Geology and Geomorphology of Gumushane Area, Northeastern Lurkey Using Digitally Enhanced Satellite Images and Geographical Information System

Geomorphic data is required in multi-disciplinary studies for engineering projects, hazard zone delineation, risk assessment and planning. In the present study, Landsat ETM+ data was used to delineate the geological and geomorphological features in the (semi) arid Gumushane region of Turkey, This region has a complex geology and is located north of the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) in northeastern Turkey. The geological, topographical and structural characteristics of the area were studied using digital image processing techniques such as band rationing, principal component analysis (PCA) and generation of false colour composite (FCC) of ETM data. Georeferenced information such as land cover data, hydrology and digital elevation models (DEMs) were integrated with remotely sensed data to enable better interpretation, analysis and mapping of geomorphic features. The interpretation of the new data contributes to a more detailed geological mapping of selected test sites that were studied during the fieldwork. Finally, the understanding of the geologic/geomorphologic process in the complex and rugged topography of the Gumushane region was much improved by employing image enhancement and GIS techniques.