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At least 379 records · Page 21

Application of remote sensor data to geologic analysis of the Bonanza test site Colorado

Selected samples of anomalous surface features commonly associated with the various types of uranium deposits are presented and recommendations for sensor applications are given. The features studied include: epigenetic uranium ore roll type; precambrian basal conglomerate type; vein-type uranium deposits; pipe-structure or diatreme deposits; evaporitic uranium deposits. The hydrogeology of the Mosquito Range and the San Luis Valley is also examined.

Lee, K.↗

Multidisciplinary geoscientific experiments in central Europe

The author has identified the following significant results. Studies were carried out in the fields of geology-pedology, coastal dynamics, geodesy-cartography, geography, and data processing. In geology-pedology, a comparison of ERTS image studies with extensive ground data led to a better understanding of the relationship between vegetation, soil, bedrock, and other geologic features. Findings in linear tectonics gave better insight in orogeny and ore deposit development for prospecting. Coastal studies proved the value of ERTS images for the updating of nautical charts, as well as small scale topographic maps. A plotter for large scale high speed image generation from CCT was developed.

Bannert, D.↗

Trace elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis for pollution monitoring

Methods and technology were developed to analyze 1000 samples/yr of coal and other pollution-related samples. The complete trace element analysis of 20-24 samples/wk averaged 3-3.5 man-hours/sample. The computerized data reduction scheme could identify and report data on as many as 56 elements. In addition to coal, samples of fly ash, bottom ash, crude oil, fuel oil, residual oil, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, filtered air particulates, ore, stack scrubber water, clam tissue, crab shells, river sediment and water, and corn were analyzed. Precision of the method was plus or minus 25% based on all elements reported in coal and other sample matrices. Overall accuracy was estimated at 50%.

Sheibley, D. W.↗

Application of Skylab imagery to resource exploration in the Death Valley region

The Hunter Mountain plateau in the northern Panamint Range, California, exhibits anomalous topographic, vegetative, color and structural features in Skylab and LANDSAT satellite images which have strong correlation with mineralized areas and should prove significant for future exploration. Data observed to date were studied with reference to published geology and is interpreted in terms of greatest probability of ore mineralization. Further study in conjunction with space imagery analysis is recommended for location of potential mineral zones.

Bechtold, I. C.↗

Evaluation of LANDSAT-2 (ERTS) images applied to geologic structures and mineral resources of South America

The author has identified the following significant results. Work with the Image 100 clearly demonstrates that radiance values of LANDSAT data can be used for correlation of geologic formations across international boundaries. The Totora Formation of the Corocoro Group of Tertiary age was traced from known outcrops near Tiahuanaco, Bolivia, along the south side of Lake Titicaca westward into Peru where the same rocks are considered to be Cretaceous in age. This inconsistency suggests: (1) that a review of this formation is needed by joint geological surveys of both countries to determine similarities, differences, and the true age; (2) that recognition of the extension of the copper-bearing Totora Formation of Bolivia into Peru may provide Peru with a new target for exploration. Equal radiance maps made by use of the Image 100 system show as many as eight different units within salar deposits (salt flats) of the Bolivian Altiplano. Standard film processed images show them as nearly uniform areas of white because of lack of dynamic range in film products. The Image 100 system, therefore, appears to be of great assistance in subdividing the salt flats on the basis of moisture distribution, surface roughness, and distribution of windblown materials. Field work is needed to determine these relationships to mineral composition and distribution. Images representing seasonal changes should also improve the accuracy of such maps. Radiance values of alteration zones related to the occurrence of porphyry copper ores were measured at the San Juan del Abra deposit of northern Chile using the Image 100 system. The extent to which these same values may be used to detect similar alteration zones in other areas has not yet been tested.

