The author has identified the following significant results. A binational, multidisciplinary research effort in Iceland is directed at an analysis of MSS imagery from ERTS-1 to study a variety of geologic, hydrologic, oceanographic, and agricultural phenomena. Initial findings are: (1) recent lava flows can be delineated from older ones; (2) ERTS-1 and NOAA-2 recorded volcanic eruptions on Heimaey, Vestmann Islands; (3) coastline changes are mappable; (4) areas covered with new or residual snow can be mapped, and dark appearance of newly fallen snow on band 7 appears to be related to melting; (5) sediment plumes from discharge of glacial rivers can be delineated; (6) the area encompassed by glacial ice can be mapped, including the new position of a surging glacier, Eyjabakkajokull, and related phenomena of nunataks and moraines; (7) changes in position of rivers, lake sizes, and new lakes can be mapped; (8) low sun angle imagery enhances the morphologic expression of constructional glacial and volcanic landforms; (9) MSS color composites permit regional mapping of distribution of vegetation; and (10) at least at 1:250, 000 map scale and smaller, ERTS-1 imagery provides a means of updating various types of maps of Iceland and will permit the compilation of maps specifically aimed at those dynamic environmental phenomena which impact on the Icelandic economy

Williams, R. S., Jr.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

"NMade Wviiale uder NlSA sporrsorshtp E7
In the interest of early and wide dis-
semination of Earth Resources Survey
Program information and without liability
for any use made thereof,"
GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL REMOTE SENSING OF ICELAND
Richard S. Williams, Jr.
U.S. Geological Survey
Washington, D. C. 20244
I May 1973
Type I Progress Report for Period 15 January 1973 - 30 April 1973__-
(E73-10535) GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICL 73-2229
PREtOTE SENSING OF ICELAND Proqress1EMOTE SEN -I r ~,:,_30 1 973 unclas
(Geoloqical survey) - 'p HC. $3.00 -CSCL OBGG3/1 3 oOS35
Prepared for:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
Publication authorized by the Director, U.S. Geological Survey
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730013572 2020-03-23T02:19:30+00:00Z
Type I Progress Report
ERTS-I
a. Title: Geological and Geophysical Remote Sensing of Iceland
ERTS-A Proposal No.: SR 9651
b. GSFC ID No. of P.I.: IN 079
c. Statement and explanation of any problems that are impeding the
progress of the investigation:
The most serious problem, of course, was the loss of the video tape
recorder on 28 March 1973, thus precluding any additional ERTS-I
imagery of Iceland. Some imagery was acquired in September, October,
and November 1972 (41 frames), but only about 13 frames are usable
because of clouds and/or low solar illumination. Imagery was also
acquired in January, February, and March 1973, but only the 1972
imagery has been catalogued so far. Sufficient imagery exists to
carry out part of 8 of the 10 experiments. The sea ice and spring
flooding of rivers experiments cannot be carried out; however, a
request has been made to NOAA (NESS) for NOAA-2 coverage of Iceland
to carry out the sea ice studies. Much of the grasslands (rangelands)
experiment has been lost, as has the persistence of winter snow Into
summer, mapping of glacier margins during minimum snowcover (August),
etc. Even with this loss, however, a considerable amount of research
on analysis of available ERTS-I imagery of Iceland will be carried
out.
d. Discussion of the accomplishments during the reporting period and
those planned for the next reporting period:
(I) A paper on the preliminary results of the analysis of ERTS-I
imagery of Iceland was presented at the "Symposium on Significant
Results Obtained from ERTS-I" on 7 March 1973. (See abstract of
paper under paragraph e. of this progress report.)
