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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1996

Remote Sensing Applied to Geology (Latest Citations from the Aerospace Database)

The bibliography contains citations concerning the use of remote sensing in geological resource exploration. Technologies discussed include thermal, optical, photographic, and electronic imaging using ground-based, aerial, and satellite-borne devices. Analog and digital techniques to locate, classify, and assess geophysical features, structures, and resources are also covered. Application of remote sensing to petroleum and minerals exploration is treated in a separate bibliography. (Contains 50-250 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.)

BIBLIOGRAPHIES↗
DOE OSTI2024

NEWTS State-Level Database Dashboard

The National Energy Water Treatment and Speciation (NEWTS) State-Level Database Dashboard enables quick visualization and exploration of energy-related wastewater data collected from state environmental agencies and research projects across the United States. The dashboard features a subset of the NEWTS Integrated Dataset (version 1.0), which was built to provide stakeholders with a unified and standardized database to support wastewater treatment and critical minerals exploration. The full NEWTS Integrated Dataset and citations for the original data resources can be found here: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/newts-integrated-dataset-version-1-0

abandoned mine drainage↗
DOE OSTI2023

Refined views of ancient ocean chemistry: Tracking trace element incorporation in pyrite framboids using atom probe tomography

The trace element chemistry of pyrite can be used to determine the origin, timing, and conditions of formation of ore deposits; as a vectoring tool for mineral exploration; and to determine the evolution of the Earth’s oceanic and atmospheric chemistry. However, little is known about whether trace elements are held with the pyrite structure or within nano-inclusions of other phases. This distinction is important for two primary reasons. First, trace element incorporation into the pyrite structure can affect the partitioning of other trace elements. Second, if trace elements are held within nano-inclusions, the partition coefficient of the mineral phases that make up the nano-inclusion, rather than pyrite, are the critical consideration in related interpretations. Previous studies addressing this topic have used laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; however, the resulting data do not provide sufficient spatial resolution to delineate trace element distributions unless the inclusions are large. Further, they use these flat element profiles in time resolved laser ablation output graphs to argue that pyrite trace element content provides a direct relationship between trace element content of seawater and pyrite trace element content. To improve resolution, we have used atom probe tomography to characterize trace element distributions in pyrite framboids from the Cariaco Basin and Demerara Rise in three-dimensions at sub-nanometer resolution. Manganese was found to be concentrated in the pyrite nanocrystal part of the original framboid structure. In contrast, Ni was mostly found along the grain boundary, though it still appeared to be contained within the pyrite structure. Copper was concentrated in later pyrite overgrowths, and As varied in its location. These observations suggest that some important trace elements are incorporated into pyrite during early diagenesis, even in euxinic settings dominated by water-column pyrite formation. Statistical analysis was used to determine whether trace elements were incorporated in the lattice or within nanoscale inclusions (referred to here are nano-inclusions). We found that As, Ni, Cu, and Mn were commonly held within the pyrite structure, but As, Ni, and Cu can also be held as nano-inclusions or within grain interfaces. Incorporation of As is known to enhance the incorporation of other trace elements and in this case appears to correlated to elevated Ni and Cu concentrations in the Cariaco Basin samples. Furthermore, understanding these relationships strongly impacts our ability to utilize pyrite trace metal concentrations to analyze and quantify early ocean chemistry and its evolution through time.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1973

Geology of Utah and Nevada by ERTS-1 imagery

Repetitive ERTS-1 imagery covering Utah and Nevada is studied as an aid in structural geology, mineral exploration, and limnological and hydrological aspects. Limnological features of algal blooms and varying biological activities in Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake are grossly evident on the imagery with more subtle details detected on the different bands. Major structural breaks, lineages, or trends are abundant throughout the area of study. The correlation of positive aeromagnetic anomalies with the trends suggests near surface intrusive bodies, not yet exposed at the surface, that can be tested for possible associated mineralization by collecting soil-gas at the surface which is analyzed for mercury that is (1) apparently associated with mineralization, (2) escapes as a vapor, and (3) can be readily measured in extremely low amounts of less than 1 ppb by absorption.

