GEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATIONS OF REMOTE SENSING IMAGES

We have recently acquired sophisticated remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software that allow in-depth surface geological analysis from satellite images. Our current ongoing project focuses on structural interpretations and rock identifications.

The goal of our study was to identify structural features and build a tectonic model by interpreting and analyzing Landsat TM images in an oil exploration area, Hadramaut region. Our methods included combination of seven bands of different wavelengths in RGB colors, rationing between bands and combining landsat images with three-dimensional display of digital elevation models (DEM). The tectonic model deduced from our observations includes a major half-graben setting south of a plateau area that developed in an extensional stress field. The half-graben is divided by three pairs of normal faults that have opposite polarities. Two of these faults join together and form a triple junction in the vicinity of a salt diapir exposed to the surface. The tectonic model is supported by subsurface seismic data.