Carter, W. D.↗

The use of ERTS/LANDSAT imagery in relation to airborne remote sensing for terrain analysis in Western Queensland, Australia

The author has identified the following significant results. LANDSAT 1 and 2 imagery contrast the geology of the Cloncurry-Dobbyn and the Gregory River-Mt. Isa areas very clearly. Known major structural features and lithological units are clearly displayed while, hitherto unknown lineaments were revealed. Throughout this area, similar rock types produce similar spectral signatures, e.g. quartzites produce light signatures, iron rich rocks produce dark signatures. More geological data are discernible at the 1:50,000 scale than on the 1:250,000 scale. Ore horizons may be identified at the 1:50,000 scale, particularly where they are associated with iron rich rocks. On the level plains north of Cloncurry, distinctive spectral signatures produced by the combined reflectances of plant cover, soils, and geology, distinguish different types of superficial deposits. Existing and former channels of the Cloncurry and Williams Rivers are distinguished at the 1:50,000 scale on both the LANDSAT 1 and 2 imagery. On the Cloncurry Plains, fence lines are discernible on the 1:50,000 LANDSAT 2 imagery.

Cole, M. M.↗

Interdisciplinary applications and interpretations of EREP data within the Susquehanna River Basin

The author has identified the following significant results. Photography from the S190A and S190B sensors was compared, for terrain analysis. The S190B photographs were used for terrain mapping of three test areas selected as being representative of major physiographic regions in Pennsylvania. Skylab photography was superior to both LANDSAT imagery and high altitude aircraft photography for purposes of accurate location of lineaments. Analysis of Skylab imagery has shown that long lineaments originally plotted on LANDSAT images are actually made up of shorter segments. Correlation of lineaments with ore deposits was determined following the preparation of a Pennsylvania mineral deposit map. Digital wave number analysis (spatial filtering) was attempted to determine if it can be used to enhance certain subtle features, and in particular, to locate and verify lineaments. Various spectral bands and channels of the MSS digital data were evaluated for their value in the classification and thematic mapping.

Mcmurtry, G. J.↗

Remote profiling of lake ice using an S-band short-pulse radar aboard an all-terrain vehicle

The airborne short-pulse radar system described was developed to measure ice thickness in an attempt to extend the winter navigation system as a means of reducing coal and ore shipping costs. Experimental studies of the accuracy and limitations of the system are discussed, and measurements made at 25 sites are compared. The radar system was found to provide accurate lake ice thickness measurements that were not affected by snow cover or adverse weather conditions. Surface melting and rain, however, preclude measurements.

Cooper, D. W.↗

Remote sensing of geologic mineral occurrences for the Colorado mineral belt using LANDSAT data

The author has identified the following significant results. LANDSAT imagery was examined as a practical and productive tool for mineral exploration along the Colorado Mineral Belt. An attempt was made to identify all large, active and/or abandoned mining districts on the imagery which initially were discovered by surface manifestations. A number of strong photolinements, circular features, and color anomalies were identified. Some of these form a part of the structural and igneous volcanic framework in which mineral deposits occur. No specific mineral deposits such as veins or porphyries were identified. Promising linear and concentric features were field checked at several locations. Some proved to be fault zones and calderas; others were strictly topographic features related to stream or glacial entrenchment. The Silverton Caldera region and the Idaho Springs-Central City district were chosen and studied as case histories to evaluate the application of LANDSAT imagery to mineral exploration. Evidence of specific mineralization related to ore deposits in these two areas were observed only on low level photography.

Carpenter, R. H.↗

Effect of magnetic field on reduction of nickel oxide

Results of observations recorded during constant temperature reduction of NiO, a paramagnetic substance, to Ni, a ferromagnetic element, are presented. The application of a large magnetic field (4,200 oersted) does not result in an acceleration of the reduction rate. To explain earlier observations that 500- and 1,400-oersted magnetic fields increase the reduction rate of iron ore which contains hematite (Fe2O3), Peters (1973) had suggested that thermodynamics theory could predict the acceleration in reaction rate when product and reactant species differ widely in their magnetic properties.

Rowe, M. W.↗

A closed life-support system for space colonies

In 1975, a system design study was performed to examine a completely self-contained system for a permanent colony of 10,000 inhabitants in space. Fundamental to this design was the life support system. Since resupply from earth is prohibitive in transportation costs, it was decided to use a closed system with the initial supply of oxygen coming from processing of lunar ores, and the supply of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen from earth. The problem of life support was treated starting with the nutritional and metabolic requirements for the human population, creating a food and water chain sufficient to supply these demands, adding the additional requirements for the animal and plant sources in the food chain, feeding back useful waste products, supplying water as required from different sources, and closing the loop by processing organic wastes into CO2. This concept places the burden of the system upon plants for O2 generation and waste processing the CO2 generation.

