Application of Geographic Information System (GIS) for the study of Tectonic Plates in Pakistan

Table of Contents

• 1.0 Introduction
• 1.1 Justification of the Research
• 1.2 Objectives
• 1.3 Thesis organization
• 2.0 Background Concepts
• 2.1 Fault
• 2.1.1 Active fault
• 2.1.2 Thrust fault
• 2.1.3 Reverse fault
• 2.1.4 Strike-slip fault
• 2.1.5 Lineaments
• 2.2 Seismological parameters
• 2.2.1 Moho
• 2.2.2 Pg and Pn velocity
• 3.0 Literature Review
• 4.0 A Brief Description of Study Area
• 5.0 Data and Processing
• 5.1 Data Acquisition
• 5.2 Processing of the Geographical and Seismological Data
• 5.3 Georeference a Topographic Map
• 5.4 Digitization of Map
• 5.5 Maneuverings of Seismological Parameters
• 6.0 Results and Discussion
• 6.1 Analysis of Geological Faults Location in Pakistan
• 6.2 Analysis of Pn Velocity Model
• 6.3 Analysis of Pg Velocity Model
• 6.4 Analysis of Moho Depth Variation
• 6.5 Seismotectonic GIS of Pakistan
• 7.0 Summary

Objectives and Key Themes

The main objective of this research is to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS) database for Pakistan, integrating seismological, geological, and geographical data to better understand the region's tectonics and crustal structure. This database will facilitate the accurate location and evaluation of seismic events, contributing to natural hazard evaluation and seismic risk assessment.

• Application of GIS in seismological studies
• Analysis of geological faults and their distribution in Pakistan
• Modeling of seismic parameters (Pn velocity, Pg velocity, Moho depth)
• Creation of a seismotectonic GIS for Pakistan
• Seismic hazard assessment and risk evaluation

Chapter Summaries

1.0 Introduction: This chapter introduces the study, explaining the importance of GIS in seismological analysis, particularly in a tectonically active region like Pakistan. It highlights the limitations of traditional approaches and emphasizes the potential of GIS for data integration and analysis of earthquake phenomena. The chapter outlines the research objectives: evaluating seismic events and developing a GIS database of fault regions and seismic activity.

2.0 Background Concepts: This chapter provides foundational knowledge about the Earth's structure, tectonic plates, and fault types. It explains the different types of tectonic plate boundaries (divergent, convergent, transform) and details the characteristics of active faults, thrust faults, reverse faults, strike-slip faults, and lineaments. The chapter also introduces key seismological parameters: Moho depth, Pg velocity, and Pn velocity, crucial for understanding the Earth's interior and seismic wave propagation.

3.0 Literature Review: This chapter reviews existing literature on the use of remote sensing and GIS in studying active tectonics, particularly in southwest Pakistan. It examines various techniques employed for fault extraction from digital elevation models (DEMs) and remotely sensed imageries, highlighting the contributions of different researchers in using these techniques to map faults and interpret structural features. The chapter also notes that this research will take a GIS and seismology approach unlike the more conventional methodologies previously utilized.

4.0 A Brief Description of Study Area: This chapter provides a geographical and geological overview of Pakistan, emphasizing its location at the intersection of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. It describes the country's topography, highlighting the presence of major mountain ranges and the fertile Indus Plain. The chapter further details the major tectonic zones in Pakistan, classifying them by their geological characteristics.

5.0 Data and Processing: This chapter outlines the data acquisition and processing methods employed in the research. It details the different datasets used (geographical, geological, and seismological) and the techniques applied for georeferencing, digitizing, and interpolation of the seismological parameters. The chapter meticulously explains the methodology used to construct the GIS database.

6.0 Results and Discussion: This section would contain summaries of sub-chapters 6.1 through 6.5, and was excluded per instructions.

Keywords

Tectonic plates, GIS, Moho depth, Pn velocity, Pg velocity, fault analysis, seismic hazard, risk assessment, Pakistan, seismotectonic GIS.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview

What is the main objective of this research?

The main objective is to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS) database for Pakistan, integrating seismological, geological, and geographical data to understand the region's tectonics and crustal structure better. This database will improve the accuracy of seismic event location and evaluation, contributing to natural hazard evaluation and seismic risk assessment.

What are the key themes explored in this research?

Key themes include the application of GIS in seismological studies, analysis of geological faults and their distribution in Pakistan, modeling of seismic parameters (Pn velocity, Pg velocity, Moho depth), creation of a seismotectonic GIS for Pakistan, and seismic hazard assessment and risk evaluation.

What data is used in this research?

The research utilizes geographical, geological, and seismological datasets. The specific data sources and processing techniques are detailed in Chapter 5, "Data and Processing".

What are the key seismological parameters analyzed?

The key seismological parameters analyzed are Moho depth, Pg velocity, and Pn velocity. These parameters are crucial for understanding the Earth's interior and seismic wave propagation.

What types of faults are discussed?

The research discusses various fault types, including active faults, thrust faults, reverse faults, and strike-slip faults. The concept of lineaments is also explored.

What is the significance of the study area (Pakistan)?

Pakistan is chosen as the study area due to its location at the intersection of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, making it a seismically active region. The research considers the country's diverse topography, including major mountain ranges and the Indus Plain.

What is the methodology employed in this research?

The methodology includes data acquisition, georeferencing, digitization, and interpolation of seismological parameters. The specific techniques are detailed in Chapter 5. A GIS approach is used for data integration and analysis.

What are the key findings of the research (in summary)?

While detailed results are not included here, Chapter 6, "Results and Discussion," presents an analysis of geological fault locations, Pn and Pg velocity models, Moho depth variations, and a final seismotectonic GIS for Pakistan.

How does this research contribute to seismic hazard assessment?

By integrating diverse datasets into a GIS database, the research aims to improve the accuracy of seismic event location and evaluation. This enhanced understanding contributes directly to more effective seismic hazard assessment and risk evaluation in Pakistan.

What are the key words associated with this research?

Key words include: Tectonic plates, GIS, Moho depth, Pn velocity, Pg velocity, fault analysis, seismic hazard, risk assessment, Pakistan, seismotectonic GIS.