(2) A two-week trip to Iceland was accomplished from 3-15 February
1973 to meet four principal objectives: (a) to carry out the research
objectives of the binational, multidisciplinary ERTS-I experiment
with my six Icelandic co-investigators; (b) to discuss with these
scientists the future research objectives of the ERTS-I and two
proposed ERTS-B and NOAA-2/Nimbus-V experiments in Iceland; (c) to
discuss all of the past, present, and future research in Iceland with
SteingrTmur Hermannsson, Director, National Research Council of
Iceland (Ranns6knara' Rfkisins); and (d) to carry out geological
research, with Icelandic scientists, on the 23 January 1973
effusive volcanic eruption of Kirkjufell on the Island of Heimaey,
Vestmannaeyjar (Vestmann Islands), Iceland. All of the objectives
were reached during this trip.
2
(3) A priority request was made to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
for continuing coverage of the volcanic eruption on Heimaey. Up to
the time of video tape recorder failure imagery was being acquired.
Cloud cover obscured all views of the island of imagery analyzed to
date. Pre-eruption imagery exists of Heimaey, thus the objectives
of the volcanic eruptive products experiments can be exceeded if the
island is visible in any post-eruption imagery. Heimaey was imaged
by the NOAA-2 satellite with the VHRR sensor (both visible and ther-
mal infrared).
(4) Two combination ERTS-B and NOAA-2/Nimbus-V proposals on Iceland
were prepared and submitted to NASA by 31 January 1973.
e. Discussion of significant scientific results and their relation-
ship to practical applications or operational problems including
estimates of the cost benefits of any significant results (to be
prepared in scientific abstract form of 200 words or less):
A binational, multidisciplinary research effort in Iceland is directed
at an analysis of MSS imagery from ERTS-I to study a variety of
geologic, hydrologic, oceanographic, and agricultural phenomena. A
preliminary evaluation of available MSS imagery of Iceland has yielded
several significant results - some of which may have direct importance
to the Icelandic economy. Initial findings can be summarized as
follows: (I) recent lava flows can be delineated from older flows at
Askja and Hekla; (2) MSS imagery from ERTS-I and VHRR visible and
infrared imagery from NOAA-2 recorded the volcanic eruption on Heimaey,
Vestmann Islands; (3) coastline changes, particularly changes in the
position of bars and beaches along the south coast (e.g., north and
west of Ing6lfhof'i), are mappable; (4) areas covered with new and
residual snow can be mapped, and the dark appearance of newly fallen
snow on ERTS-I, MSS band 7 appears to be related to melting; (5) sedi-
ment plumes from the discharge of glacial rivers along the south
coast can be delineated; (6) the area encompassed by glacial ice (ice
caps, valley and outlet glaciers, etc.) can be mapped, including the
new position of a surging glacier, Eyjabakkajokull, and such related
phenomena as nunataks and moraines; (7) the plotting of changes in
position of rivers, changes in size of lakes, and the occurrence of
new lakes are feasible; (8) low sun-angle imagery, particularly of
snow-covered terrain, markedly enhances the morphologic expression of
constructional glacial and volcanic landforms, thus permitting the
mapping of previously unrecognized structural features such as
central or subglacial volcanoes; (9) the MSS color composites permit
regional mapping of the distribution of vegetation in Iceland and its
change with time; and (10) at least at 1:250,000 map scale and smaller,
ERTS-I imagery provides a means of updating various types of maps of
Iceland and will permit the compilation of special maps specifically
aimed at those dynamic environmental phenomena which impact on the
Icelandic economy. (3C, 3I, 3K, 4G, 4H, 1C, 2D, & 10A)
3
f. A listing of published articles, and/or papers, pre-prints,
in-house reports, abstracts of talks, that were released during
the reporting period:
Papers Published
(A) Williams, R. S., Jr., 1972, Satellite geological and geophysical
remote sensing of Iceland (abs.): in Summaries of Eighth
International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment,
Univ. of Mich., Ann Arbor, Mich., p. 146-147.
(A) Williams, R. S., Jr., 1972, Satellite geological and geophysical
remote sensing of Iceland (abs.): in Proc. Eighth Int.
Symp. on Remote Sensing of Environment, Univ. of Mich.,
Ann Arbor, Mich., p. 1465-1466.
