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At least 271 records · Page 15

Automatic classification of soils and vegetation with ERTS-1 data

Preliminary results of a test of a computerized analysis method using ERTS 1 data are presented. The method consisted of a four-spectral-band supervised, maximum likelihood, Gaussian classifier with training statistics derived through a combination of clustering and manual methods. The multivariate analysis method leads to the assignment of each resolution element of the data to one of a preselected set of discrete classes. The data frame was an area over the Texas-Oklahoma border including Lake Texoma. The study suggests that multispectral scanner data coupled with machine processing shows promise for earth surface cover surveys. Futhermore, the processing time is short and consequently the costs are low; a full frame can be analyzed completely within 48 hours.

Landgrebe, D. A.↗

Geological analysis and evaluation of ERTS-A imagery for the state of New Mexico

The author has identified the following significant results. Coverage of approximately one-third of the test site had been received by January 31, 1973 and all of the images received were MSS products. Images recorded during the first two months of the ERTS-1 mission were of poor quality, owing largely to high ground reflectance. Later images were of better quality and MSS bands 5 and 7 have proven to be particularly useful. Features noted during visual inspection of 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 prints include major structural forms, vegetation patterns, drainage patterns, and outcrops of geologic formations having marked color contrasts. The Border Hills Structural Zone and the Y-O Structural Zone are prominently reflected in coverage of the Pecos Valley. A study of available maps and remote sensing material covering the Deming-Columbus area indicated that the limit of detection and the resolution of MSS products are not as good as those of aerial photographs, geologic maps, and manned satellite photographs. The limit of detection of high contrast features on MSS prints is approximately 1000 feet or 300 meters for linear features and about 18 acres for roughly circular areas.

Kottlowski, F. E.↗

Mapping southern Atlantic coastal marshland, South Carolina-Georgia, using ERTS-1 imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Southeastern coastal marshes are among the most extensive and productive in the United States. A relatively low cost, moderately accurate method is needed to map these areas for management and protection. Ground based and low altitude aircraft methods for mapping are time consuming and quite expensive. The launch of NASA's ERTS-1 has provided an opportunity to test the feasibility of mapping wetlands using small scale imagery. The test site selected was an area from the South Carolina border to Saint Catherine's Island, Georgia. Results of the investigation indicate that the following may be ascertained from ERTS-1 imagery: (1) upper wetland boundary; (2) drainage pattern in the wetland; (3) plant communities such as Spartina alterniflora, Spartina patens, Juncus roemerianus; (4) ditching activities associated with agriculture; (5) lagooning for water-side home development. Conclusions are that ERTS-1 will be an excellent tool for many types of coastal wetland mapping.

Anderson, R. R.↗

Analysis study of multispectral data, ERTS-A, from an area in West Pakistan

The author has identified the following significant results. Geomorphic features related to a known porphyry copper deposit at Saindak, western Chagai District, Pakistan, are easily distinguished on ERTS-1 images. New geologic information from the images was used in conjunction with known geology to evaluate one previously known prospect area and to suggest two additional ones, but no new prospects were recognized on the basis of the images alone. The study also showed that Saindak-type deposits are not likely to be present in some extensive areas of the Chagai District. The Saindak deposit is in an area of relatively easily eroded folded sedimentary and volcanic rocks. The deposit is characterized by an elongate zone of easily eroded sulfide-rich rock surrounded by a resistant rim of hornfels and propylitically altered rock. Both this rim and the central sulfide-rich valley are conspicuous features on the images. Swarms of dikes are probably useful for distinguishing real rims from other resistant rock types, but there is no expression of them on the image, although they are easily seen on aerial photographs of the Saindak rim. The investigation showed that a rim like that at Saindak does not form if regional metamorphism has increased the resistance of the country rock to erosion, as in the Pakistan-Iran border region northwest of Saindak.

