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

Abstract

Geological mapping of the Vindhyan and Deccan Trap terrain around Jhalawar was accomplished by aerial photointerpretation with limited field checks in parts, by conventional field mapping for part of the area and also by interpretation of LANDSAT imagery. A comparative assessment of the data producing capability and accuracy of these methods is made from the case study. Major geological formations comprising Semri, Kaimur, Rewa and Bhander groups of Vindhyan supergroup, Deccan Trap and recent fluvial sediments are equally interpretable from all three level (i.e. ground, air and space) surveillance data. All the members and units are mappable on air photos and on ground but not on the LANSAT imagery. It is difficult to plot all the flows and flow units of Deccan Trap on a topographic base map during conventional field mapping but these are more or less separable on aerial photos. Structural trends are decipherable by photointerpretation but lineaments are well depicted on LANDSAT imagery. Physical and petrological characters of rocks can, however, only be studied in situ and by laboratory analysis of samples.