Study on interpretation of geological structure in Tibetan Yadong region using GF-1 satellite images

With the precision improvement of geological survey work, moderate and low resolution remote sensing images can no longer meet the scale requirement of geological structure interpretation. The application of GF-1 satellite images provides data foundation for improving geological structure interpretation scale, especially in the remote and inaccessible areas, and significantly reduces the amount of field work. Therefore, the authors chose Tibetan Yadong region as the study area where geological structures are well developed. Using GF-1 satellite images, the authors established the model of fault formation mechanism in the study area based on the analysis of previous geological materials. Considering the features of regional topographic and geomorphic conditions, the authors conducted remote sensing interpretation for geological structure in the study area. The results showed that: ① Within the study area, 418 faults were interpreted.②Under the impact of south-north tectonic compress stress, the major east-west fault was formed during Late Miocene, which was a thrust fault. Under the stretch effect of east-west compress stress, the south-north and north-east faults were formed within the study area, with multistage structural activities.③ Rivers and lakes were significantly controlled by faults, among which the rivers were most likely originated in south-north direction. In addition, the uplift of the hanging wall of the thrust fault causes the decline of water table within the study area.