Johnson, R. D.↗

Convection pattern and stress system under the African plate

Studies on tectonic forces from satellite-derived gravity data have revealed a subcrustal stress system which provides a unifying mechanism for uplift, depression, rifting, plate motion and ore formation in Africa. The subcrustal stresses are due to mantle convection. Seismicity, volcanicity and kimberlite magmatism in Africa and the development of the African tectonic and magnetic features are explained in terms of this single stress system. The tensional stress fields in the crust exerted by the upwelling mantle flows are shown to be regions of structural kinship characterized by major concentration of mineral deposits. It is probable that the space techniques are capable of detecting and determining the tectonic forces in the crust of Africa.

Liu, H.-S.↗

Martian intrusions - Possible sites and implications

Both the Moon and Mars exhibit volcanic modification of impact craters characterized by subfloor intrusions that either lift the old crater floor or result in extrusions of lava. Endogenic modification of martian craters, however, probably has involved interactions between such intrusive bodies and permafrost, as suggested by differences between lunar and martian floor-fractured craters. Such interactions raise the interesting possibility for hydrothermally concentrating ores in a manner analogous to the Sudbury structure on the Earth that may be consistent with interpretations of Viking lander results.

Schultz, P. H.↗

Supply of reactants for Redox bulk energy storage systems

World resources, reserves, production, and costs of reactant materials, iron, chromium, titanium and bromine for proposed redox cell bulk energy storage systems are reviewed. Supplying required materials for multimegawatt hour systems appears to be feasible even at current production levels. Iron and chromium ores are the most abundant and lowest cost of four reactants. Chromium is not a domestic reserve, but redox system installations would represent a small fraction of U.S. imports. Vast quantities of bromine are available, but present production is low and therefore cost is high. Titanium is currently available at reasonable cost, with ample reserves available for the next fifty years.

Gahn, R. F.↗

Studies on questions of design and construction of chain scraper conveyors

The basic behavior of mining crushed goods in chain scraper conveyors was examined using a special test stand. The characteristics resistance lines of the upper end-piece were determined for conveyor idle as a function of the determinative crushed good characteristics (granular structure, moisture content, type of goods) on the size of the conveyor load, on the conveyor construction and on the stopped time of the conveyor. Crushed goods with a narrow granular profile and sphere-like grains caused about 35% greater resistance than fine coal and raw coal with broad granular profile. For goods containing water more than 10% by weight, the solids friction retreated in favor of flow friction. The coefficient of resistance decreased considerably in the range of lower speeds and then increased with increasing conveyor speed. The conveyance of sandstone ore required about 280% greater specific drive than the conveyance of raw coal. Resistance coefficients for coal and raw coal showed no dependence on the design of the conveyor. Start-up of loaded conveyors after longer stop times was simulated and the specific break-loose force was determined.

Guder, H.↗

The influence of topographic structures on night-time surface temperatures: Evaluation of a satellite thermal image of the upper Rhine plain and the surrounding highlands

The author has identified the following significant results. Satellite data supplied the same information as aerial IR registrations with corresponding averaging for all studies requiring a survey of the thermal pattern within an area measuring 10 km x 10 km ore more, provided that sufficiently precise control points could be established for the purpose of geometric rectification in the surroundings of the area observed. Satellite thermal data are more comprehensive than aircraft data for studies on a regional, rather than a local scale, since airborne images often obscure the basic correlation in thermal patterns because of a variety of irrelevant topographical detail. The satellite data demonstrate the dependence of surface temperature on relief more clearly than comparable airborne imagery.

Gossmann, H.↗

Improved Cable Grip Reduces Wear

Improved cable grip reduces wear due to sliding friction between cable and gripping surfaces. Drive wheels are grooved with a helical pattern that meshes with the lay of cable, analogous to a worm gear. Cable is gripped between drive wheels and guide rollers, and cable pull is exerted on the grip when drive wheels are slowed by hydraulic clutches. Cable grip may be applicable to cable-operated systems, such as ore trams in mines, overhead cable cars and ski lifts.

Peyran, R. J.↗