An approach to lineament analysis for groundwater exploration in Nicaragua

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2011

Abstract

Wells in bedrock aquifers tend to yield more water where they intersect fracture networks. Lineament analysis using satellite imagery was employed to identify surface expressions of subsurface fracturing for possible new well locations. An imagery integration approach was developed to evaluate satellite imagery for lineament analysis in terrain where the influences of human development and vegetation confound lineament interpretation. Four satellite sensors (ASTER, Landsat-7 ETM+, QuickBird, RADARSAT-1) and a DEM were used for lineament mapping a volcanic region of Nicaragua. Image processing and interpretations obtained 12 complementary products, which were synthesized into a raster image of lineament-zone coincidence for creating a lineament delineation map. Nine of the 11 previously mapped faults were identified from the coincidence-based map along with 26 new lineaments. The locations of ten new lineaments were confirmed by field observation. RADARSAT-1 products were best for minimizing anthropogenic features but not able to identify all the geological lineaments. © 2011 American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.

Publication Title

Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing

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