcome is consistent with the results of previous geophysical, geo-volcanological and geothermal studies.

A new third-order sequence stratigraphic framework applied to the Triassic of the Paraná Basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, based on structural, stratigraphic and paleontological data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horn, B. L. D.; Melo, T. M.; Schultz, C. L.; Philipp, R. P.; Kloss, H. P.; Goldberg, K.

2014-11-01

The Santacruzodon assemblage zone was originally defined as a vertebrate fossil assemblage composed basically of non-mammalian cynodonts found in Santa Cruz do Sul and Venâncio Aires municipalities in Southern Brazil. This assemblage zone was positioned at the top of the Sequence I, in the Triassic Santa Maria Supersequence, Paraná Basin. However, the Santacruzodon assemblage zone does not occur across the entire area of the Santa Maria Supersequence. Based on new paleontological, structural and sedimentological data, we propose the existence of a new third-order sequence (Santa Cruz Sequence) between Sequences I and II in the Santa Maria Supersequence. Satellite image analysis was used to identify regional, NW- and NE-oriented lineaments that limit the occurrence zone. Outcrop data allowed the identification of a regional, angular unconformity that bounds the new sequence. The faunal content allowed the correlation of the new Santa Cruz Sequence with Madagascar's Isalo II fauna, corresponding to the Ladinian (Middle Triassic). New names were suggested for the sequences in the Santa Maria Supersequence, since the Santa Cruz Sequence was deposited between the former Sequences I and II. This unit was deposited or preserved exclusively on the hanging wall of normal faults, being absent from the adjacent structural blocks.

Structural geologic interpretations from radar imagery

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reeves, Robert G.

1969-01-01

Certain structural geologic features may be more readily recognized on sidelooking airborne radar (SLAR) images than on conventional aerial photographs, other remote sensor imagery, or by ground observations. SLAR systems look obliquely to one or both sides and their images resemble aerial photographs taken at low sun angle with the sun directly behind the camera. They differ from air photos in geometry, resolution, and information content. Radar operates at much lower frequencies than the human eye, camera, or infrared sensors, and thus "sees" differently. The lower frequency enables it to penetrate most clouds and some precipitation, haze, dust, and some vegetation. Radar provides its own illumination, which can be closely controlled in intensity and frequency. It is narrow band, or essentially monochromatic. Low relief and subdued features are accentuated when viewed from the proper direction. Runs over the same area in significantly different directions (more than 45° from each other), show that images taken in one direction may emphasize features that are not emphasized on those taken in the other direction; optimum direction is determined by those features which need to be emphasized for study purposes. Lineaments interpreted as faults stand out on radar imagery of central and western Nevada; folded sedimentary rocks cut by faults can be clearly seen on radar imagery of northern Alabama. In these areas, certain structural and stratigraphic features are more pronounced on radar images than on conventional photographs; thus radar imagery materially aids structural interpretation.