Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “geologic mapping”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 775 records · Page 43
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Geophysical Methods: an Overview

Geophysics is expected to have a major role in lunar resource assessment when manned systems return to the Moon. Geophysical measurements made from a lunar rover will contribute to a number of key studies: estimating regolith thickness, detection of possible large-diameter lava tubes within maria basalts, detection of possible subsurface ice in polar regions, detection of conductive minerals that formed directly from a melt (orthomagmatic sulfides of Cu, Ni, Co), and mapping lunar geology beneath the regolith. The techniques that can be used are dictated both by objectives and by our abilities to adapt current technology to lunar conditions. Instrument size, weight, power requirements, and freedom from orientation errors are factors we have considered. Among the geophysical methods we believe to be appropriate for a lunar resource assessment are magnetics, including gradiometry, time-domain magnetic induction, ground-penetrating radar, seismic reflection, and gravimetry.

Becker, A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of near-surface flows over the Martian north polar cap

Measurements made by Viking Lander VL-2 (48 N) have shown that the near-surface wind and temperature regime on Mars displays striking similarities to terrestrial counterparts. The diurnal radiative cycle is responsible for establishment of a well-defined thermal circulation in which downslope (Katabatic) flows prevail during the nighttime hours and weak upslope (anabatic) conditions prevail during the daytime. Previous work has indicated that the slope flows are much like those found on Earth, particularly the Katabatic winds, which show striking similarities to drainage flows observed over Antarctica. The low-level wind regime appears to be an important factor in the scouring of the martian landscape. The north polar cap shows evidence of eolian features such as dunes, frost streaks, and grooves from Viking imagery. The direction of the prevailing wind can in cases be inferred from the eolian features. We examine the thermally induced flows that result from the radiative heating and cooling of the martian north polar region using a comprehensive three-dimensional atmospheric mesoscale numerical model. The same model has been used previously for simulation of Antarctic Katabatic winds. The model equations are written in terrain-following coordinates to allow for irregular terrain; prognostic equations include the flux forms of the horizontal momentum equations, temperature, continuity. A surface energy budget equation is also incorporated in which the surface temperature is determined. Explicit parameterization of both terrestrial (longwave) and solar (shortwave) radiation is included. Turbulent transfer of heat and momentum in the martian atmosphere is assumed to follow the similarity expressions in the surface boundary layer on Earth. The terrain heights for the martian north polar region have been obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey map and digitized onto a 57x57 grid with a spacing of 75 km. The resulting terrain map is shown in Fig. 1. The vertical grid consists of 15 levels (delta equals 0.998, 0.99, 0.98, 0.97, 0.96, 0.94, 0.92, 0.90, 0.85, 0.775, 0.70, 0.60, 0.50, 0.30, 0.10). The high resolution in the lower atmosphere is necessary to capture details of the boundary layer flows. The lowest level corresponds to a height of approximately 20 m above the ground, the seconds level 100 m.

Parish, Thomas R.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Gulf offshore satellite applications project (GOSAP) (ERS-1 Pilot Project PP-USA-1)

Project GOSAP is a multi organizational effort to determine how best to use remote sensing technology, and ERS-1 data in particular, to address offshore problems and operations faced by the exploration and marine engineering industries, in the Gulf of Mexico. Remotely sensed data integrated with sea truth are used to quantify meteorologic and oceanographic events, to detect and track ocean currents and gyres, to image the sea floor, map subsurface geology, or detect oil seeps from orbital altitudes. Participants are evaluating the potential for satellite based offshore exploration, ocean engineering, and environmental applications using combined satellite and airborne measurements constrained by real time sea truth.

Biegert, E. K.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Tectonic Implications of Mars Crustal Magnetism

Introduction: The Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft has completed three Mars years in nearly circular polar orbit at a nominal altitude of 400 km. The Mars crust is at least an order of magnitude more intensely magnetized than that of the Earth [1], and intriuging in both its global distribution and geometric properties [2,3,4,5]. We present here a new map of the magnetic field with an order of magnitude increased sensitivity to crustal magnetization. The map is assembled from > 2 full years of MGS night-side observations. The increased sensitivity and spatial resolution afforded by this new map invites geologic interpretation akin to that here-to-for reserved for aeromagnetic and ship surveys on Earth.

