Implementation of space imageries, remote sensing and GIS techniques in the geological and geomorphological analysis of Wadi Fatima drainage basin, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This research aims to apply various digital image processing methods of satellite imageries and remote sensing techniques in the geological and geomorphological analysis of Wadi Fatima area, Saudi Arabia. This area includes a sequence of volcano-sedimentary rocks of Arabian Shield and it is characterized by diagnostic drainage lines. Landsat-7 images and digital elevation model (DEM) in a 30 m resolution data have been used in this work. These data were also used in the geological interpretations, extracting morphometric parameters, and geomorphological analysis of Wadi Fatima drainage basin.The geological map of Wadi Fatima drainage basin was constructed and interpreted from the processed Landsat ETM + space imageries. The structural lineaments map of Wadi Fatima drainage basin was extracted from the digital data of panchromatic Landsat ETM + band. The geomorphological analysis identified, delineated and gave the main geomorphic characteristics of Wadi Fatima drainage basin. The statistical analysis of structural lineaments and the stream orders of Wadi Fatima basin showing that the main directional trends of both have a common trend in the directions of NE-SW, N-S & E-W. This means that the main wadies of Wadi Fatima drainage basin are structurally controlled and follow up the main faults and shear zones in the area. This study results in accurate delineation and constructive detailed geological and geomorphological aspect maps of Wadi Fatima basin. Wadi Fatima basin is less dangerous due to its rectangular shape than the circular shape, because the top of the flood reaches after a long time.