The 3D reconstruction of geological structures based on remote sensing data: example from the Anaran anticline, Lurestan province, Zagros fold and thrust belt, Iran

Abstract

This work presents a methodological workflow for the 3D reconstruction of geological surfaces at regional scale, based on remote sensing data and geological maps. This workflow was tested on the reconstruction of the Anaran anticline, located in the Lurestan province, Iran. The remote sensing dataset used is a combination of Aster and Spot images as well as a high-resolution digital elevation model. The Aster images were processed using the Optimum Index Factor technique and pansharpened with the Spot technique for an easier 3D mapping. Structural dip data were acquired through analysis of the 3D mapped geological traces and analysed to divide the structure into cylindrical domains. Related plunge line orientation was used to project data along the structure, covering those areas where little or no information was available. Following the dip-domain concept a selected horizon is reconstructed and manually adjusted to the mapped traces. The reconstruction of the Anaran anticline demonstrates the applicability of this workflow when attempting to remotely reconstruct a reliable geological surface. The reconstructed surfaces clearly show the geometry of the Ilam and Asmari top horizons and the main faults affecting the anticline, allowing a consistent structural interpretation of the deeper structures.

Kinematics and surface fracture pattern of the Anaran basement fault zone in NW of the Zagros fold–thrust belt

“…However, the effect of transverse basement faults on the Anaran anticline evolution was poorly considered in their studies, whereas the role of transverse basement faults in evolution of surface structures has already been confirmed by other researchers (Berberian 1995;Hessami et al 2001a, b;Sepehr and Cosgrove 2005;Farzipour-Saein et al 2009a, 2013Allen and Talebian 2011). Moreover, Snidero et al (2011) used remote sensing method to demonstrate the Anaran surface structures and their relationships to deeper structures in the basement. The geometry of the upper Cretaceous and Oligocene-Miocene sedimentary layers and also geometry of the anticline, allow structural interpretation of deeper structures (Farzipour-Saein et al 2009a).…”

“…The geometry and structural evolution of the Anaran anticline as a fault-related fold and its relationships to basement structures have been studied by different methods (Emami et al 2010;Snidero et al 2011;Tavani et al 2014). Emami et al (2010) studied the temporal evolution of the Anaran anticline by using a series of analogue models and field observations.…”

“…The relationship between large geological structures and fractures in the cover and basement can more effectively be identified and studied through remote sensing technique (Stephenson et al 2007;Mobasher and Babaie 2008;Casini et al 2011;Snidero et al 2011). In this study, we similarly used satellite images and field observations to study and analyze the distribution of fractures and their kinematics throughout the Anaran, Anjir, Kabir Kuh, Surgah, Ilam, A1 and A2 anticlines above the proposed Anaran basement lineament (Fig.…”

Uplift-induced residual strain release and late-thrusting extension in the Anaran mountain front anticline, Zagros (Iran)

“…The unavailability of field data covering the different structural positions and the different exposed units implied the use of a different strategy for the analysis of the deformation pattern of the Anaran Anticline. Evaluation of meso-structural data variability aimed at determining stress/strain evolution during folding is here replaced with the spatial analysis of major fault attributes, which were derived from a published high-resolution 3D layer model of the structure (Snidero et al, 2011). Such a model was built honouring thousands of bedding data, which were extracted from Aster and Spot images, and geological maps, draped onto a 30 m resolution digital elevation model (Snidero et al, 2011).…”

“…Evaluation of meso-structural data variability aimed at determining stress/strain evolution during folding is here replaced with the spatial analysis of major fault attributes, which were derived from a published high-resolution 3D layer model of the structure (Snidero et al, 2011). Such a model was built honouring thousands of bedding data, which were extracted from Aster and Spot images, and geological maps, draped onto a 30 m resolution digital elevation model (Snidero et al, 2011). Because of the observation scale, our procedure focuses only on the deformation process responsible for the development of major extensional faults, and included a qualitative and quantitative test of the different hypotheses which could be invoked to explain the occurrence of major extensional faults in the Anaran Anticline.…”