Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Identification of Concealed Faults in a Grassland Area in Inner Mongolia, China, Using the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index

  • Published:
Journal of Earth Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Fault identification in vegetated area (e.g., grassland) is a major challenge compared to that in outcrop areas. To identify concealed faults in a grassland covered area, a hybrid method combining the temperature vegetation dryness index (TVDI) and the singularity index was proposed in this paper to extract TVDI anomalies associated with concealed fractures in the Sonid Left Banner Grassland, Inner Mongolia, North China. In the triangle space of LST/NDVI (land surface temperature/normalized difference vegetation index), scattered points were concentrated in the areas of partial and full cover, while few data points were in the areas of bare soil with low values of NDVI and high values of LST; this result is consistent with the semiarid grassland landscape of the study area. Although TVDI imaging shows an obvious linear pattern with an NE-NNE trend, which indicates the existence of concealed faults, the surrounding background weakened and reduced the significance of the anomalies. To better delineate the concealed faults, the singularity index was employed to remove the influence of the background and enhance the TVDI anomalies associated with the concealed faults. The TVDI imaging and singularity index mapping showed NNE and NE orientations; this finding is consistent with the regional tectonic framework. Geological mapping footprints showed that the hybrid method is useful to identify concealed faults in covered areas of grassland.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Artis, D. A., Carnahan, W. H., 1982. Survey of Emissivity Variability in Thermography of Urban Areas. Remote Sensing of Environment, 12(4): 313–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/0034-4257(82)90043-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carranza, E. J. M., Hale, M., 1997. A Catchment Basin Approach to the Analysis of Reconnaissance Geochemical-Geological Data from Albay Province, Philippines. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 60(2): 157–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0375-6742(97)00032-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, X., Chen, J., Wang, C., et al., 2013. On the Geological Information Extraction by Remote Sensing in Vegetation-Covered Areas in Wuyi Mountains of Fujian. Journal of Geology, 37(3): 496–508. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-3636.2013.03.496 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng, Q. M., 2007. Mapping Singularities with Stream Sediment Geochemical Data for Prediction of Undiscovered Mineral Deposits in Gejiu, Yunnan Province, China. Ore Geology Reviews, 32(1/2): 314–324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2006.10.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng, Q. M., 2008. Non-Linear Theory and Power-Law Models For Information Integration and Mineral Resources Quantitative Assessments. Mathematical Geosciences, 40(5): 503–532. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11004-008-9172-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng, Q. M., 2006. Singularity-Generalized Self-Similarity-Fractal Spectrum (3S) Models. Earth Science—Journal of China University of Geosciences, 31: 337–348 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fan, L., Xiao, Q., Wen, J. G., et al., 2015. Evaluation of the Airborne CASI/TASI Ts-VI Space Method for Estimating Near-Surface Soil Moisture. Remote Sensing, 7(3): 3114–3137. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs70303114

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ge, B., Teng, J., Zheng, X., et al., 1996. Therma Infrared Remote Sensing Hidden Structures of Eerduosi Plateau. Progress in Geophysics, 11(2): 16–34 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lambin, E. F., Ehrlich, D., 1996. The Surface Temperature-Vegetation Index Space for Land Cover and Land-Cover Change Analysis. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 17(3): 463–487. https://doi.org/10.1080/01431169608949021

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, C., Zheng, J., Yao, Y., et al., 2013. Study on Urban Temperature and Land-Use in Guangzhou Based on RS and GIS. In: Schnabel, M. A., ed., 47th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association. School of Architecture, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. 301–310

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu, S. L., Shen, X. H., Zou, L. J., et al., 2008. Remote Sensing Image Enhancement Method of the Fault Thermal Information Based on Scale Analysis: A Case Study of Jiangshan-Shaoxing Fault between Jinhua and Quzhou of Zhejiang Province, China. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 51(5): 1048–1058. https://doi.org/10.1002/cjg2.1299

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lyu, C., Cheng, Q. M., Zuo, R. G., et al., 2017. Mapping Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Lineaments Extracted from Remote Sensing Image Using Fractal and Multifractal Models. Journal of Earth Science, 28(3): 507–515. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0914-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martelli, G., Smith, P. N., Woodward, A. J., 1989. Light, Radiofrequency Emission and Ionization Effects Associated with Rock Fracture. Geophysical Journal International, 98(2): 397–401. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246x.1989.tb03362.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nan, Y., 2013. The Prospecting Target Area and Metallogenic Regularity of Copper Molybdenum Polymetallic Dalaimiao Area in Inner Mongolia: [Dissertation]. China University of Geosciences, Beijing. 1–20 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Nie, F., Jiang, S., Zhang, Y., et al., 2007. Metallogenic Studies and Prospecting Orientation in Central and Eastern Segments along China-Mongolia Border. Geological Publishing House, Beijing. 574 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pulinets, S. A., Ouzounov, D., Karelin, A. V., et al., 2006. The Physical Nature of Thermal Anomalies Observed before Strong Earthquakes. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 31(4–9): 143–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2006.02.042

