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At least 1,603 records · Page 89
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NASA NTRS1980

Late Eocene rings around the earth

The suggestion of O'Keefe (1980) that the terminal Eocene event was caused by rings of tektite material encircling the earth is discussed. It is argued that the assumption that the tektites are of lunar volcanic origin is unwarranted and contrary to existing data, including the lack of lunar rocks of suitable composition, the lack of lunar rocks of the correct age, the lack of evidence that the North American tektites fell throughout a sedimentary rock column of a few million years, and the nondetection of a tektite with a measurable cosmic ray exposure age. Alternatively, it is suggested that the terminal Eocene event may be associated with volcanic ash, air-fall tuff and bentonite in the late Eocene. O'Keefe replies that the hypothesis of the terrestrial origin of the tektites conflicts with the laws of physics, for example in the glass structure and shaping of the tektites. Furthermore, evidence is cited for lunar rocks of the proper major-element composition and ages, and it is noted that the proposed solar Poynting-Robertson effect would account for the particle fall distributions and cosmic ray ages.

King, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The satellites of Jupiter; Proceedings of the Fifty-seventh Colloquium, Kailua, Hawaii, May 13-16, 1980

Among the topics covered by the colloquium on the satellites of Jupiter are: the internal energy and thermophysics of the surface of Io, plume volcanism on Io, the photometric variability of Io, the near-surface flow of volcanic gases on Io, and the sodium emission cloud of Io and its north-south asymmetry. Also considered are: the physical processes and origins of Jupiter's ring and its possible effect on the Jovian inner plasmasphere, the composition of such moons of Jupiter as Amalthea, Ganymede, Europa and Callisto and their lithospheric and ice evolutions. Particular attention is given such topographic features as the domes and grooved terrain on Ganymede, water frost and ice, and the photometric properties of these outer satellites of Jupiter.

Burns, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Sessions on remote sensing 1980; Proceedings of the Topical Meeting, Budapest, Hungary, June 2-14, 1980

Studies included in this volume deal with spectral responses for remote sensing of the earth's surface and applications of remote sensing to mineral exploration. Consideration is given to the spectral responses of vegetation, bare land, water, and snow. Papers are presented on spectral reflectance characteristics of agricultural crops and application to crop growth monitoring, detection of volcanic ash coverage from Landsat MSS data, application of multispectral data to the detection of sea surface phenomena, and ore-controlling structures in volcanic regions observed on space images.

Kahle, A. B.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Martian thermal history, core segregation, and tectonics

A series of calculated thermal histories of Mars is presented, and their possible relation to surface tectonic history is discussed. The models include convective heat transport through an empirical approximation, and heating by radioactivity and core segregation. Initial temperature and the timing and duration of core segregation are treated as free parameters. The initial temperature is the main determinant of Martian thermal evolution: as it is varied from 20 to 100% of the present mean temperature, the maximum in surface heat flux moves from very recent to very early in Martian history. For the latter cases, the details of core segregation control the detailed timing of a peak in the thermal flux that exceeded 100 mW/sq m. It is suggested that the early disruption of cratered terrain crust in the northern hemisphere and subsequent volcanic resurfacing may have been related to core segregation. This would be consistent with a scenario in which an early period of core segregation generated a marked peak in the thermal flux that may have led to extensive partial melting and volcanism. This scenario would require Mars to have had an initial mean temperature comparable to the present value.

Davies, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Stratospheric aerosols

The current state of information on stratospheric aerosols is reviewed. Aerosol properties such as size, size distribution, composition, refractive index, number density, extinction, optical depth, and single scattering albedo are considered and generalized as much as possible to be representative of the global aerosol in times of volcanic and nonvolcanic (background) periods. Data are presented that show the global distribution of stratospheric aerosols as measured by the stratospheric aerosol and gas experiment (SAGE) satellite system for background and volcanic (post-Mount St. Helens) conditions. In addition, lidar and dustsonde data are presented that show the changes in stratospheric aerosol over an 8-year period.

