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At least 631 records · Page 35
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Distribution of materials excavated by the lunar crater Bullialdus and implications for the geologic history of the Nubium region

Previous spectroscopic studies of the lunar crater Bullialdus, located in the Nubium Basin, indicated an unusual stratigraphy of two gabbroic layers overlying a noritic unit. The possible existence of a layered mafic pluton at Bullialdus was suggested. To investigate the geologic context with more detailed spatial information, charge-coupled device (CCD) images of Bullialdus were obtained using eight filters. A linear mixing model was used to investigate the fractional abundances of spectral end-members chosen from within the multispectral image. Since the reflectance properties of lunar materials over this wavelength range are sensitive to variations in composition and soil maturity, fractional abundance images were used to create a new geologic map of the crater. The spatial relationships of the surface materials confirm the previously inferred stratigraphy, and further reveal the central peaks to exhibit two distinct compositional units: noritic anorthosite and anorthositic norite. Three models for the origin of the observed stratigraphy are considered: Bullialdus has excavated stratigraphic units containing (1) early mare basalt overlying anorthositic-noritic crustal material, (2) part of a layered mafic pluton, and/or (3) part of an impact melt sheet formed by the Nubium Basin impact event.

Tompkins, Stefanie↗
NASA NTRS1994

Gravity survey of the Mount Toondina impact structure, South Australia

Gravity and seismic reflection data, together with geologic mapping, indicate that the Mount Toondina feature in South Australia is best interpreted as an eroded 4-km-diameter impact structure consisting of a ring structural depression surrounding a pronounced central uplift. Beds at the center of the structure within the central uplift have been raised as much as 200 m from depth and deformed by convergent flow. Seismic reflection data indicate that deformation extends to depths of only approximately = 800 m; at greater depths the reflectors are nearly flat lying, indicating little or no deformation. Gravity data show residual anomalies of +1.0 mGal coincident with the central uplift and a -0.5 Mgal low associated with the ring structural depression. Modeling of the gravity data indicates that relatively high-density material occurs within the central uplift, whereas the ring depression is filled with low-density material. The deformation at Mount Toondina is typical of a complex impact crater; the 4-km diameter is consistent with the expected threshold size for complex craters formed in weak to moderate strength sedimentary rocks.

Plescia, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Geology and landscape evolution of the Hellas region of Mars

Hellas basin on Mars has been the site of volcanism, tectonism, and modification by fluvial, mass-wasting, and eolian processes over its more than 4-b.y. existence. Our detailed geologic mapping and related studies have resulted in the following new interpretations. The asymmetric distribution of highland massifs and other structures that define the uplifted basin rim suggest a formation of the basin by the impact of a low-angle bolide having a trajectory heading S60E. During the Late Noachian, the basin was infilled, perhaps by lava flows, that were sufficiently thick (greater than 1 km) to produce wrinkle ridges on the fill material and extensional faulting along the west rim of the basin. At about the same time, deposits buried northern Malea Planum, which are interpreted to be pyroclastic flows from Amphitrites and Peneus Paterae on the basis of their degraded morphology, topology, and the application of a previous model for pyroclastic volcanism on Mars. Peneus forms a distinctive caldera structure that indicates eruption of massive volumes of magma, whereas Amphitrites is a less distinct circular feature surrounded by a broad, low, dissected shield that suggests generally smaller volume eruptions. During the Early Hesperian, an approximately 1-to 2km-thick sequence of primarily fined-grained, eolian material was deposited on the floor of Hellas basin. Subsequently, the deposit was deeply eroded, except where armored by crater ejecta, and it retreated as much as 200-300 km along its western margin, leaving behind pedestal craters and knobby outliers of the deposit. Local debris flows within the deposit attest to concentrations of groundwater, perhaps in part brought in by outflow floods along the east rim of the basin. These floods may have deposited approximately 100-200m of sediment, subduing wrinkle ridges in the eastern part of the basin floor. During the Late Hesperian and Amazonian, eolian mantles were emplaced on the basin rim and floor and surrounding highlands. Their subsequent erosion resulted in pitted and etched plains and crater fill, irregular mesas, and pedestal craters. Local evidence occurs for the possible former presence of ground ice or ice sheets approximately 100 km across; however, we disagree with a hypothesis that suggest that the entire south rim and much of the floor of Hellas have been glaciated. Orientations of dune fields and yardangs in lower parts of Hellas basin follow directions of the strongest winds predicted by a recently published general circulation model (GCM). Transient frost and dust splotches in the region are, by contrast, related to the GCM prediction for the season in which the images they appear in were taken.