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qiang, Z., Kong, L., Guo, M., et al., 1997. Experimental Study of Satellite Thermal Infrared Heating Mechanism. Acta Seismologica Sinica, 19: 197–201 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Qiang, Z., Xu, X., Dian, C., 1991. Thermal Infrared Anomaly Precursor of Impending Earthquakes. Chinese Science Bulletin, 36: 319–323 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sandholt, I., Rasmussen, K., Andersen, J., 2002. A Simple Interpretation of the Surface Temperature/Vegetation Index Space for Assessment of Surface Moisture Status. Remote Sensing of Environment, 79(2/3): 213–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0034-4257(01)00274-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sobrino, J. A., Li, Z.-L., Stoll, M. P., et al., 1994. Improvements in the Split-Window Technique for Land Surface Temperature Determination. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 32(2): 243–253. https://doi.org/10.1109/36.295038

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Surkov, V. V., Pokhotelov, O. A., Parrot, M., et al., 2006. On the Origin of Stable IR Anomalies Detected by Satellites above Seismo-Active Regions. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 31(4–9): 164–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2006.02.020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tronin, A. A., 1996. Satellite Thermal Survey—A New Tool for the Study of Seismoactive Regions. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 17(8): 1439–1455. https://doi.org/10.1080/01431169608948716

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van de Griend, A. A., Owe, M., 1993. On the Relationship between Thermal Emissivity and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index for Natural Surfaces. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 14(6): 1119–1131. https://doi.org/10.1080/01431169308904400

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vogelsang, D., 1995. Cost of Geophysical Surveys. In: Environmental Geophysics: A Practical Guide. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. 131–135

    Google Scholar 

  • Vosteen, H. D., Schellschmidt, R., 2003. Influence of Temperature on Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Capacity and Thermal Diffusivity for Different Types of Rock. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 28(9/10/11): 499–509. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1474-7065(03)00069-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wan, Z., Wang, P., Li, X., 2004. Using MODIS Land Surface Temperature and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Products for Monitoring Drought in the Southern Great Plains, USA. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 25(1): 61–72. https://doi.org/10.1080/0143116031000115328

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, C. B., Chen, J. G., Xiao, F., et al., 2016. Radioelement Distributions and Analysis of Microtopographical Influences in a Shallow Covered Area, Inner Mongolia, China: Implications for Mineral Exploration. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 133: 62–69. https://doi.org/10.13039/501100001809

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, C. B., Rao, J. F., Chen, J. G., et al., 2017. Prospectivity Mapping for “Zhuxi-Type” Copper-Tungsten Polymetallic Deposits in the Jingdezhen Region of Jiangxi Province, South China. Ore Geology Reviews, 89: 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2017.05.022

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Z. H., Lin, W. L., Ding, R. X., 2018. Quantitative Measurement of Bedding Orientation Using Remote Sensing Data: Yili Basin, Northwest China. Journal of Earth Science, 29(3): 689–694. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-017-0943-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waples, D. W., Waples, J. S., 2004. A Review and Evaluation of Specific Heat Capacities of Rocks, Minerals, and Subsurface Fluids. Part 1: Minerals and Nonporous Rocks. Natural Resources Research, 13(2): 97–122. https://doi.org/10.1023/b:narr.0000032647.41046.e7

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, F., Lin, J., Wilde, S., et al., 2005. Nature and Significance of the Early Cretaceous Giant Igneous Event in Eastern China. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 233(1/2): 103–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2005.02.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, W. Y., Zou, L. J., Shen, X. H., et al., 2012. Thermal Infrared Remote-Sensing Detection of Thermal Information Associated with Faults: A Case Study in Western Sichuan Basin, China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 43(1): 110–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2011.08.015

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao, F., Chen, J. G., Agterberg, F., et al., 2014. Element Behavior Analysis and Its Implications for Geochemical Anomaly Identification: A Case Study for Porphyry Cu-Mo Deposits in Eastern Tianshan, China. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 145: 1–11. https://doi.org/10.13039/501100002338

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao, F., Chen, Z. J., Chen, J. G., et al., 2016. A Batch Sliding Window Method for Local Singularity Mapping and Its Application for Geochemical Anomaly Identification. Computers & Geosciences, 90: 189–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2015.11.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, W., Yao, Q., Chen, H. L., et al., 2013. Remote Sensing Interpretation and Extraction of Structural Information about Active Faults at Hangzhou, China, and Their Surroundings. Journal of Earth Science, 24(6): 1056–1067. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-013-0381-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, X., Zhang, Z., 2003. Geological Strucuture and Metallogeny in the Southern Section of Daxingʼanling, Inner Mongolia. Mineral Resources and Geology, 17: 298–301 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, D., Zhang, Z., Long, F., et al., 2013. Mapping Buried Faults Using the Temperature-Vegetation-Dryness Index with an Application in Yangla Copper Mining Area, Yunnan. Earth Science—Journal of China University of Geosciences, 38: 423–430 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to two anonymous reviewers and Dr. Xiaogang Ma for their constructive comments and suggestions to improve this paper. This research was financially supported by the National Key R & D Program of China (Nos. 2017YFC0601500, 2017YFC0601504, 2011BAB06B08-2), the China Geological Survey (No. 1212011120986). The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-017-0980-9.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Chengbin Wang, Jianguo Chen & Jinhui Chen

  2. Faculty of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Chengbin Wang & Jianguo Chen

  3. Hubei Geological Survey, Wuhan, 430034, China

    Xi Chen

Authors
  1. Chengbin Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jianguo Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Xi Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jinhui Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jianguo Chen.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wang, C., Chen, J., Chen, X. et al. Identification of Concealed Faults in a Grassland Area in Inner Mongolia, China, Using the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index. J. Earth Sci. 30, 853–860 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-017-0980-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-017-0980-9

Key Words

Search

Navigation