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At least 667 records · Page 37

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NASA NTRS1973

An interpretation of a geologic map of Fannin County, Texas, prepared by ADP techniques from ERTS MSS data

Multispectral scanner data, collected by ERTS-1 from an area in northeast Texas underlain by structurally simple cretaceous sedimentary rocks, were analyzed using several automatic data processing techniques. Training areas for the computer analysis were selected in three ways using: (1) an unsupervised classifier, (2) the unsupervised classifier to further refine training areas, and (3) available ground information. The first two methods utilize the capability of the unsupervised classifier to the unsupervised classifier to group resolution elements with similar spectral properties. With the imagery produced by these procedures, several geologic features can be identified. The most easily recognizable features are streams and other water bodies. The approximate location of contacts between several rock units can be mapped.

Henderson, J. A., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1971

The geologic evolution of the moon

A synthesis of pre- and post-Apollo 11 studies is presented to produce an outline of the moon's geologic evolution from three lines of evidence: (1) relative ages of lunar landforms and rock types, (2) absolute ages of returned lunar samples, and (3) petrography, chemistry, and isotopic ratios of lunar rocks and soils. It is assumed that the ray craters, circular mare basins, and most intermediate circular landforms are primarily of impact origin, although many other landforms are volcanic or of hybrid origin. The moon's evolution is divided into four main stages, each including several distinct but overlapping events or processes.

Lowman, P. D., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Evaluation of the potentials of the ERTS techniques for geological mapping purposes

The author has identified the following significant results. Preliminary analysis of the full frame images shows the following: (1) The techniques employed were found suitable for study purposes. (2) The positional accuracy of the system corrected bulk processed MSS images is about 100-400 m. (3) Drainage is well depicted and morphotectonic features could be recognized. (4) Water bodies are clearly shown in MSS band 7. (5) Major roads, railway lines, and large towns are more or less detectable on bands 6 and 7. (6) Vegetation and agricultural areas are recognizable at many places. (7) Major rock formation boundaries, in general, are more or less clear. (8) Some of the structural trends including folded and linear structural elements are clear. (9) MSS bands 5 and 7 appear to be most useful for visual analysis. (10) Quick look analysis suggests that regional geological mapping on ERTS-1 imagery of the study area will be probably quite feasible. However, detailed analysis, visual and quantitative, on subframes, which is under progress may render more significant results.

Mohr, H. E. C. V.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Satellite geological and geophysical remote sensing of Iceland

The author has identified the following significant results. A low sun angle (as low as 7 degrees) on ERTS-1 imagery, particularly when the terrain is snow-covered, markedly enhances subtle geologic structure and landforms. Hot springs, discharging into frozen lakes, from an ice-free area which can be easily seen on ERTS-1 imagery. In remote areas ERTS-1 imagery can be used in climatological studies by using the time of lake ice freeze-up and break-up as a measure over large areas. ERTS-1 imagery of the erupting volcano, Kirkjufell, on the island of Heimaey was cloud covered. ERTS-1 provides a powerful new tool for volcanologists to study erupting volcanoes, new deposits of lava, and the direction and areal distribution of the eruption plume. Some success was achieved in a preliminary study, using photogrammetric instrumentation, of measuring relative elevation of mountains using ERTS-1 imagery of iceland, where considerable overlap exists in successive orbits.

Williams, R. S., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Recognition of the geologic framework of porphyry deposits on ERTS-1 imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Photointerpretation methods have been most successfully applied in the less vegetated test sites where several previously unknown geologic features have been recognized and known ones extended. Northwest mid-Tertiary faults in the ELY, Nevada area are observed to offset north-trending ranges and abruptly terminate older Mesozoic structures. In the Ray, Arizona area the observed patterns of fault and fracture systems appear to be related to the locations of known porphyry copper deposits. In the Tanacross, Alaska area a number of regional circular features observed may represent near surface intrusions and, therefore, permissive environments for copper porphyries.