Connerney, J. E. P.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Further Geophysical Studies of the Haughton Impact Structure

The approximately 23 Ma Haughton impact structure, located at 75 deg 23 min N, 89 deg 39 min W in the Canadian Arctic, on Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada is a well-preserved impact structure with an original rim diameter estimated at about 23 - 24 km. Past studies, in the 1980s, did an initial survey of the Haughton structure, looking at its surface units, exposures, map surface geology, topographic and initial surveys of gravity and magnetic fields in profiles across the impact structure. A topological outer ring and the lack of a well-defined central peak was cited as evidence that Haughton was a multi-ring structure. However other authors consider it more likely that the Haughton structure is a central-peak basin with simply a limited extent, and/or full peak features having been removed through glaciations and subsequent years. The impact structure is located in approximately 2 km thickness of carbonate material on top of a gneissic basement. The impact structure itself can be described in terms of uplifted and moved blocks of altered gneissic and carbonate material with areas in the center of the crater covered with impact carbonate melts and/or reworked impact breccias. Additional information is included in the original extended abstract.

Glass, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Coronae at Large Topographic Rises on Venus

Large topographic rises on Venus have previously been classified as volcano-dominated, rift-dominated and corona-dominated.

Coronae Topographic Venus corona-dominated rises T↗
DOE OSTI2024

Low-Temperature Geothermal Play Fairway Analysis for the Denver Basin: Preprint

This project is part of a national initiative to showcase the benefits of incorporating low-temperature geothermal resource assessment into the deployment of geothermal heating and cooling (GHC), combined heat and power (CHP), and geothermal direct use (GDU) technologies. The initiative was established to accelerate the country's decarbonization efforts by identifying potential for low-temperature geothermal resource utilization (< 150 Degrees Celsius, i.e., GHC, CHP, and GDU) in selected sedimentary basins with numerous population centers. The Play Fairway Analysis (PFA) methodologies in this study were adapted from previous PFA investigations of sedimentary basin geothermal play types (SBGPTs) that evaluated the potential for low-temperature resources (< 150 Degrees Celsius). Workflows, relevant datasets, python code, common and composite geological criteria maps are utilized to develop low-temperature geothermal resource favorability maps for the Denver Basin, a sedimentary basin spanning Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. The replication of these methodologies in other SBGPTs can evaluate potential for low-temperature resources. To facilitate future assessment of low-temperature geothermal resources in SBGPTs, this project provides PFA workflows, data, tools, and favorability maps that will ultimately support the utilization of low-temperature geothermal resources in sedimentary basins.

Denver Basin↗
DOE OSTI2025

Low-Temperature Geothermal Play Fairway Analysis for the Denver Basin

This project is part of a national initiative to showcase the benefits of incorporating low-temperature geothermal resource assessment into the deployment of geothermal heating, combined heat and power (CHP), and geothermal direct-use (GDU) technologies. The initiative was established to accelerate the country's decarbonization efforts by identifying potential for low-temperature geothermal resource utilization (<150 degrees C, e.g., CHP and GDU) in selected sedimentary basins with numerous population centers. The play fairway analysis (PFA) methodologies in this study were adapted from previous PFA investigations of sedimentary basin geothermal play types (SBGPTs) that evaluated the potential for low-temperature resources (<150 degrees C). Workflows, relevant datasets, a new Python library, and common and composite geological criteria maps are utilized to develop low-temperature geothermal resource favorability maps for the Denver Basin, a sedimentary basin spanning Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. The replication of these methodologies in other SBGPTs can evaluate potential for low-temperature resources. To facilitate future assessment of low-temperature geothermal resources in SBGPTs, this project provides PFA workflows, data, tools, and favorability maps that will ultimately support the utilization of low-temperature geothermal resources in sedimentary basins.

combined heat and power↗
NASA NTRS1975

Arizona land use experiment

Utilization of new sources of statewide remote sensing data, taken from high-altitude aircraft and from spacecraft is discussed along with incorporation of information extracted from these sources into on-going land and resources management programs in Arizona. Statewide cartographic applications of remote sensor data taken by NASA high-altitude aircraft include the development of a statewide semi-analytic control network, the production of nearly 1900 orthophotoquads (image maps) that are coincident in scale and area with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7. 5 minute topographic quadrangle map series, and satellite image maps of Arizona produced from LANDSAt multispectral scanner imagery. These cartographic products are utilized for a wide variety of experimental and operational earth resources applications. Applications of the imagery, image maps, and derived information discussed include: soils and geologic mapping projects, water resources investigations, land use inventories, environmental impact studies, highway route locations and mapping, vegetation cover mapping, wildlife habitat studies, power plant siting studies, statewide delineation of irrigation cropland, position determination of drilling sites, pictorial geographic bases for thematic mapping, and court exhibits.

Winikka, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Shuttle Imaging Radar - Geologic applications

The Space Shuttle, on its second flight (November 12, 1981), carried the first science and applications payload which provided an early demonstration of Shuttle's research capabilities. One of the experiments, the Shuttle Imaging Radar-A (SIR-A), had as a prime objective to evaluate the capability of spaceborne imaging radars as a tool for geologic exploration. The results of the experiment will help determine the value of using the combination of space radar and Landsat imagery for improved geologic analysis and mapping. Preliminary analysis of the Shuttle radar imagery with Seasat and Landsat imagery from similar areas provides evidence that spaceborne radars can significantly complement Landsat interpretation, and vastly improve geologic reconnaissance mapping in those areas of the world that are relatively unmapped because of perpetual cloud cover.

