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At least 469 records · Page 26

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NASA NTRS1972

The contributions of Ranger photographs to understanding the geology of the moon

Vidicon photographs returned to earth by Rangers 7, 8, and 9 in 1964 and 1965 were used to study the details of lunar geologic units previously recognized from earth-based telescopic photographs and to make geologic maps at a variety of scales. The photographs from each mission changed continuously in scale as the spacecraft approached impact. The final frames had resolutions some 1,000 times better than the best earthbased photographs. Lunar stratigraphic units mapped at a scale of 1:1,000,000 displayed, at these larger scales, differences in properties and, possibly, in ages, but a clear-cut stratigraphic succession of subunits was not apparent. The plains-forming materials in both terra and mare were divisible into units mainly on the basis of the differences in the total number of superposed craters and in the relative number of craters of various morphologic types.

Trask, N. J.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Analysis and application of ERTS-1 data for regional geological mapping

Combined visual and digital techniques of analysing ERTS-1 data for geologic information have been tried on selected areas in Pennsylvania. The major physiolographic and structural provinces show up well. Supervised mapping, following the imaged expression of known geologic features on ERTS band 5 enlargements (1:250,000) of parts of eastern Pennsylvania, delimited the Diabase Sills and the Precambrian rocks of the Reading Prong with remarkable accuracy. From unsupervised mapping, transgressive linear features are apparent in unexpected density, and exhibit strong control over river valley and stream channel directions. They are unaffected by bedrock type, age, or primary structural boundaries, which suggests they are either rejuvenated basement joint directions on different scales, or they are a recently impressed structure possibly associated with a drifting North American plate. With ground mapping and underflight data, 6 scales of linear features have been recognized.

Gold, D. P.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Capability of ERTS-1 imagery to investigate geological and structural features in a sedimentary basin (Bassin Parisien, France)

A preliminary study of the MSS imagery of a sedimentary basin whose structure is regular is reported. Crops and natural vegetation are distributed all over the site located under temperate climate. Ground data available concern plant species geology and tectonic and are correlated with results from ERTS 1 imagery. This comparison shows a good correlation. The main geological units are detected or enhanced by way of agricultural land use and/or natural vegetation. Alluvial deposits are outlined by vegetation grass land and poplar trees. Some spatial relationship of geostructures, suspected until now, are identified or extended in associating results from different spectral bands.

Cavelier, C.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Preliminary assessment of geological applications of ERTS-1 imagery from selected areas of the Canadian Arctic

An assessment of geological applications of ERTS-1 imagery from selected areas of the Canadian Arctic is presented. The three levels of interpretation which may be recognized and employed to derive information from a single image or data format are outlined. It is stated that one immediate benefit from ERTS will be improved efficiency in planning for and operation of programs of regional geological mapping. Imagery of various areas of Canada are presented to show applications to regional mapping.

Gregory, A. F.↗

NASA NTRS1973

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.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Remote sensing aids geologic mapping

Remote sensing techniques were applied to general geologic mapping along the Rio Grande rift zone in central Colorado. A geologic map of about 1,100 square miles was prepared utilizing (1) prior published and unpublished maps, (2) detailed and reconnaissance field maps made for this study, and (3) remote sensor data interpretations. The map is used for interpretation of the complex Cenozoic tectonic and geomorphic histories of the area.

Knepper, D. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1973

A generalized geologic map of Mars

A generalized geologic map of Mars has been constructed largely on the basis of differences in the topography of the surface. A number of topographic features on Mars whose form is highly diagnostic of their origin are shown. Of particular note are the shield volcanoes and lava plains. In some areas, the original features have been considerably modified by subsequent erosional and tectonic processes. These have not, however, resulted in homogenization of the planet's surface, but rather have emphasized its variegated character by leaving a characteristic imprint in specific areas. The topography of the planet, therefore, lends itself well to remote geologic interpretation.

Carr, M. H.↗

NASA NTRS1973

The geology of the moon.

With traditional astronomical methods in the background, geological exploration of the Moon has developed rapidly, but logically, since the dawn of the space age. As a result of these tremendous strides forward, we have been forced to revise our views of a cold, rigid moon built predominantly from stony meteorites. The interior of the moon is hot; the distant past has seen not only major impacts but also extensive volcanism altering the lunar surface, and major motions within the moon. Even today, weak moonquakes remain to remind us of the past upheavals that accompanied the geological processes now being unraveled through detailed studies of the lunar rocks.

Fielder, G.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Geological evaluation of remote sensing imagery of the Mesabi Range, Minnesota.

Remote sensing imagery of Precambrian sedimentary, metasedimentary, and intrusive rocks of the Mesabi Range, Minnesota area was analyzed to determine how much geologic information was inherent in each type of imagery. High altitude panchromatic photography, radar, ultraviolet, and day and night thermal infrared imagery were examined. Geologic sketch maps were produced for each type of imagery. Radar appears to be the best imagery for mapping rock units and for locating regional faults. Few rock units could be found on the infrared imagery or on the panchromatic photography. Several previously unmapped faults were located, and the surface traces of some faults were extended.

Walker, A. S.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Preliminary geologic investigation of the Apollo 17 landing site

A geological investigation of the Apollo 17 lunar landing site was conducted. The Taurus-Littrow valley is interpreted as a deep graben formed by structural adjustment of lunar crustal material to the Serenitatis impact. Materials of the valley fill were sampled at many stations. Ejecta around many craters on the valley floor consist of basalt, showing that the graben was partly filled by lava flows. The geological objectives of the Apollo 17 mission are divided into orbital and lunar surface data collection. The data obtained for both types of investigation are presented in tables, photographs, and drawings.