Mccormick, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Guidelines for the aerosol climatic effects special study: An element of the NASA climate research program

Research to help develop better understanding of the role of aerosols in the Earth's radiative balance is summarized. Natural volcanic injections of aerosols into the stratosphere to understand and model any resultant evidence of climate change are considered. The approach involves: (1) measurements from aircraft, balloon and ground based platforms which complement and enhance the aerosol information derived from satellite data; (2) development of instruments required for some of these measurements; (3) theoretical and laboratory work to aid in interpreting and utilizing space based and in situ data; and (4) preparation for and execution of concentrated observations of stratospheric aerosols following a future large volcanic eruption.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1982

A primer on sulfur for the planetary geologist

Sulfur has been proposed as the dominant composition for the volcanic material on Io. Sulfur is a complex element which forms many intramolecular and intermolecular allotropes exhibiting a variety of physical properties. Cyclo-S8 sulfur is the most abundant and stable molecular form. The important molecular species within liquid sulfur change in concentration with temperature. Concentrations of the allotropes control the physical properties of the melt. Discontinuities in density, viscosity, and thermal properties reflect the polymerization process within liquid sulfur. Variations in the melting point are related to autodissociation of the liquid. Many solids forms of sulfur have been identified but only orthorhombic alpha and monoclinic beta sulfur, both composed of cyclo-S8 sulfur, are stable under terrestrial conditions. Physical properties of solid sulfur are dependent on the allotrope and, in some cases, the thermal history. Three natural terrestrial sulfur flows are described: (1) Siretoko-Iosan, Japan; (2) Volcan Azufre, Galapagos Islands; and (3) Mauna Loa, Hawaii. All of the flows are associated with fumarolic areas and are considered to have formed by the melting and mobilization of sulfur deposits. Surface textures of the flows indicate a behavior of molten sulfur similar to that of silicate lava. Channels, rivulets, and lobate edges were described for the flows. The solidification of man-made sulfur flows formed as part of the Frasch mining process by which sulfur is removed from the subsurface in a liquid state is described.

Theilig, E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The geology and morphology of Ina

The lunar feature Ina, an unusual D-shaped depression, is located in Lacus Felicitatis north of Mare Vaporum. Attention was drawn to the feature because of its strange 'blistered' appearance. Using detailed topographic data available from the Lunar Topographic Orthophotomap (LTO) series, it is now possible to depict the morphology and structure of Ina and the surrounding region more accurately than was previously feasible. The maps employed in the study are 41C3 and 41C4 at 1:250,000 scale, and 41C3S1 (Ina) at 1:10,000 scale. Attention is given to the regional setting, and the morphologic characteristics and origins of features. It is concluded that Ina is an apparently unique volcanic feature. It rests on a dome displaying evidence of episodic extrusive activity. Its odd D-shape is probably related to a local fracture pattern, since the straight edge is aligned with other small lineaments in the area. Ina's floor exhibits several volcanic units.

Strain, P. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Late-stage summit activity of Martian shield volcanoes

The preservation of morphologically fresh lava flows which pre-date the most recent episodes of caldera collapse at the summits of Ascraeus, Arsia and Olympus Montes indicates that explosive eruptions were not associated with this stage of Tharsis shield volcanism. The existence of resurfaced floor segments, complex wrinkle ridges, and lava terraces within the summit craters suggests that lava lakes comprised the dominant form of the intra-caldera activity. Multiple collapse episodes on Ascraeus and Olympus Montes are indicated by the nested summit craters. The most plausible cause of caldera collapse appears to be large-scale sub-terminal effusive activity, which is corroborated by the previously recognized existence of large lava flows on the flanks of these volcanoes. Due to the implied sequence of large-scale explosive (silicic) volcanism followed by effusive (basaltic) activity, it appears highly unlikely that ignimbrites or other forms of pyroclastic flows (previously proposed as possible deposits within the Olympus Mons aureole material) were ever erupted from the Tharsis Montes.