Macdonald, H.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Applicability of ERTS-1 to Montana geology

The author has identified the following significant results. A detailed band 7 ERTS-1 lineament map covering western Montana and northern Idaho has been prepared and is being evaluated by direct comparison with geologic maps, by statistical plots of lineaments and known faults, and by field checking. Lineament patterns apparent in the Idaho and Boulder batholiths do not correspond to any known geologic structures. A band 5 mosaic of Montana and adjacent areas has been laid and a lineament annotation prepared for comparison with the band 7 map. All work to date indicates that ERTS-1 imagery is very useful for revealing patterns of high-angle faults, though much less useful for mapping rock units and patterns of low-angle faults. Large-scale mosaics of U-2 photographs of three test sites have been prepared for annotation and comparison with ERTS-1 maps. Mapping of Quaternary deposits in the Glacial Lake Missoula basin using U-2 color infrared transparencies has been successful resulting in the discovery of some deposits not previously mapped. Detailed work has been done for Test Site 354 D using ERTS-1 imagery; criteria for recognition of several rock types have been found. Photogeologic mapping for southeastern Montana suggest Wasatch deposits where none shown of geologic map.

Weidman, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Thematic mapper data analysis

The geological applications of remote sensing technology are discussed, with emphasis given to the analysis of data from the Thematic Mapper (TM) instrument onboard the Landsat 4 satellite. The flight history and design characteristics of the Landsat 4/TM are reviewed, and some difficulties endountered in the interpretation of raw TM data are discussed, including: the volume of data; residual noise; detector-to-detector striping; and spatial misregistration between measurements. Preliminary results of several geological, lithological, geobotanical mapping experiments are presented as examples of the geological applications of the TM, and some areas for improving the guality of TM imagery are identified.

Settle, M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The geology of Europa

The map units and lineations of Europa are detailed, and the geologic processes, and history, and thick and thin ice models of the satellite are discussed. It is concluded that Europa lacks evidence of a horizontally stratified crust; the geology appears characterized by disruption of the crust and intrusions into an icy shell. The surface consists of plains and mottled terrain, the former being older. Numerous straight and curved lineations, streaks, stripes, and bands cross EuropA's surface on a global and surface scale. Most lineations appear related to fractures in the crust. Five fresh craters in the 10 to 30 km diameter range are visible. The dark spots, stripes, and bands that appear to have replaced sections of the crust suggest that material was transported to the surface from the subjacent silicate lithosphere. The apparent low density of craters superposed on Europa's surface suggests that the surface is about 100 million years old.

Lucchitta, B. K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Regional inventories and mapping of land resources and environmental geology using remotely sensed data

Black-and-white stereoscopic aerial photographs at a scale of 1:20,000, 1:40,000, and 1:65,000 and controlled aerial photo mosaics at a scale of 1:24,000 were the basic data utilized for most mapping. Color and color infrared aerial photography (1:20,000) was employed to man the barrier islands, and color infrared photography (1:120,000) was used to map sand and mud units of the coastal plain north of Houston. LANDSAT-1 imagery in Bands 4, 5, and 7 (1:250,000) was utilized to examine land use and certain resource units statewide. Side scanning radar and LANDSAT imagery were studied experimentally toward mapping land suitability units in carbonate terranes with high relief and certain other terranes. Large-scale color and color infrared aerial stereoscopic photographs supply the most information for regional mapping. black-and-white photography is the most practical data for mapping because of scale, complete coverage, availability, and relatively low cost.

Wermund, E. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Tectonic evaluation of the Nubian shield of Northeastern Sudan using thematic mapper imagery

Bechtel is nearing completion of a one-year program that uses digitally enhanced LANDSAT Thematic Mapper (TM) data to compile the first comprehensive regional tectonic map of the Proterozoic Nubian Shield exposed in the northern Red Sea Hills of northeastern Sudan. The status of significant objectives of this study are given. Pertinent published and unpublished geologic literature and maps of the northern Red Sea Hills to establish the geologic framework of the region were reviewed. Thematic mapper imagery for optimal base-map enhancements was processed. Photo mosaics of enhanced images to serve as base maps for compilation of geologic information were completed. Interpretation of TM imagery to define and delineate structural and lithogologic provinces was completed. Geologic information (petrologic, and radiometric data) was compiled from the literature review onto base-map overlays. Evaluation of the tectonic evolution of the Nubian Shield based on the image interpretation and the compiled tectonic maps is continuing.

Source record↗