Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “geologic structural features”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Use of TV pictures obtained from weather satellites to study the geological structure of the earth

Results are presented of Soviet investigations into the use of television imagery obtained from meteorological satellites for the interpretation of tectonics, lithology, and structural properties of the earth. The area investigated encompassed the eastern part of Iran, and the western regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Interpretation of the features identified during the analysis was accomplished by comparing these features with physical, geographic, geological, and tectonic maps. It was concluded that television pictures of the earth from space can be used for geological and structural analysis.

Bashilova, I. I.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Geologic Mapping of Ejecta Deposits in Oppia Quadrangle, Asteroid (4) Vesta

Oppia Quadrangle Av-10 (288-360 deg E, +/- 22 deg) is a junction of key geologic features that preserve a rough history of Asteroid (4) Vesta and serves as a case study of using geologic mapping to define a relative geologic timescale. Clear filter images, stereo-derived topography, slope maps, and multispectral color-ratio images from the Framing Camera on NASA's Dawn spacecraft served as basemaps to create a geologic map and investigate the spatial and temporal relationships of the local stratigraphy. Geologic mapping reveals the oldest map unit within Av-10 is the cratered highlands terrain which possibly represents original crustal material on Vesta that was then excavated by one or more impacts to form the basin Feralia Planitia. Saturnalia Fossae and Divalia Fossae ridge and trough terrains intersect the wall of Feralia Planitia indicating that this impact basin is older than both the Veneneia and Rheasilvia impact structures, representing Pre-Veneneian crustal material. Two of the youngest geologic features in Av-10 are Lepida (approximately 45 km diameter) and Oppia (approximately 40 km diameter) impact craters that formed on the northern and southern wall of Feralia Planitia and each cross-cuts a trough terrain. The ejecta blanket of Oppia is mapped as 'dark mantle' material because it appears dark orange in the Framing Camera 'Clementine-type' colorratio image and has a diffuse, gradational contact distributed to the south across the rim of Rheasilvia. Mapping of surface material that appears light orange in color in the Framing Camera 'Clementine-type' color-ratio image as 'light mantle material' supports previous interpretations of an impact ejecta origin. Some light mantle deposits are easily traced to nearby source craters, but other deposits may represent distal ejecta deposits (emplaced greater than 5 crater radii away) in a microgravity environment.

Asteroids↗
NASA NTRS1994

New geomorphic data on the active Taiwan orogen: A multisource approach

A multisource and multiscale approach of Taiwan morphotectonics combines different complementary geomorphic analyses based on a new elevation model (DEM), side-looking airborne radar (SLAR), and satellite (SPOT) imagery, aerial photographs, and control from independent field data. This analysis enables us not only to present an integrated geomorphic description of the Taiwan orogen but also to highlight some new geodynamic aspects. Well-known, major geological structures such as the Longitudinal Valley, Lishan, Pingtung, and the Foothills fault zones are of course clearly recognized, but numerous, previously unrecognized structures appear distributed within different regions of Taiwan. For instance, transfer fault zones within the Western Foothills and the Central Range are identified based on analyses of lineaments and general morphology. In many cases, the existence of geomorphic features identified in general images is supported by the results of geological field analyses carried out independently. In turn, the field analyses of structures and mechanisms at some sites provide a key for interpreting similar geomorphic featues in other areas. Examples are the conjugate pattern of strike-slip faults within the Central Range and the oblique fold-and-thrust pattern of the Coastal Range. Furthermore, neotectonic and morphological analyses (drainage and erosional surfaces) has been combined in order to obtain a more comprehensive description and interpretation of neotectonic features in Taiwan, such as for the Longitudinal Valley Fault. Next, at a more general scale, numerical processing of digital elevation models, resulting in average topography, summit level or base level maps, allows identification of major features related to the dynamics of uplift and erosion and estimates of erosion balance. Finally, a preliminary morphotectonic sketch map of Taiwan, combining information from all the sources listed above, is presented.

