Earth Sciences Remote sensing capability in structural geology analysis of dif- ferent geodynamic settings : the example of Al Qarqaf Arch

Abstract

Nowadays advances in remote sensing techniques allows improved and detailed geological mapping by mean of satellite image data analyses. This paper focuses on the application of optical remote sensing techniques to geological structures recognition and analysis, according to defined morphostructural crite- rions. Hence, monoscopic and stereoscopic approach allowed a good identification and classification of faults, folds and fractures affecting different areas. In particular, stereoscopic measurements denoted a good agreement with field data, confirming the potentiality of satellite stereoscopic analyses in geological studies. Further integration of the results in a GIS-based environment permitted the creation of a series of morphostructural maps which supported the geologic interpretation of areas characterized by different geodynamic settings.