AN ASSIGNMENT

ON
APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES IN
BASIN ANALYSIS
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF REQUIRMENT OF MASTER OF
SCIENCE IN GEOLOGY

MSc III SEMESTER

GEL-510

JAYMIN R RATHAVI
SEM-4
ROLL NO – 6

SUBMITTED TO : Dr . PARAS M SOLANKI

GEOLOGY DEPARTMENT,
M.G.SCIENCE INSTITUTE,GUJRAT UNIVERSITY
NAVARANGPURA, AHMEDABAD-380009,
GUJARAT, INDIA.
INTRODUCTION

Sedimentary basins are regions of prolonged subsidence of the Earth’s surface. The driving
mechanisms of subsidence are principally related to processes within the relatively rigid,
cooled thermal boundary layer of the earth known as lithosphere. The lithosphere is
composed of a number of plates, which are in motion, with respect to each other.
Sedimentary basin therefore exists in a background environment of plate motion.

Basin are the region of thick accumulation of the sediments (in place up to 20 km).
Sedimentary basins are wide spread both onshore and offshore. The way in which they form
was a matter of considerable debates until the last 20 years. The advance in our
understanding during this very short period is mainly due to the effort of the oil industry.

Fig: 1- Global sediment thickness map in basin

So, the ultimate goal of sedimentological study is to unravel the history of sedimentation of
the sedimentary basins.

From basin analysis we could know─

a. About the framework of the basin.

b. Sediment fills.
c. Associated biota.
d. Stages of basin evolution
e. Sediment dispersion pattern.

PROCEDURE OF BASIN ANALYSIS

There are generally three broad categories:

1.Geological

2. Geochemical

3. Geophysical
1. Geological:-

a) By mapping of the basin boundary and the lithic fill. It established lithostratigraphic units,
unconformities etc.

b) Preparation of measured stratigraphic columns from surface and subsurface data by

studying the sedimentary structure and biota.

c) Petrography, modal, textural and heavy mineral analysis of thin section of sample rock
collect from the basin.

d) Clay mineral studies by XRD, SEM etc. Palaeontological, biometric and palynological
studies.

2. Geochemical:-

Determination of major and trace elements, organic content, maturation etc. Radiometric
dating done here.

3. Geophysical:-

Basin analysis done also by some geophysical process and survey. Such as,

a. Magneto-stratigraphy and gravity survey.

b. Reflection seismic survey, DSS (deep seismic survey)

c. Drilling and borehole logging

REMOTE SENSING

Beside these, now a days’ most useful and modern technique of basin analysis is by Remote
sensing and GIS. Referring to our study, our discussion is confined only in how the remote
sensing is applied in basin analysis.

What is Remote Sensing?

Remote sensing is defined as the technique of obtaining information about the object
through the analysis of data collected by special instruments that are not in physical contact
with the object of investigation. As such remote sensing is regarded as ‟reconnaissance
from a distance”, ‛Teledetection’ or a form of common adage “look but don′t touch”.

So, remote sensing is the gathering information in any material without touching the object.

Examples- Eye, Camera etc.

Principles:-
Detection and discrimination of objects or surface features means detection and recording
of radiant energy reflected or emitted by objects or surface material. Different objects
returns different amount and kind of energy in different bands of the electromagnetic
spectrum, incident upon it. This unique property depends on the property of material.

Fig: 2- principal technique of remote sensing.

Process:-

In much of remote sensing, the process involves an interaction between incident radiation
and the targets of interest. This is exemplified by the use of imaging systems where the
following seven elements are involved. Note, however that remote sensing also involves the
sensing of emitted energy and the use of non-imaging sensors.

Fig: 3- Showing overall process of remote sensing.

