Lineament Analysis to Determine Geological
Structure Patterns and Lithology Based on Alos
Palsar 2 Tokala Area Central Sulawesi
Adriasnyah Wuriadin Lantapi1, Asri Jaya2, Adi Tonggiroh2
1 Masters in Geological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University
(Email: adrianlantapi@gmail.com)
2 Department of Geological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University
(Email: asri_jaya@geologist.com, atonggiroh@gmail.com)
Abstract
The principle of remote sensing (imagery) is any object
and natural phenomenon in the earth surface can be detected from
satellite imagery. The ability of satellite imagery to detect objects
and natural phenomena that occur depends on the resolution, both
spatial, spectral, radiometric, and temporal. In tropical countries
including the Indonesian Country, there are obstacles to visible
object caused by cloud cover, land cover and morphology.
PALSAR is a high-resolution radar sensor (greater than 10 m) on
the Japanese ALOS satellite launched on 24 January 2004.
Research methods include analysis of ALOS PALSAR 2,
lineament analysis, lithology analysis and drainage pattern analysis.
Based on the results of processing data on ALOS PALSAR 2 with
polarization H:H, the imagery of ALOS PALSAR is useful for
analyzing the structure using the filtering band method (edges) or
tracing with the 'edge' method for linemanet interpretation. When
recording image maps there is a high enough noise (33.94 to 1.4),
the texture is still rough. Image maps after filtering produce low
noise values (26.09 to 5.58) and pixels in the image become more
homogeneous and smoother textures so that the boundaries between
objects become clearer. The distribution of lithology in the research
area among others are ultramafic rock has the most widespread in
North-South and East-West of the research area. The metamorphic
rock has a spread in the West of the research area and locally in the
south of the research area. The sedimentary rocs in the research area
is divided into clastic sedimentary rock and carbonate sedimentary
rock. The clastic sedimentary rock are spread in the Northwestern -
South of the research area while the carbonate sedimentary rock is
located in the West-Southeast of the research area. The lineament
pattern in the research area is the irregular trending lineament.
Keywords: remote sensing, ALOS PALSAR 2, lineament,
lithology, drainage pattern.
I. INTRODUCTION
Remote Sensing is a science, art and technique for
obtaining information on an object, area, and / or phenomenon
through analysis of data obtained with a tool without direct contact
with the object, region, or phenomena studied (Lillesand & Kiefer,
1994: 1; Bates & Jackson, 1987: 434). The principle of remote
sensing (imagery) is any object and natural phenomenon in the
earth surface can be detected from satellite imagery. The ability of
satellite imagery to detect objects and natural phenomena that occur
depends on the resolution, both spatial, spectral, radiometric, and
temporal. Natural phenomena as endogenous and exogenous
geological processes require accurate identification, which is a
combination of image interpretation and field condition.
Along with the development of technology in remote
sensing, the benefits of remote sensing are also getting bigger and
more people are utilizing remote sensing in geological studies,
especially geological structures. In tropical countries including the
Indonesian Country, there are obstacles to visible object caused by
cloud cover, land cover and morphology.
The application of optical remote sensing data for
geological mapping is difficult in tropical environments, this is due
to continuously cloud cover, dominance of vegetation in landscapes
and limited bedrock exposure are constraints on tropical climates
(Pour and Hasyim, 2014). This causes weakness in the quality of
optical satellite images wich still face several limitations in the form
of cloud cover, smoke, and data with striping quality or poor
banding that can interrupt the process of identifying and monitoring
elements of geological structure.
PALSAR is a high resolution radar sensor (greater than
10 m) on the Japanese ALOS satellite which was launched on
January 24, 2004. The advantages of PALSAR technology include
extensive and repetitive coverage, high accuracy and relatively low
cost, and provides the possibility to improve accuracy and
efficiency in the provision of geological data and information.
II. GEOLOGI SETTING
A. Geomorphology
Regionally it can be divided into three units, namely
mountain and karst, hill, and lowland. The direction of the ridge is
almost east-west and partly northwest-southeast. The highest peak
reaches 2255 m above sea level. Mountain morphology is
characterized by rough, steep slopes. Karst in the form of dolina,
caves and underground rivers more than 1,000 m above sea level.
The rocks that make up the mountain morphology are ultramafic
rock, mafic rock, and limestone in the karst region. Form of river
valley in this area is V. The drainage pattern is dendritic and almost
parallel (Surono et al., 1993).
B. Stratigraphy
Regionally the research area was included in the East
Sulawesi Terrane, Banggai-Sula, and West Sulawesi. East Sulawesi
Terrane consists of mafic, ultramafic, and pelagic deposits which
contain chert. The Banggai-Sula Terrane consists of coarse clastic
and meta sedimentary rock which suspected were deposited on the
periphery of the micro continent Banggai-Sula (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Distribution of Geology Terrane of Sulawesi Island and
the surrounding area (Sukamto, 1975 modified by Surono, 1998).
C. Geological Structure
Based on the Geological Map of Sulawesi and
surrounding (Surono, 2013), the geological structure of the research
area is:
1. Uekuli Normal Fault.
This fault (Figure 2) is the boundary between the East Sulawesi
Ophiolite Complex and the Central Sulawesi Metamorphic Rock
Complex.
2. Batui Thrust Fault.
