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NASA NTRS1977

Lunar regolith dynamics based on analysis of the cosmogenic radionuclides Na-22, Al-26, and Mn-53

Depth profiles of Na-22 and Al-26 in the upper portions of five lunar cores are analyzed. From the analyses, it is concluded that the natural gardening processes on the lunar surface result in mixing of the regolith to a depth of 2-3 cm over a time period which is short compared with the half-life of Al-26 (0.73 m.y.). It is also concluded that the rotary drill processes which were used to obtain the deep drill samples generally resulted in loss and/or mixing of the upper portions of the cores. In contrast, the near-surface regions of the drive tube cores appear to have a well-preserved stratigraphy. Analysis of Mn-53 in samples of six lunar rocks helps substantiate the accuracy of age date estimates by other means, and provides definite information that the total lunar surface exposure of two of these rocks has occurred during a single surface event which continued to their collection.

Fruchter, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Depositional and irradiational history and noble gas contents of orange-black droplets in the 74002/1 core from Shorty Crater

Isotopic concentrations of noble gases were assessed in grain size separates of 14 soils from a 67-cm section of lunar regolith taken on the rim of Shorty Crater. The orange-black droplets in this section were probably formed from pyroclastic eruptions about 3.6 billion years ago; they give little indication of surface exposure. The isotopic concentrations suggest that cosmic ray irradiation of the core occurred in two stages and that the core stratigraphy was inverted between stages. The first irradiation stage may have taken place immediately after pyroclastic deposition of the droplets and could have lasted about 20 million years.

Bogard, D. D.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Reports of planetary geology program, 1979 - 1980

Abstracts of 145 reports are compiled addressing the morphology, geochemistry, and stratigraphy of planetary surfaces with some specific examinations of volcanic, aeolian, fluvial, and periglacial processes and landforms. In addition, reports on cartography and remote sensing of planet surfaces are included.

Wirth, P.↗

NASA NTRS1980

A bibliography of planetary geology principal investigators and their associates, 1979 - 1980

This bibliography cites 698 reports and articles published from May 1979 through May 1980 by principal investigators and associates who received support from NASA's Office of Space Science, as part of the Planetary Geology program. Entries are arranged in the following categories: (1) general interest; (2) solar system, asteroids, comets, and satellites; (3) structure, tectonics, and stratigraphy; (4) regolith and volatiles; (5) volcanism; (6) impact craters; (7) Eolian glacial An author index is provided. The bibliography serves as a companion document to NASA TM 81776, "Reports of Planetary Geology Programs, 1979-1980".

Lettvin, E.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 10th, Houston, Tex., March 19-23, 1979, Proceedings. Volume 2 - Early solar system and lunar regolith

Papers are presented concerning studies of the lunar regolith, the remote sensing of the surface compositions of the moon and planets, and the origin and evolution of the solar system. Specific topics include the stratigraphy and depositional history of the Apollo 17 deep drill core, the trace element and metallic iron abundances in fractions of the Apollo 15 deep drill core, the surface chemistry of lunar impact glasses, cosmic ray-produced noble gases in lunar samples, and the properties of microcraters and cosmic dust less than 1000 A in diameter. Attention is also given to the remote sensing of mare surface titanium concentrations, Viking Lander multispectral images, star and planetary system formation in collapsing, viscous, rotating clouds and the importance of planet size to basaltic volcanism.

Merrill, R. B.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Characterization and depositional and evolutionary history of the Apollo 17 deep drill core

With a depth resolution of about 0.5 cm, the stratigraphy of the approximately 3 m Apollo 17 deep drill core by measurement of the total FeO concentration is characterized along with the FMR surface exposure (maturity) index Is/FeO, the metallic iron concentration Fe-vsm, and the FMR linewidth delta-H. For stratigraphic characterization, the first two parameters are the most important. Most of the core is characterized by a FeO concentration of approximately 15.5 wt. %; there is a more mafic zone in the upper approximately 75 cm where the maximum FeO concentration is approximately 18.5 wt. %, and a more felsic zone between approximately 225 and 260 cm where the minimum FeO concentration is approximately 14.0%. As indicated by Is/FeO, most of the soil in the core is submature to mature; the only immature zone is located between approximately 20 and 60 cm and is one of the most distinctive features in the core. A two stage model for the depositional and evolutionary history of the Apollo 17 deep drill core is proposed: (1) deposition by one event approximately 110 m.y. ago or deposition by a sequence of closely spaced events initating a maximum of approximately 200 m.y. ago and terminating approximately 110 m.y. ago, (2) in situ reworking (gardening) to a depth of approximately 26 cm in the period between approximately 110 m.y. ago and the present day.

