The application of remote sensing to geomorphological mapping and mass movement study in the vicinity of Provo, Utah
Abstract
Analysis of National High Altitude Photography (NHAP) and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data on the central Wasatch Range was used to evaluate the relative effectiveness of these products for geomorphological and structural mapping, and to determine the mass movement susceptibility of different landforms. The study area includes portions of the Basin and Range and Middle Rocky Mountains physiographic provinces near Provo, Utah, as defined by Fenneman (1936), and later subdivided by Stokes (1977) into formal sections based on internal physiographic, structural, and geological elements. The present study subdivides Stokes' sections into smaller, discrete sectors and discriminates mappable geomorphological units within each sector. The geomorphic analysis is based on the premise that the land surface consists of units which are convexo-concave and convex-rectilinear in plan; each unit is bounded by slop discontinuities. Geomorphological maps at 1:250,000 and 1:100,000 scale made from Landsat TM data and Infrared Aerial Photographs provide basic information on distribution of unstable slopes and sites of previous slope failure. Stereomodel mapping at 1:80,000 scale of 13 local areas of former or incipient mass movement encompasses examples of most slope instability forms in the central Wasatch, and provides criteria and patterns for recognition of slope failure. The NHAP aerial photographs provide the most accurate, complete portrayal of terrain, and better depict mass movement susceptible landforms than does detailed, computer processing of Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) data. TM information is primarily spectral, and there is no unique spectral signature for mass movement landforms because of local topography and structure; insufficient consistency of vegetation as related to slope instability prevented mapping of old landslides.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Melhorn, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Geology|Remote sensing
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