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Williams, R. S., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Williams, R. S., Jr..

25 records · Page 2

Satellite geological and geophysical remote sensing of Iceland

The author has identified the following significant results. A low sun angle (as low as 7 degrees) on ERTS-1 imagery, particularly when the terrain is snow-covered, markedly enhances subtle geologic structure and landforms. Hot springs, discharging into frozen lakes, from an ice-free area which can be easily seen on ERTS-1 imagery. In remote areas ERTS-1 imagery can be used in climatological studies by using the time of lake ice freeze-up and break-up as a measure over large areas. ERTS-1 imagery of the erupting volcano, Kirkjufell, on the island of Heimaey was cloud covered. ERTS-1 provides a powerful new tool for volcanologists to study erupting volcanoes, new deposits of lava, and the direction and areal distribution of the eruption plume. Some success was achieved in a preliminary study, using photogrammetric instrumentation, of measuring relative elevation of mountains using ERTS-1 imagery of iceland, where considerable overlap exists in successive orbits.

Williams, R. S., Jr.↗

Geological and geophysical remote sensing of Iceland

The author has identified the following significant results. A binational, multidisciplinary research effort in Iceland is directed at an analysis of MSS imagery from ERTS-1 to study a variety of geologic, hydrologic, oceanographic, and agricultural phenomena. Initial findings are: (1) recent lava flows can be delineated from older ones; (2) ERTS-1 and NOAA-2 recorded volcanic eruptions on Heimaey, Vestmann Islands; (3) coastline changes are mappable; (4) areas covered with new or residual snow can be mapped, and dark appearance of newly fallen snow on band 7 appears to be related to melting; (5) sediment plumes from discharge of glacial rivers can be delineated; (6) the area encompassed by glacial ice can be mapped, including the new position of a surging glacier, Eyjabakkajokull, and related phenomena of nunataks and moraines; (7) changes in position of rivers, lake sizes, and new lakes can be mapped; (8) low sun angle imagery enhances the morphologic expression of constructional glacial and volcanic landforms; (9) MSS color composites permit regional mapping of distribution of vegetation; and (10) at least at 1:250, 000 map scale and smaller, ERTS-1 imagery provides a means of updating various types of maps of Iceland and will permit the compilation of maps specifically aimed at those dynamic environmental phenomena which impact on the Icelandic economy.

Williams, R. S., Jr.↗

Satellite geological and geophysical remote sensing of Iceland: Preliminary results from analysis of MSS imagery

A binational, multidisciplinary research effort in Iceland is directed at an analysis of MSS imagery from ERTS-1 to study a variety of geologic, hydrologic, oceanographic, and agricultural phenomena. A preliminary evaluation of available MSS imagery of Iceland has yielded several significant results - some of which may have direct importance to the Icelandic economy. Initial findings can be summarized as follows: (1) recent lava flows can be delineated from older flows at Askja and Hekla; (2) MSS imagery from ERTS-1 and VHRR visible and infrared imagery from NOAA-2 recorded the vocanic eruption on Heimaey, Vestmann Islands; (3) coastline changes, particularly changes in the position of bars and beaches along the south coast are mappable; and (4) areas covered with new and residual snow can be mapped, and the appearance of newly fallen snow on ERTS-1, MSS band 7 appears dark where it is melting. ERTS-1 imagery provides a means of updating various types of maps of Iceland and will permit the compilation of special maps specifically aimed at those dynamic environmental phenomena which impact on the Icelandic economy.

Williams, R. S., Jr.↗

Coastal and submarine features on MSS imagery of Southeastern Massachusetts: Comparison with conventional maps

Three ERTS-1, MSS images of southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod Bay, Cape Cod, and Nantucket Sound, show a variety of dynamic geologic and hydrologic phenomena. Coastal features imaged include the coastline at different time in the tidal cycle, harbors, lakes and ponds, marshes (wetlands), and beach and dune areas; submarine features include tidal flats, shoals, dredged and natural channels, and bars. Comparison with conventional maps at 1:1,000,000 and 1:250,000 scales show many inaccuracies between the ERTS imagery and the two map scales. The ERTS-1 imagery can be used to increase the accuracy of these maps, portray additional environmental information, and provide the capability for frequent updating of maps at such scales. ERTS-1 imagery provides a very cost effective method for provision of certain types of environmental data for Cape Cod and environs.

Williams, R. S., Jr.↗

Satellite imagery of the earth.

Satellite IR hyperaltitude imagery for earth resources application, obtaining geological, meteorological and hydrological information

Cronin, J.↗