Structural Geology is a wide field that deals with the distribution and measurements of rocks. Many tools and techniques are employed as researchers try to dig more about rocks. Remote sensing technology is a vital technique in mapping, analyzing, and interpreting rocks. The remote sensing technique has modernized the field of structural geology and has numerous applications.
This article covers some of the common remote sensing applications in structural geology.
1. Geological Mapping
Geological structures are an important component of the environment, and thus studying them would be beneficial. Among all the methods used to study and map geological structures, remote sensing has proved the best. Remote sensing tools are greatly used since they’re airborne equipment to locate rocks for study.
2. Distribution of Geological structures
In previous years, the study of the distribution of geological structures has experienced many challenges and difficulties. It is due to the lack of a convenient tool to search. Thankfully, researchers are saved from these challenges with the introduction of remote sensing techniques in the structural geology field. The distribution of structural geological structures is easily tracked, the spatial data collected can be used to show the distribution patterns of these structures.
3. Geological survey
Structural geology is one of the major fields that researchers rely on during a geological survey. , modern and powerful tools are required to carry out geological surveys effectively and successfully. Remote sensors and other airborne tools have been on the frontline providing researchers with timely and adequate data required in the survey process.
4. Analysis and classification of rocks
Rocks exist in different forms and classes. In structural geology, rocks are grouped according to their mineral levels. Remote sensors take their images and analyze them to group these rocks. Space sensors take images of the rocks and record the color, shape, and mineral level of the rocks.
5. Geomorphology Analysis
In studying landforms and their evolution, remote sensing is greatly used. Remote sensors are located in space, and therefore they can capture wider earth surfaces. This advantage makes it a more reliable and better tool than other methods. The landform image is then analyzed, and geomorphologists use the data to conclude.
6. Updating Geologist inventories
Updating inventories is one of the main reasons why geologists carry out research. Geologist greatly relies on remote sensing tools as their data-collecting tools. It is because they provide accurate and more reliable data.
7. Data collecting Tool
In structural geology, the Remote sensing technique is greatly used to acquire data. Remote sensors can allow the mapping of geological characteristics of the study areas since it is space-borne tools. Similarly, many areas can be studied and explored simultaneously to their wide-area coverage property.
8. Mining activities
Various tools are used to locate rocks with minerals in the mining process. The remote sensing technique has powerful tools for detecting rocks rich in minerals, and thus it is vital in the mining process.
