Integrating Remote Sensing and Knowledge-Based Systems for Structural Lineament Mapping in the Rif Belt

Abstract

This study presents a novel methodology for mapping Fault- and Thrust-based Structural Lineaments (FT-SL) in the rugged and inaccessible Oued-Laou watershed of the Rif Belt, Morocco. Combining optical (Landsat-8 OLI, Sentinel-2 MSI) and radar (Sentinel-1 SAR) remote sensing data, the research employs manual, semi-automatic, and automatic extraction methods enhanced by spatial filtering (Sobel, Laplacian, Kuan). A Knowledge-Based System (KBS) integrated with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) evaluates the effectiveness of these methods, focusing on lineament statistics, orientation, density distribution, and correlation with existing geological maps. The results highlight Sentinel-1 SAR’s superior performance in detecting subsurface structures, while manual extraction yields the highest accuracy. This study also demonstrates the potential for generalizing this approach to other Alpine orogenic regions, such as the Alps, due to shared geological characteristics. The findings provide a robust framework for structural lineament mapping in mountainous terrains, addressing challenges of accessibility and data scarcity.