lineament

A lineament is a prominent linear feature on the surface of a planet or moon, observable through remote sensing techniques, often aerial or satellite imagery. These linear features can represent a variety of geological structures or processes. They are typically much longer than they are wide and can be subtle or quite distinct.

Lineaments are often interpreted as surface expressions of underlying geological discontinuities. These can include faults, fault zones, fracture systems, or the boundaries between different rock types. They can also be related to features like ancient riverbeds, volcanic rifts, or even the alignment of glacial features. The identification and analysis of lineaments are important in geological mapping, resource exploration (such as for minerals or groundwater), and understanding tectonic activity.

The interpretation of a lineament is not always straightforward. A single lineament might correspond to a single geological feature, or it could be the cumulative expression of multiple overlapping structures. The term is broad and encompasses a wide range of observed linear patterns in imagery, requiring further investigation to determine their precise geological origin.