Semi-automatic extraction of lineaments from remote sensing data and the derivation of groundwater flow-paths

Abstract

We describe a semi-automatic method to objectively and reproducibly extract lineaments based on the global one arc-second ASTER GDEM. The combined method of linear filtering and object-based classification ensures a high degree of accuracy resulting in a lineament map. Subsequently lineaments are differentiated into geological and morphological lineaments to assign a probable origin and hence a hydro-geological significance. In the western catchment area of the Dead Sea (Israel) the orientation and location of the differentiated lineaments are compared to characteristics of known structural features. The authors demonstrate that a strong correlation between lineaments and structural features exist, being either influenced by the Syrian Arc paleostress field or the Dead Sea stress field or by both. Subsequently, we analyse the distances between lineaments and wells thereby creating an assessment criterion concerning the hydraulic significance of detected lineaments. Derived from this analysis the authors suggest that the statistic analysis of lineaments allows a delineation of flow-paths and thus significant information for groundwater analysis. We validate the flow-path delineation by comparison with existing groundwater model results based on well data

A fusion approach of PALSAR-FBS L-HH mode and TM data for geological mapping

“…The final product (Figure 7) shows that the predominant lineaments directions are the NE-SW and the NS, and then the second dominant direction is the NW-SE. These results are in agreement with the observed trends on the PALSAR image (pixel size of 10 m x 10 m), and relatively in accord with the global geological map of Ethiopia [67]. Nevertheless, although the final map shows an acceptable product approaching closer to reality, it requires validation with other geological data sources, as well as follow-up field investigations to confirm the validity of the lineaments and their relation to geological structures or fracture zones.…”

“…These features are valuable for exploration of mineral deposits such as gold mineralization for instance. Concerning lithological information extraction, the only information that we have for validation purposes are the simplified geological map (Figure 2) and the global geological map of Ethiopia [67]. These were geo-referenced and overlapped on the derived spatio-maps in GIS environment.…”

Modeling Groundwater Flow System of a Drainage Basin in the Basement Complex Environment of Southwestern Nigera

“…In particular, groundwater flow modeling has been effective in diverse ways (Zhou and Li, 2011). For example, groundwater flow modeling could be employed to investigate groundwater system dynamics and flow patterns (Mallast et al, 2011); groundwater system response to stress ; groundwater recharge, discharge and aquifer storage processes as well as quantifying optimum aquifer yield (Freeze and Witherspoon, 1967); future anthropogenic impacts on groundwater resources (Oseji, 2010); groundwater development scenarios and alternative policies (Shao et al, 2009). In the same vein, groundwater flow model can serve as supporting planning tools for field investigations (Sun and Johnson, 1994) and as visualization tool for disseminating crucial research findings to the public and decision-makers (Sudicky et al, 1985;Sudicky, 1986).…”

“…fault and fracture) usually dictate groundwater flow pattern in the basement environment (Olorunfemi, 1990;Olorunfemi and Fasuyi, 1993). In some cases, groundwater flow direction might jointly be influenced by both the topography and geological structures (Orabone, 1997;Mallast et al, 2011). However, in the Basement Complex terrain, the influence of topography and geological structures on groundwater flow pattern also depends on the physicochemical characteristics of the bedrocks (Oxtobee and Novakowski, 2002;Sophocleous, 2002;Conant, 2004).…”

“…Groundwater flow pattern could also be modeled by adopting multiple techniques. For example, Mallast et al (2011) relied on topography and the orientation of hydrolineaments to model the groundwater flow-paths in the Western Catchment of Dead Sea. Furthermore, groundwater flow pattern could also be approached from geophysical perspectives.…”