Tanaka, Kenneth L.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Distribution and nature of UV absorbers on Triton's surface

Substantial evidence suggests that a UV spectrally Absorbing Material (UV-SAM) exists on Triton's surface. This evidence is found in the positive slope in Triton's spectrum from the UV to the near-IR, and the increasing contrast in Triton's light curve in the blue and UV. Although it is now widely-thought that UV-SAMs exist on Triton, little is known about their distribution and spectral properties. The goal of this NDAP Project is to determine the spatial distribution and geological context of the UV-SaM material. We hope to determine if UV-SAMs on Triton are correlated with geologic wind streaks, craters, calderas, geomorphic/topographic units, regions containing (or lacking) volatile frosts, or some other process (e.g., magnetospheric interactions). Once the location and distribution of UV-SAMs has been determined, further constraints on their composition cable made by analyzing the spectrographic data set. To accomplish these goals, various data sets will be used, including Voyager 2 UV and visible images of Triton's surface, IUE and HST spectra of Triton, and a geologic map of the surface based on voyager 2 and spectrophotometric data. The results of this research will be published in the planetary science literature.

Stern, S. Alan↗
NASA NTRS1996

Tectonics and Volcanism of East Africa as Seen Using Remote Sensing Imagery

The East African Rift is the largest area of active continental geology. The tectonics of this area has been studied with remote sensing data, including AVHRR, Landsat MSS and TM, SPOT, and electronic still camera from Shuttle. Lineation trends have been compared to centers of volcanic and earthquake activity as well as the trends shown on existing geologic maps. Remote sensing data can be used effectively to reveal and analyze significant tectonic features in this area.

Hutt, Duncan John↗
NASA NTRS1996

Workshop on Evolution of Igneous Asteroids: Focus on Vesta and the HED Meteorites

This volume contains papers that have been accepted for presentation at the Workshop. Topics considered include: On the sample return from Vesta by low-thrust spacecraft; Astronomical evidence linking Vesta to the HED meteorites; Geologic mapping of Vesta with the Hubble Space Telescope; A space mission to Vesta; Asteroid spectroscopy; The thermal history of asteroid 4 Vesta, based on radionuclide and collision heating; Mineralogical records of early planetary processes on Vesta.

Mittlefehldt, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Geology and landscape evolution of the Hellas region of Mars

Hellas basin on Mars has been the site of volcanism, tectonism, and modification by fluvial, mass-wasting, and eolian processes over its more than 4-b.y. existence. Our detailed geologic mapping and related studies have resulted in the following new interpretations. The asymmetric distribution of highland massifs and other structures that define the uplifted basin rim suggest a formation of the basin by the impact of a low-angle bolide having a trajectory heading S 60 deg E. During the Late Noachian, the basin was infilled, perhaps by lava flows, that were sufficiently thick (>1 km) to produce wrinkle ridges on the fill material and extensional faulting along the west rim of the basin. At about the same time, deposits buried northern Malea Planum, which are interpreted to be pyroclastic flows from Amphitrites and Peneus Paterae on the basis of their degraded morphology, topography, and the application of a previous model for pyroclastic volcanism on Mars. Peneus forms a distinctive caldera structure that indicates eruption of massive volumes of magma, whereas Amphitrites is a less distinct circular feature surrounded by a broad, low, dissected shield that suggests generally smaller volume eruptions. During the Early Hesperian, an approx. 1- to 2-km-thick sequence of primarily fined-grained, eolian material was deposited on the floor of Hellas basin. Subsequently, the deposit was deeply eroded, except where armored by crater ejecta, and it retreated as much as 200-300 km along its western margin, leaving behind pedestal craters and knobby outliers of the deposit. Local debris flows within the deposit attest to concentrations of groundwater, perhaps in part brought in by outflow floods along the east rim of the basin. These floods may have deposited approx. 100-200 m of sediment, subduing wrinkle ridges in the eastern part of the basin floor. During the Late Hesperian and Amazonian, eolian mantles were emplaced on the basin rim and floor and surrounding highlands. Their subsequent erosion resulted in pitted and etched plains and crater fill, irregular mesas, and pedestal craters. Local evidence occurs for the possible former presence of ground ice or ice sheets approx. 100 km across; however, we disagree with a hypothesis that suggests that the entire south rim and much of the floor of Hellas have been glaciated. Orientations of dune fields and yardangs in lower parts of Hellas basin follow directions of the strongest winds predicted by a recently published general circulation model (GCM). Transient frost and dust splotches in the region are, by contrast, related to the GCM prediction for the season in which the images they appear in were taken.

