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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.

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At least 181 records · Page 10

The blue-to-green reflectance ratio and lake water quality

Correlations between the relative values of the blue and green reflectances of a lake and water quality indices, such as depth of photic zone, Secchi disk transparency, attenuation coefficient, and chlorophyll concentration, have been observed during an intensive satellite, aircraft, and surface vessel study of Lake Ontario and Conesus Lake. Determinations of blue and green reflectances from Skylab S190A color imagery are in excellent agreement with values obtained from small-scale color imagery from aircraft. Further, the accuracy of the satellite data appears within that required for extrapolation to the water quality indices. The study has also determined that changes in chlorophyll, lignin, and humic acid concentration can be discriminated by the behavior of the blue-to-green reflectance ratio and the reflectances of the green and red bands.

Piech, K. R.↗

Rocket observations of solar radiation during the eclipse of 26 February 1979

Three Nike Tomahawk rockets were launched in Red Lake, Ontario, one previous to, and two during, the total eclipse of the Sun, for the purpose of studying the atmosphere and its interaction with solar radiation. The method and preliminary results of three experiments that were used to measure solar radiation in the X-ray, Lyman-alpha, and visible parts of the spectrum are described. The instrumentation designed for this investigation is discussed as well as post-flight data processing techniques. The retrieved data were processed to some extent to verify that a valid representation of the solar radiation was obtained. The Lyman-alpha experiment yielded very good results, and preliminary data are included. The visible radiation experiment served as support for the other experiments and also functioned well. Due to a high level of energetic particles during the eclipse, the X-ray data were contaminated and are not presented. However, satellite observations indicate no appreciable level of X-rays from the Sun during the time of the eclipse.

Bliss, H. M.↗

Coordinated aircraft and ship surveys for determining impact of river inputs on great lakes waters. Remote sensing results

The remote sensing results of aircraft and ship surveys for determining the impact of river effluents on Great Lakes waters are presented. Aircraft multi-spectral scanner data were acquired throughout the spring and early summer of 1976 at five locations: the West Basin of Lake Erie, Genesee River - Lake Ontario, Menomonee River - Lake Michigan, Grand River - Lake Michigan, and Nemadji River - Lake Superior. Multispectral scanner data and ship surface sample data are correlated resulting in 40 contour plots showing large-scale distributions of parameters such as total suspended solids, turbidity, Secchi depth, nutrients, salts, and dissolved oxygen. The imagery and data analysis are used to determine the transport and dispersion of materials from the river discharges, especially during spring runoff events, and to evaluate the relative effects of river input, resuspension, and shore erosion. Twenty-five LANDSAT satellite images of the study sites are also included in the analysis. Examples of the use of remote sensing data in quantitatively estimating total particulate loading in determining water types, in assessing transport across international boundaries, and in supporting numerical current modeling are included. The importance of coordination of aircraft and ship lake surveys is discussed, including the use of telefacsimile for the transmission of imagery.

Raquet, C. A.↗

Geodetic long baseline interferometry research in Canada

The objectives and results of several studies using the Canadian long baseline interferometry system (LBI) are presented. The precision of measurements from radio telescopes at the Algonquin Radio Observatory (ARO), Lake Traverse, Ontario; the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO), Big Pine, California; and the Chilbolton Observatory (CHIL), Chilbolton, England, is discussed. Also, since LBI is insensitive to the uncertainty in the geocentric gravitational constant, it is a very useful technique for determining the scales of the coordinate systems used by other precise techniques. Beginning in May 1977, a number of LBI observing sessions were accompanied by simultaneous satellite Doppler observations. The baseline components obtained from the satellite Doppler observations were compared to the LBI values. The weighted mean scale bias of the NSWC 9Z-2 satellite Doppler coordinate system relative to the LBI system was found to be 0.42 + or - 0.05 PPM. The weighted mean difference in the origin of longitude was found to be 0.87 sec + or - 0.01 while the difference in declination origin was found to be 0.06 sec + or - 0.01.

