Mapping the Dyke Swarms of the Neoproterozoic Basement in Southwestern Jordan Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Abstract

The current study documents for the first time the existence of four suites of dykes intruded the Neoproterozoic crustal rocks in southwestern Jordan. The oldest suite strike E-W followed by suites strike NE-SW, N-S and NW-SE which is the youngest one. Remote sensing and GIS techniques were used for mapping the dykes observed at the satellite image of the study area. Landsat Thematic Mapper color composite scenes allowed mapping of most the dyke swarms in the study area. Digital image processing technique was performed to map the dyke swarms in the study area. The emplacement of the dykes is consistent with extensional continental tectonic setting during the Precambrian time and before the deposition of the Cambrian sediments. The study gives an evidence for an anticlockwise rotation of the extensional stress regimes that caused these suites of dykes. Remote sensing and GIS technique used here could thus guide the interpretation and provide exact and accurate dyke mapping tools.