Tanaka, Kenneth L.↗
NASA NTRS1999

MOLA Topographic Variations Along the Crustal Dichotomy Boundary Zone in Eastern and Western Mars

The topographic character of the martian crustal dichotomy boundary zone changes along the boundary, as does the morphological character of the boundary itself. Overall the elevation change from lowland plains to cratered uplands has the character of a step function, but the magnitude of the step and the slope of the ramp in the transition zone between the two relatively flat surfaces is different in different areas. Especially prominent is the difference between the boundaries in Deuteronilus-Ismenius Lacus and in Tempe Terra: Total relief in the transition zone in central Tempe is significantly greater than that in most of the eastern boundary zone. The correlation of topography with changing morphological character and mapped geologic units suggests that different parts of the boundary had different modification histories, and, perhaps, different origins as well.

Frey, H↗
NASA NTRS1999

Discovery of a New Cassini-Size Basin on Mars from MOLA Topographic Data

MOLA profile data collected during the Science Phasing Operations have revealed a previously unknown, 450 km wide, 2 km deep basin on Mars centered at 30N, 312W near the Phison Rupes. This structure, as large as and somewhat deeper than the very obvious Cassini impact basin located 1000 km to the SW, is not apparent in the existing good quality Viking imagery. Gridded MOLA data show the basin as a closed depression, but elevation contours show only weak correlation with what little structure exists in the area and with mapped geologic units. From analysis of slope breaks readily visible in two MOLA profiles we suggest this is at least a three-ring basin. Portions of rings from concentric fits to slope breaks align with some of the linear ridge-like structures of the Phison Rupes, and outline a region of lower crater density and smoother inter-crater plains. The discovery of such a pronounced topographic depression which lacks obvious visible structure suggests more such previously unknown features may exist on Mars, and that MOLA data may be useful in finding them.

Frey, H.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Structure and Kinematics of a Complex Crater: Upheaval Dome, Southeast, Utah

Two vastly different phenomena, extraterrestrial impact and salt diapirism, have been proposed for the origin of Upheaval Dome. Upheaval Dome is a about 2.5-km-diameter structural dome surrounded by a 5-km-diameter ring structural depression, which is in turn flanked by extensive, nearly flat-lying Colorado Plateau strata. Seismic refraction data and geologic mapping indicate that the dome originated by the collapse of a transient cavity formed by impact; data also show that rising salt has had a negligible influence on dome development. Evidence for this includes several factors: (1) a rare lag deposit of impactite is present; (2) fan-tailed fracture surfaces (shatter surfaces) and a few shattercones are present; (3) the top of the underlying salt horizon is at least 500 m below the center of the dome, with no exposures of salt in the dome to support the possibility that a salt diapir has ascended through it; (4) sedimentary strata in the center are significantly imbricated by top-to-the-center thrust faulting and are complexly folded; (5) top-to-the-center low-angle normal faults are found at the perimeter of the structure; and (6) clastic dikes are widespread. The scarcity of melt rocks and shock fabrics is attributed to approximately 0.5 km of erosion; the structures of the dome reflect processes of complex crater development at a depth of about 0.5 km below the crater floor. Based on mapping and kinematic analysis, we infer that the dome formed mainly by centerward motion of rock units along listric faults. Outcrop-scale folding and upturning of beds, especially common in the center, largely resulted from this motion. In addition, we have detected some centerward motion of fault-bounded wedges resulting from displacements on subhorizontal faults that conjoin and die out within horizontal bedding in the perimeter of the structure. Collectively, the observed deformation accounts for the creation of both the central uplift and the encircling ring syncline.