Morris, R. V.↗

NASA NTRS1979

The Apollo 17 drill core - Petrologic systematics and the identification of a possible Tycho component

Modal data support a five-unit stratigraphy for the Apollo 17 drill core. The upper unit E (0-22 cm depth) is marked by high content of fused soil, brown glass, and mare basalt fragments. This unit corresponds with a portion of the core excavated and refilled within the last 2 m.y. The underlying unit D (22071 cm depth) has a low abundance of fused soil (i.e., low maturity) and is rich in coarse (less than 200 microns) mare fragments. A large section of the core, unit C (71-224 cm depth), is finer-grained, more mature (richer in agglutinates), more feldspathic and has more highland lithic, mineral and glass fragments than unit D. The next underlying unit, B (224-256 cm depth), has yellow/colorless KREEP glasses with a high Si, low-alkali composition unlike the common Apollo 15 or Apollo 17 KREEP series. The petrologic (fused soil) and Is/FeO maturity of this layer is also lower than the units above and below. The deepest unit, A (256-284 cm depth), is marked by its relatively higher maturity and lower yellow/colorless KREEP glass content. The most prominent petrographic/stratigraphic indicators are the pyroxene-rich immature mare unit D and the abundance of KREEP glass in unit B. This KREEP glass is distinctive petrographically and compositionally, and is probably exotic to the Apollo 17 site. It is suggested here that the KREEP glass in unit B is derived from Tycho, which implies widespread distribution of KREEP on the lunar nearside.

Vaniman, D. T.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Applications of SLAR in nuclear power plant siting: A case history

Over 10,000 square km of side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) imagery was obtained and analyzed for the siting of the first nuclear power plant in the Republic of the Philippines. The imagery was obtained using the Motorola APS/AN-94D (X-band) real aperture system as part of an overall remote sensing program to site and evaluate potential site regions. Analysis of SLAR images, in conjunction with LANDSAT, color, black and white, and thermal infrared images, provided basic information on structure, relative geochronology, stratigraphy, geomorphology, and ground water, which facilitated field operations and data synthesis.

Siegal, B. S.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Active microwave water equivalence

Measurements of water equivalence using an active FM-CW microwave system were conducted over the past three years at various sites in Colorado, Wyoming, and California. The measurement method is described. Measurements of water equivalence and stratigraphy are compared with ground truth. A comparison of microwave, federal sampler, and snow pillow measurements at three sites in Colorado is described.

Boyne, H. S.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Mars - Paleostratigraphic restoration of buried surfaces in Tharsis montes

Volcanism in the Tharsis province of Mars occurred in several different areas and was generally continuous without large time intervals between eruptive episodes. Major lava flow units are numerous and extensive, but relatively thin. In many places, impact craters on buried surfaces project above younger flows that overlie them. A new application of crater dating methods has been developed to aid in the identification of these buried surfaces and to determine their lateral extent. The technique is especially adaptable to the Tharsis region where the stratigraphic succession of major flow units has been established by detailed geologic mapping. Knowledge of the overall stratigraphy allows correlations to be made between known and unknown surfaces by comparing their crater frequencies at diameters large enough to insure their recognition on the buried unit. The method has been applied to aid in the restoration of buried rock units and to construct a series of paleostratigraphic maps showing the sequence of major eruptive events in the Tharsis region.

Scott, D. H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Reports of Planetary Geology Program, 1981

Abstracts of 205 reports from Principal investigators of NASA's Planetary Geology Program succinctly summarize work conducted and reflect the significant accomplishments. The entries are arranged under the following topics: (1) Saturnian satellites; (2) asteroids, comets and Galilean satellites; (3) cratering processes and landform development; (4) volcanic processes and landforms; (5) Aerolian processes and landforms; (6) fluvial, preglacial, and other processes of landform development; (7) Mars polar deposits, volatiles, and climate; (8) structure, tectonics, and stratigraphy; (9) remote sensing and regolith chemistry; (10) cartography and geologic mapping; and (11) special programs.

Holt, H. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Study project of intrusive rocks: States of Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, south and east of Minas Gerais and southeast of the state of Sao Paulo

The feasibility of mapping intrusive rocks in polycyclic and polymetamorphic areas using the logic method for photointerpretation of LANDSAT and radar imagery was investigated. The resolution, scale and spectral characteristics of the imagery were considered. Spectral characteristics of the intrusive rock units mapped using image 100 were investigated. It was determined that identification of acidic and basic intrusive bodies and determination of their relationships with principal structural directions using the logic method was feasible. Tectonic compartments were subdivided into units according to their predominant lithographic types, ignoring stratigraphy. The principal directions of various foliations, faults, megafolds, and fractural systems were defined. Delineation of the boundaries of intrusive bodies mapped using the spectral characteristics of Image 100 imagery ws determined to be more accurate than visual analysis. A 1:500,000 scale map of intrusions in the areas studied was generated.

