Lineament Systems Research Articles

Regional Lineament Pattern and Morphotectonic Analysis: The Investigation of Geological Structures and Present-Time Relative Tectonic Activity in the Tin Granite Area of Belitung Island, Indonesia

Belitung Island is located on the East Coast of Sumatra and is the southernmost extension of the Southeast Asian granite belt. Despite the flat terrain of the island, numerous granite outcrops provide insight into the past tectonic activities that caused the uplift in the region. This study analyzes the current state of Belitung's tectonic activity by examining its morphotectonic index and lineament pattern. A National Digital Elevation Model (DEMNAS) dataset with a resolution of up to 8.1 m will be used to assess the geological patterns and relative tectonic activity from the surface. The relationship between the regional lineament system and morphotectonic quantification throughout the landforms of Belitung Island will also be considered. The modified Segmented Tracing Algorithm (m-STA) technique extracted the lineament features. The Index of Relative Active Tectonic (IATR) was calculated by averaging several morphotectonic indices, such as asymmetry factors (AF), stream-length index (SL), mountain-front sinuosity (Smf), and valley floor width-height ratio (VF) factors, to quantify the relative tectonic activity of the area. The combination of the two methods shows that Belitung is currently experiencing relatively weak tectonic activity compared to the past. This is supported by the surface appearance, which is mainly composed of lowlands. Several granite outcrops and highlands are aligned along the NW-SE and NE-SW directions, corresponding to the main geological structures in the area.

Evidence of active tectonic activity in Muong Te area illuminated by geomorphic analysis

Muong Te area is located in the northwest part of the Da River valley is seismically active with numerous recent earthquakes and associated geohazard as the consequences of tectonic collisions between the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate. The most dominant lineament system alogate in NW - SE trending which is about several kilometer to several ten kilometer. However, there has been little research regarding neotectonics deformation in this area. This study compiles remote sensing images observation data with new extracted geomorphic indices of the fluvial network to illustrate deformation patterns and potential active movements in the Muong Te. Previous study noticed that although river channels occupy a small part of the land surface, a longitudinal river profile is a more sensitive indicator of rock uplift rate than other morphological properties (Whipple et al. 2007; Dinh et al. 2019). Relationship between faults and geomorphology is quantified using 12.5 - m ALOS DEM to extract channel and basin metrics including drainage basin normalized steepness index (ksn) is greater than 200 (m0.9), and knickpoints of modeled river longitudinal profiles. The results of the normalized steepness index also show that several knickpoints arise locally from lithological boundaries of different erodibility; however, many high values of ksn the river were truncated by the NW - SE lineamets system which is suggesting that Da River fault system seem to be active. The results proposed that the strike - slip and normal motions alternated because of a permutation of σ1/σ2 under the same extensional stress regime of σ3 in the northeast - southwest direction. The existence of the active tectonics in the area might pose many geological hazards and it threat to regional habitants.

Diamond-bearing lithosphere of the Siberian platform (based on geophysical data). Precambrian heredity, Paleoproterozoic plume magmatism, diamond content of the Anabar tectonic province

In the first part of the article [15], we presented the results of the analysis of the structural relationship of prospective areas and tectonic zonation of the Siberian Platform (SP). Here we demonstrate the reflection of the heredity of structural-material complexes (SMC) of the Precambrian basement of the SP to the Paleoproterozoic mantle-plume events in the geophysical fields. The analysis of the attributes of the prospective areas, as images of the SMC of the deep Precambrian, made it possible to determine the area of maximum thermal-mantle impact on the SP Precambrian lithosphere of the Early Proterozoic superplume, as well as its presumed center in the northwestern segment of the SP. The spatial distribution of the attributes, revealing the correlation of the components with the prospecting areas, contributed to the refinement of the position of the system of orthogonal lineaments on the SP, in general, corresponding to the framework reported in Basharin’s work [3]. The published geological and geophysical materials and the results of processing geophysical data showed that the deep structure of the central part of the Anabar tectonic province (AN) has the attributes characteristic of the Archean diamondiferous cratons. This can indicate the presence of a diamondiferous lithospheric root within AN. The southwestern segment of AN corresponds with the position of the Angara-Vilyui ore belt (AVRP) [2], which, along with other data, can allow us to extend the ore belt in the northeast direction, as well as recognize it in the rank of the Siberian diamond province. The prospects for the discovery of new industrial-diamond-bearing kimberlite fields are associated with the territory of the AN, the positions of the diamond-bearing lithospheric root, zones of deep crustal-mantle faults within it and its boundaries.

