Remote sensing analysis for landform mapping in the south-eastern Murge (Apulia, southern Italy)

Abstract

A study aimed at developing remote sensing procedures capable of recognizing geomorphological features was carried out. Field work was consequently performed in order to test the reliability of the method in an area in the south-eastern Murge (Apulia, southern Italy) characterized by superficial and underground karst development. Aerial photography stereo pairs were used to map sinkholes while a computer-assisted procedure of multispectral image interpretation mapped superficial lineaments characterized by temperature and moisture variations. This method, in particular, is based on the fact that fractures which draw water produce temperature and soil moisture variations in the soil, thus causing hygrometrical and thermal anomalies in a multispectral image. Lineaments highlighted by remote sensing were then compared with ground morphology and the main karst directions to evaluate the reliability of the method. Comparison between the main sinkhole directions and superficial lineament orientations may give a clearer picture of sinkhole drainage activity and karst development in the study area.