Geometry and topology of tectonolineaments in the Gorce Mts. (Outer Carpathians) in Poland

Abstract

The present study was focused on analysis of the geometrical and topological features of the lineament network in the Gorce Mountains, Polish Outer Carpathians. The source data was a 1m high-resolution LiDAR digital elevation model (DEM). Network topology was analysed using the NetworkGT toolset for ArcGIS software. The topological analysis represented the first attempt to apply research of this type in the Polish Carpathians. Five lithostratigraphic units occurring in the research area, characteristic of the Krynica Zone of the Magura Nappe, were selected for analysis. Topology was studied for each of the units separately as well as for the whole area. It was found that the units were differentiated in terms of some topological parameters, such as 2D intensity. Moreover, latitudinal trends were observed due to the presence of wide fault zones. The geometry of the network is consistent with the general Carpathian overview. Sets of conjugate strike slip-faults with splaying ends were identified. In the southern part of the area, the strike of the oldest faults was E-W. This shows that on the scale of the observation (hundreds to thousands of metres), the network was a product of general thrusting processes rather than derivative of a local structural plan. The applicability of both topological analyses and high-resolution DEM as supplementary to classical methods in a study of the Outer Carpathians was confirmed with analysis conducted, despite the identification of some limitations, such as GIS-operator-related bias. The scale of the analyses is linked, in a multi-scale approach, to structural network analyses.