Wilson, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Geology of Utah and Nevada by ERTS-1 imagery

Repetitive ERTS-1 imagery covering Utah and Nevada is studied as an aid in structural geology, mineral exploration, and limnological and hydrological aspects. Limnological features of algal blooms and varying biological activities in Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake are grossly evident on the imagery with more subtle details detected on the different bands. Major structural breaks, lineages, or trends are abundant throughout the area of study. The correlation of positive aeromagnetic anomalies with the trends suggests near surface intrusive bodies, not yet exposed at the surface, that can be tested for possible associated mineralization by collecting soil-gas at the surface which is analyzed for mercury that is (1) apparently associated with mineralization, (2) escapes as a vapor, and (3) can be readily measured in extremely low amounts of less than 1 ppb by absorption.

Jensen, M. L.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Satellite geological and geophysical remote sensing of Iceland: Preliminary results from analysis of MSS imagery

A binational, multidisciplinary research effort in Iceland is directed at an analysis of MSS imagery from ERTS-1 to study a variety of geologic, hydrologic, oceanographic, and agricultural phenomena. A preliminary evaluation of available MSS imagery of Iceland has yielded several significant results - some of which may have direct importance to the Icelandic economy. Initial findings can be summarized as follows: (1) recent lava flows can be delineated from older flows at Askja and Hekla; (2) MSS imagery from ERTS-1 and VHRR visible and infrared imagery from NOAA-2 recorded the vocanic eruption on Heimaey, Vestmann Islands; (3) coastline changes, particularly changes in the position of bars and beaches along the south coast are mappable; and (4) areas covered with new and residual snow can be mapped, and the appearance of newly fallen snow on ERTS-1, MSS band 7 appears dark where it is melting. ERTS-1 imagery provides a means of updating various types of maps of Iceland and will permit the compilation of special maps specifically aimed at those dynamic environmental phenomena which impact on the Icelandic economy.

Williams, R. S., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Structural geologic analysis of Nevada using ERTS-1 images: A preliminary report

Structural analysis of Nevada using ERTS-1 images showns several previously unrecognized lineaments which may be the surface manifestations of major fault or fracture zones. Principle trends are NE, NW, NNE-NNW, and ENE. Two lineament zones, the Walker Lane and Midas Trench lineament system, transect the predominantly NNE-NNW trending mountain ranges for more than 500 km. 50 circular features have been delineated. Comparison with known Tertiary volcanic centers and reference to geologic maps suggest 8 new centers. Preferred distribution of mines and Tertiary volcanic centers along some of the major lineament suggests a genetic relationship. The intersection of three previously unmapped lineaments in northwestern Nevada is the location of a highly productive metallogenic district. In the Walker Lane, ENE-trending lineament appear to be related to the occurrence of productive ore deposits.

Rowan, L. C.↗

NASA NTRS1973

First ERTS-1 results in southeastern France: Geology, sedimentology, pollution at sea

Results obtained by four ERTS projects in southeastern France are summarized. With regard to geology, ERTS photos of Western Alps are very useful for tectonic interpretation because large features are clearly visible on these photographs even though they are often hidden by small complicated structures if studied on large scale documents. The 18-day repetition coverage was not obtained, and time-varying sedimentological surveys were impossible. Nevertheless, it was possible to delineate the variations of the shorelines in the Rhone Delta for a period covering the least 8,000 years. Some instances of industries discharging pollutant products at sea were detected, as well as very large anomalies of unknown origin. Some examples of coherent optical processing have been made in order to bring out tectonic features in the Alps mountains.

Fontanel, A.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Preliminary Geologic Application of ERTS-1 Imagery in Alaska

The geologic application of ERTS-1 imagery in Alaska is discussed. The results of the investigation are relevant to the three national problems of: (1) identifying minable minerals, (2) accelerating the finding and development of sources of petroleum and gas, and (3) the need to preserve the environment. The use of ERTS-1 imagery in developing a netallogenetic map of Alaska is described. Illustrations of the accomplishments produced by ERTS-1 data are provided.

