Identification of Tectonic Activity and Fault Mechanism From Morphological Signatures

Abstract

Agartala, the capital of Tripura, is one of the most important and populated cities of North-East India. From the aspect of geomorphology, the whole area is characterized by highlands (tilla) and lowlands (lunga). Tectonically, Tripura falls under very active zone (Zone V). Assessment of tectonic activities of this region is very significant. For identification of tectonic activity, morphological or geomorphic signatures play very important role. The chapter identifies the presence of tectonic activity from morphological signatures in and around Agartala city. Landsat 8 OLI, maps from Geological Survey of India, Google Earth imageries have been used in this study. The presence of some lineaments and sag ponds has been identified on the basis of which fault mechanism of Agartala and Baramura hills has been delineated. This study contains a brief note on the conceptual demonstration of application of GIS and RS technologies and how morphological signatures and satellite images can help us to recognize tectonic activities over a region.