Batui thrust fault is the surface appearance of the collision zone
between the pieces of Banggai-Sula Continent and East Sulawesi
Ophiolite Complex in Neogen (Simandjuntak, 1993).
3. Matano Fault.
The matano fault was first introduced by Waheed (1975). On land,
Matano fault characterized by valley straightness, which stretches
from the coastal of the Southeast arm of Sulawesi, intersect the
Poso thrust fault in Central Sulawesi and finally joins the Palu-Koro
Fault (Figure 2).
Figure 2 Location of the research area in the Geological Map of
Sulawesi and surrounding area (simplified from Silver et al., 1983
and Rehahult et al., 1991 by Surono, 2010).
I. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
A. Location and Accessibility
Administratively, the research area is located in the
Tokala Region which is included in three administrative regions:
North Morowali District, Morowali District, Tojo Una - Una
District, Banggai District, Central Sulawesi and East Luwu District,
South Sulawesi. Geographically located between 1 ° 11'12 '’- 3 °
0'48" South Latitude (LS) and between 121 ° 5'45 "- 122 ° 22'60"
East Longitude (BT).
The research area can be reached by road, sea and air
travel. Road travel, starting from the city of Makassar to
Kolonodale, Central Sulawesi with traveling time + 24 hours with
mileage + 1.418 km using two or four-wheeled vehicle, from
Kolonodale heading to the Tokala research area with traveling time
+ 9 hours by using the sea travel. Whereas through air travel,
starting from Makassar City, South Sulawesi to Morowali, Central
Sulawesi uses traveling time + 1 hour with mileage + 1.418 km by
airplane.
B. Data Collection
ALOS PALSAR 2 data was obtained from the recording
process by JAXA, with data acquisition in 2015-2016 with an
observation mode (ultra fine). ALOS PALSAR 2 products are high
resolution methods with polarization H: H.
Lineament and lithology data were obtained from the
results of analysis with definition and terminology and visual
interpretation method on ALOS PALSAR 2. Ground checks were
carried out to observe geological objects in the form of lithology.
C. Data Analysis
1. Analyze ALOS PALSAR 2
Before lineament analysis, processing ALOS PALSAR 2
data first. Data processing needs to be done because the image data
has not been geographically projected. Data processing consist of:
a. Radiometric Correction
 The aim of radiometric image correction, sometimes
called image recovery, is to correct the image data recorded for
various radiometric distortions (Gupta, 2018). Atmospheric
correction as a radiometric image correction. In the sun's reflection
area, the emission path caused by atmospheric scattering, especially
Raleigh scattering, is a major concern.
b. Speckle Filtering
Speckle, appears on the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) in
fine-grained forms (Lee, 1994), caused by wave interference
reflected by many elementary spreaders. The SAR image will
complicate the problem of image interpretation by reducing the
effectiveness of image segmentation and classification.
c. Geometric Correction
The image used in data processing is usually not
geometrically corrected, so geometric correction needs to be done
first. Geometric correction aim to image has the same coordinates
as the map with the datum of the World Geodetic System 1984
(WGS ‘84) and the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
coordinate system.
d. Compas Edge Detector
The image used in data processing is usually not
geometrically corrected, so geometric correction needs to be done
first. Geometric correction aim to image has the same coordinates
as the map with the datum of the World Geodetic System 1984
(WGS ‘84) and the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
coordinate system. At this stage is used to find fault which are
important information relating to geology (geology / mining and
others).
e. SAR Mosaic
Mosaic is a process of combining several images together
to form a single unit (1 sheet) of a cohesive map or image (the
contrast is consistent, organized, solid, and the coordinates are
interconnected) (Jaya, 2007).
f. Filtered Band
Spatial filters are a general application that is applied to
images for sharpening to facilitate visual interpretation. Spatial
filters are also referred to as local operations in image processing,
because spatial filters change the price of each pixel in the dataset
according to the prices of pixels around it.
g. Export to GeoTiff
Data is an inseparable part of the Geographic Information
System. GIS data can be the form of spatial data and attribute data.
Spatial data consists of two types, namely raster data and vector
data. The process of exporting mosaic results to raster data. Raster
data that stores geographic system information (latitude, longitude,
map projection etc.) into TIFF files so that they can be used by
various GIS software. TIFF files that have geographic information
(or cartography) data embedded as part of a TIFF file.
2. Lineament analysis
Geological alignment (lineament) is a reflection of the
morphology observed on the surface of the earth as a result of the
geological activity of the earth.
The filtered analysis phase is widely used to find delays
in the form of line objects such as rivers, structure and lithology
boundaries. The straightness data from the results of the image
analysis then analyzed in the rosset diagram for the direction
pattern.
3. Litology analysis
Identification of objects and parameters of rock types
(rock group) and photomorphic distribution of rock units in imagery
means relying on what appears in the image, using the basic
elements of image interpretation, namely hue of color, texture,
shape, pattern, size, and association (Noor, 2012).
Delineation of the distribution lithology or rock units in
the image can be done by basing the properties of the photomorphic
image, which is, among others, based on the appearance of the same
color hue, the same texture, the same pattern or shape, or based on