Deffontaines, B.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Analysis and application of ERTS-1 data for regional geological mapping

Combined visual and digital techniques of analysing ERTS-1 data for geologic information have been tried on selected areas in Pennsylvania. The major physiolographic and structural provinces show up well. Supervised mapping, following the imaged expression of known geologic features on ERTS band 5 enlargements (1:250,000) of parts of eastern Pennsylvania, delimited the Diabase Sills and the Precambrian rocks of the Reading Prong with remarkable accuracy. From unsupervised mapping, transgressive linear features are apparent in unexpected density, and exhibit strong control over river valley and stream channel directions. They are unaffected by bedrock type, age, or primary structural boundaries, which suggests they are either rejuvenated basement joint directions on different scales, or they are a recently impressed structure possibly associated with a drifting North American plate. With ground mapping and underflight data, 6 scales of linear features have been recognized.

Gold, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Mars Structural and Stratigraphic Mapping along the Coprates Rise

This geologic mapping project supports a topical study of structures in east Thaumasia associated with the Coprates rise. The study examines cuesta-like features on the east flank of the Coprates rise first identified by Saunders et al. [1]. Mapping combines detailed local stratigraphy, structural geology and topography. Hogbacks and cuestas indicate erosion of tilted rock units. The extent of the erosion will be determined in the course of the mapping. The region of interest lies along the eastern margin of Thaumasia bounded by latitudes -15 and -35 and longitudes 50 to 70 W (Figure 1). Three MTM geologic quadrangles are being compiled for publication by the USGS (-20057, -25057, -30057). All existing data sources are used including THEMIS, MOC, CTX, HiRISE, MOLA and gravity, as well as higher level data available through the PDS data nodes at ASU, UA and Washington University. The extremely valuable ASU JMARS tools are used for analysis of many of the data sets. ArcGIS software has been obtained and is being learned for the map compilation.

Saunders, R Stephen↗
NASA NTRS1986

Geophysical remote sensing

The types of remote sensing images which have applications in geophysical studies are reviewed. Features of the Shuttle Imaging Radar, a synthetic aperture radar, are described and a sample image is provided to illustrate the capabilities for mapping large-scale geological structure. A combined Landsat-Seasat image is shown to yield data on crustal composition. Sea surface topographic features that result from gravitational effects are demonstrated to be amenable to characterization with another Seasat instrument, a radar altimeter. Magsat data allow identification of magnetic perturbations produced by crustal magnetization. Finally, auroral imagery gathered with the Atmospheric Dynamics Explorer are presented which show that the effects of particles bombarding the atmosphere can be detected at UV wavelengths.

Mcpherron, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS2008

The Fredegonde (V-57) Quadrangle, Venus: Characterization of the Venus Midlands

The Fredegonde quadrangle (V-57, 50-75degS, 60-120degE) in the southern hemisphere of Venus represents a typical region of midlands (0-2 km above MPR). Midlands are the most widespread topographic province on Venus (approx.80%) and display the richest variety of features. Geological mapping in the V-57 quadrangle provides the possibility of defining and characterizing units that make up a region of midlands and to establish the general sequence of events there and thus address questions about the modes of formation and chronology of midlands on Venus. The map area is in contact with the uplands in the central portion of Lada Terra to the west and the lowlands of Aino Planitia to the northeast. This position also provides a transitional zone between the other two major topographic provinces, similar to that of the Meskhent Tessera (V-3) area. Here we report on the results of our mapping in the V-57 quadrangle, describe the major features, units, and structural assemblages exposed there, and outline the main episodes of geologic history.

Ivanov, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Spaceborne imaging radar - Geologic and oceanographic applications

Synoptic, large-area radar images of the earth's land and ocean surface, obtained from the Seasat orbiting spacecraft, show the potential for geologic mapping and for monitoring of ocean surface patterns. Structural and topographic features such as lineaments, anticlines, folds and domes, drainage patterns, stratification, and roughness units can be mapped. Ocean surface waves, internal waves, current boundaries, and large-scale eddies have been observed in numerous images taken by the Seasat imaging radar. This article gives an illustrated overview of these applications.

