Geological mapping and structural interpretation of the Dschang‐Santchou‐escarpment (West, Cameroon), using Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS sensors/SRTM and field observations

Abstract

Geological mapping of the Dschang‐Santchou‐escarpment rocks in the Western Cameroon region was done using a combination of Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS, SRTM images acquired by satellites on January 21, 2021, and field observations. Lineaments were pre‐processing and processing, performed with Envi 5.1. The different methods of digital processing applied, such as the principal component analysis, the coloured compositions and the combination of bands, show a lithological differentiation of the geological formations of the study area. Lineament maps were obtained by applying Sobel directional filters where 496 lineaments were manually extracted. These lineaments display two main trending directions: the NW–SE trend corresponding to the S2 metamorphic foliation direction and the NE–SW trend corresponding to the S3 magmatic foliation direction. The set of these lineaments represents the fracture network in the area. The field observations as well as the lineaments mapping obtained, allowed us to confirm with the help of the fracture network that we are indeed in an escarped environment. Remote sensing data constitute thus a useful tool for geological mapping and structural reconstitutions in the escarped environment.

Introductory Chapter: Introduction to New Advances in Metamorphic Geology

“…The recognition of major textural changes is characteristic for the major physical-chemical condition changes. This means that, in metamorphic geology, the recognition of rock textures, such as metamorphic fabric, is a critical aspect of research and a field where new advances achieved due to the rapid development and availability of advanced technologies such as image analysis and remote sensing techniques of microlevel identification of various phases [30][31][32]. The combination of remote sensing techniques, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), modeling with microanalytical techniques successfully applied within classical igneous petrology, but in recent times, metamorphic geology also follows these trends to benefit from the seemingly distant disciplines.…”