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At least 325 records · Page 18
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

Correlation of infrared reflectance ratios at 2.3 microns/1.6 micron and 1.1 micron/1.6 micron with delta O-18 values delineating fossil hydrothermal systems in the Idaho batholith

Reflectance ratios from laboratory spectra and airborne multispectral images are found to be strongly correlated with delta O-18 values of granite rocks in the Idaho batholith. The correlation is largely a result of interactions between hot water and rock, which lowered the delta O-18 values of the rocks and produced secondary hydrous material. Maps of the ratio of reflectivities at 2.3 and 1.6 microns should delineate fossil hydrothermal systems and provide estimates of alteration intensity. However, hydrous minerals produced during deuteric alteration or weathering cannot be unambiguously distinguished in remotely sensed images from the products of propylitic alteration without the use of narrow-band scanners. The reflectivity at 1.6 micron is strongly correlated with rock density and may be useful in distinguishing rock types in granitic terranes.

Gillespie, A. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Fluidization and hydrothermal alteration of the suevite deposit at the Ries Crater, West Germany, and implications for Mars

The emplacement, cooling, and alteration of the suevite at the Ries Crater are discussed. The clay mineralogy of the suevite is examined in terms of the cooling of the suevite and the importance of hydrothermal alteration. It is observed that the suevite contains large number of chimneylike degassing pipes, and that the suevite outside of the crater rim contains about 15 wt pct clay. The vertical channels or degassing pipes related to the fall-out of suevite are described. The relationship between the formation of the impact deposits on earth and Mars and the origin of Martian soil, and the emplacement and alteration of impact ejecta is studied.

Newsom, Horton E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Evaluation of AIS-2 (1986) data over hydrothermally altered granitoid rocks of the Singatse Range (Yerington) Nevada and comparison with 1985 AIS-1 data

The Airborne Imaging Spectrometer-2 (AIS-2) flights along 2 subparallel lines (bearing 013) were designed to traverse 3 major rock assemblages - the Triassic sedimentary sequence; the granitoid rocks of the Yerington batholith and the Tertiary ignimbritic ash flow and ash fall tuffs. The first 2 sites are hydrothermally altered to a quartz-sericite-tourmaline mineralogy. The first AIS-2 data set showed numerous line dropouts and a considerable number of randomly distributed dark pixels. A second decommutation reduced the dropout essentially to near zero and the dark pixels by about 75 percent. Vertical striping was removed by histogram matching, column by column. A log residual spectrum was calculated which showed the departure of a 2 x 2 pixel area from the spatially and spectrally averaged scene. A 1:1 correlation was found with the log residual AIS-2 data and a large open pit area of gypsum. An area with known sericite agreed with the overflight data, and an area known to be free of any significant amount of O-H bearing materials showed no evidence of any in the AIS-2 log residuals.

Lyon, R. J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Mapping hydrothermally altered rocks in the Northern Grapevine Mountains, Nevada and California with the airborne imaging spectrometer

Seven flightlines of Airborne Imaging Spectrometer (AIS) data were analyzed for an area of hydrothermally altered rocks. The data were reduced to reflectance relative to an average spectrum, and an automated procedure was used to produce a color coded image displaying absorption band information. Individual spectra were extracted from the AIS images to determine the detailed mineralogy. Two alteration types were mapped based upon mineralogy identified using the AIS data. The primary alteration type is quartz sericite pyrite alteration which occurs in northwest-trending zones in quartz monzonite porphyry. The AIS data allow identification of sericite (muscovite) based upon a strong absorption feature near 2.21 micron and weaker absorption features near 2.35 and 2.45 micron. The second alteration type occurs as a zone of argillic alteration associated with a granitic intrusion. Montmorillonite was identified based on a weak to moderate absorption feature near 2.2 micron and the absence of the two absorption features at longer wavelengths characteristic of sericite. Montmorillonite could be identified only where concentrations of sericite did not mask the montmorillonite spectrum.

Kruse, Fred A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Discrimination of hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages at Virginia City, Nevada, using the airborne imaging spectrometer

The purpose of this study is to use airborne imaging spectrometer data to discriminate hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages associated with silver and gold mineralization at Virginia City, NV. The data is corrected for vertical striping and sample gradients, and converted to flat-field logarithmic residuals. Log residual spectra from areas known to be altered are compared to field spectra for kaolinitic, illitic, sericitic, and propylitic alteration types. The areal distributions of these alteration types are estimated using a spectral matching technique. Both visual examination of spectra and the matching techniques are effective in distinguishing kaolinitic, illitic, and propylitic alteration types from each other. However, illitic and sericitic alteration cannot be separated using these techniques because the spectra of illite and sericite are very similar. A principal components analysis of 14 channels in the 2.14-2.38 micron wavelength region is also successful in discriminating and mapping illitic, kaolinitic, and propylitic alteration types.

