Identifying Alluvial fans features using multispectral image processing techniques in selected area, northern Iraq

Rayan G. Thannoun, Azhar Kh. S. Bety , Laith Kh. Al-Sa'igh

Remote Sensing Center, Mosul University

Faculty of Science, Geology dept., Sulaimani University

College of Science, Chemistry dept., Al-Mustansiriiya University.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17656/jzs.10570

Abstract

Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus image data was used to identify and map alluvial fans features in Shaikh Ibrahim anticline northern Iraq. In the present study, an active flowchart was design to extract and determine alluvial fans using digital image processing operations and digital elevation analysis. Two image processing methods including (image transformation and image enhancement) were used. Image transformation including principal component analysis (PCA) and ratio images (RI) analysis, while image enhancement operation including false color composite images (FCC). In image transformation processing, Based on the detailed analysis of eigenvectors and eigenvalues derived from different combinations of (PCA), five (PC) images of bands (13457) have been extracted and –PC4 has relatively strong positive loading for band 5 (0.632166) and high negative loading for band 7 (-0.369417) consequently, PC4 was given effective delineation about the major alluvial fans at the southwestern footslope from Shaikh Ibrahim anticline. In ratio image analysis, A combination of (RI) based on the spectral characteristics of alluvial fans materials were selected. Image enhancement includes A false color image of the subscene was produced by assigning band (741). This color composite was found to be useful in emphasizing to the all materials of alluvial fans. Digital elevation models (DEM) were used for describing topographic features related to the alluvial fans.

Key Words:

Alluvial fans, image transformation, image enhancement, DEM, tectonic

References

[1]Abdelsalam M., Stern R.J., Berhane W.G., "Mapping gossans in arid environments with Landsat TM and SIR-C images: the Beddaho alteration zone in northern Eritrea". Journal of African Earth Sciences Vol. 30, pp 903-916. (2000).

[2]Abrams M., "Recent developments in lithologic mapping using remote sensing data". Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres Vol. 82, pp 177–189. (1984).

[3]Al-Azzawi, N., "The structural development of folds shape in the foreland belt of Iraq, and its tectonic implications". Unpublished Ph.D thesis, Mosul University, Iraq, 203p. (2003).

[4]Al-Daghastani N.S., "Remote sensing in geomorphologic mapping and mass movement study of the Sinjar anticline, northwest Iraq". Jour. I.T.C., pp 92 – 101. (1989).

[5]Ali S. H., Qasem H. E. and Ahmed R. T., "Iraqi atlas of climatic maps", Mosul University, Iraq. (2013).

[6]Al-Sa'igh L. K., "Morphotectonic study of selected alluvial fans in the low folded zone using remote sensing techniques". Unpublished PhD thesis, Baghdad University, Iraq164p. (2012).

[7]Badaway M., "Applications of remote sensing and geographic information systems in geomorphological stud-- ies:: safaga -- el quseir area,, red sea coast,, egypt as an example". Unpublished Ph.D thesis, University of Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg. (2008).

[8]Bissenbach E., "Geology of alluvial fans in semi-arid regions". Bulletin of the geological society of America, Vol 65, pp 175-190. (1954).

[9]Blair T., and McPherson J., "Processes and forms of alluvial fans", geomorphology f desert environments, 2nd ed., 413p. (2009).

[10]Bull W.B., "The alluvial fan environment". Progress in physical geography, 1222-1270. (1977).

[11]Franklin S. "Topographic data and satellite spectral response in subarctic high-relief terrain analysis", AUCTIC jour., Vol. 44, pp 15-20. (1991).

[12]Geosurv, "Geological map of Al- Mosul quadrangle", Sheet Nj-38-13, 1: 250,000. State establishment of survey and mining, Baghdad, Iraq. (1995).

[13] Jensen J. "Introductory digital image processing: A remote sensing prespective", Prentice hall, New Jersy, USA. (2005).

[14]Lillesand T.M. and Kiefer R.W., "Remote sensing and image interpretation", 3nd Ed. John Willey and Sons incop. New York, pp 721. (1994).

[15]Sabins F., "Remote Sensing Principles and Interpretation". W.H. Freeman Company, pp 494. (1997).

[16]Ma'ala Kh.A., "Regional geological mapping of Sinjar area". GEOSURV, int. rep. no. 860. (1977).

[17]Masoud A. A. and Koike K., "Tectonic architecture through Landsat-7". ETM+/SRTM DEM-derived lineaments and relationship to the hydrogeologic setting in Siwa region, NW Egypt. Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 45, pp 467–477, (2006).

[18]Mather P.M., "Computer processing of remotely sensed images", an international, John Wiley and Sons. pp 212. (1987).

[19]Marouf N., "Dynamic evolution of sedimentary basines in northern Iraq and hydrocarbon formation migration and entrapment", Unpublished Ph.Dthesis, University of Baghdad, Iraq. (1999).

[20]Mlllaresls C. and Argialas P. "Extraction and Delineation of Alluvial Fans from Digital Elevation Models and Landsat Thematic Mapper Images". Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing. Vol. 66, No. 9, pp 1093-1101. (2000).

[21]Numan, N. M. S., and Al-Azzawi, N. K. B., 1993. Structural and geotectonic interpretation of vergence directions of the anticlines in the Foreland Folds of Iraq, Abhath Al-Yarmouk (pure science and engineering), Yarmok University, Jordan, 2, pp.57-73.

[22]Sabin's JR.F. "Remote sensing: Principles and Interpretation". Freeman and Sons Co., san Frarancisco, U.S.A., pp 426. (1987).

[23]Sissakian, V, "Alluvial Fans of Sinjar Mountain", NW IRAQ, Iraqi bulletin of geology and mining. Vol. 7, No. 2, pp 9-26. (2011).

[24]Thannoun R. Gh. "Structural control evaluation of hydrocarbon seepages in northern iraq using remote sensing techniques", Ph. D. Thesis, Mosul University, Iraq, pp 222. (In Arabic) (2012).

[25]Thannoun R. Gh., Sabah H. and Abd Al-Munaem N. "Geobotanical Study of Some Areas South-Western Mosul Using Remote Sensing and ASD Dataset". Iraqi journal of earth sciences, under press. (2013).

[26]Wells S., McFadden L., and Dohrenwend J. "Influence of late quaternary climatic change on geomorphic and pedogenic processes on desert piedmont, eastern Mojave Desert". California quaternary research Vol. 27, pp 130-146. (1987).

[27]Yang H., Van Der Meer F. D., and Zhang J., "Aerospace detection of hydrocarbon-induced alteration". Handbook of exploration geochemistry, Vol. 7, pp. 233-245. (2000).

View Full Article