A single multi-scale and multi-sourced semi-automated lineament detection technique for detailed structural mapping with applications to geothermal energy exploration

Abstract

Semi-automated algorithms incorporating multi-sourced datasets into a single analysis are increasingly common, but until now operate at a fixed pixel resolution resulting in multi-sourced methods being limited by the largest input pixel size. Multi-scale lineament detection circumvents this issue and allows increased levels of detail to be captured. We present a semi-automated method using a bottom-up Object-Based Image Analysis approach to map regional lineaments to a high level of detail. The method is applied to onshore light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and offshore bathymetry around the Land’s End Granite (Cornwall, UK). The method uses three different pixel resolutions to extract detailed lineaments across a 700 km2 area. The granite displays large-scale NW–SE fault zones that are considered analogous to those being targeted as onshore deep geothermal reservoirs (2–5 km in depth). Investigation of the lineaments derived from this study shows along-strike variations from NW–SE orientations within granite to NNW–SSE within slate and reflects structural inheritance of early Variscan structures within Devonian slates. This is furthered by analysing these major structures for reservoir potential. Lineaments proximal to these broadly NW–SE features indicate that a damage zone c. 100–200 m wide is present. These observations provide a preliminary understanding of reservoir characteristics for fault-hosted geothermal systems.