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NASA NTRS1981

Landsat observations of Mount St. Helens

The eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, and subsequent destruction of approximately 593 square kilometers (229 square miles) of vegetation, clearly provided a unique opportunity for earth-oriented satellite remote sensing systems. Landsat, a relatively high resolution Multispectral Scanner (MSS) system, imaged Mount St. Helens both before and after its major eruption. Digital data have been used to create a damage assessment map and a change detection image. Several classes of timber damage and land cover modification have been developed. Acreages for each class have been tabulated.

Bohn, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Coronal disturbances and their terrestrial effects /Tutorial Lecture/

An assessment is undertaken of recent approaches to the prediction of the interplanetary consequences of coronal disturbances, with attention to the relationships of shocks and energetic particles to coronal transients, of proton events to gamma-ray and microwave bursts, of geomagnetic storms to filament eruptions, and of solar wind increases to the flare site magnetic field direction. A discussion is given concerning the novel phenomenon of transient coronal holes, which appear astride the long decay enhancements of 2-50 A X-ray emission following H-alpha filament eruptions. These voids in the corona are similar to long-lived coronal holes, which are the sources of high speed solar wind streams. The transient coronal holes may also be associated with transient solar wind speed increases.

Rust, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A white-light /Fe X/H-alpha coronal transient observation to 10 solar radii

Multitelescope observations of the coronal transient of April 15-16, 1980 provide simultaneous data from the Solar Maximum Mission Coronagraph/Polarimeter, the Solwind Coronagraph, and the new Emission line Coronagraph of the Sacramento Peak Observatory. An eruptive prominence-associated white light transient is for the first time seen as an unusual wave or brightening in Fe X 6374 A (but not in Fe XIV 5303 A). Several interpretations of this fleeting enhancement are offered. The prominence shows a slowly increasing acceleration which peaks at the time of the Fe event. The white light loop transient surrounding the prominence expands at a well-documented constant speed to solar radii, with an extrapolated start time at zero height coincident with the surface activity. This loop transient exemplifies those seen above 1.7 solar radii, in that leading the disturbance is a bright N(e)-enhanced) loop rather than a dark one. This is consistent with a report of the behavior of another eruptive event observed by Fisher and Poland (1981) which began as a density depletion in the lower corona, with a bright loop forming at greater altitudes. The top of the bright loop ultimately fades in the outer corona while slow radial growth continues in the legs.

Wagner, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Sighting of El Chichon sulfur dioxide clouds with the Nimbus 7 total ozone mapping spectrometer

The eruptions of El Chichon volcano on March 28 and April 3 and 4, 1982 were observed by the Nimbus 7 total ozone mapping spectrometer due to strong absorption by volcanic gases at the shortest wavelengths of the spectrometer (312.5 and 317.5 nm). These ultraviolet pictures permit a measurement of the volume, dispersion, and drift of volcanic gas clouds. The tropospheric clouds were rapidly dispersed in westerly winds while persistent stratospheric clouds drifted in easterly winds at speeds up to 13 m/sec. The spectral reflectance is consistent with sulfur dioxide absorption and rules out carbon disulfide as a major constituent. A preliminary estimate of the mass of sulfur dioxide deposited in the stratosphere by the large eruptions on April 3 and 4 is 3.3 million tons. Prior estimates of volcanic cloud volume were based on extrapolation of locally measured sulfur dioxide concentrations.

Krueger, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Analysis of Mount St. Helens ash from optical photoelectric photometry

The optical properties of suspended dust particles from the eruption of Mt. St. Helens on July 23, 1980 are investigated using photoelectric observations of standard stars obtained on the 0.76-m telescope at the University of Washington 48 hours after the eruption. Measurements were made with five broad-band filters centered at 3910, 5085, 5480, 6330, and 8050 A on stars of varying color and over a wide range of air masses. Anomalous extinction effects due to the volcanic ash were detected, and a significant change in the wavelength-dependent extinction parameter during the course of the observations was established by statistical analysis. Mean particle size (a) and column density (N) are estimated using the Mie theory, assuming a log-normal particle-size distribution: a = 0.18 micron throughout; N = 1.02 x 10 to the 9th/sq cm before 7:00 UT and 2.33 x 10 to the 9th/sq cm after 8:30 UT on July 25, 1980. The extinction is attributed to low-level, slowly migrating ash, possibly combined with products of gas-to-particle conversion and coagulation.

