Remote Sensing in Pre-earthquakes Exploration, Case Study of Zagreb Region, Croatia

Abstract

Broader region of the Zagreb city is seismotectonically very active. In that region are located several epcentral areas with strong earthquakes. The most active is Medvednica Mountain near Zagreb city. The main cause of these earthquakes is major intersecting faults with longitudinal (NW-SE) and transverse (NE-SW) strike. The LANDSAT digital processed images were used for seismotectonical analysis and registration of different tectonical elements, particularly major faults and ring structures in this region. The earthquake epicentres occurred more often along these faults and at their intersections, which have various orientations. This fact could be valuable for local governments to help in city planning and capital investments in infrastructure and construction. Epicenters are located in particular bordering zones, amongst which are distinctive zones, for example the zone that strikes from Banja Luka (Bosnia), Zagreb (Croatia), Ljubljana (Slovenia) and further towards Tolmezzo in Friuli (Italy). Broader Zagreb region is seismotectonically very active. In that region are located several epicentral areas, with strong earthquakes. The most active is Medvednica Mountain near Zagreb city. The main cause of these earthquakes is major intersecting faults with longitudinal and transverse strike. The Landsat satellite digital processed images were used for seismotectonical analysis and registration of major faults and ring structures in this region. The stronger earthquake epicentres, instrumentally registered, occurred more often along these faults and at their intersections, which have various orientations. That has been showed on so created tectonic map.