Langley, R. B.↗

Meteoritic material at four Canadian impact craters

Eleven impact melt and six basement rock samples from four craters were analyzed by neutron activation for Au, Co, Cr, Fe, Ge, Ir, Ni, Os, Pd, Re and Se. Wanapitei Lake, Ontario: the impact melts show uniform enrichments corresponding to 1-2% C1-chondrite material. Interelement ratios (Co/Cr, Ni/Cr, Ni/Ir) suggest that the impacting body was a C1-, C2-, or LL-chondrite. Nicholson Lake, North West Territory: Ni, Cr and Co are distinctly more enriched than Ir and Au which tentatively suggests an olivine-rich achondrite (nakhlite or ureilite). Gow Lake, Saskatchewan and Mistastin, Labrador: small enrichments in Ir and Ni; both the low Ir/Ni ratios and low Cr content suggest iron meteorites, but the signals are too weak for conclusive identification. A tentative comparison of meteoritic signatures at 10 large, greater than or equal to 4 km craters and their presumed celestial counterparts (13 Apollo and Amor asteroids) shows more irons and achondrites among known projectile types, and a preponderance of S-type objects, having no known meteoritic equivalent, among asteroids. It is not yet clear that these differences are significant, in view of the tentative nature of the crater identifications and the limited statistics.

Wolf, R.↗

Identification of the projectile at the Brent crater, and further considerations of projectile types at terrestrial craters

An analysis of impact melt samples from a drill hole at the Brent crater in Ontario for siderophile trace elements indicative of meteoritic contamination, has resulted in 823-857 m-deep basalt melt zone samples enriched in Ir, Os, Pd, Ni, Co, Cr and Se over basement. The abundance pattern suggests a chondritic projectile and, from a Ni-Cr correlation of 10 melt samples, an L or LL chondrite is inferred. Data from the Manicouagan, Mitastin, and Zhamanshin craters are also assessed, and large differences in siderophile element concentrations are found among the tektites which otherwise have similar chemical compositions. There are now four known craters formed by chondrites, with Brent being the smallest among them.

Palme, H.↗

Measurements of SO2 in the Mount St. Helens debris

Routine measurements of ozone and SO2 are made with the Dobson and Brewer spectrophotometers at the Atmospheric Environment Service in Downsview Ontario. On May 20 and 21, 1980, large values of column SO2 were observed with both spectrophotometers at the time of passage of the Mount St. Helens debris. Enhanced SO2 values were first observed at 1800Z on May 20. The maximum column amount of SO2 measured was 0.06 cm at 2200 Z. On May 21, SO2 values slowly decreased from 0.03 cm at 1100 Z cm to 0.01 cm at 2000Z. Typical SO2 amounts due to pollution at the Downsview site are approximately 0.003 to 0.005 cm. At the same time of maximum SO2 enhancement, both Dobson and Brewer spectrophotometers measured a 0.040 cm decrease of total ozone. It is not clear whether the decrease of total ozone was caused by the volcanic cloud or natural ozone variability. Air mass trajectories indicate that the altitude of the debris cloud, which passed over Downsview at the time, was between 10 km and 12 km.

Kerr, J. B.↗

LANDSAT-4 band 6 data evaluation

The radiometric integrity of the LANDSAT-D thematic mapper (TM) thermal infrared channel (band 6) data was evaluated to develop improved radiometric preprocessing calibration techniques for removal of atmospheric effects. Primary data analysis was spent in evaluating the line to line and detector to detector variation in the thermal infrared data. The data studied was in the core area of Lake Ontario where very stable temperatures were expected. The detectors and the scan direction were taken as separate parameters and an analysis of variance was conducted. The data indicate that significant variability exists both between detectors and between scan directions.