Separation of quasi-continuous and periodic components of lineament formation at the Belus – Phoenix - Rhadamanthys Linea “triangle” on Europa

The first images of Jupiter's moon Europa from the Voyager missions sparked the curiosity about the lineament system appearing at the surface. Curiosity quickly turned into profound interest, following the discovery of its subsurface ocean, which may harbour life below the thick ice crust. This study revisits Europa and reinvestigates its surface using high-resolution Galileo data and mapping one of its most characteristic surface patterns: the complex network of lineaments. The analysis of the morphological type of over two hundred lineaments and their crosscutting relationship based on relative age indicate the influence of cyclical tidal force, orbital forcing, and the nonsynchronous rotation triggered periodic stress in the formation of three characteristic lineaments-generations, along with additional and unaccounted forces that may contribute to surface renewal. Despite ongoing debate, which suggests that Earth-like tectonism (e.g., subduction) is less likely plausible on Europa, the result of this study calls for some process acting along with tidal forces, causing shortening, horizontal movement and increasing extension in the ice plate located in the region of a suspected subduction (or low-relief subsumption) zone and may be part of the “subducting” crust. This study raises new questions and encourages additional scientific discussions, which, along with the Europa Clipper and JUICE missions, will help to understand the nature of Europa's ocean and ice-tectonic processes.

Lineament Analysis by Using Remote Sensing and GIS Technique of Sangaw Area, Kurdistan Region, NE Iraq

Recently, structural lineaments have typically been increasingly emphasized in morphotectonic research because they are thought to be an excellent guide for determining tectonic settings and fracture zones in rocks. ERDAS Software was used to extract and analyze the lineaments within the Sangaw ‎area, which is located in the northeastern part of Iraq. This study employed a Digital Elevation Model from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission with a resolution of 30 meters. Directional filtering was used to extract the lineaments in four distinct directions (N-S, E-W, NE-SW, NW-SE). The overall trend’s direction of the lineaments is determined to be NW-SE, indicating that the area was succeeding the main tendency of Zagros folds. According to the density map of the lineaments, the low and medium-density lineaments occupy the main portion of the study area. The direction of the maximum tectonic stress and the rotation of the Arabian Plate counterclockwise led to the formation of joints in multiple directions, which were clarified by the system of lineaments’ relationships in harmony with the directions of the tectonic stresses and their contrast and effects. The field study showed high density and distinct activity in the study area of erosion and weathering processes as well as tectonic.

Lineament analysis as a seismic precursor: The El Mayor Cucapah earthquake of April 4, 2010 (MW7.2), Baja California, Mexico

An earthquake called the MW7.2 “El Mayor Cucapah” earthquake on April 4, 2010 has been analyzed for seismic precursor. The changes in the lineament system concerning its pattern and time intervals were analyzed during the earthquake preparation period and occurrence using the automated lineament detection method. The Landsat 5 TM images were processed using LESSA and ADALGEO software obtaining similar results. The statistical analysis revealed the stress accumulation due to plate interaction during earthquake formation. The study shows that the number of extracted lineaments changes rapidly about 23 months before the earthquake, and the systems return to the initial stage after 23 months. Most lineaments coincide with the extension of the San Andreas Fault as NW direction is the dominant trend. Thus, it can be concluded that the featural changes within the Rose diagram corresponding to the different strokes direction along with oriented elongation lines as disclosed in the present study using satellite images could be identified as a mid-term and/or short-term precursors of the earthquake. However, even though the dynamism of the El Mayor Cucapah earthquake is found in the extracted lineaments, it is possible to isolate more significant earthquakes even if new ones appear near the zone. Moreover, using two algorithms for lineament detection allows for the tectonics to corroborate the obtained lineaments and dynamism.