Schmidt, R. G.↗

A crack problem with four distinct harmonic functions

The problem of an elastic solid containing a semi-infinite plane crack subjected to concentrated shears parallel to the edge of the crack is considered. A closed form solution using four distinct harmonic functions (none of which can be taken arbitrarily) is found to satisfy the finite displacement and inverse square root stress singularity at the edge of the crack. Explicit expressions in terms of elementary functions are given for the distribution of stress and displacement in the solid. These are obtained by employing Fourier and Kontorovich-Lebedev integral transforms and certain singular solutions of Laplace equations in three dimensions. The variations of the intensity of the local stress field along the crack border are shown graphically. An example is presented, which is in contrast with the conclusion established in the literature that one of the four Papkovich-Neuber functions in three-dimensional elasticity may be arbitrarily set to zero.

Sih, G. C.↗

Major crustal fractures in the Baltic Shield

The author has identified the following significant results. Black and white prints and transparencies of images 1039-09315, 1039-09322, and 1040-09371 with all bands of MSS have been used for the analyses. Bands 4 and 5 reveal the major urban areas, agricultural and timbering areas, highways as well as airfields, and an open pit mine. Even the border between Norway and Finland is clearly visible. Lakes, rivers, and wet swamps were best discerned on IR bands 6 and 7. Block fields formed by frost action are best seen on bands 4 and 5. The ancient shoreline on image 1039-09322 is seen as a narrow block field on bands 4 and 5. The effects of the Quaternary ice sheet on the morphography can be seen quite well in the images. The peat bogs are best seen in band 5, but can also be traced in bands 6 and 7. Eskers, glaciofluvial deposits, and deltas are distinguishable in bands 4 and 5, but can be traced in places also in the IR bands. Fluvial deposits are seen in the image 1039-09322 in the valleys of the Tornio and Kemi Rivers. They are easily discerned in bands 4 and 5, evidently because of the cultivated fields and pasture lands. Bands 4, 5, and 6 of image 1039-09315 reveal parts of eskers and glaciofluvial deltas which are affected by eolian activity. It seems evident that ERTS-1 imagery will be a great help in mapping Quaternary features.

Tuominen, H. V.↗

Initial evaluation of the geologic applications of ERTS-1 imagery for New Mexico

Coverage of approximately one-third of the test site, the state of New Mexico, had been received by January 31, 1973 and all of the images received were MSS products. Features noted during visual inspection of 91/2 x 91/2 prints include major structural forms, vegetation patterns, drainage patterns and outcrops of geologic formations having marked color contrasts. The Border Hills Structural Zone and the Y-O Structural Zone are prominently reflected in coverage of the Pecos Valley. A study of available maps and remote sensing material covering the Deming-Columbus area indicated that the limit of detection and the resolution of MSS products are not as good as those of aerial photographs, geologic maps, and manned-satellite photographs. The limit of detection of high contrast features on MSS prints in approximately 1000 feet or 300 meters for linear features and about 18 acres for roughly circular areas.

Vonderlinden, K.↗

Study to develop improved spacecraft snow survey methods using Skylab/EREP data

The author has identified the following significant results. The initial analysis of EREP data from the SL-2 mission has been undertaken. Snow distributions are being mapped from the S190A photography for three mountain areas: the Sierra Nevadas; the Cascades near Washington-Oregon border; and the Wasatch Range in Utah. In the S192 screening film, a dramatic reversal in the reflectance of the snow in the Wasatch Range is observed between the visible and near IR channels. In channel 2 (0.46 - 0.51 microns) the snow has a high reflectance, whereas in channel 11 (1.55 - 1.75 microns) the snow appears almost black, having a much lower reflectance than the surrounding terrain. The sharp drop in reflectance in the near IR channel is believed to be due to the existence of melt water on the snow surface. Although investigators have reported this effect previously using ERTS-1 imagery, the S192 data provides the first opportunity to study quantitatively the snow reflectance in several visible and near IR channels. The results will have direct application for developing a technique to determine the condition of the snow surface (i.e., dry of melting), a significant parameter in snow hydrology.

