Geometry and topology of a Polish Outer Carpathian digital-elevation-model-interpreted lineament network in the context of regional tectonics

Abstract

The Polish part of the Western Outer Carpathian lineament network was analysed based on the Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 (GMTED2010) digital elevation model. Lineaments were identified in the visual screening of the hillshade model. To the best of our knowledge, no one has studied the geometrical properties of the network in relation to the topological ones. The NetworkGT QGIS toolbox was applied to identify the nodes and branches of the network as well as to calculate the topology parameters. Our aim was to find differences between the western and eastern parts of the Western Outer Carpathians; therefore, the analyses were carried out in six sectors chosen based on the geographical subdivision in the geological context: three in the north, mainly the Silesian unit, and three in the south, mainly the Magura unit. We found general agreement of the identified network with the photo-lineament map; however, some of the photo-lineaments are not confirmed by a digital elevation model (DEM). We found that the topological parameters of the networks change from west to east but not from north to south. There are areas of increased interconnectivity, especially the Nowy Scz Basin, where the lineament network may reflect a complicated system of cross-cutting, deep-rooted fault zones in the basement.