1. Energy Source or Illumination (A):- the first requirement for remote sensing is to
have an energy source which illuminates or provides electromagnetic energy to the
target of interest.
2. Radiation and the Atmosphere (B):- as the energy travels from its source to the
target, it will come in contact with and interact with the atmosphere it passes
 through. This interaction may take place a second time as the energy travels from
the target to the sensor.
3. Interaction with the Target (C):- once the energy makes its way to the target through
the atmosphere, it interacts with the target depending on the properties of both the
target and the radiation.
4. Recording of Energy by the Sensor (D) :- after the energy has been scattered by, or
emitted from the target, we require a sensor (remote –not in contact with the
target) to collect and record the electromagnetic radiation.
5. Transmission, Reception and Processing (E) :- the energy recorded by the sensor has
to be transmitted, often the electronic form, to a receiving processing station where
the data are processed into an image (hardcopy and/or digital).
6. Interpretation and Analysis (F):- the processed image is interpreted, visually and/or
digitally or electronically, to extract information about the target which was
illuminated.
7. Application (G):- the final element of the remote sensing process is achieved when
we apply the information we have been able to extract from the imagery about the
target in order to better understand it, reveal some new information or assist in
solving a particular problem.
These seven elements comprises the remote sensing process from beginning to end.

Fig: 4- Process of capturing photo of an area by remote sensing

Remote sensing satellite-

There are many countries that spread their remote sensing satellite program around the
globe for land resource survey environmental impact assessment weather forecasting and
ocean science studies. Such as- METSAT forweather monitoring and LANDSAT for land
resource survey both are launched by USA.There are also some other satellite for individual
countries like SPOT series of satellite for France, where SPOT-1 discharged in 22nd Feb, 1986;
Marine Observation Satellite (MOS-1) for Japan has launched on 19 thFeb, 1987; RADARSAT
is the 1st remote sensing satellite for Canada at 1990; Earth Resource Satellite (ERS) was
send off by European Space Agency (ESA) in 1991; and our India has also launched a
number of experimental remote sensing satellites, such as-

BHASKARA-I (June, 1979), BHASKARA-II (Nov, 1981)

APPLICATIONS IN BASIN ANALYSIS-

Fig: 5- Arrangement of satellite around the globe.
Slope, bedrock lithology, associated geology and climate of that region are responsible for
determining the characteristic of basin. The method of quantitative analysis of drainage
basin was developed by Horton (1945) and modified by Strahler (1964) in conventional
means but recently GIS and satellite remote sensing is a complete tool to analyze, to update
and correlate the measurements with periodic changes. Therefore, the results are more
realistic and less time consuming. This study is to evaluate the nature of the basins, relation
with character of the terrain and for deriving means to conserve and manage natural
resources and combating natural hazards. The low topographic gradient represents a major
obstacle for morphotectonic analysis using conventional methods. The use of remote
sensing data contribute significantly to overcome this limitation. In this instances remote
sensing data comprises digital elevation model (DEM) acquired by the Shuttle Radar
Topographic Mission (SRTM) and Landsat thematic mapper images. Advanced image
processing techniques are employed for enhancing the topographic textures and providing a
three dimensional visualization, hence allowing interpretation of the morphotectonic
elements. This led to the recognition of main tectonic compartments, and several
morphostructural features and landform related to the neotectonic evolution of the
particular basin. Features such as fault scraps, anomalous drainage patterns, aligned ridges,
spurs and valleys are expressed in the enhanced images as conspicuous lineament along
different direction.

The use of thematic maps such as landscape drainage, hypsometric, morphometric and
geomorphologic maps, constitutes the basis of morphotectonic analysis, particularly for
investigating Cenozoic tectonics. The production of these maps can be considerably
facilitated by employing digital elevation models (DEM).This makes the morphotectonic
interpretation and the definition of tectonic compartment easier. In addition, the digital
nature of DEMs allows the support of computer processing technique for manipulation,
enhancement, fusion and visualization of image data and the interpretation of terrain
features. Application of technique including different angle of observation, vertical
exaggeration factors, artificial shadowing in different directions and color enhancements
allows interpreting the terrain features.

A new remote sensing technology based on radar interferometry (InSAR) is marking it

possible to acquire high quality altimetric data (Madsen and Zebker 1998). Using this
technology,NASA launched the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) in 2000, which
allowed the acquisition of altimetric data and the generation of DEMs of nearly 80% of the
earth’s surface (Rabus et al. 2003).These data were used in the present study in order to
overcome the scarcity of information on the topography of the study region and to enable
morphotectonic analysis.