Elachi, C.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Cooperative research in terrestrial planetary geology and geophysics

This final report for the period of July 1991 to August 1994 covered a variety of topics concerning the study of Earth and Mars. The Earth studies stressed the interpretation of the MAGSAT crustal magnetic anomalies in order to determine the geological structure, mineralogical composition, magnetic nature, and the historical background of submarine features, and also featured work in the area of terrestrial remote sensing. Mars research included the early evolution of the Martian atmosphere and hydrosphere and the investigations of the large Martian impact basins. Detailed summaries of the research is included, along with lists of the publications resulting from this research.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2008

Ancient Hydrothermal Springs in Arabia Terra, Mars

Hydrothermal springs are important astrobiological sites for several reasons: 1) On Earth, molecular phylogeny suggests that many of the most primitive organisms are hyperthermophiles, implying that life on this planet may have arisen in hydrothermal settings; 2) on Mars, similar settings would have supplied energy- and nutrient-rich waters in which early martian life may have evolved; 3) such regions on Mars would have constituted oases of continued habitability providing warm, liquid water to primitive life forms as the planet became colder and drier; and 4) mineralization associated with hydrothermal settings could have preserved biosignatures from those martian life forms. Accordingly, if life ever developed on Mars, then hydrothermal spring deposits would be excellent localities in which to search for morphological or chemical remnants of that life. Previous attempts to identify martian spring deposits from orbit have been general or limited by resolution of available data. However, new satellite imagery from HiRISE has a resolution of 28 cm/pixel which allows detailed analysis of geologic structure and geomorphology. Based on these new data, we report several features in Vernal Crater, Arabia Terra that we interpret as ancient hydrothermal springs.

Oehler, Dorothy Z.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Future Orbiting and In-Situ Exploration of Venus: Mount Etna as Terrestrial Analog

The exploration of Venus will soon experience a new golden era thanks to the recently selected NASA Deep Atmosphere of Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry and Imaging (DAVINCI) mission, NASA Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography & Spectroscopy (VERITAS) mission, and ESA EnVision mission. The DAVINCI mission will focus on the analysis of the the atmospheric vertical structure and composition of Earth’s twin planet and on the geologic structure of a tesserae terrain. The VERITAS mission will investigate the geologic features of its surface as well as geodynamic characteristics of the subsurface, providing high-resolution emissivity data, a global radar map at an approximate resolution of 30 meters/pixel, and estimation of the gravity anomaly of the shallow crust of the planet. The ESA EnVision mission will be complementary to the two NASA missions, providing high resolution 0.8-2.5 micron emissivity data, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, and Subsurface Radar Sounder (SRS) data. Beyond those, the proposed Roscosmos-NASA Venera-D mission will also be equipped with an orbiter that will investigate the atmospheric composition and circulation, as well as a lander that will analize the in-situ chemical composition and the surface-atmosphere interactions.

P. D’Incecco↗
NASA NTRS1974

Geologic guide to the island of Hawaii: A field guide for comparative planetary geology

With geological data available for all inner planets except Venus, we are entering an era of true comparative planetary geology, when knowledge of the differences and similarities for classes of structures (e.g., shield volcanoes) will lead to a better understanding of general geological processes, regardless of planet. Thus, it is imperative that planetologists, particularly those involved in geological mapping and surface feature analysis for terrestrial planets, be familiar with volcanic terrain in terms of its origin, structure, and morphology. One means of gaining this experience is through field trips in volcanic terrains - hence, the Planetology Conference in Hawaii. In addition, discussions with volcanologists at the conference provide an important basis for establishing communications between the two fields that will facilitate comparative studies as more data become available.

Greeley, R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Geologic evaluation and applications of ERTS-1 imagery over Georgia

Satellite imagery and other remote sensing tools and techniques have provided a powerful tool to assist geologic research; significantly increased the mapping efficiency of field geologists; shown new lineaments associated with known shear and fault zones; delineated new structural features; provided a tool to reevaluate tectonic history; helped to locate potential ground-water sources and areas of aquifer recharge; defined areas of geologic hazards; shown areas of heavy siltation in major reservoirs; and, by close interval repetition, aided in monitoring surface mine reclamation activities and the environmental protection of the intricate marshland system. The Georgia Geological Survey has been engaged in regional mapping for the new state geologic map. ERTS-1 images enlarged to compatible mapping scales have increased field geologic mapping efficiency by at least 25%. There are a number of areas where data from ERTS-1 imagery has allowed a notably higher level of precision than has been available with any amount of field work on the ground.