Cardelli, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Volcanism in Elysium Planitia, Mars

Geomorphic mapping revealed that the three volcanic constructs within Elysium Planitia (Hecates Tholus, elysium Mons and Albor Tholus) are very different in their overall morphology and represent three distinct types of martian volcano. Hecates Tholus was found to possess the most likely possible example of a young, explosively generated, air fall deposit, while the volume of magma erupted from Elysium Mons appears to have been orders of magnitude larger than that erupted from Albor Tholus. A primary aim of the regional geological analysis of Elysium Planitia is to further understand the volcanic and tectonic evolution of the area by the identification and interpretation of individual lava flows and their source vents. Lava flow size, spatial distribution, flow direction and the stratigraphic relationships of these lava flows to adjacent structural features were all measured. The topographic form of Elysium Mons has totally controlled the flow direction of lava flows within Elysium Planitia. Lava flows from Elysium Mons can be traced for distances of 150 to 250 km in a radial direction from the volcano. Parasitic vents located beyond the recognizable volcanic construct also conform to this radial pattern. A second unusual characteristic of the Elysium Planitia region is the high frequency of occurrence of sinuous channels that are morphologically similar to lunar sinuous rilles.

Mouginis-Mark, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The evolution of cataclysmic and low-mass X-ray binaries

The observational data for the 124 cataclysmic and low-mass X-ray binaries of known orbital period are compiled. It is found that the eruption properties are very well correlated with the orbital periods, in a manner that suggests that the mass transfer is the all-important determinant of evolution and of the eruptive behavior. Transfer rates of 10 to the -11th to 10 to the -7th solar mass/year are found, which are well correlated with orbital period. It is concluded that the mechanism which drives these systems is the magnetic braking of the secondary's rotation by its own stellar wind, coupled with the enforcement of synchronous rotation by tidal friction. This permits CVs to lose sufficient angular momentum to begin mass transfer in a reasonable time and drives the mass transfer at a high rate once it begins. An account of the long-lived phases of CV evolution is given.

Patterson, J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Coronal mass ejection recurrence studies indicating global activity and local suppression

The distribution of time intervals between successive coronal mass ejection events observed from the SMM and Skylab coronagraphs has been analyzed. Histograms of such recurrence times show that mass ejections tend to cluster in periods of activity. Evidence is found for simultaneous activity on a global scale. A second result is that, statistically, limb regions within + or - 59 deg position angle of a mass ejection show a marked absence of subsequent observable ejections for approximately 10 h. Flares of importance greater than or equal to 1 show no such deficit; however, large disparitons brusques tend similarly to be suppressed, for 24 h. This result, together with the closer association of mass ejection with eruptive prominences rather than with flares and the realization that eruptive prominences are rarely if ever seen without an accompanying mass ejection, obviates suggestions that magnetohydrodynamic conditions in the outflow following the earlier mass ejection hide subsequent coronal events.

Wagner, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

SAGE and SAM II measurements of global stratospheric aerosol optical depth and mass loading

Several volcanic eruptions between November 1979 and April 1981 have injected material into the stratosphere. The SAGE and SAM II satellite systems have measured, with global coverage, the 1-micron extinction produced by this material, and examples of the data product are shown in the form of global maps of stratospheric optical depth and altitude-latitude plots of zonal mean extinction. These data, and that for the volcanically quiet period in early 1979, have been used to determine the changes in the total stratospheric mass loading. Estimates have also been made of the contribution to the total aerosol mass from each eruption. It has been found that between 1979 and mid-1981, the total stratospheric aerosol mass increased from a background level of approximately 570,000 metric tons to a peak of approximately 1,300,000 metric tons.

