Geomorphic analysis of Xiadian buried fault zone in Eastern Beijing plain based on SPOT image and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data

Abstract

This study presents geomorphic analysis of Xiadian buried fault in eastern Beijing plain (China), based on the analysis of a Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre (SPOT-5) image, a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) derived from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, SRTM DEM and field investigation. Interpretations of the SPOT-5 image show that the pits always distribute between fault scarp segments or shallow grooves. The geomorphic features near the fault show echelon arrangements caused by dextral strike-slip activities of the fault. Based on this, the characteristics of stress field in this area have been clearly inferred. At centimeter-level accuracy, UAV-derived DEM profiles can clearly show micro tectonic landforms such as fault scarps, shallow grooves, steep slopes, and pits. Combined with previous research and field measurements, the evolution rates in length and height of the fault scarps are analysed. Furthermore, the deflection analysis of the drainage system also shows the characteristics of the continuous strike slip activity of the Xiadian fault. The study can provide valuable insight into geomorphic analysis of buried and semi-buried active faults in plain areas with increasingly frequent human activities.

Keywords

• buried faults
• geomorphic features
• spot-5
• unmanned aerial vehicle (uav)
• digital elevation model (dem)