Analysis of VLF-EM Data for Potential Cassiterite Mineralization Delineation Zone in Rafin-Bareda Area North-Western Nigeria

VLF-EM geophysical technique was employed to delineate potential cassiterite mineralization at Rafin Bareda, Dutsen-Wai, Kubau Local Government area of Kaduna state, North Western, Nigeria. A total area of 3.025 km2 was covered along eleven (11) traverses separated by 25 m with a measurement interval of 10m taken in the East-West direction. The response of the in-phase component revealed various anomalous zones while Fraser-filtered plots of the in-phase peaked over the anomalous zones and the Karous-Hjelt filtered response of the in-phase correlates quite well with the results of the Fraser filtered data. In order to achieve the aim of the investigation, and since the VLF data was collected in the magnetic mode, enhancement procedures such as reduced to equator and analytical signal techniques were applied to the Fraser Filtered response of the In-phase component and correspondingly, Center for Exploration Targeting (CET), Source Parameter Imaging and Euler Deconvolution algorithms of the Oasis Montaj were successively employed to delineate potential mineralization zones and best locations for drilling productive cassiterite in the study area. Enhanced maps show linear features trending in the NE-SW and NW-SE directions with minor traces in the N-S direction. Most of the delineated zones of high analytical signal signature were either intercepted or flanked by the extracted lineament which is indicative of positive correlation between the extracted lineament and the high amplitude response of the analytical signal and also, validated the occurrence and positioning of the cassiterite mineral deposits is greatly controlled by the lineament system across the study area and the development of conductive zones of high apparent current with positive values reflects inferred subsurface structural fractures and/or mineralized zones. Depths evaluation analysis from the Euler Deconvolution (ED) technique using structural index of 1, ranged from 5 m to 15 m while depths varying from 4.9 m to 13.7 m were obtained from the Source parameter imaging technique.

Lineaments Extraction and Analysis Using Landsat 8 (OLI/TIRS) in the Northeast of Morocco

Northeastern Morocco is made up of several units belonging to the Alpine belt and its foreland. Miocene to plio-quaternary volcanic rocks with variable mineralogy and geochemistry dominate the geology of this region. The presence of active faults in different directions explains the high tectonic instability and the high frequency of earthquakes. This study contributes to the effort of understanding the geothermal potential of the Northeast of Morocco. Heat source and permeability are both key factors in the geothermal process. Indeed, lineaments analysis constrains the structures and their directions and indicates severely faulted zones, which are the most promising areas for geothermal exploration. For this purpose, we used Landsat data combined with geological and structural maps available in this region. Different image processing techniques were applied including band ratio (6/2) and directional filters. To validate the results, we conducted a comparative study between linear structures, available geological data, and previous studies. Results of the automatic extraction method of lineaments from Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS indicate three main lineament systems: 1) a NE-SW system ranging from N40 to N70; 2) an N-S system ranging from N10 to N45; 3) an EW to WNW-ESE systems ranging from N80 to N120. Most of lineaments extracted are localized in Kebdana, Amejjaou, Nador and Melilla regions. Compared to previous studies, the NE-SW system is consistent with an extensive period (Tortonian to Pliocene); the NW-SE system is consistent with the last compressive episode (Pliocene); the N-S system is consistent with the first compressive period (Late/End Tortonian).

Remotely Registering Anomalous Variations in Lineament Systems of the Baikal Rift Zone during the M = 5.6 Earthquake of September 21, 2020

Remotely Registering Anomalous Variations in Lineament Systems of the Baikal Rift Zone during the M = 5.6 Earthquake of September 21, 2020

Integration of Landsat 8, gravity, and field data for exploration of gold mineralization in Gamba District, Northern Cameroon

