The objective of this study was to apply detailed digital terrain modelling to the
DEM of the Kali Basin, Hungary, and to study morphological features associated with
tectonic structures. Methodology is based on the numerical differential geometry and
statistical approach of general geomorphometry. Methods specific to digital terrain
modelling, such as shaded relief models, vertical exaggeration, morphological cross-sections
and 3D display with image drape are also applied. Resulting terrain models are processed
by means of digital image processing techniques to enhance visual interpretation.
Characteristic morphological features associated with known faults such as linear
valleys, ridgelines and slope-breaks, uniform aspect and steep slopes, morphological
depressions and tilt of terrain are subsequently studied. Geological and structural
data of various sources and scales, such as geophysical measurements, geological maps
and drill core data, existing lineament maps and hydrological data are integrated
in a GIS database. Overlay and tectonic interpretation of multi-source information
confirmed the findings of morphotectonic analysis. Digital morphotectonic investigation
shows that tectonic structures known from previous studies have morphological expressions
in the Kali Basin. A simple shear model with principal displacement zone in the NE-SW
direction with restraining and releasing bends can explain most of the morphotectonic
features associated with structures identified by geological and digital morphotectonic
investigations.