Source record↗

Implications of information from LANDSAT-4 for private industry

The broader spectral coverage and higher resolution of LANDSAT-4 Thematic Mapper (TM) data open the door for identification from space of spectral phenomena associated with mineralization and microseepage of hydrocarbon. Digitally enhanced image products generated from TM data allow the mapping of many major and minor structural features that mark or influence emplacement of mineralization and accumulation of hydrocarbons. These improvements in capabilities over multispectral scanner data should accelerate the acceptance and integration of satellite data as a routinely used exploration tool that allows rapid examination of large areas in considerable detail. Imagery of Southern Ontario, Canada as well as of Cement, Oklahoma and Death Valley, California is discussed.

Everett, J. R.↗

A Method for Peat Inventory Based on LANDSAT Data and Computerized Mapping

Wetlands were preliminarily delineated on a geometrically-corrected color composite map printed from digital LANDSAT data using a computerized color plotting system. A digital classification was performed to identify the location and extent of wetland types (e.g., open bog, types of treed fen and black spruce-alder swamp). A map is printed from the results of this classification using the computerized color plotter. This color-coded map, produced at several different scales, provides a basis for pre-selecting field sampling sites. Helicopter-aided spot sampling based on the LANDSAT-derived map was conducted over the entire 1700 sq km area of North Ontario. Traditional transect sampling was carried out over a portion of the area, so that the two methods could be compared. Spot sampling based on the LANDSAT-derived map was found to produce results virtually identical to those produced by the transect sampling technique, in approximately one-fifteenth of the time and with a proportionate reduction in cost.

Pala, S.↗

Study of LANDSAT-D thematic mapper performance as applied to hydrocarbon exploration

Improved delineation of known oil and gas fields in southern Ontario and a spectacularly high amount of structural information on the Owl Creek, Wyoming scene were obtained from analysis of TM data. The use of hue, saturation, and value image processing techniques on a Death Valley, California scene permitted direct comparison of TM processed imagery with existing 1:250,000 scale geological maps of the area and revealed small outcrops of Tertiary volcanic material overlying Paleozoic sections. Analysis of TM data over Lawton, Oklahoma suggests that the reducing chemical environment associated with hydrocarbon seepage change ferric iron to soluble ferrous iron, allowing it to be leached. Results of the band selection algorithm show a suprising consistency, with the 1,4,5 combination selected as optimal in most cases.

Everett, J. R.↗

Geologic exploration: The contribution of LANDSAT-4 thematic mapper data

The major advantages of the TM data over that of MSS systems are increased spatial resolution and a greater number of narrow, strategically placed spectral bands. The 30 meter pixel size permits finer definition of ground features and improves reliability of the photointerpretation of geologic structure. The value of the spatial data increases relative to the value of the spectral data as soil and vegetation cover increase. In arid areas with good exposure, it is possible with careful digital processing and some inventive color compositing to produce enough spectral differentiation of rock types and thereby produce facsimiles of standard geologic maps with a minimum of field work or reference to existing maps. Hue-saturation value images are compared with geological maps of Death Valley, California, the Big Horn/Wind River Basin of Wyoming, the area around Cement, Oklahoma, and Detroit. False color composites of the Ontario region are also examined.

Everett, J. R.↗

Electron density and energetic particle precipitation observed during the eclipse of 26 February 1979

Electron density profiles and energetic particle fluxes are obtained based on data collected by two rockets launched from Red Lake, Ontario, respectively, at the beginning and end of totality during the solar eclipse of February 26, 1979. Data obtained by a rocket launched on February 24, 1979 showed that the electron density was normal (at 10,000 cu cm) above 110 km, to rocket apogee (130.5 km). Below 110 km, the electron density was found to be enhanced compared with data from Wallops Island at the same solar zenith angle (63 deg). It is proposed that this enhancement was due to the large flux of field-aligned energetic particles observed on the same rocket. The electron density above 110 km to rocket apogee (132.6 and 132. 3 km) was found to be reduced during totality by a factor of about three. However, below 110 km, the electron density was found to be much greater than observed during previous eclipses, probably due to the additional ionization resulting from energetic particles. The particle flux measured on February 26 was found to be an order of magnitude less than on February 24 but showed greater variability, particularly at the higher energies (100 keV).