Jensen, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1974

An interdisciplinary analysis of multispectral satellite data for selected cover types in the Colorado Mountains, using automatic data processing techniques

The author has identified the following significant results. One capability which has been recognized by many geologists working with space photography is the ability to see linear features and alinements which were previously not apparent. To the exploration geologist, major lineaments seen on satellite images are of particular interest. A portion of ERTS-1 frame 1407-17193 (3 Sept. 1973) was used for mapping lineaments and producing an iso-lineament intersection map. Skylab photography over the area of prime area was not useable due to snow cover. Once the lineaments were mapped, a grid with 2.5 km spacing was overlayed on the map and the lineament intersections occurring within each grid square were counted and the number plotted in the center of the grid square. These numbers were then contoured producing a contour map of equal lineament intersection. It is believed that the areas of high intersection concentration would be the most favorable area for ore mineralization if favorable host rocks are also present. These highly fractured areas would act as conduits for carrying the ore forming solutions to the site of deposition in a favorable host rock. Two of the six areas of high intersection concentration are over areas of present or past mining camps and small claims are known to exist near the others. These would be prime target areas for future mineral exploration.

Hoffer, R. M.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Comprehensive parametric study of CO 2 sequestration in deep saline aquifers

Carbon dioxide injection in deep saline aquifers is a key method for permanently sequestering anthropogenic CO 2 . Here this study employs a reactive transport model to explore mineral precipitation/dissolution and its impact on reservoir properties in deep saline aquifers. We also assess capillary pressure and relative permeability hysteresis on various CO 2 trapping mechanisms. Results from this study reveal the significant influence of initial brine composition on mineral precipitation/dissolution. The dissolution and precipitation of minerals have different effects around the wellbores compared to the overall reservoir. Additionally, salt concentration (Ca ++ and Mg ++ ) and quartz surface area affect CO 2 mineralization, while Na + impacts halite precipitation, altering flow properties. The effect of capillary pressure is significant, as including the capillary pressure in the simulation case resulted in significantly improved CO 2 trapping, achieving almost total dissolution of the injected CO 2 in around 300 years. This study offers novel insights into the interactions of reservoir minerals, brine properties, and the injected CO 2 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Embracing the Intersections of Environmental Science, Engineering, and Geosciences to Solve Grand Challenges of the 21st Century

The U.S. National Academies report on Environmental Engineering for the 21st Century identified five grand challenges of sustainably supplying food, water, and energy; curbing climate change and adapting to its impacts; designing a future without pollution and waste; creating efficient, healthy, resilient cities; and fostering informed decisions and actions. (1) Addressing many of the grand challenges will require embracing the intersections of environmental science, engineering, and geosciences. These three fields are inherently interdisciplinary, and they naturally intersect with each other (Figure 1). Geosciences, or Earth sciences, study the dynamics of different spheres of Earth. One of its missions is to detect the availability of mineral, water, and fuel resources, for sustainable development, and new research opportunities were identified in “coevolution of life, environment, and climate” and “biogeochemical and water cycles in terrestrial environments and impacts of global change” by the U.S. National Research Council. (2) Environmental science and engineering focus on the spheres that intersect with human activities. Environmental science puts an emphasis on understanding the migration of naturally occurring and anthropogenic contaminants in the environment and their impact on ecosystem and human health, and environmental engineering centers on developing technologies for water supply, mineral exploration, and environmental remediation to mitigate adverse impacts.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hybrid biophysical systems for atmospheric CO 2 capture

Negative emissions technologies will be essential for limiting anthropogenic global temperature increases to 2 °C in the later years of the 21st century. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) metalloenzymes catalyze the otherwise slow conversion of CO 2 into carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3 ), suggesting their utility in the rapid hydration and downstream capture of dissolved CO 2 in aqueous media for a variety of CO 2 capture methods, such as thermal and pH swings and mineralization. The possibility of driving the rapid capture of CO 2 by catalyzing the CO 2 hydration bottleneck carries real potential for realizing efficient direct air capture (DAC) and direct ocean capture (DOC) systems. However, scaled application of CAs will be dependent on some way of economically sourcing the enzymes at volumes relevant to scaled DAC/DOC operations. In this perspective, we consider the prospect of catalyzing CO 2 hydration using a CA that is bound to the outer membrane of a cyanobacterial host, engineered constructs we call CyCAMs. Coupling extracellular CA expression to a marine, photosynthetic cyanobacterial host results in a CO 2 hydration catalyst that is continuously refreshed during the bacterial growth cycle, without the need for enzyme purification or harvesting steps. In the case of marine cyanobacteria, sunlight and the solutes native to seawater provide the respective energy, nutrients and sources of inorganic carbon essential to maintaining the bacterial population. We consider the potential impact of CA-mediated CO 2 hydration on a variety of DAC processes, with CO 2 mineralization explored as a primary use case.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Humming Trains in Seismology: An Opportune Source for Probing the Shallow Crust

