An Interpretation Of Landsat Imagery Of Southeast Botswana And A Review Of The Practical Uses, Merits And Disadvantages Of The Imagery

Hutton, Susan Mary (1978). An Interpretation Of Landsat Imagery Of Southeast Botswana And A Review Of The Practical Uses, Merits And Disadvantages Of The Imagery. MPhil thesis The Open University.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21954/ou.ro.0000fc8c

Abstract

This work aims to show how Landsat imagery may be used to compile a regional study in a developing country at relatively little cost since the following geological, geomorphological and land use interpretations of southeast Botswana are based on photographic Landsat data.

The study area lies on the northern margin of the Kaapvaal Craton, just south of the east-northeast Limpopo Mobile Belt. Two major east-northeast lineaments and considerably more linear structures than are shown on the published geological maps were identified from the imagery. Movement along the principal, structural lines of weakness seems to have continued throughout late Archaean and early Proterozoic times. The Transvaal, Kanye and Dipotsana Basins are readily distinguished from the neighbouring Gaborone Granite which seems to comprise two "plutons" orientated parallel to the two major, structural directions of the Kaapvaal Craton - northwest and east-northeast. These "plutons" lie between major sets of fractures.

The geomorphology of the area is closely related to the geological structure. Since there is little economic mineralisation, it was not possible to expound a definitive relationship between Landsat identified lineaments and ore deposits.

A landsat image mosaic illustrates the different tectonic elements within Botswana.

Comparisons of the different MSS wavelength bands showed that a late Spring, false-colour image acquired when the atmosphere is clear of haze is that most preferable for interpretation, followed by black and white MSS 5, then 7, transparencies, at the same season. Simple enhancement techniques proved disappointing on trial but the use of colour infra-red film on aerial reconnaissance yielded comparative results with false-colour Landsat imagery.

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