Lathram, E. H.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Mineral resources, geologic structure, and landform surveys

The use of ERTS-1 imagery for mineral resources, geologic structure, and landform surveys is discussed. Four categories of ERTS imagery application are defined and explained. The types of information obtained by the various multispectral band scanners are analyzed. Samples of land use maps and tectoning and metallogenic models are developed. It is stated that the most striking features visible on ERTS imagery are regional lineaments, or linear patterns in the topography, which reflect major fracture zones extending upward from the basement of the earth.

Lattman, L. H.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Mineral Resources, Geological Structure and Landform Surveys

Significant results are presented of ERTS-1 investigations of landform surveys, mineral resources, and geological structures. The report covers four areas: (1) mapping investigations; (2) dynamic surface processes and landforms; (3) structural elements; and (4) mineral deposits.

Short, M. N.↗

NASA NTRS1973

ERTS-1 data as a teaching and research tool in the Department of Geology

The author has identified the following significant results. During the sixth bi-monthly period, a mosaic was constructed in MSS band 6 of the southeastern one-half of Alaska. A mosaic of the whole state awaits additional coverage to fill in some gaps. In addition, new material is being monitored as it arrived at the Geophysical Institute and from the NASA Indices for inclusion into the departmental collections. No geology courses are being taught during the summer.

Grybeck, D.↗

NASA NTRS1972

The geologic setting of the Luna 20 site.

Based on a study of the oblique portion of Apollo 16 panoramic photographs, a descriptions is presented of the geologic setting of the Soviet Luna 20 landing site. The complexly faulted terrain at this site has probably been involved in many generations of shattering and uplift produced by impacts which formed the large basin ring structures. Preliminary analysis of samples and photography indicates some similarities between the Luna 20 and Apollo 16 landing sites.

Heiken, G.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Geological framework of the south polar region of Mars.

The first 4 months of Mariner 9 photography of the south polar region are discussed. Three major geological units have been recognized, separated by erosional unconformities. From oldest to youngest they are: cratered terrain, pitted plains, and laminated terrain. The latter unit is unique in occurrence to the polar region, volatiles are probably involved in its origin, and may still be present within the laminated terrain as layered ice. The residual south polar cap has been observed to survive the disappearance of the thin annual CO2 frost deposit and to last virtually unchanged in outline through the southern summer. That exposed deposit is inferred to be composed of water-ice. The residual cap appears to lie at the apex of an unusual quasi-circular structure composed of laminated terrain; a similar structure also appears to exist near the north pole.

Murray, B. C.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Geology of the Apollo 14 landing site.

Apollo 14 landed in the Fra Mauro region of the moon, within about 1,100 m of a 90 m high ridge of the Fra Mauro formation, interpreted as being ejecta from the Imbrium Basin. The primary geologic objective of the mission was to sample ejecta from Cone Crater, which is 340 m in diameter and penetrates at least 60 m into the ridge. Data from the mission strongly support the Imbrian ejecta origin for the Fra Mauro formation. Returned samples and photographs show that ejecta from Cone Crater is composed of composite breccias that include multiple clasts of still older, pre-Imbrian, breccias. Cone Crater ejecta displays a wide range of thermal metamorphism effects. Samples from the valley where the Lunar Module landed, which was not on a recognizable ray of ejecta from Cone Crater, are predominantly fines and poorly consolidated breccias formed by the disintegration of Fra Mauro rocks and probably are not volcanic rocks as had been postulated before the mission.

Sutton, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1973

An overview of geological results from Mariner 9.

Summary of Mariner 9 mission operations associated with the acquisition of geological data. Selected results are presented, along with hypotheses inferred from preliminary evidence. These hypotheses are included in order to call attention to areas in which potentially valuable work can be performed.

Masursky, H.↗

NASA NTRS1973

A generalized geologic map of Mars.

A geologic map of Mars has been constructed largely on the basis of photographic evidence. Four classes of units are recognized: (1) primitive cratered terrain, (2) sparsely cratered volcanic eolian plains, (3) circular radially symmetric volcanic constructs such as shield volcanoes, domes, and craters, and (4) tectonic erosional units such as chaotic and channel deposits. Grabens are the main structural features; compressional and strike slip features are almost completely absent. Most grabens are part of a set radial to the main volcanic area, Tharsis.

Carr, M. H.↗