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Goetz, A. F. H.

Publications and source records attributed to Goetz, A. F. H..

At least 73 records · Page 4

Geologic applications of ERTS images on the Colorado Plateau, Arizona

Three areas in central and northern Arizona centered on the (1) Verde Valley, (2) Coconino Plateau, and (3) Shivwits Plateau were studied using ERTS photography. Useful applications results include: (1) upgrading of the existing state geologic map of the Verde Valley region; (2) detection of long NW trending lineaments in the basalt cap SE of Flagstaff which may be favorable locations for drilling for new water supplies; (3) tracing of the Bright Angel and Butte faults to twice their previously known length and correlating the extensions with modern seismic events, showing these faults to be present-day earthquake hazards; (4) discovering and successfully drilling perched sandstone aquifers in the Kaibab Limestone on the Coconino Plateau; and (5) determining the relationship between the Shivwits lavas and the formation of the lower Grand Canyon and showing that the lavas should be an excellent aquifer, as yet untapped.

Goetz, A. F. H.↗

Mapping of hydrothermal alternation zones and regional rock types using computer enhanced ERTS MSS images

A combination of digital computer processing and color compositing of ERTS MSS images has been used to map hydrothermal alternation zones and regional rock types in south-central Nevada. The technique is based on enhancement of subtle visible and near infrared reflectivity differences between mineralogically dissimilar rocks, especially unaltered and altered rocks. MSS spectral bands are ratioed, pixel by pixel, in the computer and subsequently stretched. These ratio values are used to produce a new black and white image which shows the subtle spectral reflectivity differences. Additional enhancement is achieved by preparing color composites of two or more stretched ratio images. The choice of MSS bands for rationing depends on the spectral reflectance properties of the rocks to be discriminated. Although this technique is in the initial stage of development and is untested in other areas, it already appears to have considerable potential for targeting mineral prospects and for regional geologic mapping.

Rowan, L. C.↗

Digital image enhancement techniques used in some ERTS application problems

Enhancements discussed include contrast stretching, multiratio color displays, Fourier plane operations to remove striping and boosting MTF response to enhance high spatial frequency content. The use of each technique in a specific application in the fields of geology, geomorphology and oceanography is demonstrated.

Goetz, A. F. H.↗

Quality and use of ERTS radiometric information in geologic applications

Some techniques are described for making full use of the data contained in an ERTS MSS image. Only about one-fourth of the data in a single band can be displayed at one time on a black and white image; therefore, when all four bands are considered, only about 7% of the available data can be used by the interpreter. Selecting the proper subset of information for the photointerpreter is therefore a necessity. Ratio methods exclude the brightness information from the display. A field study in one area using a portable spectrometer has shown only fair correlation with ERTS radiometry after one normalization procedure. Plots of brightness of test areas with sun angle show discrepancies. Plots of ratios show discrepancies of lesser magnitude, although the error limits are large.

Goetz, A. F. H.↗

Application of ERTS and EREP images to geologic investigations of the basin and range: Colorado Plateau boundary in northwestern and north central Arizona

The author has identified the following significant results. Regional mapping using ERTS-1 images has led to the recognition of two parallel northeast-trending systems of normal faults, the Bright Angel and Mesa Butte fault systems, each of which can be traced at least 100 miles. Many eruptive centers appear to be localized along these fault systems or along their extensions. The faults are chiefly observed in Phanerozoic rocks and have minor displacement, but are interpreted to reflect fault zones of major displacement in the crystalline Precambrian basement. The location of epicenters of recent earthquakes and reports of earthquakes by residents in the region suggest that the Bright Angel and Mesa Butte fault systems are currently active.

Goetz, A. F. H.↗

Structural features in the Colorado Plateau margin near Flagstaff, Arizona

The author has identified the following significant results. On ERTS-1 frame 1014-17375, a set of northwest-trending lineaments has been discovered which converge on the north-trending lineament of the Oak Creek Fault near Flagstaff, Arizona. The lineaments are most easily seen in band 7. The region of convergence may mark an area structurally favorable for the location of water in Paleozoic sediments that underlie the basalt cap.

Goetz, A. F. H.↗

Preliminary geologic investigations in the Colorado Plateau using enhanced ERTS images

Bulk and computer enhanced frames of the Verde Valley region of Central Arizona, have been analyzed for structural information and rock unit identification. Most major rock units in areas of sparse ground cover are identifiable on enhanced false-color composites. Regional structural patterns are strikingly visible on the ERTS images. New features have been identified which will aid in the search for ground water near Flagstaff, Sedona and Stewart Ranch.

Goetz, A. F. H.↗

Computer techniques used for some enhancements of ERTS images

The JPL VICAR image processing system has been used for the enhancement of images received from the ERTS for the Arizona geology mapping experiment. This system contains flexible capabilities for reading and repairing MSS digital tape images, for geometric corrections and interpicture registration, for various enhancements and analyses of the data, and for display of the images in black and white and color.

Billingsley, F. C.↗

Descartes region - Evidence for Copernican-age volcanism.

A model that suggests that the high-albedo central region of the Descartes Formation was formed by Copernican-age volcanism was developed from Orbiter photography, Apollo 12 multispectral photography, earth-based spectrophotometry, and thermal IR and radar data. The bright surface either is abundant in centimeter-sized rocks or is formed from an insulating debris layer overlying a surface with an abundance of rocks in the 1- to 20-cm size range. On the basis of these data, the bright unit is thought to be a young pyroclastic deposit mantling older volcanic units of the Descartes Formation. Since the Apollo 16 target point is only 50 km NW of the central part of this unit, evidence for material associated with this unique highland formation should be searched for in returned soil and rock samples.

Head, J. W., III↗