Morphotectonics

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Morphotectonics refers to the study of short- and long-term superficial evidences of tectonic activity. The surface expression of endogenous mechanism driving the tectonic activity is always represented by relative movements such as uplifting, subsidence and translation of the crust. The most sensitive parameter is the drainage and its relationship with structures which control the courses. The continuous processes of weathering and erosion leads to formation of landforms manifesting the control of tectonics. Multi-sensor and multi-date remotely sensed data and advanced digital image processing techniques are extremely useful to observe and map morphotectonic features.

In areas where rate of present day tectonism is considerable, several field indications can be directly observed. However, in other cases where rate of tectonism is mild or very slow, evidences mainly comes from morphotectonic investigations, which may demarcate the areas for detailed field investigations.