Kent, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Emplacement of Long Lava Flows on Mauna Loa (hawaii) and Alba (mars)

Spacecraft images revealed that extremely long lava flows (more than 200 km long) exist on the surface of Mars and Io. Compared to terrestial volcanic eruptions, the occurrence of these long flows is very unusual, and may hint at a different style of either magma production or eruption. Attempts to model the emplacement of the long flows on other planets, using a Bingham rheological model, were only partially successful. The objective is to conduct field measurements on long lava flows in Hawaii (where individual flows such as those of 1859 and 1881 exceed 40 km in length) in order to document and interpret their flow characteristics. In this way, a better understanding of the formation of long lava flows is sought as well as a determination of whether the Mauna Loa flows are terrestrial analogs to the long flows seen on Mars and Io.

Mouginismark, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A Silicic Shield Volcano in Bolivia

Volcan Quemado and its environs provides an excellent site to study the radar signature of a silicic volcanic construct. This feature differs from basaltic terrains primarily by the evidence of explosive eruptions associated with silica-rich magmas. These explosions produced a complex of distinctive craters that are visible on radar because of their steep inner walls and exposed bedrock units. Explosive events also generated surface deposits of fine (1 mm to 10 cm) material that mantles the region around the volcano to a distance of 20 to 30 km from its center. These features are very different from those observed on basaltic flows, which typically lack violet, explosive events. In these terrains, the surface is dominated by radar-rough flows with steep, lobate flow fronts. Craters are less common, although maars are found in some regions. These comparisons suggest that spaceborne radar may be able to distinguish surface characteristics that can be used to identify volcanic eruptive styles on Venus, Mars, and other solar-system bodies.

Christensen, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Hydrovolcanism

Hydrovolcanism is a common phenomena produced by the interaction of magma or magmatic heat with an external source of water, such as a surface body, an aquifer, or a glacier. The effects include hydrofracture of existing rock units in the subsurface and the formation of hyaloclastites in a subaqueous environment. Hydroexplosions originate within a few kilometers of the surface. They may be relatively small, phreatic events or devastating complex blasts. Large-scale experiments determined that the optimal mixing ratio of water to basaltic melt (thermite plus silicates) for efficient conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy is in the range of 0.1 to 0.3. Based on experimental results, eruptions can be classified as dominantly magmatic if the ratio of external water to magma is less than 0.2. Eruptions with water/melt ratios in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 are highly explosive and carry tephra in a hot vapor that contains dominantly superheated (dry) steam.

Sheridan, M. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Energetic protons from a disappearing solar filament

A solar energetic (E 50 MeV) particle (SEP) event observed at 1 AU began about 15000 UT on 1981 December 5. This event was associated with a fast coronal mass ejection observed with the Solwind coronagraph on the P78-1 satellite. No metric type 2 or type 4 burst was observed, but a weak interplanetary type 2 burst was observed with the low frequency radio experiment on the International Sun-Earth Explorer-3 satellite. The mass ejection was associated with the eruption of a large solar quiescent filament which lay well away from any active regions. The eruption resulted in an H alpha double ribbon structure which straddled the magnetic inversion line. No impulsive phase was obvious in either the H alpha or the microwave observations. This event indicates that neither a detectable impulsive phase nor a strong or complex magnetic field is necessary for the production of energetic ions.

Kahler, S. W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Observation of a coronal transient from 1.2 to 6 solar radii

The paper describes in detail the eruptive prominence associated coronal mas ejection of August 5, 1980, as seen in both the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) coronagraph polarimeter and the Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) K coronameter and prominence monitor. This event gives the first detailed look at the propagation of a 'depletion' transient into the outer corona. The event begins in the MLO K coronameter as a rising depletion of material, but appears later in the SMM coronograph as an ordinary coronal mass ejection with a three-part structure: a bright core within a dark lunette surrounded by a bright featureles 'loop'. A joint time-height plot of the major structures of the eruption seen by both instruments suggests that the three-part structure in the outer corona can be associated with features in the low corona (prominence, prominence cavity, outer bright front). It is argued from its observed mass that the leading loop in the SMM field of view is probably material that was in the background corona before the event. It is suggested that this material has been displaced and set into motion by the rising 'cavity.'