Pickering, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Geological remote sensing of Palaeogene rocks in the Wind River Basin, Wyoming, USA

Remote sensing studies of Palaeogene sediments in the Wind River Basin (Wyoming) were used for mapping stratigraphic units, sedimentary features and facies, and structural patterns. Thematic Mapper principal component images for the central and eastern Wind River Basin along with geological investigations and spectral analyses allowed: mapping of the Fort Union, Wind River, and Wagon Bed formations (Fm) and their subunits; recognition of two subunits in the Wind River Fm, one of which can be traced for 75 km; determination of sediment source and depositional environment of units within the Wind River Fm; correlation of the Wagon Bed Fm across the basin; and apparent confirmation of different sources of volcanic debris in the western and southeastern exposures of the Wagon Bed Fm.

Krishtalka, L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The use of ERTS/LANDSAT imagery in relation to airborne remote sensing for terrain analysis in Western Queensland, Australia

The author has identified the following significant results. LANDSAT 1 and 2 imagery contrast the geology of the Cloncurry-Dobbyn and the Gregory River-Mt. Isa areas very clearly. Known major structural features and lithological units are clearly displayed while, hitherto unknown lineaments were revealed. Throughout this area, similar rock types produce similar spectral signatures, e.g. quartzites produce light signatures, iron rich rocks produce dark signatures. More geological data are discernible at the 1:50,000 scale than on the 1:250,000 scale. Ore horizons may be identified at the 1:50,000 scale, particularly where they are associated with iron rich rocks. On the level plains north of Cloncurry, distinctive spectral signatures produced by the combined reflectances of plant cover, soils, and geology, distinguish different types of superficial deposits. Existing and former channels of the Cloncurry and Williams Rivers are distinguished at the 1:50,000 scale on both the LANDSAT 1 and 2 imagery. On the Cloncurry Plains, fence lines are discernible on the 1:50,000 LANDSAT 2 imagery.

Cole, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Space Shuttle Columbia views the world with imaging radar: The SIR-A experiment

Images acquired by the Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR-A) in November 1981, demonstrate the capability of this microwave remote sensor system to perceive and map a wide range of different surface features around the Earth. A selection of 60 scenes displays this capability with respect to Earth resources - geology, hydrology, agriculture, forest cover, ocean surface features, and prominent man-made structures. The combined area covered by the scenes presented amounts to about 3% of the total acquired. Most of the SIR-A images are accompanied by a LANDSAT multispectral scanner (MSS) or SEASAT synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) image of the same scene for comparison. Differences between the SIR-A image and its companion LANDSAT or SEASAT image at each scene are related to the characteristics of the respective imaging systems, and to seasonal or other changes that occurred in the time interval between acquisition of the images.

Ford, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

1982 International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Munich, West Germany, June 1-4, 1982, Digest. Volumes 1 & 2

Theoretical and experimental data which have defined and/or extended the effectiveness of remote sensing operations are explored, with consideration given to both scientific and commercial activities. The remote sensing of soil moisture, the sea surface, and oil slicks is discussed, as are programs using satellites for studying geodynamics and geodesy, currents and waves, and coastal zones. NASA, Canadian, and Japanese radar and microwave passive and active systems are described, together with algorithms and techniques for image processing and classification. The SAR-580 project is outlined, and attention is devoted to satellite applications in investigations of the structure of the atmosphere, agriculture and land use, and geology. Design and performance features of various optical scanner, radar, and multispectral data processing systems and procedures are detailed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1987

Tectonic domains in the Eastern Hemisphere of Mars

The definition of boundaries of discrete structural provinces on the surface of Mars has previously been made by the assumptions of circular or radial symmetry (in the case of the Tharsis olateau), by artificial quadrangle boundaries for regional studies, or simply by regional geographical features. Much of the planetary structural mapping has been presented in a line or spot format in existing consortium data. Methods are being generated to convert the detailed maps of tectonic features to a format that can be used with standard image processing techniques. In this manner such data can be more readily compared to age and other attributes deduced from geological mapping, gravity results, and topography. The 24 photomosaics covering the Eastern Hemisphere of Mars have already been examined for four types of structural features: erosional remnants, ridges, graben, and scarps. When digitized, each feature was flagged according to feature type, azimuth and length. These values were stored as text files on a quad-by-quad basis for each quad studied.

Maxwell, Ted A.↗