the relationship between the association of color hues, the texture
and shape of the geological object in the image and the lineament
boundary.
4. Analysis of Drainage Pattern
Drainage is one of the most important geotechnical
elements for interpretation of geological photographs (Gupta,
2018). Geotechnical elements are important information about
lithology, structure, the process of forming minerals and geological
sources originating from subsurface.
Analysis of drainage pattern is done by definition and
terminology and visual interpretation method (Gupta, 2018). The
stage of delineation the river using the filtering band is based on
color associations, textures, shapes, patterns and associations.
II. DISCUSION
A. ALOS PALSAR 2
Interpretation of remote sensing ALOS PALSAR 2 in the
research area was done by limiting the area of research,
1759008,112 Ha and the area of polarization data H:H in the 2015
to 2016 acquisition. The process before filtering showed a high
noise value (33.94 to 1.4 ), the texture is still rough and the hue of
the object is still diverse (Figure 3). Because of the difference in
phase fluctuations in the electromagnetic signal that is attached to
the radar image there is noise that affects the texture, so the filter
criteria are used.
Figure 3 Display the ALOS PALSAR 2 image map before the
filtered process.
Initially noise appeared when shooting by PALSAR
satellite formed recording reflectors and produced responses in
visual cells. Display of noise in the form of spot, occupying the
space that ranges confuse visual objects. Noise that appears before
filtering is called noise speckle, that is a fluctuations or statistical
uncertainties related to the brightness of each pixel on the image
radar because of lighting effect of and coherent illumination
processes (Turkar, 2009).
The filtering process produces noise values (26.09 to
5.58) and the pixel in the image become more homogeneous with
smoother textures so that the boundaries between objects become
clearer (Figure 4).
B. GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE
The interpretation of the geological structure begin by
identifying of rock discontinuity plane by observing the
characteristics, dispositions and spatial relation. The discontinuity
plane is also controlled by the dimension and sensor resolution
(observation scale). Variations of discontinuity plane can be in the
form of bedding, foliation, fault, shear zones, joints, and others.
Interpretation of the geological structure from imagery can be
assisted by delineating of lineament.
Figure 4 The noise value obtained after the filtration process
produce in a smoother surface texture.
1. Lineament
Lineament has a relationship with rock types and drainage
patterns. Lineamanet in rock types has two aspects, namely the
distribution of rock boundaries according to alignment and
straightness validation that can be detected based on the scale of
mapping and noise. Lineament analysis requires scale changes and
noise (Gupta, 2018). To fulfill the lineament characteristic in the
research area, a map scale scale was changed, 1: 80,000 to 1:
60,000 with the highest noise value of 250.94 to 119.79.54 and the
results of lineament filtering obtained the lowest noise value (2.69
to 1.41) (Figure 5). It can also be done automatically by using a
filter band - edge which can automatically display color tracing
(Figure 6).
Figure 5 Appearance of linemanet after filtering
Figure 6 Appearance of tracing on ALOS PALSAR with the 'edge'
method for linemanet interpretation in the research area.
Lineament observation is not only for geological
structures but can help determine lithology boundaries, drainage
pattern and morphology / topographic patterns to determine
landform types. The result of the analysis on the map display show
as many as 600 irregular lineaments, the resulting lineament
consists of: (1). 165 linemanet related to drainage; (2). 183
lineament related to lithology; (3). 44 lineament related to
geological structure (Figure 7).
Based on the results of analysis tracing filtered band –
edge and rosset diagram in the research area divided into several
directions, the Batui lineament area is dominated by the north-
northwest direction - south-southeast (NNW - SSE), northeast -
Southwest (NE - SW) which consists of lineament, thrust fault and
strike-slip fault. In the Uekuli lineament area trending north-
northeast (NNE) – south-southwest (SSW) which consists of
lineament, thrust fault and strike-slip fault, the lineament direction
is bordered by metamorphic rock in the western of the research
area. In the Kolonodale lineament area, it is generally north-
northeast (NNE) - south-southwest (SSW). In the Bungku
lineament area it has a general direction southwest (SW) - northeast
(NE) and northwest (NW) - southeast (SE), which consists of
lineament, strike-slip fault and thrust fault. The lineament trending
northwest - southeast in the Bungku area is parallel with the
regional strike-slip fault of the Matano Fault (Figure 8).
Figure 7 Lineament distribution map in the research area.
Figure 8 Map of the lineament direction distribution pattern in the
research area.
2. Fault
The geological structure of the research area is much
influenced by the main geological structure of the island of
Sulawesi. On the east there is Batui Thrust Fault, on the west there
is Uekuli Normal Fault and on the south there is Matano Fault
(Figure 9).
This lineament is then adjusted by processing data on
tracing filtered band – edge and rosset diagram on ALOS PALSAR
2. The geological structure of the research area has been deformed
several times and formed a geological structure, the identified
geological structure in the research area is thrust fault and strike-
slip fault. The thrust fault is predominantly in the North-South
direction (Figure 10), while strike-slip fault is dominated in the
northwest-southeast direction which is relatively moving to the left
(sinistral) (Figure 11).