Mouginis-Mark, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Simulation studies of the physical and chemical processes occurring in the stratospheric clouds of the Mount St. Helens eruptions of May and June 1980

The large and diverse set of observational data collected in the high-altitude clouds of May 18, May 25, and June 13, 1980 was organized and analyzed for trends which reveal the processes at work. The data were used to guide and constrain model simulations of the volcanic eruptions. A comprehensive one-dimensional model of stratospheric sulfate aerosols, sulfur precursor gases, and volcanic ash and dust particles is utilized which accounts for homogeneous and heterogeneous chemistry in the clouds, aerosol nucleation and growth, and cloud expansion. Computational results are given for the time histories of the gaseous species concentrations, sulfate aerosol size dispersions, and ash burdens in the eruption clouds. The long-term buildup of stratospheric aerosols in the Northern Hemisphere and the persistent effects of injected chlorine and water vapor on ozone are discussed. It is concluded that SO2, water vapor, and ash are the most important substances injected by the volcano into the stratosphere, with respect to both the widespread effects on composition and the impact on climate. It is found that the volcano probably had little influence on the climate ( 0.05 K global surface cooling) or on stratospheric ozone ( 0.2 percent maximum hemispherical reduction).

Turco, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Ash loading and insolation at Hanford, Washington during and after the eruption of Mount St. Helens

The effects of volcanic ash suspended in the atmosphere on the incident solar radiation was monitored at the Hanford Meteorological Station (HMS) subsequent to the major eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. Passage of the ash plume over Hanford resulted in a very dramatic decrease of solar radiation intensity to zero. A reduction in visibility to less than 1 km was observed, as great quantities of ash fell out of the plume onto the ground. Ash loading in the atmosphere remained very high for several days following the eruption, primarily as a result of resuspension from the surface. Visibilities remained low (2 to 8 km) during this period. Estimates of atmospheric turbidity were made from the ratio of diffuse-to-direct solar radiation; these turbidities were used to estimate extinction along a horizontal path, a quantity which can be related to visibility. Comparisons of observed and estimated visibilities were very good, in spite of the rather coarse approximations used in the estimates. Atmospheric clarity and visibility improved to near pre-eruption conditions following a period of rain showers. The diffuse-to-direct ratio of solar radiation provided a useful index for estimating volcanic ash loading of the atmosphere.

Laulainen, N. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The intercrater plains of Mercury and the Moon: Their nature, origin and role in terrestrial planet evolution. Chronology of surface history of the Moon

The sequence of events is described that occurred from the time that the ancient lunar crust solidified (about 4.4. billion years ago) and anorthositic high lands dominated the surface, until the global contraction (cooling) that began around 3.3 billion years ago when late stage basalts were emplaced at basin margins where fractures penetrated to subsurface tensional zones. The lunar intercrater plains may be linked with early KREEP volcanism, the LKFM basalt source region, and the first stages of mare volcanism. Ages of KREEP bracket the possible ages of the pre-Imbrian plains, and overlap the initial stages of mare basalt emplacement. Both plains are extruded under the same tensional tectonic regime.

Leake, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Morphology of volcanoes

The effects of chemical composition of the lava, physical processes of volcanic formation, and lava flow lengths on the morphology of Earth volcanoes were investigated. Difficulties in investigating volcanic morphology are discussed.

Schuver, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A simple method to compute the change in earth-atmosphere radiative balance due to a stratospheric aerosol layer

A computer code was developed in terms of a three-layer model for the earth-atmosphere system, using a two-stream approximation for the troposphere and stratosphere. The analysis was limited to variable atmosphere loading by solar radiation over an unperturbed section of the atmosphere. The scattering atmosphere above a Lambertian ground layer was considered in order to derive the planar albedo and the spherical albedo. Attention was given to the influence of the aerosol optical thickness in the stratosphere, the single scattering albedo and asymmetry factor, and the sublayer albedo. Calculations were performed of the zonal albedo and the planetary radiation balance, taking into account a stratospheric aerosol layer containing H2SO4 droplets and volcanic ash. The resulting ground temperature disturbance was computed using a Budyko (1969) climate model. Local decreases in the albedo in the summer were observed in high latitudes, implying a heating effect of the aerosol. An accompanying energy loss of 23-27 W/sq m was projected, which translates to surface temperature decreases of either 1.1 and 0.45 C, respectively, for background and volcanic aerosols.

