MORPHOSTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF AL- MOSUL QUADRANGLE , SCALE 1:250000 NORTHWEST IRAQ

Abstract

This study uses geomorphological observations to describe the growth of different types of lineaments (mainly faults). The recognition of the fold patterns have been successfully mapped; using remote sensing data. The observation of these geomorphological features shows how studies of the landscape using remote sensing data can provide data on the active tectonics in the region and the distribution of active faults, majority of which were not mapped previously. The study area is located in the northwestern part of Iraq. It has attracted over the last few decades a number of researchers who investigated different aspects, like tectonics, stratigraphy, geophysics, hydrogeology and geomorphology . This study represents an attempt to evaluate the possibility of using remote sensing analysis for discovering subsurface structures and discriminate different morphotectonic zones of the study area. The methodology used in this study follows the standard sequence of landforms, drainage and lineaments analyses and the integration of their results for geological and morphotectonic evolution. This approach was used successfully for many years with both satellite images and topographic maps, for the aforementioned tasks. These are discussed in details in relating subsections of this study. The drainage system reflects its adjustment to both past and ongoing structural deformation by folding and faulting. The development of lithology, drainage pattern and the tectonic features, especially strike- slip faults which have affected and play important role in the morphotectonic in the study area.