Methods for investigating seismically active zones using remote imagery

Methods are described for estimating the degree of seismic danger in a given seismically active zone from criteria used for the classification of geological features on remote images. It is pointed out that the general character of the active-zone cross section is one of the major factors that determines the presence of a considerable tectonic stress. The predominance of incompetent beds (such as serpentines, clay shale, or loose precipitates) hinders the concentration of stress, while a predominance of competent beds promotes it.