Dejesusparada, N.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Methodology of the interpretation of remote sensing data and applications in geology

Methods used for interpreting orbital (LANDSAT) data for regional geological mapping in Brazil are examined. Particular attention is given to the levels of analysis used for studying geomorphology, structural geology, lithology, stratigraphy, surface geology, and dynamic processes. Examples of regional mapping described include: (1) rock intrusions in SE Sao Paulo, the southern parts of Minas Gerais, and the states of Rio de Janeiro, and Espiritu Santo; (2) a preliminary survey of Pre-Cambrian geology in the State of Piaui; and (3) the Gondwana Project - surveying Jaguaribe plants. Mineral exploration in Rio Grande do Sul, and the geology of the Alcalino complex of Itatiaia are discussed as well as the use of automatic classifications of rock intrusions and of ilmenite deposits in the Floresta Region. Aerial photography, side looking radar, and thermal infrared scanning are other types of remote sensors also used in prospecting for geothermal anomalies in the city of Caldas Novas-Goias.

Dejesusparada, N.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Activities in planetary geology for the physical and earth sciences

A users guide for teaching activities in planetary geology, and for physical and earth sciences is presented. The following topics are discussed: cratering; aeolian processes; planetary atmospheres, in particular the Coriolis Effect and storm systems; photogeologic mapping of other planets, Moon provinces and stratigraphy, planets in stereo, land form mapping of Moon, Mercury and Mars, and geologic features of Mars.

Dalli, R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A bibliography of planetary geology principal investigators and their associates, 1981 - 1982

Over 800 publications submitted by researchers supported through NASA's Planetary Geology Program are cited and an author/editor index is provided. Entries are listed under the following subjects: (1) general interest topics; (2) solar system, comets, asteroids, and small bodies; (3) geologic mapping, geomorphology, and stratigraphy; (4) structure, tectonics, geologic and geophysical evolution; (5) impact craters: morphology, density, and geologic studies; (6) volcanism; (7) fluvial, mass wasting, and periglacial processes; (8) Eolian studies; (9) regolith, volatile, atmosphere, and climate; (10) remote sensing, radar, and photometry; and (11) cartography, photogrammetry, geodesy, and altimetry.

Plescia, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Possible rim crest deposits in cores 12027 and 15008 - Some interpretations and problems for future research

Light colored coarse grained soils in the upper parts of cores 12027 and 15008 have a chaotic fabric and abundant bedrock-derived rock fragments. They overlie dark colored, fine grained soils with horizontal fabric and abundant regolith-derived rock fragments. The light colored soils are interpreted to be rim crest deposits associated with the craters seen in the lunar surface sampling photographs. The coarse size, poor sorting and chaotic fabric are believed to have originated by the violent mixing processes which are expected with ejecta deposition. The increase in bedrock-derived particles within the light colored soil can be explained by ejecta from craters that penetrated through or deep into the regolith. The dark soils are believed to predate the craters. Distribution of rock fragments in the material interpreted as rim crest ejecta does not fit a simple model of overturned stratigraphy.

Nagle, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Apollo 17 drive tube 76001 - Modal petrology

Twelve polished thin sections from Apollo 17 drive tube 76001 have been studied by optical petrography. The entire core is found to be mature showing little variation in depth, which is consistent with a depositional model involving slow downslope movement of the regolith by mass wasting. However, within the core some major differences are preserved between two stratigraphic units. Unit A (20-31 cm depth) is enriched in gabbroic anorthosite relative to unit B (0-20 cm depth), while unit B is enriched in KREEPY noritic breccias relative to unit A. This observation is interpreted in terms of a stratigraphy for North Massif involving a noritic breccia unit overlying a unit enriched in gabbroic anorthosite. Pronounced differences between the highland/mare ratios in drive tube 76001 and the Apollo 17 drill core separated by only 3.5 km demonstrate the relative inefficiency of lateral transport as a regolith mixing mechanism on the moon.

Papike, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Ignimbrites of Amazonis Planitia region of Mars

The terms ignimbrite and ash flow tuff are used to describe relatively thin but extensive sheets of material interpreted to be of pyroclastic origin and to consist of volcanic ash or pumice fragments. Criteria for distinguishing ignimbrites from other geologic materials are considered, and characteristics observed for rock units interpreted as ignimbrites in Amazonis Planitia are discussed. A series of rock units which are thought to represent ignimbrites have been mapped along an east-west border zone between the highland plateau and lowland plains of Amazonis Planitia. The area is roughly bounded by a triangle whose apices are the volcanoes Apollinaris Patera, Biblis Patera, and Olympus Mons. Attention is given to aspects of general geology, morphology and stratigraphy, and thickness and volume estimates. Correlations with other data are considered and some theoretical aspects of Martian ignimbrite emplacement are discussed.

Scott, D. H.↗