TITLE:
A GIS Approach Using Morphometric Data Analysis for the Identification of Subsurface Recent Tectonic Activity. Case Study in Quaternary Outcrops—North West of Tunisia
AUTHORS:
Slimene Sedrette, Noamen Rebai
KEYWORDS:
Morphometry, GIS, Software Tools, Crossing-Data, Hydrographic Network, Oued Lahmar, Subsurface, Neotectonic
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geographic Information System,
Vol.14 No.1,
February
28,
2022
ABSTRACT: The combination of structural and lithological data with morphometric indicators in a GIS environment constitutes a methodological approach with high added value to identify neotectonic deformations, in particular in the Quaternary outcrops where faults are generally masked by thick recent sediments.
This approach, based on the crossing of multisource data, is used in this work to understand the mechanisms that generate landscape forms in the Quaternary outcrop of Oued Lahmar, which belongs to the northwest of Tunisia. In fact, the databases of various morphometric indicators, extracted from the hydrographic network, have been generated using remote sensing data and open sources applications. This database has been enriched by lithological and tectonic data extracted from the regional geological map, to understand the results of the morphometric analysis. The results obtained provide valuable information on the identification of subsurface activity in Oued Lahmar and large vicinity areas with heterogeneous geomorphic and structural characteristics. Indeed, this study revealed the existence of an E-W subsurface tectonic control covered by the Quaternary sedimentary series not indicated on the geological map of the region. This tectonic direction, which follows most of the magmatic outcrop edge in the region, may allow the intrusion of magma and the rejuvenation of ancient deep faults.