Synergy use of satellite images for Vrancea seismic area analysis

Abstract

The seismic hazard of Romania is relatively high, mainly due to the subcrustal earthquakes located at the sharp bend of the Southeast Carpathians, in Vrancea region, one of the most seismically active area in Europe. It is crossed by a series of principal and secondary faults. Vrancea area is assumed to be a conjunction of 4 tectonic blocks which lie on the edge of the Eurasian plate. Several GPS monitoring data revealed the motion of the blocks both in horizontal direction (relative motion of 5- 6 millimeters/year), as well as in vertical direction(of a few millimeters/ year).All data information available on the study area have been integrated in a unique database of geologic maps, thematic maps from cartography, land use maps provided by satellite images acquired in different spectral wavelengths by Landsat MSS, TM and ETM, SAR ERS and ASTER during a long term period (1975-2002). Satellite data are excellent for recognizing the continuity and regional relationships of faults . Synergy use of satellite data and image analysis techniques is essential for neotectonic applications, improving greatly the interpretability of the images and subsequent more accurate terrain features and lineament analysis of geologic structures in active seismic areas.