Remote Sensing Study of Neotectonics of Katwaz Region in Balochistan-Pakistan

Abstract

This investigation deals with the delineation of neotectonics and its connection to the regional surface deformation in the Katwaz region (KR) located in the north of Quetta along the Pakistan-Afghan border. It consists of rocks dominated by silicates and carbonates, were uplifted due to regional tectonics. In this study, SRTM DEM (90m spatial resolution) based Surface Dynamics (SDMs) of KR is analyzed to investigate the Isobase level (IBL), Relative relief (RR), Topographic surface roughness (TSR) and topographic Slope (TS) map to constrain the active surface deformation due to regional neotectonics. It gives complete information regarding the lithology based erosional margins and demarcation of neotectonic scarps and established the relationship between Strahler order streams and neotectonic settings in an actively deformed KR. This study aims to delineate margins for geomorphological variations and to find the effects of neotectonics. Another purpose is to examine the geomorphic parameters and to map active tectonics development due to transform sinistral movement of the Chaman Fault system (CFS) in the context of the ongoing collision of India-Eurasia. The resultant and generated surface dynamic maps (SDMs) were due to neotectonic developments, progressions and orientations along with CFS and Suleman fold, and thrust belts (SFTBs). The results obtained revealed that IBL values are higher in the NNE, SSW, and central parts along with the CFS, and partially in the NW corner of the KR due to uplifted SFTBs. The active tectonic nature of SFTBs and TSR values are lower in the central and northern parts of KR. The TSR values are higher along SFTBs and CFS due to greater vertical dissection between these two active faults system. The DEM based SDMs are time-efficient and cost-effective for easy identification and delineation of neo-tectonically active zones using remote sensing and GIS techniques.