Abstract Seismologists are eagerly seeking new and preferably low-cost ways to map and track changes in the complex structure of the top few kilometers of the crust. By understanding it better, they can build on what is known regarding important, practical issues. These include telling us whether imminent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are generating telltale underground signs of hazard, about mitigation of induced seismicity such as from deep injection of wastewater, how the Earth and its atmosphere couple, and where accessible natural resources are. Passive seismic imaging usually relies on blind correlations within extended recordings of Earth’s ceaseless “hum” or coda of well-mixed, small vibrations. In this article, we propose a complementary approach. It is seismic interferometry using opportune sources—specifically ones not stationary in time and moving in a well-understood configuration. Its interpretation relies on an accurate understanding of how these sources radiate seismic waves, precise timing, careful placement of pairs of listening stations, and seismic phase differentiation (surface and body waves). Massive freight trains were only recently recognized as such a persistent, powerful cultural (human activity-caused) seismic source. One train passage may generate a tremor with an energy output of a magnitude 1 earthquake and be detectable for up to 100 km from the track. We discuss the source mechanisms of train tremors and review the basic theory on sources. Finally, we present case studies of body- and surface-wave retrieval as an aid to mineral exploration in Canada and to monitoring of a southern California fault zone. We believe noise recovery from this new signal source, together with dense data acquisition technologies such as nodes or distributed acoustic sensing, will deeply transform our ability to monitor activity in the shallow crust at sharpened resolution in time and space.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗
NASA NTRS1965

Miniature servo accelerometer is force- balanced

Miniature servo accelerometer measures unusually small forces of torques. The pendulous mass of the accelerometer is suspended by fused quartz torsion fibers in an electromagnetically force- balanced environment. It is used in gravity surveys for exploring mineral deposits.

Johnston, A. R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Extraterrestrial imperative

The future benefits of extraterrestrial space to man and his problems, both personal and environmental, are discussed. Particular attention was given to space manufacturing, development of space power plants, mineral exploration, and transportation costs of such activities.

Ehricke, K. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Distinguishing major lithologic types in rocks of precambrian age in central Wyoming using multilevel sensing, with a chapter on possible economic significance of iron formation discovered by use of aircraft images in the Granite Mountains of Wyoming

The author has identified the following significant results. Information obtained by remote sensing from three altitude levels: ERTS-1 (565 miles), U-2 (60,000 feet), and C-130 aircraft (15,000 feet) illustrates the possible application of multilevel sensing in mineral exploration. Distinction can be made between rocks of greenstone belts and rocks of granite-granite gneiss areas by using ERTS-1 imagery in portions of the Precambrian of central Wyoming. Study of low altitude color and color infrared photographs of the mafic terrain revealed the presence of metasedimentary rocks with distinct layers that were interpreted as amphibolite by photogeologic techniques. Some of the amphibolite layers were found to be iron formation when examined in the field. To our knowledge this occurrence of iron formation has not been previously reported in the literature.

Houston, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Facilitating the exploitation of ERTS imagery using snow enhancement techniques

The author has identified the following significant results. Detection and analysis of fracture systems can be more effectively conducted utilizing snow cover as an enhancement tool. From analysis within the Great Barrington Test Site it appears that the use of aeromagnetic data effectively supplements lineament data acquired using ERTS imagery. Coincidence of lineaments derived from aeromagnetics with lineaments interpreted from ERTS imagery apparently indicate the presence of mineralized fracture systems and dikes. Utilizing both tools can increase the speed and efficiency of mineral exploration and geological mapping in areas where bedrock is obscured by a thick unconsolidated sediment cover.

Wobber, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Structural lineaments of Gaspe from ERTS imagery

A test study was conducted to assess the value of ERTS images for mapping geologic features of the Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec. The specific objectives of the study were: 1) to ascertain the best procedure to follow in order to obtain valuable geologic data as a result of interpretation; and 2) to indicate in which way these data could relate to mineral exploration. Of the four spectral bands of the Multispectral scanner, the band from 700 to 800 nanometers, which seems to possess the best informational content for geologic study, was selected for analysis. The original ERTS image at a scale of 1:3,700,000 was enlarged about 15 times and reproduced on film. Geologically meaningful lines, called structural lineaments, were outlined and classified according to five categories: morpho-lithologic boundaries, morpho-lithologic lineaments, fault traces, fracture zones and undefined lineaments. Comparison with the geologic map of Gaspe shows that morpho-lithologic boundaries correspond to contacts between regional stratigraphic units. Morpholithologic lineaments follow bedding trends, whereas fracture traces appear as sets of parallel lineaments, intersecting at high angles the previous category of lineaments. Fault traces mark more precisely the location of faults already mapped and spot the presence of presumable faults, not indicated on the geologic map.

Steffensen, R.↗