Lineament depth deduction using geomorphometry and 3D Euler solution

Abstract

In this paper, we present a novel method for determining the depth of lineaments using satellite gravity data, which we test in the Sahel of Sfax area (eastern Tunisia). This region has a relatively flat topography with few significant discontinuities at the surface.As a first step, we used morphometric indices such as slope, aspect, and hydrographic network, calculated from SRTM-DEM, to generate separate lineament maps. We then combined these lineaments into a synthetic lineament map, which showed a high level of agreement with the Bouguer anomaly map derived from satellite gravity data and with previous studies that used geophysical data (seismic and gravity). We also validated the lineament map using field data.By fusing these lineaments with the 3D Euler solution map, we were able to deduce the depth classification of the lineaments. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method in estimating the depth of lineaments and its potential to provide valuable insights into the subsurface geology of an area. This method can be a useful tool for mineral exploration, hydrocarbon exploration, and geohazard assessments.