Muehlberger, W. R.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Geologic map of the northern Crisium region

Apollo 17 metric photographs provide the best available coverage for geologic interpretation of northern Mare Crisium and the northern Crisium basin. One region in particular, between Alhazen Crater and longitude 66 E, had previously been covered very poorly. The Apollo 17 photographs provide excellent monoscopic as well as stereoscopic viewing because of the favorably low sun illuminations (15 deg to 49 deg). These new photographic data allow the geology of the basin, the mare, and other nearby terrains to be reevaluated. This reexamination, together with data from continuing moon-wide photogeologic studies and analyses of returned rocks from Apollo landing sites, has produced a simple evolutionary picture of the region, expressed by fewer map units and explained by fewer basic processes than previously thought necessary.

Wilhelms, D. E.↗

NASA NTRS1974

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. The La Paz Mosaic and its attendant overlays serve as a model for geologic studies elsewhere in the world. The P.I. and two geologists are mapping the conterminous states at scales of 1:5000,000 and 1:1,000,000. The 1:5 million band 5 mosaic was completed in two days of analysis. The 1:1 million band sheets are being completed at the rate of one per day. Comparison of the preliminary results of the three investigators shows a high correlation of linear and curvilinear features. Comparison with magnetic and gravity data indicates that many features being mapped are deep seated structures that have been active through long periods of geologic time, perhaps dating back to the Precambrian period. A detailed analysis of the El Salvador mining district has been completed. The interpretation is extremely detailed showing a complex pattern of linear features and bedrock outcrop patterns. This is the first product from ERTS-1 to be provided by Chile and shows a high degree of expertise in image interpretation. The Chileans are enthusiastic about their results and are anxious to map the entire country using ERTS.

Carter, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Geological photointerpretation of the Paraguana Peninsula using ERTS-A multispectral photography

A methodology was developed to evaluate multispectral analysis of orbital imagery on the interpretation of geology, coastal geomorphology and sedimentary processes. The images analyzed were obtained during the pass of ERTS satellite over the center region of Venezuela on October 19, 1972. ERTS-1 multispectral images in black and white paper copies and transparencies of the 4 bands and false color composites at scales of 1:1,000,000 and 1:500,000 were interpreted. Lithology and outcrop patterns of the following geological formations have been interpreted: igneous and metamorphic basement of Cocodite and Santa Ana, Jurassic-Cretaceous metamorphics of Pueblo Nuevo, Cantaure Miocene-Pliocene sediments, and Quaternary alluvium, dunes, beach ridges, bars and reefs. A prominent and extensive Paraguana tonal anomaly shaped as an 8 has been discovered at the NW of the Peninsula. Its erosional origin has exposed light toned lower beds at the center, with additional evidence of topographic depression and development of underground drainage of karst origin. Coastal geomorphology, its processes and energy has been interpreted with the help of wind direction analysis (ENE-WSW) at sea level through the orientation of transported materials (water vapor, water and sediments) by clouds, waves, sea current, plumes of suspended sediments associated to river outlets, dunes, sediment sources and shore-line orientation.

Albrizzio, C.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Photographic techniques for enhancing ERTS MSS data for geologic information

Satellite multispectral black-and-white photographic negatives of Luna County, New Mexico, obtained by ERTS on 15 August and 2 September 1973, were precisely reprocessed into positive images and analyzed in an additive color viewer. In addition, an isoluminous (uniform brightness) color rendition of the image was constructed. The isoluminous technique emphasizes subtle differences between multispectral bands by greatly enhancing the color of the superimposed composite of all bands and eliminating the effects of brightness caused by sloping terrain. Basaltic lava flows were more accurately displayed in the precision processed multispectral additive color ERTS renditions than on existing state geological maps. Malpais lava flows and small basaltic occurrences not appearing on existing geological maps were identified in ERTS multispectral color images.

Yost, E.↗

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 NTRS1973

Preliminary utilization of Iran's ERTS-1 data in the field of geology and water resources

Preliminary analysis of a number of selected ERTS-1 images undertaken in the fields of geology and water resources for the purpose of testing its applicability and usefulness for mapping the natural resources of Iran identified a number of geologic and hydrologic phenomena, such as previously unknown faults, streams, and lakes. Due to a number of limiting factors, the results of this study are by no means conclusive; yet, the encouraging results obtained demonstrate the importance of satellite imagery for multidisciplinary resource analysis purposes in Iran.

Akhavi, M. S.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Use of TV pictures obtained from weather satellites to study the geological structure of the earth

Results are presented of Soviet investigations into the use of television imagery obtained from meteorological satellites for the interpretation of tectonics, lithology, and structural properties of the earth. The area investigated encompassed the eastern part of Iran, and the western regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Interpretation of the features identified during the analysis was accomplished by comparing these features with physical, geographic, geological, and tectonic maps. It was concluded that television pictures of the earth from space can be used for geological and structural analysis.

Bashilova, I. I.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Utilization of ERTS-1 data in geological evaluation, regional planning, forest management, and water management in North Carolina

The author has identified the following significant results. ERTS-1 imagery has been evaluated for use in resource planning and management in North Carolina, and found to be useful for general reconnaissance purposes in forestry, geology, and water resources work. It has also been used for studying large-scale transient phenomena such as river plumes and movement of sediment in the sounds. ERTS-1 imagery has been an aid to geologic and land-use mapping. Stereoscopes, projectors of various kinds, and microscopes have proved useful instruments for the kinds of data acquisition needed by resource planners and managers.

Welby, C. W.↗