Landsat and Seasat data for lineament and lithologic mapping in southeastern Ontario

Abstract

<p>The use of Landsat and Seasat data for lineament and lithologic mapping has been evaluated for a study area in southeastern Ontario. Lineaments were identified and mapped from several Landsat products (i.e. DICS CCT's and transparencies, RBV and MSS imagery) and Seasat imagery. Interpreted lineament distributions were compared visually and statistically with fault and joint distributions recorded from the geologic maps of the area. Lineaments interpreted from enhanced (linear contrast stretch and 3X3 high pass filter) DICS summer and winter imagery were compared with mapped faults for a small site within the study area. Interpreted lineament length and intersection densities were compared visually and statistically with two aspects of the economic geology of the area. Discrimination of lithologies was attempted by interpreting textures and tones found on the imagery. The results of the lineament and lithologic mapping were compared with the hypothesized tectonic history of the area. It was determined that lineaments mapped from the remotely sensed data reflect the fault distribution as interpreted from the geologic map. However, lineaments identified on DICS winter imagery best reflect the fault distributions. Identification of lineaments was easier on winter imagery than summer imagery. The two computer enhancements did not aid in the identification of lineaments. A relationship between two lineament parameters and areas of mineralization was found. Lithologic discrimination from remotely sensed imagery proved difficult, although intrusive rocks were readily identifiable, particularly in the low grade metamorphic areas. Results from both the lineament and lithologic mapping provided information which is compatible with the tectonic history of the area.</p>