Methodologies for conducting a tectono-geomorphic study in a low relief, low-moderate seismically active area, in the Temiskaming region, Eastern Canada
Abstract
The Great Lakes Region in Eastern Canada is characterized by low-moderate seismicity. Recent paleoseismic investigations, along with geophysical surveys used varve ages, and analysis of subaqueous landslides to shed light on the paleoearthquake history of this region. Yet, the origin of morpholineaments, the location of seismogenic sources, and the earthquake cyclicity are amongst the most important research questions that need to be addressed, in the framework of a paleoseismic investigation. Moreover, the enormous aerial extent of this region, and the abundant vegetation cover makes field reconnaissance in remote areas challenging. This research introduces a pilot study, using a 30 m available DEM, targeting an area of over 150 000 square km, centered at Temiskaming Lake (Temiskaming region), between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The study area shows a low elevation gentle topography, and a glacio-fluvial geomorphology. The river network appears predominantly rectangular and is guided by the morpholineaments of the region. The latter are defined as any linear or curvilinear feature that might represent any geological or tectonic discontinuity in the landscape. Knickpoints analysis and Hypsometric Integral resulted to be the most efficient morphometric indexes to be applied in this type of landscape. An initial interpretation of the knickpoints analysis revealed that when knickpoints were not induced by changes in lithology or by base level fall, they were also located in coincidence of certain specific morpholineaments. This research suggests the occurrence of potential hidden structural features that warrant further investigations for paleoseismic analysis and thus geohazard purposes.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020AGUFMNH0090005G
- Keywords:
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- 4302 Geological;
- NATURAL HAZARDS;
- 4306 Multihazards;
- NATURAL HAZARDS;
- 4328 Risk;
- NATURAL HAZARDS