(A) Williams, R. S., Jr., Bo6varsson, A., Frilriksson, S., P6lmason,
G., Rist, S., Sigtryggsson, H., Thorarinsson, S., and
Thorsteinsson, I., 1973, Satellite geological and geophys-
ical remote sensing of Iceland - preliminary results from
analysis of MSS imagery (abs.): in Abstracts, Symposium on
Significant Results Obtained from ERTS-I, NASA, Goddard
Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., p. 36.
Papers In Press
(P) Williams, R. S., Jr., B8'varsson, A., Fribriksson, S.,
Palmason, G., Rist, S., Sigtryggsson, H., Th6rarinsson,
S., and Th6rsteinsson, I., 1973, Satellite geological
and geophysical remote sensing of Iceland - preliminary
results from analysis of MSS imagery: in Proceedings of
Symposium on Significant Results obtained from ERTS-I,
NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.,
(in press).
Presentations
Williams, R. S., Jr., 1972, Satellite geological and geophysical
remote sensing of Iceland: Eighth Intl. Symp. on Remote Sensing
of Environment, Univ. of Mich., Ann Arbor, Mich., 6 October.
Williams, R. S., Jr., 1973, ERTS-I: A New Window on Our Planet:
Lecture presented at University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland,
13 February.
4
Williams, R. S., Jr., B66varsson, A., FriSriksson, S., P6lmason, G.,
Rist, S., Sigtryggsson, H., Th6rarinsson, S., and Thorsteinsson,
I., 1973, Satellite geological and geophysical remote sensing
of Iceland - Preliminary results from analysis of MSS imagery:
Symposium on Significant Results Obtained from ERTS-I, NASA,
Goddard Space Flight Center, Sheraton Motor Inn, New Carrollton,
Maryland, 7 March.
Williams, R. S., Jr., 1973, Kirkjufell volcanic eruption, Heimaey,
Vestmann Islands, Iceland: Lecture presented at EROS Program
"Brown Bag Forum," U. S. Geological Survey, Matomic Bldg.,
Washington, D. C., 28 March.
Williams, R. S., Jr., 1973, Kirkjufell volcanic eruption: Destruction
of the town of Vestmannaeyjar: Lecture presented to Herra and
Frdu HaralSur Kroyer, Icelandic Ambassador to the United States,
Embassy of Iceland (Residence), 2443 Kalorama Road, Washington,
D. C., 29 March.
Williams, R. S., Jr., 1973, Geology and geomorphology of Iceland:
Land of fire and ice: Lecture presented as part of Barbour-
Schramm Memorial Lectures, Department of Geology, University of
Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, 9 April.
Williams, R. S., Jr., 1973, ERTS-I: A new window on our planet:
Lecture presented as part of Barbour-Schramm Memorial Lectures,
Department of Geology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska,
9 April.
Williams, R. S., Jr., 1973, Kirkjufell volcanic eruption: Destruction
of the town of Vestmannaeyjar: Lecture presented to Department
of Geology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, lOApril.
Williams, R. S., Jr., 1973, Geological remote sensing: Lecture
presented as part of Barbour-Schramm Memorial lectures,
Department of Geology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln,
Nebraska, 10 April.
New Releases
*Photos/Text (U.S. Geological Survey)
I. Pre-Eruption View of Icelandic Volcano (24 January 1973)
2. Site of Icelandic Volcano [Oblique Aerial Photo] (24 January 1973)
3. Site of Icelandic Volcano EVertical Aerial Photo] (2 February 1973)
4. Iceland Volcano Eruption Shows Up On Space Image ENOAA-2]
(2 February 1973)
5. View of Iceland Volcano From Space [NOAA-2] (2 February 1973)
6. Iceland Volcano Eruption On Space Image [NOAA-2] (2 February 1973)
7. Plan Satellite Experiment for Iceland Volcano [ERTS-I and NOAA-2]
(2 February 1973)
*Available from U.S. Geological Survey Information Office, Washington, D.C.
