Morphotectonic analysis of Heraklion Basin (Crete, Greece).

Abstract

In the present study, geomorphological, geological data and morphotectonic analysis were combined in order to investigate the relation between the tectonic activity and the geomorphology in the Heraklion basin (Crete). GIS techniques were used for mapping the various topographic, geological and tectonic features of the study area. The digital elevation model (DEΜ) of the study area was created. The slope angle and aspect maps were derived from DEM and combined with fault system orientation. The influence of tectonism on the development of drainage system was examined by the comparison of fault and stream directions. Moreover, geomorphic indices are useful tools in evaluating tectonic activity, relating the sensitivity to rock resistance, climatic change and tectonic processes with the production of a certain landscape. The applied geomorphic indices, in the present study, are the mountain front sinuosity index (Smf) and the valley floor width to valley height ratio (Vf). The fault zones of the study area are generally oriented N-S, NE-SW, NW-SE and E-W. According to the morphological analysis, steep slopes and sudden changes corresponding to the azimuth of the slope direction, are mainly related to N-S, NNE-SSW and NNW-SSE oriented faulting. The main channel directions of the drainage system are mainly controlled by faults striking N-S. The E-W, NE-SW and NW-SE general trending fault systems affect the low order streams. The Smf and Vf values are low, implying that the tectonic activity influences the morphology of the study area. The above methodology was proved successful to examine the impact of the tectonic activity in the study area.