Engineering Papers⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Short, N. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Short, N. M..

At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Geology

Papers from private industry reporting applications of remote sensing to oil and gas exploration were presented. Digitally processed LANDSAT images were successfully employed in several geologic interpretations. A growing interest in digital image processing among the geologic user community was shown. The papers covered a wide geographic range and a wide technical and application range. Topics included: (1) oil and gas exploration, by use of radar and multisensor studies as well as by use of LANDSAT imagery or LANDSAT digital data, (2) mineral exploration, by mapping from LANDSAT and Skylab imagery and by LANDSAT digital processing, (3) geothermal energy studies with Skylab imagery, (4) environmental and engineering geology, by use of radar or LANDSAT and Skylab imagery, (5) regional mapping and interpretation, and digital and spectral methods.

Stewart, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Exploration for fossil and nuclear fuels from orbital altitudes

Studies of LANDSAT and Skylab-EREP data have defined both the advantages and limitations of space platforms as a new 'tool' in mineral exploration. One LANDSAT investigation in the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma has demonstrated a correlation between several types of anomalies recognized in the imagery and the locations of known oil and gas fields. In addition to supporting several LANDSAT follow-on investigations in petroleum exploration, NASA has approved a broad in-house study at Goddard Space Flight Center designed to verify the general applicability of the initial Anadarko Basin results. Using both conventional photogeologic methods and special computer processing, imagery taken over oil-producing areas is being subjected to detailed analysis in search of definitive recognition criteria.

Short, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Planetary geology

The solar system is considered along with the significance of meteorites as samples of the universe, the origin of planets, and earth's-eye view of the moon, previews of the lunar surface, aspects of impact cratering, lunar igneous processes, the mapping of the moon, the exploration of the moon in connection with the Apollo lunar landings, and the scientific payoff from the lunar samples. Studies of Mars, Venus, and the planets beyond are discussed, taking into account the Mariner Mars program, the Mariner orbiting mission, missions to Venus, the Mariner flight to Mercury, and the Pioneer missions. Attention is also given to the origin of the moon, implications of the moon's thermal history, similarities and differences in planetary evolution, and the role of internal energy in planetary development.

Short, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Exploration for fossil and nuclear fuels from orbital altitudes

A review of satellite-based photographic (optical and infrared) and microwave exploration and large-area mapping of the earth's surface in the ERTS program. Synoptic cloud-free coverage of large areas has been achieved with planimetric vertical views of the earth's surface useful in compiling close-to-orthographic mosaics. Radar penetration of cloud cover and infrared penetration of forest cover have been successful to some extent. Geological applications include map editing (with corrections in scale and computer processing of images), landforms analysis, structural geology studies, lithological identification, and exploration for minerals and fuels. Limitations of the method are noted.

Short, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Exploration for fossil and nuclear fuels from orbital altitudes

Results from the ERTS program pertinent to exploration for oil, gas, and uranium are discussed. A review of achievements in relevant geological studies from ERTS, and a survey of accomplishments oriented towards exploration for energy sources are presented along with an evaluation of the prospects and limitations of the space platform approach to fuel exploration, and an examination of continuing programs designed to prove out the use of ERTS and other space system in exploring for fuel resources.

Short, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Mineral resources, geological structure, and landform surveys

Diagnostic ERTS imagery has been used to pinpoint surface conditions associated with known mining districts. These include enhancements which depict hitherto unrecognized surface alteration and allow analysis of ore-controlling fractures distribution in a regional context. ERTS has likewise provided observational data containing previously unrecognized surface anomalies in large oil-producing basins which correlate closely with known oil fields. These observational data offer promise of providing new and powerful techniques for oil exploration, especially if further work using more sophisticated enhancement-processing proves capable of emphasizing the anomalies. ERTS is showing a better-than-anticipated potential for producing accurate small-scale (large-area) geologic maps, often containing details that were previously not recorded on similar regional maps. The maps produced from ERTS imagery can be prepared more effectively than previously possible, mainly because of the synoptic, multispectral, and repetitive character of ERTS data. ERTS has also provided extensive information on possible geologic hazards. Many new fractures have been identified in several regions of the Pacific Coast seismic belt that have histories of recent earthquakes. This has obvious implications for engineering projects such as dams, aqueducts, and transportation routes. In the mid-continent area, ERTS data have been used to predict zones of rooffall danger in a working coal mine from newly discovered lineations (probably fractures) used as indicators of hazards.

Short, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Mineral resources, geological structures, and landform surveys

Since March 1973 there has been a shift in ERTS results in geology from the initial show-and-tell stage to a period in which scientific studies predominated, and now to an emphasis on effective applications having economic benefits and clearcut relevance to national needs. Many years will be spent on geological tasks resulting from ERTS alone; reconnaissance mapping in inaccessible regions, map revisions, regional or synoptic analysis of crustal fractures, assessment of dynamic surficial processes, systematic search for mineral wealth, use of sophisticated enhancement techniques, recognition of potential geologic hazards, and many more applications that still need to be defined.

Short, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Earth observations from space: Outlook for the geological sciences

Remote sensing from space platforms is discussed as another tool available to geologists. The results of Nimbus observations, the ERTS program, and Skylab EREP are reviewed, and a multidisciplinary approach is recommended for meeting the challenges of remote sensing.

Short, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Analysis of multispectral images simulating ERTS observations

Simulation studies of selected aircraft and spacecraft acquired images were initiated in response to anticipated desires of the user community for simulated imagery prior to launch of ERTS-A. Principal modes of simulation included: (1) areas of coverage comparable to ERTS; (2) spatial resolutions within these images similar to ERTS; (3) spectral responses analogous to that expected from each channel on both the return beam vidicon and multispectral scanner, leading to production of photographic images that should appear similar to those representing each band in the two sensors; and (4) runthroughs of several analytical techniques, such as color density slicing, color additive viewing, and computer-generated reflectance and surface temperature maps, by which ERTS data can be analyzed, interpreted, and applied. The two areas involved in the simulation study were Wyoming and the Chesapeake Bay region.

Short, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Geological features in Wyoming from Nimbus 1

The identification of ground features in Nimbus photography by comparisons with geology, soils, and vegetation maps is discussed for the Wyoming-Colorado area. It is concluded that in a semiarid region, high topographic relief shows good coassociation with exposed geology and with vegetation and, to a lesser degree, with soils types. In lower, flatter basins, most tonal patterns are related to subtle variations in soil color and vegetation cover. It is thought that maps based on spectral parameters as the proper descriptor of surface features may be required.

Short, N. M.↗