Artic and subarctic environmental analyses utilizing ERTS-1 imagery. Discipline 8: Interpretation techniques development. Subdiscipline C: Classfication and pattern recognition
The author has identified the following significant results. Uncontrolled photo mosaics of ERTS-1 imagery using MSS band 5 and 7 at a scale of 1:1,000,000 were used to make a preliminary surficial geology map in northcentral Alaska. Seven distinct geologic units were recognized, defined, and mapped directly on a photo mosaic. Results are closely correlated with published surficial geology maps. Eight MSS images were examined to test utility of ERTS data in studies of coastal processes and stream hydrology, and in the identification and interpretation of geomorphic features throughout Alaska. The feasibility of using ERTS-1 data to map structural lineaments is well illustrated on a mosaic of 8, band 5 MSS images. Along the northern edge of the Brooks Range one lineament can be followed the entire width of the mosaic, a distance of 225 miles. Two nearly parallel lineaments can be seen running along the northern and southern edges of the Schwatka Mountains. About 135 miles south of these two lineaments another series located in the Chitanana River region can be followed for 45 miles. These lineaments appear to be faults, and it is interesting to note that the Yukon River parallels these and appears to be structurally controlled.