Evaluation of the suitability of Skylab data for the purpose of petroleum exploration
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Collins, R. J..
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
The author has identified the following significant results. Comparisons of the various photographic bands of Skylab imagery indicate that, overall, standard color (particularly S190B) is the most valuable for geological purposes. Detailed examination of all bands indicates that as with ERTS imagery each band contains useful information that is unique to it. The results of geological interpretations based on ERTS and Skylab imagery are strikingly similar. It appears that more information can be extracted from a single Skylab overpass than a single ERTS overpass, but that with repeated passes the lower resolution ERTS imagery may yield information comparable to that contained in S190B imagery. Comparison of Skylab photography to high altitude aircraft photography suggests that there are distinct advantages to using Skylab imagery for regional geologic interpretations. This is primarily because of the synoptic view provided by the space acquired imagery allows and encourages integration of regional geologic features.
The author has identified the following significant results. ERTS-1 data give exploration geologists a new perspective for looking at the earth. The data are excellent for interpreting regional lithologic and structural relationships and quickly directing attention to areas of greatest exploration interest. Information derived from ERTS data useful for petroleum exploration include: linear features, general lithologic distribution, identification of various anomalous features, some details of structures controlling hydrocarbon accumulation, overall structural relationships, and the regional context of the exploration province. Many anomalies (particularly geomorphic anomalies) correlate with known features of petroleum exploration interest. Linears interpreted from the imagery that were checked in the field correlate with fractures. Bands 5 and 7 and color composite imagery acquired during the periods of maximum and minimum vegetation vigor are best for geologic interpretation. Preliminary analysis indicates that use of ERTS imagery can substantially reduce the cost of petroleum exploration in relatively unexplored areas.
This experiment was designed to determine the types and amounts of information valuable to petroleum exploration extractable from ERTS data and the cost of obtaining the information using traditional or conventional means. It was desired that an evaluation of this new petroleum exploration tool be made in a geologically well known area in order to assess its usefulness in an unknown area. The Anadarko Basin lies in western Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas. It was chosen as a test site because there is a great deal of published information available on the surface and subsurface geology of the area, and there are many known structures that act as traps for hydrocarbons. This basin is similar to several other large epicontinental sedimentary basins. It was found that ERTS imagery is an excellent tool for reconnaissance exploration of large sedimentary basins or new exploration provinces. For the first time, small and medium size oil companies can rapidly and effectively analyze exploration provinces as a whole.
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
Lunar elemental abundances examined by Surveyor project, discussing albedo contrasts, surface rock density, bulk composition, thermal regime and chondritic meteorites
Lunar postsunset horizon afterglow observed by Surveyor 7, discussing small particle diffraction on surface
Surveyor 7 alpha scattering experiment and TV image data revealing lunar surface chemical composition, rocks and fragments, etc
Alpha scattering chemical analysis of lunar surface materials at Surveyor landing sites and lunar geomorphology
Surveyor 3 photography of lunar terrain, general morphology and position of lunar rocks at landing site and evidence for material transport
Geological setting of Surveyor 7 Tycho landing site, including rock types
Chemical element abundances for common rock types compared with preliminary chemical analysis of lunar surface at Surveyor 5 landing site
Lunar soil chemical analysis and magnetic measurements by Surveyor 5 agree on basaltic composition
Lunar cratering statistics, meteoroid impact hypothesis, and erosion
Coupling between oppositely directed traveling waves in He-Ne ring laser in form of mutual backscattering of energy from each beam into direction of other
Visibility of lunar luminescence, noting favorable possibilities at new Moon, dark eclipses and far side and energy sources for luminescence
Craters produced by meteorite collision of lunar surface