Vol. 10, No. 1, 9-26, 2011

Abstract
The application of remote sensing technology, over more than three decades, has shown a great promise for large-scale geological mapping. This work presents an investigation for enhancing lineaments with possible relevance to faults, in Western Crete, Greece using a multi-spectral ASTER satellite image and standard geographic information systems (GIS) techniques. Image processing involved: a) the Principal Component Analysis; b) the computation of the normalized vegetation index image; and c) the generation of False Colour Composite images. The capability of the ASTER thermal infrared (TIR) bands to detect lineaments that might be related to failure of the crust has been evaluated. Moreover, a digital elevation model has been used to create the shaded relief and maps for the slope and aspect of the terrain. Remote sensing results have been compared, in digital form, with the drainage network at a scale of 1:50 000 and geological maps at scales of 1:200 000 and 1:50 000. Lineaments related to steep slopes, straight valley segments, abrupt changes in vegetation coverage and sudden bends along river courses have been evaluated as potential faults. Fieldwork surveys have been carried out in selected regions of interest. The applied methodology has contributed in identifying several known large-scale faults in Western Crete, Greece and mapping their potential extension.

ISSN 1729-3782