Analysis and Tectonic Implication of DEM-Derived Structural Lineaments, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Abstract

Sinai Peninsula has fascinating geologic setting and is displaying a diversity of structural lineaments that have greatly influenced the distribution of natural resources and hazards. Shaded relief images derived from SRTM-DEM mosaics were used for the identification, extraction, and mapping of these structural lineaments. Statistical parameters particularly, azimuth frequency, lineament intersection, lengths, and density distribution were analyzed using SPSS software. Two additional new statistical indices; Lineament Relative Abundance Index (LRAI) and Lineament Majority-Minority Index (LMMI) were applied. Moreover, the distribution of the different statistical parameters was illustrated as contour maps through GIS environment. Basically, two dominant clusters; NW-SE and NNE-SSW trends were detected. These trends are related to major fracture systems that are characterized by extensive mean lengths and high proportion values. Furthermore, the northern and central parts of Sinai Peninsula have lower density and intersection of structural lineaments that gradually increase towards the southern part. However, the northern part of Sinai displays wider areas of majority zones than the southern part. This could be attributed to the lower density of lineaments and little tendency for multiple lineament populations. The majority zones are usually associated with NE and NW-SE in the northern part of Sinai, whereas the majority zones are of less abundance in the central and southern parts of Sinai due to the multiple orientations of lineament populations which reduce the tendency for majority. Eventually, the results of the present work could be applicable in the different geologic and environmental aspects that are based on a good understanding of the genetic and spatial relationships of fracture systems. These aspects encompass geodynamics, exploration for mineralization and groundwater, in addition to the mitigation of natural hazards such as flush flooding and earthquakes.

Anthropogenic effects on population structure ofAcacia tortilissubsp.raddianaalong a gradient of water availability in South Sinai, Egypt

“…The dominant trend of such Wadis is NNE–SSW to NE–SW. The other tributaries have NNW–SSE to NW–SE direction such as Wadi Feiran and Wadi Aleyat (Seleem, ). Hydrographically, W. Feiran is subdivided into six major basins that directly drain to the main channel of W. Feiran.…”

GIS multi-criteria decision analysis for assessment and mapping of neotectonic landscape deformation: A case study from Crete

“…Ld quantifies the total length of lineaments per km 2 (Ananaba and Anjakaiye, 1987;Seleem, 2013). The lineaments used in this study were digitized from the faults recorded on the 1:50,000 scale geological map of western Crete (IGME, 1971) and from generation of shaded relief images with sun angles and azimuths produced from the ASTER G-DEM, aiding the recognition of regional lineaments and tectonic structures (Deffontaines et al, 1997;Chorowicz et al, 1999;Dewez, 2003).…”

“…Lf quantifies the total number of lineaments per km 2 (Briere and Scanlon, 2000;Dinesh et al, 2014). Statistical quantifications of Ld or Lf can be used to infer the relative severity of the tectonic regimes (Seleem, 2013). High values of Ld and Lf reveal regions undergoing high degrees of brittle rock fracturing, fault propagation and tectonic activity (Edet et al, 1998;Seleem, 2013).…”

“…Statistical quantifications of Ld or Lf can be used to infer the relative severity of the tectonic regimes (Seleem, 2013). High values of Ld and Lf reveal regions undergoing high degrees of brittle rock fracturing, fault propagation and tectonic activity (Edet et al, 1998;Seleem, 2013). Relationships of Ld and Lf with tectonically deformed landscape zones were evaluated using the MCDA procedure.…”

A Study of Stream Sediments from Soltan Meydan Basaltic Formation Area, Northern Iran

“…To extract topographic information and modeling of surface processes a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) has been offered. DEMs can be generated from contour lines, with radar-interferometry data derived, most importantly, from Space Shuttle Radar Topography Mapping mission (SRTM) (Duncan, 1998;Bishop, 2001;Paul et al, 2004;Seleem, 2013).…”