Figure 12 Appearance of imagery by showing the texture of clastic

sedimentary rocks.

Figure 9 Appearance of Regional Geological Structure Map in the

research area.

Figure 13 Appearance of imagery by showing the texture of

carbonate sedimentary rocks.

Figure 10 Appearance of Structural in the form of a thrust fault in

the research area dominated by North-South direction based on the
filtering band (edges) method.

Figure 14 Appearance of morphology which shows the initials of

the sloping plane in one direction (hogback), very contrast to the
surrounding texture and shape, interpreted as the limestone of the
Tokala Formation. b) Appearance of imagery showing steep
bedding plane, indicated by linear lines, probably as a carbonate
sedimentary rock interbedding with clastic rock.

Figure 11 Appearance of structural in the form of a strike-slip fault

in the research area dominated by the Northwest - Southeast
direction based on the filtering band (edges) method.

C. LITHOLOGY
ALOS that is used is single polarization (HH) because it is more
focused on rock reflection and lineament analysis, then lithology
identification in the research area is divided into sedimentary rock,
igneous rock and metamorphic rock. In ALOS PALSAR 2,
appearance of sedimentary rock generally has light gray color,
while igneous and metamorphic rock have a dark gray color. Figure 15 Image appearance with a relatively rounded hill surface,
is a karst topography characterizing carbonate rocks.
1. Sedimentary rock
a. Clastic Sedimentary Rock
Based on the interpretation and analysis of ALOS PALSAR 2
clastic sedimentary rock have speckled texture; hue and whitish
gray color (Figure 12).
a b
b. Carbonate Sediment Stone
Based on the interpretation and analysis of ALOS PALSAR 2
carbonate sedimentary rock have a coarse texture; hue and show
blackish gray color which shows rough on the surface (Figure 13).
Carbonate rock look similar to sandstones in the tropics, but if Figure 16 a) Image appearance with uneven surface (uneven), some
intercalation with mudstone, shale or other sedimentary rock can lineament or linear lines characterize intercalation and structural
show good bedding. This case is recognized in the limestone of the control. b) Appearance of topography with a relatively smooth
Matano Formation and the Lower Tokala Formation (Figures 14- surface and a more flat shape. a and b are both karst topographs as
16). carbonate rock markers.
2. Frozen rocks
In general igneous rocks are characterized by the absence
of layers or foliation. The distribution of intrusive igneous rocks is
generally quite extensive and with closed lithological boundaries,
isotropic and homogeneous. In general, alkaline and ultrasound
(gabro and peridotite) rocks range from weathering processes,
especially under humid / humid conditions, usually resulting in
laterite sediment residues and soil montmorillonitic, this sometimes
has an appearance similar to sedimentary rocks. Based on the
interpretation and analysis of ALOS PALSAR 2 igneous rocks have
medium texture; hue and color indicate dark gray (Figure 17).
Figure 17 Image appearance by showing the texture of ultramafic
rocks in the research area.
Figure 18 Image appearance with a dendritic drainage pattern, the
shape of a hill resembles a sickle-shaped. The shape and pattern of
the flow characterizes ultramafic rocks in the research area.
3. Metamorphic rocks
Metamorphic rocks are characterized by foliation and
some stratification. Foliation is manifested in the intensity of
relatively short parallel lines. Usually metamorphic rocks generally
show deformations and fractures. Fracture controls the pattern of
drainage and landform especially in conditions in the tropics. Based
on the interpretation and analysis of ALOS PALSAR 2
metamorphic rocks have a texture of rough texture; hue and color
show dark gray (Figure 19)
Figure 19 a) Appearance of the image by showing the texture of
metamorphic rocks in the research area