In spite of the limitation inherent to the region’s thick vegetation coverage and the available
SRTM data with moderate spatial resolution (90m), DEMs enabled three dimensional
visualization of the regions landscape and contributed significantly to the analysis of the
main geomorphic features. The topographic data contained in these DEMs are more precise
than those contained in the previous topographic charts of the particular basin, and permit
the extraction of information for the elaboration of several types of thematic maps.
Furthermore the use of three dimensional digital visualization tools, in conjunction with the
SRTM data, allows for the recognition of important and previously unknown
morphostructure.

BASIN CLASSIFICATION:-

Ingersoll and Busby (1995) point out that sedimentary basins can form in the four types of
tectonic settings, such as- Divergent, Intra-plate, Convergent and Transform settings.
Different kinds of basins are recognized within these various settings on the basis of -

I. The type of crust on which the basin rest,

II. The position of the basins with respect to plate margins, and
III. For basins lying close to a plate margin, the type of plate interaction occurring
during sedimentation (Dickinson, 1974; Miall, 2000).

Detailed discussions are given on the chart below:

Divergent Settings
 Types Description Modern Ancient
example example

1. Terrestrial Rifts within continental Rio Grande rift Triassic–

rift valleys crust commonly (New Mexico) Jurassic
associated with bimodal Connecticut
volcanism

2. Proto- Incipient oceanic basins Red Sea Jurassic of East

oceanic floored by new oceanic Greenland
rift troughs crust and flanked by
young rifted continental
margins

Intraplate Settings
Types Description Modern Ancient
example example
1. Continental Mature rifted continental East coast of East Paleozoic of
rises and terraces margins in intraplate USA USA and
settings at continental- Canadian
oceanic interface Cordillera

2.Continental Progradational sediment Mississipi Gulf Early Paleozoic

embankments wedges constructed off Coast Meguma terrane
edges of rifted of Canadian
continental margins Appalachians

3.Intracratonic Broad cratonic basins Chad Basin Paleozoic

basins floored by fossil rifts in (Africa) Michigan basin
axial zones

4.Continental Stable cratons covered Barents sea Middle

platforms with thin and laterally (Asia) Paleozoic, North
extensive sedimentary American
strata midcontinent
5.Active ocean Basins floored by Pacific ocean Miscellaneous
basins oceanic crust formed at ophiolite
divergent plate complexes
boundaries unrelated to
arc-trench systems
(spreading still active)
6. Oceanic Sedimentary aprons and Emperor- Mesozoic Snow
islands, aseismic platforms formed in Hawaii Mountain
ridges and intraoceanic settings seamounts Volcanic
plateaus other than magmatic arcs Complex
(Franciscan)

7. Dormant ocean Basins floored by Gulf of Mexico Phanerozoic

basins oceanic crust, which is Tarim basin
neither spreading nor (China) (?)
subducting (no active
plate boundaries within
or adjoining basin)

Convergent
Types Settings
Description Modern Ancient
example example
1. Trenches Deep troughs formed by Chile Trench Cretaceous,
subduction of oceanic Shumagin Island
lithosphere (Alaska)
2.Trench-slope Local structural Central Cretaceous
basins depressions developed America Cambrian slab
on subduction complexes Trench (California)

3. Fore-arc basins Basins within arc-trench Sumatra Cretaceous

gaps Great Valley
(California)

4. Intra-arc basins Basins along arc Lago de Early Jurassic

platform, which includes Nicaragua Sierra Nevada
superposed and (California)
overlapping volcanoes
5. Back-arc Oceanic basins behind Marianas Jurassic
basins intraoceanic magmatic Josephine
arcs (including interarc ophiolite
basins between active (California)
and remnant arcs), and
continental basins behind
continental-margin
magmatic arcs without
foreland fold thrust belts
6.Retro-arc Foreland basins on Andes foot Cretaceous
foreland basins continental sides of hills Sevier foreland
continental margin arc- (Wyoming)
trench systems (formed
by subduction generated
compression and/or
collision)
7. Remnant ocean Shrinking ocean basins Bay of Bengal Penn sylvanian-
basins caught between colliding Permian
continental margins Ouachita Basin
and/or arc-trench
systems, and ultimately
subducted or deformed
within suture belts
8.Peripheral Foreland basins above Persian Gulf Mid-Cenozoic
foreland basins rifted continental margins Swiss Molasse
that have been pulled Basin
into subduction zones
during crustal collisions
(primary type of collision-
related forelands)
9. Piggyback Basins formed and Peshawar Neogene,
basins carried atop moving Basin Apennines (Italy)
thrust sheet (Pakistan)