Kriens, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS2000

More New Names for the Features on Venus: A Review of the 1999 Progress

Sixty-five features of 13 different types were named on Venus in 1999. Eleven of the names are in the Northern hemisphere, and 54 are in Southern hemisphere to support the NASA program of Venus geologic mapping at 1:5,000,000 scale after the Magellan Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image data.

Burba, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Martian Magmatic-Driven Hydrothermal Sites: Potential Sources of Energy, Water, and Life

Magmatic-driven processes and impact events dominate the geologic record of Mars. Such recorded geologic activity coupled with significant evidence of past and present-day water/ice, above and below the martian surface, indicate that hydrothermal environments certainly existed in the past and may exist today. The identification of such environments, especially long-lived magmatic-driven hydrothermal environments, provides NASA with significant target sites for future sample return missions, since they (1) could favor the development and sustenance of life, (2) may comprise a large variety of exotic mineral assemblages, and (3) could potentially contain water/ice reservoirs for future Mars-related human activities. If life developed on Mars, the fossil record would presumably be at its greatest concentration and diversity in environments where long-term energy sources and water coexisted such as at sites where long-lived, magmatic-driven hydrothermal activity occurred. These assertions are supported by terrestrial analogs. Small, single-celled creatures (prokaryotes) are vitally important in the evolution of the Earth; these prokaryotes are environmentally tough and tolerant of environmental extremes of pH, temperature, salinity, and anoxic conditions found around hydrothermal vents. In addition, there is a great ability for bacteria to survive long periods of geologic time in extreme conditions, including high temperature hydrogen sulfide and sulfur erupted from Mount St. Helens volcano. Our team of investigators is conducting a geological investigation using multiple mission-derived datasets (e.g., existing geologic map data, MOC imagery, MOLA, TES image data, geophysical data, etc.) to identify prime target sites of hydrothermal activity for future hydrological, mineralogical, and biological investigations. The identification of these sites will enhance the probability of success for future missions to Mars.

Anderson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Geologic Validation of EO-1 Hyperion using AVIRIS

Over the last few years, the field of imaging spectrometry has grown rapidly as new instruments and analysis techniques have been developed. The launch of Hyperion as part of NASA's EO-1 program represents a significant landmark in the progression of the technology; the first spaceborne imaging spectrometry system. AIG, in cooperation with CSIRO, is evaluating, validating, and demonstrating use of EO-1 Hyperion hyperspectral data for geologic applications. The Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) plays a pivotal role in this effort. This manuscript describes the geologic test sites being used and progress on preparing 'ground truth' for anticipated Hyperion data collects using AVIRIS data. Preliminary findings are extrapolated to predict the effect of instrument characteristics and performance on geologic mapping using Hyperion.

Kruse, F. A.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Magnetic Properties of Lunar Geologic Terranes: New Statistical Results

We use global magnetic field data and digitized geologic maps to determine the magnetic properties of lunar terranes. Average fields vary by a factor of 100 from demagnetized impact basins and craters to strongly magnetized antipodal regions. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Halekas, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Light-Toned, Layered Outcrops of Northern Terra Meridiani Mars: Viking, Phobos 2, and Mars Global Surveyor Observations

