L. Kalindekafe¹ , F.C.D. Mphepo² , H. Mdala² , C. Chisenga¹ , P. Chindandali²

¹Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi
²Geological Survey Department, Mzuzu, Malawi

Abstract:

The Karonga area is located at the top most part of Northern Malawi and Southern part of Tanzania of the Rungwe volcanic region within the East African Rift System. Structurally, the area is defined by almost N-S and NW-SE trending faults. Topographically, the area is mostly hilly and highly faulted as evidenced from hill shaded Shuttle Radar Topography Mission digital elevation models (STRM DEM). These faults form part of the extracted lineaments. Automatic extraction of lineaments from satellite data or images (shaded STRM DEM with different solar azimuth) was derived using the LINE Module in PCI Geomatica. LINE Module parameter adjustment for lineament extraction in PCI Geomatica was done with reference to the geology and structural setting of the area. Active lineaments were mapped by integration with seismic data for the area; this process involved defining the buffer zones around earthquake epicenters and hypocenters which were obtained by applying mathematical calculations. Analysis of active lineaments / faults within the Karonga area has shown that the central-southern part of Karonga is more active than the rest of the areas; this implies that the rift in this area is opening up fast. Hence further research should consider using geophysical methods.