Remote sensing is a robust and useful tool for providing high‐resolution image data and enabling reliable geological mapping during the initial stage of mineral exploration. One of its main applications is the extraction of lineaments and to locate alteration areas to target gold exploration. It has been long used in the Pan‐African belt of Cameroon to identify a hydrothermal alteration and a great number of lineaments associated with mineralizations. The study area located in the Pan‐African belt hosts numerous alluvial gold deposits where the primary mineralization was still largely poorly unknown until now, due to deep weathering. Therefore, remote sensing combined with field data is useful for targeting potential zones of primary gold resources involved in the hydrothermal and lineament systems. In this study, remote sensing data from Landsat 8 imagery were selected to map the distribution of hydrothermal minerals, and gravity data were interpreted for highlighting structural patterns related to the control of high‐potential zone for gold mineralization, generating a mineral prospect map. The lineaments network shows directions ranging from ENE‐WSW to E‐W, with main direction N45° and a secondary striking N275°. Image enhancement/processing techniques included the application of band ratio and principal component analysis that were helpful to demarcate potential alteration zones marked by iron oxide/hydroxides in which haematite and pyrite are used as proximal alterations and hydroxyl‐bearing minerals in which sericite (muscovite) is used as a marker of proximal alteration, while chlorite, epidote, biotite, quartz, and calcite are used as distal alteration zone, as described by field and petrographic data. The identified alteration zones display a high consistency with the known locations of gold occurrences (mining sites) and closely concordant with large‐scale gold mineralization in the study area. This study presents an integrated approach of Landsat 8 imagery with gravity data and field data for discovering primary mineral resources in a deep weathering area.

Joint Analysis of Anomalies of Different Geophysical Fields, Recorded from Space before Strong Earthquakes in California

Results are presented from using satellite data to study anomalies of different geophysical fields due to the interaction of the lithosphere, atmosphere, and ionosphere. The anomalies are mid- and short-term precursors of strong earthquakes in California that occurred on July 4 and 5, 2019 (M = 6.4 and M = 7.1). Precursory changes in the lithosphere are analyzed using lineament system characteristics obtained by processing satellite imagery (Terra/Aqua satellites and MODIS instrument), along with variations in the Earth’s surface temperature (the Aqua satellite and the AIRS instrument). Fluctuations in the temperature of the near-surface atmospheric layer are studied to detect atmospheric anomalies during preparation of seismic events, as are fluctuations in the air temperature now at an altitude of 1000 hPa and changes in outgoing longwave radiation recorded by the AIRS instrument on the Aqua satellite. Variations in the ionospheric electron density in the F2-layer maximum are studied with GPS data to reveal ionospheric anomalies during the precursors and occurrence of earthquakes. Joint analysis of anomalies in different geophysical fields, identified via satellite monitoring, allow precursory changes in the lithosphere to be detected a month before strong earthquakes. Precursory changes in the atmosphere and ionosphere can be detected 3–6 days and 3–5 or 10 days before earthquakes, respectively.

Detecting Lineament System Anomalies during Strong 6.4 and 7.1 Earthquakes in California from Satellite Imagery

Detecting Lineament System Anomalies during Strong 6.4 and 7.1 Earthquakes in California from Satellite Imagery

Hydrogeological conditions of the Mesozoic hydrogeological basin within the Russkoye gas and oil field

The article is devoted to the hydrogeochemical conditions of the Mesozoic hydrogeological basin within the Russkoye oil and gas field. The text gives valuable information on the natural conditions, geological structure, geotemperature regime of the bowels of the Earth and the composition of groundwater of the Aptian-Albian-Cenomanian, Neocomian, and Jurassic hydrogeological complexes. The change in the composition of groundwater in the section of the AptianAlbian-Cenomanian complex has been revealed. Vertical inversion zoning that traces the underlying the Neocomian complex is established. We describe the main features of the regional distribution of reservoir pressures. Hydrodynamic schemes of the Aptian-Albian-Cenomanian, Neocomian, and Jurassic hydrogeological complexes are given in the article. These schemes show that the Russkoye gas and oil field is located in the zone of low reservoir pressures. The above vertical inversion zoning and low reservoir pressures are associated with the location of the field within the elisional hydrodynamic water pressure system of the Yamal-Gydan lineaments. The data of the block-fault model of the considered field were used in the course of the study. The block-fault structure predetermined the migration of hydrocarbons and the formation of tectonically screened deposits.