Locating outcrops of sedimentary rock on Mars is an important step toward deciphering the planet's geologic and climatologic record. Sedimentary rock representing the earliest martian environments, are of particular interest in this context. This is a report about a vast exposure of material proposed to be martian sedimentary rock. The outcrops cover an area (approximately sq 300,000 km) roughly the size of the Colorado Plateau in North America (approximately 260,000 sq km). The materials occur in northern Terra Meridiani, near of one of the four sites being considered for a 2004 NASA Mars Exploration Rover (MER) landing. The landing ellipse, centered at deg S, deg W, lies in a region exhibiting smooth and rough (at meter scale) dark-toned surfaces, with scattered light-toned patches. Stratigraphically, the dark-toned materials at the MER site lie unconformably on top of a previously-eroded, light-toned surface; the light-toned patches in the landing ellipse are geologic windows down to this lower stratigraphic unit. North of the landing ellipse, the light-toned materials are well-exposed because the darker materials have been removed, stranding outlier remnants in a few locations. The light-toned materials are layered, vertically heterogeneous, and exhibit lateral continuity over hundreds of kilometers. Eroded layers produce cliffs; some outcrops are expressed as mesas, buttes, and spires; and impact craters ranging in diameter from a few meters to tens of kilometers are interbedded with the layers. The purpose of this report is to summarize the results of greater than 6 years of photogeologic investigation into the nature of the light-toned outcrops of northern Terra Meridiani. The work is a 'snapshot' of progress made toward eventual geologic mapping and establishment of the stratigraphic sequence for the materials through 30 September 2002, a day prior to the first release of Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) data to the NASA Planetary Data System (PDS). The main body of data examined were Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) images acquired through 30 September 2002. The data also 2 include Viking orbiter images, a Phobos 2 Termoscan image, MGS Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) topographic observations, and the products of published Viking Infrared Thermal Mapper (IRTM) and Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) analyses. Through September 2002, over 126,000 MOC images had been acquired, and greater than 600 of the MOC narrow angle (1.5-12 m/pixel) images occur within the portions of Terra Meridiani and southwestern Arabia Terra.

Edgett, Kenneth S.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Polar Dunes Resolved by the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter Gridded Topography and Pulse Widths

The Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) polar data have been refined to the extent that many features poorly imaged by Viking Orbiters are now resolved in densely gridded altimetry. Individual linear polar dunes with spacings of 0.5 km or more can be seen as well as sparsely distributed and partially mantled dunes. The refined altimetry will enable measurements of the extent and possibly volume of the north polar ergs. MOLA pulse widths have been recalibrated using inflight data, and a robust algorithm applied to solve for the surface optical impulse response. It shows the surface root-mean-square (RMS) roughness at the 75-m-diameter MOLA footprint scale, together with a geological map. While the roughness is of vital interest for landing site safety studies, a variety of geomorphological studies may also be performed. Pulse widths corrected for regional slope clearly delineate the extent of the polar dunes. The MOLA PEDR profile data have now been re-released in their entirety (Version L). The final Mission Experiment Gridded Data Records (MEGDR's) are now provided at up to 128 pixels per degree globally. Densities as high as 512 pixels per degree are available in a polar stereographic projection. A large computational effort has been expended in improving the accuracy of the MOLA altimetry themselves, both in improved orbital modeling and in after-the-fact adjustment of tracks to improve their registration at crossovers. The current release adopts the IAU2000 rotation model and cartographic frame recommended by the Mars Cartography Working Group. Adoption of the current standard will allow registration of images and profiles globally with an uncertainty of less than 100 m. The MOLA detector is still operational and is currently collecting radiometric data at 1064 nm. Seasonal images of the reflectivity of the polar caps can be generated with a resolution of about 300 m per pixel.

Gregory A Neumann↗
NASA NTRS2003

Evidence for Buried "Pre-Noachian" Crust Pre-Dating the Oldest Observed Surface Units on Mars

Even though the Early Noachian (EN) used in geologic mapping is undefined at the early end, it is often assumed in absolute chronologies to extend back to 4.6 BYA. We explored this assumption by searching for evidence of buried impact basins, in the largest occurrences of Early Noachian terrain. The hypothesis is that if such basins exist, they indicate crust which must predate the surface units mapped as the oldest on Mars, and those units must then be less than 4.6 BY old. Alternatively, if no such buried features are seen, then the surface units may represent crust of the same age below, which could in principle be as old as Mars. Here we show the former alternative is true. There must be crust older than the oldest mapped surface units. We also show that a number of Noachian terrains on Mars appear to have a common total (visible + buried) crater retention age. This might be either the age of the original (planet-wide?) crust of Mars, or may indicate crater saturation.

Frey, H. V.↗