Barnes, J. C.↗

Evaluation of data utility for earth sciences from methodical point of view

The author has identified the following signficant results. A very distinct line representing the Ra-substage of the last deglaciation period is observable around the outer parts of the Oslo fjord. The moraine line is also traceable in some parts of the forest district on the Swedish side of the border forming part of the Central Swedish End Moraines. In the area of Lake Vanern to the southeast, the line is then again more distinct, partly due to the cultivation pattern. Outside the Central Swedish Moraine Line and nearer to the coast another not so distinct moraine line could be observed running NNW-SSE. This line crosses the coastline before reaching the Oslo fjord. Probably the moraine deposits on some outer islands in the fjord constitute part of this older moraine line. The study will be extended to districts of southern Sweden, where old moraine lines of the last deglaciation period are incompletely mapped.

Svensson, H.↗

Application of Papkovich-Neuber potentials to a crack problem.

The problem of an elastic solid containing a semi-infinite plane crack subjected to concentrated shears parallel to the edge of the crack is considered in this paper. A closed form solution using four harmonic functions is found to satisfy the finite displacement and inverse square root stress singularity at the edge of the crack. Explicit expressions in terms of elementary functions are given for the distribution of stress and displacement in the solid. These are obtained by employing Fourier and Kontorovich-Lebedev integral transforms and certain singular solutions of Laplace equations in three dimensions. The variations of the intensity of the local stress field along the crack border are shown graphically.

Kassir, M. K.↗

The elliptical crack subjected to nonuniform shear loading.

The equations of elasticity are solved for the problem of a flat elliptical crack which has nonuniform shear stresses applied to its surfaces. The shear stresses are prescribed independently in two directions on the crack surface and are expressed in the form of a third-degree polynomial. Mode-two and mode-three stress-intensity factors are presented in analytical and graphical form as functions of position along the crack border.

Smith, F. W.↗

Volcanism subprogram: Volcanological interpretation of the northern part of the Occidental Cordillera of Bolivia, utilizing ERTS imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. In the present study, 6 ERTS-1 images have been interpreted on a 1:1 million scale (black and white) with the respective field reconnaissance. The area studied is located in the region bordering with Chile and includes the western part of the Bolivian Altiplano, the volcano Cordillera (western cordillera) and the northern part of Chile to the Pacific Coast. The greater part of this region is formed by Pliocene/Pleistocene volcani rock, which is discordant with the Tertiary sediments with intercalations of calcareous tuff. The ERTS-1 imagery permits the tracing of regional boundaries of the great volcanic formations and the alinements of the volcanic bodies along the fault zones. They also permit a clear examination of the volcanic apparatus, including their secondary forms, such as lava flows, parasitic cones, and lava domes. Because of the great scale, it is not possible to identify either the small structures or those of low relief. On the basis of the interpretation of the images, it is possible to give an idea of the relative age of the volcanoes.

Brockmann, C. E.↗

Tectonic analysis of Baja California and Parras shear belt in Mexico

The author has identified the following significant results. Geological correlation of terrain across the Gulf of California using ERTS-1 imagery revealed significant similarities between Isla Tiburon, Isla Angel de la Guarda, and the San Carlos Range in mainland Mexico. ERTS-1 imagery was used to check the validity of the existence of major trans-Baja fault zones. ERTS-1 imagery also shows that high albedo sediments similar to known late Tertiary marine sediments are widespread in southern and middle Baja and extend in places to the eastern side of the Peninsula. Major faults in northern Mexico and across the border in the United States were mapped, and ample evidence was found that the Parras and parts of the Texas lineament are belts of major transverse shear faults in areas outside the supposed limit of the Texas and Parras lineaments. A fundamental concept which may help explain many complexities in the tectonic development is beginning to emerge: The southwestern part of North America was torn by massive left-lateral shear of transverse trend (east-west) during the compressive stage of the late Mesozoic and early Cenozoic. This tectonic style has changed into tensional rifting (Basin and Range) and right-lateral shear later in the Cenozoic and Quaternary.