D. RIVER PATTERN
Drainage pattern is a drainage system that can generally
provide terrain and landform characteristics. Drainage patterns can
interpret the shape of landscapes that are controlled by geological,
slope and lithological structures (Jaya, 2018).
a. Dendritic flow patterns located in the north and southeast of the
research area. This flow pattern resembles a tree-like pattern with
irregular and angular river branches. This flow pattern is controlled
by homogeneous lithology and structure (Figure 20).
b. In the western part of the research area paralell drainage patterns
were found. This flow pattern shows the flow of the river regularly
and parallel to the tributary and forms a sharp angle. Composed by
lithologies that are resistant and controlled by structures (Figure
41).
c. Rectangular drainage patterns are found north of the research
area. This flow pattern shows the river network that is
perpendicular to the tributary. Composed by lithology that is
resistant and controlled by geological structures, such as fracture
structures and faults (Figure 22).
Figure 20 Dendritic flow pattern in the research area located north
of the research area.
Figure 21 Parallel flow pattern in the research area located west of
the research area.
Figure 22 Rectangular flow patterns in the research area located
north of the research area.
In addition to the flow pattern that shows the characteristics of each
research area, other geological characteristics such as meandering
and distribution patterns were also found. Meandering is the most
common flow pattern. Rivers that have a tortuous shape, with
irregular distances in each turn. The river is relatively narrow and
there are floodplains. It is located to the east of the research area
(Figure 23). Distribution patterns are found in the northwest of the
research area. This pattern develops on a slope or at the mouth of a
river, spreading from a narrow place towards a more gentle valley
or coast forming a delta and alluvial fan (Figure 23).
 Surono. 2010. Geologi Lengan Tenggara Sulawesi. Badan Geologi
Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral. Bandung.
Surono, Hartono, U. 2013. Geologi Sulawesi. Badan Geologi
Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral. Bandung.
Surono, Simandjuntak, T.O., Situmorang, R.L., Sukido. 1993.
Geologi Lembar Batui, Sulawesi. Bandung. Pusat Penelitian dan
Pengembangan Geologi Direktorat Pertambangan Umum
Departemen Pertambangan dan Energi.
Waheed, A. 1975. Geology Along The Matano Fault Zone, East
Sulawesi, Indonesia. Proceedings Regional Conference on the
Geology and Mineralogy Resources of Southeast Asia, 143–150.
Figure 23 a) Appearance in the Meandering image in the research
area located east of the research area. b) Appearance in the
distribution pattern image in the research area located northwest of
the research area.

V. CONCLUSION
Based on the results of the analysis and the results of the
discussion, it can be concluded that the use of ALOS PALSAR 2 is
useful for analyzing the structure using the filtering band (edges) or
tracing method on ALOS PALSAR 2 with the 'edge' method for
linemanet interpretation. When recording image maps there is a
fairly high noise (33.94 to 1.4), the texture is still rough and the hue
of the object is still diverse because of the fluctuations in the phase
of the electromagnetic signal attached to the radar image which
produces noise that affects the texture. The appearance of noise in
the form of spots that occupy the space in the range disrupts the
visual object. Image maps after filtering produce low noise values
(26.09 to 5.58) and pixels in the image become more homogeneous
and smoother textures so that the boundaries between objects
become clearer.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We thank my colleagues from the geological magister
partners 2017 who provided insight and expertise that greatly
helped my research,
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