Smith, L. G.↗

Eclipse-related measurements of middle-atmosphere electrical parameters

Measurements of electrical conductivity and its constituent parameters, charge density and ion mobility, are presented for the solar eclipse rocket campaign conducted at Red Lake, Ontario, Canada. Three parachute-borne probes (two Gerdien condensers and a blunt probe) were flown during the eclipse which occurred on 26 February 1979. Additional payloads launched at other times provided important supplemental background measurements. The entire launch series occurred during aurorally active conditions, as indicated by the probe measurements. Specifically, positive conductivity enhancements above 45 km demonstrate the dominance of auroral ionization as a source for positive ions in the region. Such effects evidenced during the eclipse make it difficult to determine the extent to which the decrease in positive conductivity above 60 km is eclipse-related. The negative conductivity component associated with free electrons displays solar dependence both during the eclipse and for the other measurement periods. In spite of the aurorally active conditions, rapid electron loss was observed during totality, thus indicating the importance of non-ionizing solar effects on electrons in the region.

Mitchell, J. D.↗

LANDSAT 4 band 6 data evaluation

Satellite data collected over Lake Ontario were processed to observed surface temperature values. This involved computing apparent radiance values for each point where surface temperatures were known from averaged digital count values. These radiance values were then converted by using the LOWTRAN 5A atmospheric propagation model. This model was modified by incorporating a spectral response function for the LANDSAT band 6 sensors. A downwelled radiance term derived from LOWTRAN was included to account for reflected sky radiance. A blackbody equivalent source radiance was computed. Measured temperatures were plotted against the predicted temperature. The RMS error between the data sets is 0.51K.

Source record↗

Geochemistry of volcanic rocks from the Wawa greenstone belt

The Wawa greenstone belt is located in the District of Algoma and extends east-northeast from Lake Superior to the western part of the Sudbury District in Ontario, Canada. Recent mapping by Attoh has shown that an unconformity at the base of the Dore' Formation and equivalent sedimentary rocks marks a significant stratigraphic break which can be traced throughout the volcanic belt. This break has been used to subdivide the volcanic-sedimentary into pre- and post-Dore' sequences. The pre-Dore' sequence includes at least two cycles of mafic-to-felsic volcanism, each capped by an iron-formation unit. The post-Dore' sequence includes an older mafic-to-felsic unit, which directly overlies sedimentary rocks correlated with the Dore' Formation, and a younger felsic breccia unit interpreted to have formed as debris flows from a felsic volcanic center. In the present study, samples of both the pre-and post-Dore' volcanic sequences were analyzed for major and trace elements, incuding rare earths (REE). This preliminary study is part of an ongoing program to assess the petrogenesis of the volcanic rocks of the Wawa greenstone belt.

Schulz, K. J.↗

The Archean crust in the Wawa-Chapleau-Timmins region. A field guidebook prepared for the 1983 Archean Geochemistry-Early Crustal Genesis Field Conference

This guidebook describes the characteristics and interrelationships of Archean greenstone-granite and high-grade gneiss terrains of the Superior Province. A 300-km long west to east transect between Wawa and Timmins, Ontario will be used to illustrate regional-scale relationships. The major geological features of the Superior Province are described.

Percival, J. A.↗

Evaluating LANDSAT-4 MSS and TM data

Interband line pixel misregistrations were determined for the four MSS bands of the Mistassini, Ontario scene and multitemporal registration of LANDSAT-4 products were tested for two different geocoded scenes. Line and pixel misregistrations are tabulated as determined by the manual ground control points and the digital band to band correlation techniques. A method was developed for determining the spectral information content of TM images for forestry applications.

Strome, W. M.↗