Demarcation of geological and geomorphological features of parts of Dharwar Craton, Karnataka, using IRS LISS-II data

Abstract

To demonstrate the capabilities of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) Linear Imaging Self-scanning Sensor-II (LISS-II) data in preparation of regional level geological, structural and geomorphological maps of 1:500000 scale and to understand the interrelation between lithology, structures, landforms and drainage details in diverse geologic environs, a study has been carried out. The area chosen for the study is a strip of terrain in Karnataka between latitudes 13° N and 14° N. Different rock types such as peninsular gneisses, granites, schists and laterites were mapped based on their distinctive image characteristics like colour and textural variations, typical landforms, soil cover and drainage networks. The satellite images have exhibited more clearly the Bababudan ‘horse shoe’ fold, Doddaguni fold, Chikanayanakanahalli fold, Kolar schist belt. bounding lineaments of Closepet granite, regional scale NNW-SSE trending lineament located to the west of Bababudan schist belt, N-S trending lineament to the eastern boundary of Chitradurga schist belt, etc. The satellite image interpretation has helped to revise and modify the geological map in terms of the occurrence of rock units, refined lithological boundaries and mapping of lineaments and their networks. Based on the distribution of landforms, and their specific nature, the study area can be broadly grouped into five geomorphic provinces. Thus, the details obtained from these maps clearly demonstrate the capabilities of data collected by the indigenously developed IRS in geological and geomorphological studies.