Lenoble, J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The geology of Io

A preliminary geologic map of 34.8 percent of the surface of Io has been compiled using best-resolution Voyager 1 images. Nine volcanic units are identified, including materials of mountains, plains, flows, cones, and crater vents, in addition to six types of structural features. Photogeologic evidence indicates a dominantly silicate composition for the mountain material. Sulfur flows of diverse viscosity and sulfur-silicate mixtures may compose the extensive plans. Pit-crater and shield-crater vent-wall scarps reach heights of over two km, and layered-plains boundary scarps have estimated heights of 150 to 1700 m, indicating a material with considerable strength. A cumulative size-frequency distribution plot for 170 volcanic craters with diameters over 14 km is similar to the curves for impact craters on other bodies in the solar system, attesting to a similar nonrandom distribution of crater diameters and a surplus of small craters. A total of 151 lineaments and grabens forming two nearly orthogonal sets is recognized.

Schaber, G. G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Clay mineralogy of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary clay

Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary layer clay samples from four localities were subjected to analyses which imply that they are neither mineralogically exotic nor distinct from locally derived clays above and below the boundary. The anomalous iridium-rich ejecta component predicted by the asteroid impact scenario of Alvarez et al (1980) was not detected. It is proposed that volcanic material be considered as an explanation of the geochemical anomalies of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary. A model which involves a period of intense volcanism at the end of the Cretaceous would generate a variety of climatic and biological effects consonant with the geologic history of that period.

Rampino, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Geologic observations of the northern boundary of the Caribbean plate across central America as seen by Seasat and SIR-A

The radar data analyzed here extend from the Amatique Bay (Golfo de Honduras) in the northeast to the Pacific Ocean (Puenta Remedios) in the southwest. Space Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR-A) data-take 18 overlaps the principal part of the Seasat mosaic. SIR-A data make possible more observations over the Central American Cordillera, where strong layover limited the amount of information obtained by Seasat. The radar coverage delineates the principal strike-slip faults of the region (Cuilco-Chixoy-Polochic, Motagua and Jocotan), which have acted as the Caribbean-Americas plate boundary. It also demarcates volcanic terranes related to subduction of the Cocos Plate under the Caribbean Plate. Within pumice fields of the Tertiary volcanic belt, the use of two Seasat look directions (rev 759 and rev 1211), in conjunction with SIR-A data, makes possible some rock discrimination.

Rebillard, P.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens - Physical and chemical processes in the stratospheric clouds

The large and diverse set of observational data collected in the high-altitude plumes of the May 18, May 25, and June 13, 1980 eruptions is organized and analyzed with a view to discerning the processes at work. The data serve to guide and constrain detailed model simulations of the volcanic clouds. For this purpose, use is made of a comprehensive one-dimensional model of stratospheric sulfate aerosols, sulfur precursor gases, and volcanic ash and dust. The model takes into account gas-phase and condensed-phase (heterogeneous) chemistry in the clouds, aerosol nucleation and growth, and cloud expansion. Computational results are presented for the time histories of the gaseous species concentrations, aerosol size distributions, and ash burdens of the eruption clouds. Also investigated are the long-term buildup of stratospheric aerosols in the Northern Hemisphere and the persistent effects of injected chlorine and water vapor on stratospheric ozone. It is concluded that SO2, water vapor, and ash were probably the most important substances injected into the stratosphere by the Mount St. Helens volcano, both with respect to their widespread effects on composition and their effect on climate.

Turco, R. P.↗