Morphotectonic analysis of Mae Ping Fault Zone in Changwat Tak and Changwat Kamphaeng Phet, Northwestern Thailand

Abstract

The Mae Ping fault zone in Changwat Tak and Changwat Kamphaeng phet was selected for analysis of morphotectonic and tectonic interpretation. The application of remote-sensing data was conducted toward the present study. Morphotectonic analysis and tectonic interpretation of the Mae Ping fault zone are the main task of this study. In this study, Digital elevation model and Landsat-7 ETM+ bands 4-5-7 were chosen to create the false color composite. The visual images interpretation combined with geomorphic indices was conducted to analyze the morphotectonic that were created in GIS database. Field investigations were also used to test for accuracy of the lineament interpretation and values of geomorphic indices. The analysis found that lineament patterns are mainly trend in NW-SE azimuth direction with a total length of about 230 kilometers. From the calculated data reveal that mountain front sinuosity index represent low values from 1.04 to 1.77, Valley floor width to height ratio show very low values from 0.30 to 2.66, and Stream length gradient index display very high values. Geomorphological features like offset streams, triangular facets, and shutter ridges show that the tectonic controls in the area. Morphotectonic evidences such as straight mountain front, V-shape valley and narrow valley floor, and abruptly change slope of several streams and result of geomorphic indices indicate that tectonic activities are highest in zone 3 of the study areas which are control by strike-slip fault and normal fault. The final results from this research can be used as a spatial data for supporting active faults study in Thailand including geological hazard warning and city planning for much better efficient management in the future.