Hutsinpiller, Amy↗
NASA NTRS1988

Comparison of techniques for discriminating hydrothermal alteration minerals with Airborne Imaging Spectrometer data

Hydrothermal alteration mineralogy in the Tybo mining district of Nevada has been mapped on the basis of high spectral and spatial resolution Airborne Imaging Spectrometer (AIS) data, using band ratios, principal component analysis, and a signature-matching algorithm to delineate the alteration zones and limestone foundations. The signature-matching algorithm is found to be the most effective method of discriminating alteration minerals, and is noted to be able to identify mineralogy by matching AIS image spectra with library reference spectra. AIS bands in the 2048-2337-nm portion of the spectrum accounted for the greatest amount of variance.

Feldman, Sandra C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

An assessment of AVIRIS data for hydrothermal alteration mapping in the Goldfield Mining District, Nevada

Airborne Visible and Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data were acquired over the Goldfield Mining District, Nevada, in September 1987. Goldfield is one of the group of large epithermal precious metal deposits in Tertiary volcanic rocks, associated with silicic volcanism and caldera formation. Hydrothermal alteration consists of silicification along fractures, advanced agrillic and argillic zones further away from veins and more widespread propylitic zones. An evaluation of AVIRIS data quality was performed. Faults in the data, related to engineering problems and a different behavior of the instrument while on-board the U2, were encountered. Consequently, a decision was made to use raw data and correct them only for dark current variations and detector read-out-delays. New software was written to that effect. Atmospheric correction was performed using the flat field correction technique. Analysis of the data was then performed to extract spectral information, mainly concentrating on the 2 to 2.45 micron window, as the alteration minerals of interest have their distinctive spectral reflectance features in this region. Principally kaolinite and alunite spectra were clearly obtained. Mapping of the different minerals and alteration zones was attempted using ratios and clustering techniques. Poor signal-to-noise performance of the instrument and the lack of appropriate software prevented the production of an alteration map of the area. Spectra extracted locally from the AVIRIS data were checked in the field by collecting representative samples of the outcrops.

Carrere, Veronique↗
NASA NTRS1992

Iron Moessbauer spectroscopy: Superparamagnetism in hydrothermal vents and the search for evidence of past life on Mars

In view of the demonstrated value of Iron Moessbauer Spectroscopy (FeMS) in the study of extraterrestrial iron and the fact that, after silicon and oxygen, iron is the most abundant element on the surface of Mars, we proposed, and have under development, a backscatter Moessbauer spectrometer with x ray fluorescence capability (BaMS/XRF) for use on Mars as a geophysical prospecting instrument. Specifically, we have proposed BaMS/XRF as part of the geochemistry instrumentation on NASA's Mars Environment Survey (MESUR) mission. BaMS/XRF will have applications in: (1) the study of past environments through the examination of sedimentary material; (2) the study of the contemporary Martian environment; and (3) the study of iron-containing minerals of possible biogenic origin. Development of a reference library from a geophysical point of view for putative Martian surface materials at appropriate temperatures is now underway. We carried out preliminary optical reflectance and FeMS measurements on mineral products (iron oxyhydroxides) of deep-sea hydrothermal activity. Various aspects of this investigation are presented.

Agresti, David G.↗
NASA NTRS1992

An unusual spectral unit in West Candor Chasma: Evidence for hydrothermal or aqueous alteration?

A spectrally distinctive unit on the floor of W. Candor Chasma (6 S, 76 W) in the central Valles Marineris may be a likely candidate for hydrothermal or aqueous alteration. This unusual material is noticeably redder than nearby plains and canyon floor-covering deposits of similar brightness in several Viking Orbiter color composite images calibrated using PICS Level I procedures. The surrounding plains and canyon floor units have colors that are typical for much of the weathered soil on Mars. Relative to adjacent materials, the West Candor unit has lower green-filter reflectance and higher red-filter reflectance. While subtle, these spectral characteristics were observed for this unit in a number of multi-spectral images acquired at different seasons and phase angles. When the color image data are transformed to hue, saturation, and value coordinates, the West Candor material stands out prominently among the rocks and soils of Coprates Quadrangle as a spatially coherent unit with a unique hue. Physically, this means that the unit is compositionally distinct (unlike most of the bright materials in the region), since its spectral reflectance cannot be obtained through simple multiplicative scaling of the reflectance of the surrounding bright materials or by altering the spectral reflectance of the surrounding materials with an additive constant that is independent of wavelength. Recent studies of the directional reflectance properties of the surface in this region indicate that the photometric phase function of the unit is similar to that of surrounding bright materials (isotropic to slightly back scattering).

Geissler, P. E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Hydrothermal alteration experiments of olivine with varying Fe contents: An attempt to simulate aqueous alteration of the carbonaceous chondrites

Hydrothermal alteration experiments of olivine powder with several Fe/Mg ratios were carried out under acidic and neutral conditions, and transition electron microscopy (TEM) observations were made on the run products. Well-developed tubular crystals of serpentine (chrysotile) were synthesized from Fo100 under both acidic and neutral conditions, and from Fo92 and Fo80 under acidic condition. Abundance and size of chrysotile apparenlty dependent on the Fe contents of olivine, i.e. with increasing Fe contents, less and smaller chrysotile was formed. Acidity of the solution plays an important role for the formation of chrysotile. Platy and fibrous crystals of phyllosilicate, probably serpentine, were obtained from Fo50 and Fo20 treated under acidic condition, which are most similar to the phyllosilicates in the CI and CM chondrites. Framboidal aggregates of Fe-rich grains (presumably Fe-hydroxide) were formed from Fa100 and Fo20, but no phyllosilicate was formed from Fa100.