Illing, R. M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Sulfur flows of Ra Patera, Io

Voyager 1 imaging data have been used to investigate the color and morphology of several radial flow-like features at Ra Patera, a broad volcanic structure at approximately 8 deg latitude and 325 deg longitude on the Galilean satellite Io. It was found that downstream progressions of flow color and morphology are consistent with lava of a predominately sulfur composition cooling radiatively and erupting in the range of 470 to 520 K at effusion rates at 10 to the 10th to 10 to the 11th cubic cm/sec. This implies global resurfacing rates by volcanic flows on Io of the order of 1 cm/year. Calculated energy content and effusion rates for flows at Ra Patera, using the physical parameters of sulfur, are of the order of the largest known terrestrial basaltic eruptions and are consistent with calculations of globally available energy.

Pieri, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The sun and nearby stars - Microwave observations at high resolution

High-resolution microwave observations are providing new insights into the nature of active regions and eruptions on the sun and nearby stars. The strength, evolution, and structure of magnetic fields in coronal loops can be determined by multiple-wavelength observations with the Very Large Array. Flare models ccan be tested with Very Large Array snapshot maps, which have angular resolutions of better than 1 second of arc in time periods as short as 10 seconds. Magnetic changes that precede solar eruptions on time scales of tens of minutes involve primarily emerging coronal loops and the interactions of two or more loops. Magnetic reconnection at the interface of two closed loops may accelerate electrons and trigger the release of microwave energy in the coronal parts of the magnetic loops. Nearby main-sequence stars of late spectral type emit slowly varying microwave radiation and stellar microwave bursts that show striking similarities to those of the sun.

Kundu, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Observation of El Chichon volcanic aerosols by the solar backscattered ultraviolet (SBUV) experiment

The Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet Experiment (SBUV) aboard the Nimbus-7 satellite identified large amounts of SO2 in the tropical stratosphere on April 15, 1982, 11 days after major eruption of the El Chichon volcano in southern Mexico. It is shown in the present study that the backscattered ultraviolet radiances measured by the SBUV experiment have been strongly affected by the presence of stratospheric volcanic cloud from the El Chichon eruptions. Both SO2 and aerosol amounts present in the volcanic cloud have been mapped on the basis of an analysis of the radiances measured by the SBUV and TOMS (Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer) experiments. It is estimated that a volcanic cloud of optical depths as small as 0.03 can be detected using SBUV, provided the cloud reaches the middle atmosphere. Lower-altitude clouds have progressively smaller effects on the radiances as well as on the ozone profile derived from them and are therefore harder to detect.

Bhartia, P. K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Rhyolitic components of the Michipicoten greenstone belt, Ontario: Evidence for late Archaen intracontinental rifts or convergent plate margins in the Canadian Shield?

Rhyolitic rocks often are the dominant felsic end member of the biomodal volcanic suites that characterize many late Archean greenstone belts of the Canadian Shield. The rhyolites primarily are pyroclastic flows (ash flow tuffs) emplaced following plinian eruptions, although deposits formed by laval flows and phreatomagmatic eruptions also are presented. Based both on measured tectono-stratigraphic sections and provenance studies of greenstone belt sedimentary sequences, the rhyolites are believed to have been equal in abundance to associated basaltic rocks. In many recent discussions of the tectonic setting of late Archean Canadian greenstone belts, rhyolites have been interpreted as products of intracontinental rifting . A study of the tectono-stratigraphic relationships, rock associations and chemical characteristics of the particularly ell-exposed late Archean rhyolites of the Michipicoten greenstone belt, suggests that convergent plate margin models are more appropriate.

Sylvester, P. J.↗