10.Foreland Basins formed among Sierras Laramide basins

intermontane basement-cored uplifts in Pampeanas (USA)
basins (broken foreland settings Basins
forelands) (Argentina)

Transform Settings

Types Description Modern Ancient

example example
1. Transtentional Basins formed by Salton
basins extension along strike- Sea(California)
slip fault systems.
2. Transpression Basins formed by Santa Barbara
al basins cpmpression along Basin(California
strike-slip fault systems. )
3. Transrotational Basins formed by Western
basins rotation of crustal Aleutian fore-
blocks about vertical arc (?)
axes within strike-slip
fault systems.

Two different basinal situation can be visualized depends on the presence of the economic
resources-
 a. Frontier basin:-
In which information is often limited to seismic, a few C.o.s.t or wildcat wells, and
general geological background knowledge.
b. Explored basin:-
In which much direct knowledge is available on
 Type of successful structural and stratigraphic trap.
 Figures on production and reserves found to date, as well as on oil and
gas characteristic.
 Historical information on discovery characteristics (field sizes found and
when, play fairways etc.).
 Seismic and well data.
 A fairly accurate knowledge of basin settings in relation to tectonic
evolution, sediment supply and erosion, thermal history and subsurface
fluid flow.

PURPOSE OF BASIN ANALYSIS:-

The purpose of quantitative basin analysis methods are to provide-

 Estimates of the total current hydrocarbon accumulations present in a basin.

 Estimates of the most likely locations in a basin where such hydrocarbon are to be
found.
 Assessments of the likely amounts of hydrocarbons, and whether dominantly oil or
gas, at each potential accumulation site.
 Estimates also total current economic ores present within the basin.
 Discovers the history of basin evolution.

SUMMARY:-

So, it can be summed up that-

 Sedimentary basin are the regions where considerable thickness of sediments have
accumulate (in place up to 20km).
 Basin analysis is done by several process, such as Geological, Geochemical, and
Geophysical etc. but among all these processes Remote sensing process is the
modern and most useful process.
 Remote sensing is the gathering information of any material without touching this
object.
 To complete the remote sensing process, the data captured and recorded by remote
sensing systems must be analyzed by interpretive and measurement techniques in
order to provide useful information about the subject of investigation. These
 techniques are diverse, ranging from traditional methods of visual interpretation to
methods using sophisticated computer processing. So, the two major components of
remote sensing is data capture and data analysis.
 By using this process there are discovered many unfamiliar place which is
inaccessible.

REFERENCE

1. Allen. J.R. and Allen. P. A.,2006, Basin Analysis: Principles and Applications,
Blackwell Publishing
2. Gupta.R.P., 1990: Remote sensing geology
3. Horton, R.E., 1945, Erosional Development of streams and their drainage basins-
hydrophysical approach to Quantitative morphology. Bulletin of Geological
Society of America 56
4. Levin.N, 1999: Fundamentals of Remote sensing
5. Madsen. S. n. and Zebker. H. A. 1998: Imaging radar interferometry. In:
Henderson. F. M. and Lewis. A. J.(Eds), Principles and applications of imaging
radar, Manual of Remote Sensing, 3rd ed., Am Soc of Photogrammetry and
Remote Sensing 2: 359-406
6. Kumar. N., 2013, Morphometric Analysis of River Catchments Using Remote
Sensing and GIS (A Case Study of the Sukri River, Rajasthan), International Journal
of Scientific and Research Publications, Vol. 3, Issue 6
7. Rabus. B.M., Roth. A. and Bamler.R., 2003: The Shuttle radar topography mission-
a new class of digital elevation models acquired by space borne radar.
Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing 57: 241-262