Geological framework and morphotectonic characterization of the Khon Kaen Geopark, Northeastern Thailand

Abstract Khon Kaen Geopark (KKGp), located in the Western margin of the Khorat Plateau (Northeastern Thailand), showcases a complex topographic and structural framework shaped by regional tectonics. The area is underlain by the Mesozoic Khorat Group, comprising the Nam Phong, Phu Kradung, Phra Wihan...

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Main Authors: Vimoltip Singtuen, Porawat Joosakoon, Burapha Phajuy, Punya Charusiri
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-08-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-16235-7
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author Vimoltip Singtuen
Porawat Joosakoon
Burapha Phajuy
Punya Charusiri
author_facet Vimoltip Singtuen
Porawat Joosakoon
Burapha Phajuy
Punya Charusiri
author_sort Vimoltip Singtuen
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Khon Kaen Geopark (KKGp), located in the Western margin of the Khorat Plateau (Northeastern Thailand), showcases a complex topographic and structural framework shaped by regional tectonics. The area is underlain by the Mesozoic Khorat Group, comprising the Nam Phong, Phu Kradung, Phra Wihan, Sao Khua, Phu Phan, Khok Kruat, and Maha Sarakham Formations. This study integrates field-based structural analysis, satellite imagery, and seismic interpretation to investigate the tectonic evolution and geomorphological development of KKGp. The Western sector features a multiphase syncline forming mountainous terrain surrounding a central basin, with a strike-slip fault system to the South. In contrast, the eastern sector is defined by an anticline flanked by a central thrust fault and a reverse fault along its eastern margin, producing a relatively subdued landscape. Structural trends—N–S, NW–SE, and NE–SW—reflect multiple tectonic events. The interplay between tectonics and lithological variation has critically influenced modern geomorphology.
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spelling doaj-art-5e1cc9f479c04a1b9edf1f80d4ec467f2025-08-24T11:29:09ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-08-0115111510.1038/s41598-025-16235-7Geological framework and morphotectonic characterization of the Khon Kaen Geopark, Northeastern ThailandVimoltip Singtuen0Porawat Joosakoon1Burapha Phajuy2Punya Charusiri3Department of Geotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen UniversityDepartment of Geotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen UniversityDepartment of Geological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai UniversityDepartment of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn UniversityAbstract Khon Kaen Geopark (KKGp), located in the Western margin of the Khorat Plateau (Northeastern Thailand), showcases a complex topographic and structural framework shaped by regional tectonics. The area is underlain by the Mesozoic Khorat Group, comprising the Nam Phong, Phu Kradung, Phra Wihan, Sao Khua, Phu Phan, Khok Kruat, and Maha Sarakham Formations. This study integrates field-based structural analysis, satellite imagery, and seismic interpretation to investigate the tectonic evolution and geomorphological development of KKGp. The Western sector features a multiphase syncline forming mountainous terrain surrounding a central basin, with a strike-slip fault system to the South. In contrast, the eastern sector is defined by an anticline flanked by a central thrust fault and a reverse fault along its eastern margin, producing a relatively subdued landscape. Structural trends—N–S, NW–SE, and NE–SW—reflect multiple tectonic events. The interplay between tectonics and lithological variation has critically influenced modern geomorphology.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-16235-7Khon Kaen GeoparkStructural geologyMulti-phase synclineKhorat plateauSandstone
spellingShingle Vimoltip Singtuen
Porawat Joosakoon
Burapha Phajuy
Punya Charusiri
Geological framework and morphotectonic characterization of the Khon Kaen Geopark, Northeastern Thailand
Scientific Reports
Khon Kaen Geopark
Structural geology
Multi-phase syncline
Khorat plateau
Sandstone
title Geological framework and morphotectonic characterization of the Khon Kaen Geopark, Northeastern Thailand
title_full Geological framework and morphotectonic characterization of the Khon Kaen Geopark, Northeastern Thailand
title_fullStr Geological framework and morphotectonic characterization of the Khon Kaen Geopark, Northeastern Thailand
title_full_unstemmed Geological framework and morphotectonic characterization of the Khon Kaen Geopark, Northeastern Thailand
title_short Geological framework and morphotectonic characterization of the Khon Kaen Geopark, Northeastern Thailand
title_sort geological framework and morphotectonic characterization of the khon kaen geopark northeastern thailand
topic Khon Kaen Geopark
Structural geology
Multi-phase syncline
Khorat plateau
Sandstone
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-16235-7
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AT buraphaphajuy geologicalframeworkandmorphotectoniccharacterizationofthekhonkaengeoparknortheasternthailand
AT punyacharusiri geologicalframeworkandmorphotectoniccharacterizationofthekhonkaengeoparknortheasternthailand