Morphometric studies through spatial analysis using the example of the Dnieper-Donets aulacogen

Abstract

The possibility of studying morphometric parameters of the Earth’s topographic surface using the ArcMap and digital elevation model SRTM3 with a resolution of 90 m to determine neotectonic structures, as well as associated ore clusters and deposits was considered using the method offered by V. P. Filosofov. The authors describe the technology of creating base and vertex surfaces for thalwegs and watersheds of different orders, with the subsequent subtraction of the former from the latter within one order to determine the amount of erosion cut (relief energy). As the object of the study, the Dnieper-Donets aulacogen was chosen, starting west of Kharkov and stretching to the Caspian Sea, wide from Rostov-on-Don to Millerovo. It was noted that the higher the potential relief energy is, the more powerful surface processes will be manifested in the form of active destruction of previously buried (hidden) geological structures with valuable components, which are later to be distributed throughout the territory. This study is proposed to be used to predict and search for latent mineralization; it enables identifying the root source of demolition, rational arranging geological work, and thereby reduces their cost.