Geophysical study of the epicentral area of the Katav-Ivanovsk earthquake (05.09.2018, M5.8)

Resarch subject. To investigate the epicentral area of the Katav-Ivanovsk earthquake (05.09.2018, M5.8), which has so far been the strongest seismic event in the Urals during the entire period of instrumental observations. The surface manifestation of the main earthquake shock, the development of the focal zone in time, as well as the deep structure and geodynamic characteristics of the area, were studied. Materials and methods . The methods of seismic catalog analysis and remote and archive geophysical data study were applied. The nature of centurial variations in the level of magnetic field and the manifestation of fault tectonics was studied using audio magnetic-telluric sounding (AMTS). The speed of mod ern vertical movements was assessed by monitoring the gravitational field. The temperature of water in the well at a depth of 100 m was monitored. The processing and re-interpretation of archival gravimetry and magnetometry data was aimed at identifying lineament systems and clarifying disruptive faults. Results. It is shown that the earthquake occurred in the area of reduced fragmentation of the geological environment and was accompanied by a natural decrease and disappearance of the local magnetic field anomaly of 300 nTl in 36 years. One year before the event, a prolonged increase in the number of weak earthquakes (R 500 km) was observed, followed by a slight levelling-off in the first half of 2018. Two months before the event, an increase in seismic activity was noted again followed by a slump one month before the even. In September, the main shock was registered, followed by a swarm of seismic events. Among the latter, there were 3 with a magnitude exceeding 4. At present, the seismic regime has stabilized at the long-term average level. An increase in the groundwater temperature at a rate of 0.02 °C per month is currently observed. C onclusions . An increase in the deepground temperature contributed to the demagnetization of magnetic inhomogeneity, as well as to an increase in (in addition to tectonic stresses) temperature stresses in the earth’s crust, which jointly caused the seismic event.

ABOUT THE STRUCTURE OF THE BLACK SEA BASIN AS A HIERARCHICAL SYSTEM OF MEGAPULL-APART

The article presents the geological and structural argumentation of the morphogenesis of the hollows and troughs of the Black Sea as multi-rank pull-apart areas of the intersection of trans-regional NW and ENE tectonic lineaments.The ensemble of geostructures of the Black Sea (deep-water depressions, fault zones, peripheral troughs and uplifts) seems to be derived from substantially shear deformations and low-amplitude dislocations of the zones of transregional and transcontinental lineaments. Structural patterns, known for models оf the simple shear, were also revealed in the zones of dynamic influence of faults, limiting depressions. Their structural positions are shown against the background of the intersection of fault zones NW and NE lineament systems, as regional elements of the reghmatic global network. An analysis of the hierarchy of the structures of the fault-block plan of the Black Sea basin reveals morphogenetic analogies for depressions and troughs with (mega)pull-apart structures and models. The structural features of the (mega)pull-apart deep-sea basins of the Black Sea and the position of second-rank structures, peripheral troughs (and shafts) of the water area indirectly express the “pilot” and controlling effect of reghmagenesis in the “frame” of intersecting northwestern and northeastern zones of tectonic lineaments and their transcurrent deep faults-shifts in the transtensia mode. (At)shear positions of fault-block structures of the basin, local geological bodies, areas of volcanic-plutonites, “products” of tectono-magmatic activations, reveal the regular regulatory action of rotational factors of substantially shear low-amplitude tectonics of the earth's crust, as well as the important role of zonal criteria for hydrocarbon zones and areas with tectonophysically defined tensile conditions.

Detecting lineament system anomalies during strong 6.4 and 7.1 earthquakes in Сalifornia from satellite imagery

Using remote sensing data, here we study lineament system changes during preparation and process of strong 7.1 and 6.4 earthquakes in California (USA) in July 2019. A series of satellite imagery collected between January 1 and August 12, 2019, as well as the data on the seismic situation in the region have been analyzed. Precursor changes of lineament systems were revealed in rose-diagrams of regional lineaments and in total length of local lineaments of various orientations. Sharp change of quantitative characteristics of lineament rose-diagrams appeared beginning from June 5, 2019, i. e. a month before the earthquakes occurred on July 4 and 5, 2019. It has been found that maximum length of lineaments of north-western (longitudinal) and north-eastern (latitudinal) courses was on June 30, 2019, i. e. several days before seismic events.

