Integrating remote sensing, GIS and in-situ data for structural mapping over a part of the NW Rif belt, Morocco

Abstract

This study adopts an integrated approach using the geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing techniques for structural mapping in inaccessible zone of the internal segment of North-Western Rif belt, Morocco. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Optimal Index Factor (OIF), band ratios and directional filtering are applied to Landsat 8 OLI (Operational Land Imager) image for mapping lithology and geological structures. Tectonic lineaments are extracted using the remote sensing and GIS approach and verified by in-situ data. Lithology and detailed structural features in the study area as well as the main sets of fractures trending NW-SE and E-W are identified and highlighted. The results obtained in this research demonstrate that the integration of remote sensing imagery and GIS techniques is a reliable and low-cost approach to fracture extraction and structural mapping, particularly in remote and inaccessible regions of the African plate and other analogue zones around the world.

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

“…These lineaments are defined as a mappable rectilinear or curvilinear feature of a surface, distinct from adjacent patterns, and which may represent a subsurface phenomenon (Yeomans et al, 2018), and they are generally corresponding to various structural elements, such as faults, fractures, foliation, fold hinges, cleavages or shear zones. Spatial analysis of lineament sets helps to reconstruct the tectonic history of a region and also reveals generalities that can help to test process hypotheses (Skakni et al, 2020). In the many country of the words, Landsat images for geological study of such regions was already performed; for example, in France (Delay et al, 1992); Pour et al (2013Pour et al ( , 2014Pour et al ( , 2016Pour et al ( , 2018a in Malaysia; Liu et al (2017) in China; Pirasteh et al (2013), Noori et al (2019), Sheikhrahimi et al (2019) and Bolouki et al (2020) in Iran; or in Egypt (Mostafa & Bishta 2005, Amer et al, 2010, Abdelnasser et al, 2018and Eldosouky et al, 2020; in Algeria (Kamel et al, 2017); in Libya (Saadi et al, 2011); Skakni et al (2020) in Morocco; Crosta et al (2010) in Argentina; or Al-Djazouli et al (2019) in Chad.…”

“…Spatial analysis of lineament sets helps to reconstruct the tectonic history of a region and also reveals generalities that can help to test process hypotheses (Skakni et al, 2020). In the many country of the words, Landsat images for geological study of such regions was already performed; for example, in France (Delay et al, 1992); Pour et al (2013Pour et al ( , 2014Pour et al ( , 2016Pour et al ( , 2018a in Malaysia; Liu et al (2017) in China; Pirasteh et al (2013), Noori et al (2019), Sheikhrahimi et al (2019) and Bolouki et al (2020) in Iran; or in Egypt (Mostafa & Bishta 2005, Amer et al, 2010, Abdelnasser et al, 2018and Eldosouky et al, 2020; in Algeria (Kamel et al, 2017); in Libya (Saadi et al, 2011); Skakni et al (2020) in Morocco; Crosta et al (2010) in Argentina; or Al-Djazouli et al (2019) in Chad.…”