Abdel-Gawad, M.↗

Stress intensity factors for deep cracks emanating from the corner formed by a hole intersecting a plate surface

A technique consisting of a marriage between stress freezing photoelasticity and a numerical method was used to obtain stress intensity factors for natural cracks emanating from the corner at which a hole intersects a plate surface. Geometrics studied were: crack depth to thickness ratios of approximately 0.2, 0.5, and 0.75; crack depth to crack length ratios of approximately 1.0 to 2.0. All final crack geometries were grown under monotonic loading and growth was not self similar with most of the growth occurring through the thickness under remote extension. Stress intensity plate surface K sub s factors were determined at the intersection of the flaw border with the plate surface K sub s and with the edge of the hole K sub h. Results showed that for the relatively shallow flaws K sub h approximately equal to 1.5 K sub s, for the moderately deep flaws K sub h approximately equal to K sub s, and for the deep flaws K sub h approximately equal to 0.5 K sub s, revealing a severe sensitivity of K to flaw geometry.

Mcgowan, J. J.↗

Some volcanic and structural features of Mare Serenitatis

Relationships between volcanic and structural features along the southern edge of Mare Serenitatis as determined from low angle lighting in Apollo 17 photographs are discussed. Observational summaries are given of: (1) contact relations between the dark border material and the central mare fill, (2) a late stage lava flow with associated cinder cones, and (3) certain structural features related to the development of the mare basin and its associated volcanic landforms. A chronologic summary is given of volcanic and structural events believed to be critical to understanding the development of Mare Serenitatis.

Bryan, W. B.↗

Evaluation of ERTS-1 data applications to geologic mapping, structural analysis and mineral resource inventory of South America with special emphasis on the Andes Mountain region

The author has identified the following significant results. Segerstrom delineated many grabens (down-faulted blocks) not shown on published maps of Argentina nor of South America. The faults that border the grabens are better appreciated in ERTS-1 imagery than on air photos or on the ground because of the masking affect of alluvial fill deposits. In frame no. 1188-13545 a change in local prevailing wind direction from east to southeast is noted in sand streams. In frame no. 1188-13551 it was surprising to see that Solar del Hombre Muerto was covered with water. In November 1971 the investigator has driven across the salt pan several times without wetting his wheels. It was also possible to differentiate the following rock and soil classes: Granites, metamorphic, volcanic rocks, Tertiary and Quaternary clastic deposits and salt pans. Portions of railroads and highways as well as small towns were identified. In frame no. 1188-13551 the Incahuasi Gold Mine and the Tincalayu Borax Mine were located.

Carter, W. D.↗

Study to develop improved spacecraft snow survey methods using Skylab/EREP data

The author has identified the following significant results. A segment of the interim S192 film product from the SL-2 mission has been examined. The film covers the White Mountains area near the California-Nevada border and contains useable data for spectral bands: band 3, band 7, band 9, and band 11. Whereas the snow surface exhibits wide variations in reflectance, no significant change in the reflectance of the clouds occurs over the spectral range of these four bands. In band 11 the clouds appear white and snow appears black; in the band 3 data, both the clouds and the snow appear white. Two potential applications are possible, based on these results. First, because the reflectance of the snow surface in the band 9 data is much lower at the lower elevation terrain of the White Mountains, it appears that the drop in reflectance in the near-IR portion of the spectrum may be related to the wetness of the snow surface. Secondly, the complete reversal in reflectance that is observed in band 11 data indicates that in this portion of the spectrum snow surfaces have a low reflectance regardless of the condition of the snow. Because clouds do not exhibit a similar drop in reflectance, measurements in this spectral band have potential use for automatically distinguishing snow from clouds.

Barnes, J. C.↗

Analysis of ATS-5 data

Data from the particle detectors on ATS-5 in synchronous orbit and from the meridian line of magnetometers at a ground station are correlated for periods of well defined substorm activity. Specific substorm events are presented whose region of maximum perturbation can be accurately identified using current systems modelling techniques. It was found that the impulsive particle response at ATS-5 is correlated with changes in the auroral electrojet structure during the development of the substorm expansive phase. The response of the particle detectors appears to differ from event to event depending on the geometry of the disturbed region of the magnetosphere. It is concluded that the substorm disturbance typically begins at low latitude and propagates poleward in impulsive steps and that energetic electron enhancements are observed at ATS-5 when the poleward border of the electrojet intensifies in the latitude range of the ATS-5 field line.

Sharp, R. D.↗