20244, ATTN: Frank H. Forrester (202-343-4646)
*Text/Photos (U.S. Geological Survey)
Iceland Helped by Space Imagery (10 April 1973)
Newspaper Article (Based on interview and scientific lecture)
Morgunbla ia (Reykjavik Daily Newspaper), 14 February 1973, p. 3,
"Icelandic Research from Satellite."
g. Recommendation concerning practical changes In operations,
additional investigative effort, correlation of effort and/or
results as related to a maximum utilization of the ERTS system:
It is hoped that the loss of the video tape recorder will motivate
NASA to modify the Madrid (Spain) and other overseas tracking stations
to receive ERTS-I imagery of foreign areas. Although there is con-
siderable research to be carried out with available ERTS-I imagery of
Iceland, two additional experiments in the discipline of cartography
are being developed and will be tested and reported on during the
next reporting period.
h. A listing by date of any changes in Standing Order Forms:
N/A
i. ERTS Image Descriptor Forms:
Two forms provided as attachment to this report.
j. Listing by date of any changed Data Request Forms submitted to
Goddard Space Flight Center/NDPF during the reporting period:
Because of the late contractual start date all 1972 ERTS-I imagery of
Iceland was individually ordered on separate Data Request Forms which
were submitted to Arthur Fihelly on 4 January 1973, 26 January 1973,
and 20 April 1973.
*Available from U.S. Geological Survey Information Office, Washington, D.C.
20244, ATTN: Frank H. Forrester (202-343-4646)
6
ERTS IMAGE DESCRIPTOR FORM
(See Instructions on Back)
I May 1973
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Richard S. Williams, Jr
IN 079
NDPF USE ONLY
D
N
ID
ORGANIZATION U.S. Geological Survey
PRODUCT ID FREQUENTLY USED DESCRIPTORS*
(INCLUDE BAND AND PRODUCT) DESCRIPTORS
1083-12021-5 EEO Caldera
Active Volcano}
EEO Active Glacier
(Icecap)
EEO Advancing Glacier
Braided Stream
Fiord
Crater
Moraine
Outwash Plain
Snow
Volcano
EEO Mountain (M6berg)
Lava Flows
1083-12021-5B Rangeland
Dormant Vegetation
*FOR DESCRIPTORS WHICH WILL OCCUR FREQUENTLY, WRITE THE DESCRIPTOR TERMS IN THESE
COLUMN HEADING SPACES NOW AND USE A CHECK (/) MARK IN THE APPROPRIATE PRODUCT
ID LINES. (FOR OTHER DESCRIPTORS, WRITE THE TERM UNDER THE DESCRIPTORS COLUMN).
MAIL TO NDPF USER SERVICES
CODE 563
BLDG 23 ROOM E413
NASA GSFC
GREENBELT, MD. 20771
301-982-5406
GSFC 37-2 (7/72)
DATE
GSFC
I
ERTS IMAGE DESCRIPTOR FORM
(See Instructions on Back)
DATE
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
GSFC
I May 1973
Richard S-. Williams, Jr.
IN 079
NDPF USE ONLY
D
N
ORGANIZATION U.S. Geological Survey
*FOR DESCRIPTORS WHICH WILL OCCUR FREQUENTLY, WRITE THE DESCRIPTOR TERMS IN THESE
COLUMN HEADING SPACES NOW AND USE A CHECK (,/) MARK IN THE APPROPRIATE PRODUCT
ID LINES. (FOR OTHER DESCRIPTORS,-WRITE THE TERM UNDER THE DESCRIPTORS COLUMN).
MAIL TO NDPF USER SERVICES
CODE 563
BLDG 23 ROOM E413
NASA GSFC
GREENBELT, MD. 20771
301-982-5406
GSFC 37-2 (7/72)
PRODUCT ID FREQUENTLY USED DESCRIPTORS*
(INCLUDE BAND AND PRODUCT) DESCRIPTORS
1088-12305-4 Snow
Volcano (Central)
EEO Volcano (Shield)
Moraine
EEO Nunatak
EEO Active Glacier
(Icecap)
Crater
Fiord
I
I


Geological and geophysical remote sensing of Iceland

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

NASA Technical Reports Server