Takatori, Koichi↗
NASA NTRS1993

Aldehydes in hydrothermal solution - Standard partial molal thermodynamic properties and relative stabilities at high temperatures and pressures

Aldehydes are common in a variety of geologic environments and are derived from a number of sources, both natural and anthropogenic. Experimental data for aqueous aldehydes were taken from the literature and used, along with parameters for the revised Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers (HKF) equations of state, to estimate standard partial molal thermodynamic data for aqueous straight-chain alkyl aldehydes at high temperatures and pressures. Examples of calculations involving aldehydes in geological environments are given, and the stability of aldehydes relative to carboxylic acids is evaluated. These calculations indicate that aldehydes may be intermediates in the formation of carboxylic acids from hydrocarbons in sedimentary basin brines and hydrothermal systems like they are in the atmosphere. The data and parameters summarized here allow evaluation of the role of aldehydes in the formation of prebiotic precursors, such as amino acids and hydroxy acids on the early Earth and in carbonaceous chondrite parent bodies.

Schulte, Mitchell D.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The potential for prebiotic synthesis in hydrothermal systems

Contemporary hydrothermal systems provide a reducing environment where organic compounds are formed and may react to generate the molecules used in the first living systems. The organic compounds percolate through mineral assemblages at a variety of temperatures so the proposed synthetic reactions are driven by heat and catalyzed by minerals (Ferris, 1992). Some examples of potential prebiotic reactions are discussed.

Ferris, James P.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The stability of amino acids at submarine hydrothermal vent temperatures

It has been postulated that amino acid stability at hydrothermal vent temperatures is controlled by a metastable thermodynamic equilibrium rather than by kinetics. Experiments reported here demonstrate that the amino acids are irreversibly destroyed by heating at 240 C and that quasi-equilibrium calculations give misleading descriptions of the experimental observations. Equilibrium thermodynamic calculations are not applicable to organic compounds under high-temperature submarine vent conditions.

Bada, Jeffrey L.↗
NASA NTRS1999

A Model for Generation of Martian Surface Dust, Soil and Rock Coatings: Physical vs. Chemical Interactions, and Palagonitic Plus Hydrothermal Alteration

This model is one of many possible scenarios to explain the generation of the current surface material on Mars using chemical, magnetic and spectroscopic data from Mars and geologic analogs from terrestrial sites. One basic premise is that there are physical and chemical interactions of the atmospheric dust particles and that these two processes create distinctly different results. Physical processes distribute dust particles on rocks, forming physical rock coatings, and on the surface between rocks forming soil units; these are reversible processes. Chemical reactions of the dust/soil particles create alteration rinds on rock surfaces or duricrust surface units, both of which are relatively permanent materials. According to this model the mineral components of the dust/soil particles are derived from a combination of "typical" palagonitic weathering of volcanic ash and hydrothermally altered components, primarily from steam vents or fumeroles. Both of these altered materials are composed of tiny particles, about 1 micron or smaller, that are aggregates of silicates and iron oxide/oxyhydroxide/sulfate phases. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Bishop, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Spectroscopic and Geochemical Analyses of Ferrihydrite from Hydrothermal Springs in Iceland and Applications to Mars

Ferrihydrite samples were collected from a thermal spring and a cold stream in the Landmannalaugar region of Iceland. Chemical and spectroscopic analyses have been performed on the air-dried and fine-grained fractions of these samples. The ferrihydrite from the cold stream is a pure sample, containing small amounts of Ca, P and Si, which do not form minerals detectable with X-ray diffraction (XRD) or reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy. The ferrihydrite from the thermal pool is a less pure sample, containing larger amounts of amorphous Si and P. The XRD and spectral features for this sample are also consistent with a less crystalline structure. Some of the Si is incorporated in the structure of the ferrihydrite. The Ca, P and possibly some of the Si may be biogenic. The spectral character of these Icelandic ferrihydrites is compared with those of synthetic ferrihydrites and other iron oxide/oxyhydroxide minerals. Ferrihydrite is characterized by a broad Fe3+ excitation band near 0.92 microns (approx. 10900/cm) and a strong Fe-O absorption feature near 475/cm (approx. 21 microns) in transmittance spectra. Multiple bands due to H2O and OH are also present for ferrihydrite. Natural ferrihydrites frequently exhibit a band near 950-1050/cm (approx. 10 microns) that is typically not observed for synthetic ferrihydrites and may be due to some Si in the structure. An additional pair of spectral bands near 1400 and 1500/cm (approx. 7 microns) are characteristic of pure ferrihydrites from natural and synthetic sources. Hydrothermal springs may have been present at one time on Mars in association with volcanic activity. Ferrihydrite formation in such an environment may have contributed to the ferric oxide-rich surface material on Mars.

Bishop, Janice↗