LINEAR TREND ANALYSIS: IMPLICATIONS FOR STRUCTURAL FRACTURE SYSTEMS AS CONTROLS OF SUBSURFACE FLUID MIGRATION

Abstract

Lineaments are mappable, simple or composite linear or curvilinear features of the Earth’s surface longer than one mile which differ from the patterns of adjacent features and are presumed to reflect subsurface phenomenon. The usage of the term refers to the description Lattman published in 1958 and was the foundation for work by MacDonald in 1977 which is the basis for this project. Remote sensing techniques have provided a valuable means to analyze lineaments on a large scale in a relatively short time in comparison to field mapping methods. The products of such fracture studies have been used in exploration for groundwater and may also have implications for other subsurface fluid migration pathways. Cost-benefit evaluations of employing remote sensing techniques have found that this method took less time and saved on costs of drilling. Published work completed by MacDonald included a compilation of lineament maps for 13 counties in Northwest Arkansas. The maps were published on county highway basemaps and prepared using LANDSAT imagery that was later transferred. Quality of remotely sensed imagery has increased exponentially since the time of the original production and in 2006 the map was digitized by a group of NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates. Comparison of the digital lineament data to more modern imagery allowed a check on accuracy and extension or modification where appropriate. The final products include a compilation of all relevant literature and data sources related to water quality investigations in mantled karst and fractured rock areas of Arkansas including the Ozark Dome area and Arkoma basin to the western border and east to the Fall Line. Digitization of a lineament map containing the original 13 counties in northwest Arkansas and extended south to the Arkoma basin and Eastern Oklahoma based on the most current Digital Elevation Models and satellite imagery available was completed and is available for use.