Precursor Variability of Lineament Systems Detected Using Satellite Images during Strong Earthquakes

The possibility of using the dynamics of lineament systems as precursors of seismic events has been studied based on the example of strong earthquakes (M ≥ 5) in California (United States), Peru, Iran, Turkey, Transbaikalia, and Kamchatka, as well as in other regions. The pattern and time intervals of changes in lineament systems during earthquake preparation and occurrence are analyzed. It is shown that the features of changes in rose diagrams, ratios of total lengths of local lineaments (strokes) of different directions, orientation of elongation lines of rose diagram of strokes, and other characteristics that were revealed using satellite images can be used as mid- and short-term precursors of seismic events. A methodology for the automated lineament analysis of satellite images is suggested and prospects of its development for monitoring seismically dangerous areas are determined.

Space Methods of Studying the Precursor Cycle Dynamics of the Lineament System before the Preparation of Earthquakes

This paper presents the results of studying the precursor cyclic stress-strain state of the lithosphere during the preparation of significant seismic events using the automated lineament analysis of multitemporal space images. The proposed method has been tested by the example of a number of strong and devastating earthquakes over the past decade in different parts of the world. The identified precursor cyclical dynamics of lineament systems has a period of 1 to 3 months and makes it possible to predict the time, place, and possible magnitude of earthquakes.

Observation of short-term variations in the clay minerals ratio after the 2015 Chile great earthquake $$(8.3M_{\mathrm{w}})$$ using Landsat 8 OLI data

In this paper, we explore the potential use of available free Landsat sensor data to investigate the short-term variations (STV) in the clay mineral ratio (CMR) following the 2015 Chile great moment magnitude earthquake ( $$8.3M_{\mathrm{w}})$$ . The present investigation was carried out in the absence of ground observation data. Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI)-based multi-temporal imageries of before, after and non-earthquakes were used to derive the above parameter by applying the band ratio approach of bands 6 and 7, where the before and after imageries were compared with non-seismic event images as well as for validation. For the temporal automatic lineament data extraction and final lineament mapping, band 8 (panchromatic) was used by applying the LINE algorithm technique of PCI Geomatica, and ArcGIS 10.5 software, respectively. All these derived products finally interact with the regional geology, fault line and lineament systems. The results reveal that CMR can easily identify the STV at temporal scales before and after the earthquake, while both are normal during non-earthquake time. However, this variation was observed in all three buffer zones (i.e., 50, 100 and 150 km buffer) and highly pronounced especially in the fault adjoining areas. Therefore, we found this research to be effective and could be used as an alternative method for future earthquake studies.

Groundwater Occurrence from Hydrogeomorphological Study of Hard Rock Terrain of Part of Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract Studies of structural and hydrogeomorphological units (HGU) that are indicators of groundwater occurrence were carried out across an area extent of more than 700 km2 within the hard rock terrain of southwestern Nigeria. These studies integrated geological remote sensing techniques (RST) and geographical information system (GIS) methods to generate thematic maps that included elevation, drainage, lineaments and vegetation index for characterising the attributes of groundwater occurrence across the area. The results revealed that the lineament system is mainly rectilinear with major trends of NNW-SSE and NE-SW on the gneiss, NW-SE and NE-SW on porphyritic granite and NNE-SSW, NW-SE and E-W on migmatite. The discharge zones in the area are the lowland terrains underlain by gneiss and amphibolite. Similarly, variably directional discontinuities that are related to rock contacts are equally laden with groundwater. Conversely, the recharge areas are the high-lying terrains characterised by higher fracture density and underlain by porphyritic granite and migmatite. Additionally, there are evidences of groundwater seepage along the major river channels. Therefore, besides the rock structures, landform is another crucial factor that guides groundwater distribution in the study area.