Engelkemeir and Khan reported in 2008 that over 300 active faults intersect the Earth’s surface in the Houston metropolitan area on the northern edge of the Gulf of Mexico basin. These surface faults have caused damage to roads, pipelines, and buildings. We used light detection and ranging (lidar) data to more accurately map faults in the Houston area. We developed a grid-refinement algorithm for processing the raw data to generate a 1.5-m–resolution digital elevation model (DEM).
The refined grids allowed for better spatial resolution of the scarps and in some cases revealed features that were not noticed on the original DEM. Hill-shading proved the best method for identifying faults that were then examined in the field. Most of these faults are part of a larger, regional, down-to-the-basin fault system along the northern Gulf of Mexico; this work complements studies of Houston and Gulf Coast neotectonics.
Lidar has been shown to be a highly effective tool for accurately mapping faults in the Houston area. Grid refinement is an efficient technique for improved resolution without the need to refilter the raw data. More accurate and current fault maps will aid developers in building safely. Published paper maps are either at too small a scale for siting requirements or are specific to a particular location. Digital maps do not suffer from these limitations and can easily be used in GIS or computer-aided design (CAD) software in association with GIS data such as street locations. Similar techniques should be applicable to study faults on other parts of the Texas coast and in other active extensional salt basin margins.
The fault locations do not correspond closely with the location of subsidence depressions, although fault activation by shallow groundwater withdrawal remains an open issue. They instead appear to be manifestations of regional and salt dome tectonics. This and other studies of these faults contribute to broadening our understanding of Houston and Gulf Coast neotectonics. Better mapping of fault locations helps in defining their overall patterns.
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