The author has identified the following significant results. Preliminary analysis of the data received has disclosed two potentially important northwest-trending systems of linear features within the Northern California Coast Ranges. A third system, which trends northeast, can be traced with great uncertainty across the alluviated part of the Sacramento Valley and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. These linear features may represent fault systems or zones of shearing. Of interest, although not yet verified, is the observation that some of the mercury concentrations and some of the geothermally active areas of California may be located at the intersection of the Central and the Valley Systems. One, perhaps two, stratigraphic unconformities within the Late Mesozoic sedimentary rocks were detected during preliminary examination of the imagery; however, more analysis is necessary in order to verify this preliminary interpretation. A heretofore unrecognized, large circular depression, about 15 km in diameter, was detected within the alluviated part of the Sacramento Valley. The depression is adjacent to a large laccolithic intrusion and may be geologically related to it. Changes in the photogeologic characteristics of this feature will continue to be monitored

Rich, E. I.

English

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E7.2- 1 0.3.3 3
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TYPE II REPORT (January 1, 1973)
TITLE: STRUCTURAL AND LITHOLOGIC STUDY OF NORTHERN COAST RANGE
AND SACRAMENTO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ernest I. Rich
School of Earth Sciences
Stanford University
Stanford, California 94305
PROPOSAL NO.: SR042
GSFC IDENTIFICATION NO.: UN 217
({E72-10333) 
-STRUCTURAL AND LITHOLOGIC
STUDY OF NORTHERN COAST RANGE AND
SACRAMENTO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA E.I. Rich
(Stanford Univ.) 1 Jan. 1973 9 p
___ ~~~~CSCL 08F G3/13
N73-14321-
Unclas
00333
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730005594 2020-03-23T05:29:02+00:00Z
Significant Results: -
The first ERTS-1 data was not received by the Principal Investigator
until October 23, 1972.
Preliminary analysis of the data received has disclosed two potentially
important northwest-trending systems of linear features within the Northern
California Coast Ranges. A third system, which trends northeast, can be
traced with great uncertainty across the alluviated part of the Sacramento
Valley and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. These linear features
may represent fault systems or zones of shearing because topographic off-
set and stratigraphic disruption can be seen along one or two of the line-
ations. One of the systems of linear features is parallel or subparallel
with the San Andreas fault and is confined to the Coastal belt (here re-
ferred to as the Coastal System). Another set, which acutely joins but
does not appear to transect the Coastal System, is confined to the central
part of the Coast Ranges. This system, the Central System, is less well
defined but appears to be the chief influence on the structural and topo-
graphic grain of the terrain. The third set of linear features, the Valley
System, trends northeasterly, about normal to the Central system. Strati-
graphic offset and/or disruption of the Late Mesozoic sedimentary rocks
along the western margin of the Sacramento Valley and in the western foot-
hills of the Sierra Nevada can be seen on the imagery. Northeasterly
trending linear elements, subparallel with the Valley System, can be detected
within the alluviated part of the Sacramento Valley. These elements may
reflect the continuation of the Valley System within the bedrock that
floors the Sacramento Valley. The Valley System has not been recognized
heretofore. Because of the limited imagery coverage received so far, the
extent of these linear features or their tectonic significance cannot be
ascertained.
Of interest, although not as yet verified, is the observation that some
of the mercury concentrations and some of the geothermally active areas of
California may be located at the intersection of the Central and the Valley
Systems. This suggests that detailed analysis of the Valley System has be-
come an important aspect of the investigation.
One, and perhaps two, stratigraphic unconformities within the Late
Mesozoic sedimentary rocks were detected during preliminary-examination of
the imagery; however, more careful analysis of subsequent imagery and field
examination is required to verify this preliminary interpretation.
I
A heretofore unrecognized, large circular depression, about 15 km
in diameter, was detected within the alluviated part of the Sacramento
Valley (Scene 1094-18231). The depression is adjacent to, and about 2 km
southwest of, a large laccolithic intrusion (Marysville Butte) and may
be geologically related to this intrusion. Although several geologic
and geomorphic reasons can be postulated to explain this feature, such
as caldera collapse, subsidence adjacent to oil fields, or differential
compaction-of post-Pleistocene alluvial deposits, no verifiable explan-
ation is possible at this time. Changes in the photogeologic character-
istics of this feature will continue to be monitored.
Data Analysis Plan:
a) Planned Schedule - The following is a tentative schedule of work
on the project for the remainder of the investigation. The investi-
gation has been divided into several tasks, some of which may pro-
ceed concurrently. These tasks are:
Task I - Delineate linear features detectable on ERTS-l imagery
and transfer onto a standard base map at a scale of
1:1,000,000 or 1:500,000
Task II -Determine photogeologic characteristics on ERTS imagery
of known rock types in the various microclimates and
monitor changes in characteristics with changes in season.
Task III- Delineate stratigraphic data on base maps prepared in Task I
and plot known mercury deposits and other known ore deposits,
and thermal steam areas on base map.
Task IV - Field check selected areas to verify or modify interpretations
made from ERTS imagery.
Task V - Correlate geologic and climatic data obtained from ERTS
and from underflights with published data to verify accuracy
and reliability of interpretation.
Task VI - Preparation of final report.
These tasks are tentatively scheduled as follows:
Dates Tasks to be performed
Dec. 1972 through Mar. 73 Tasks I, II
Mar. 1973 through June 73 Tasks II, III
June 1973 through Sept. 73 Tasks II, III, IV
Sept. 1973 through Dec. 73 Tasks V, VI
b) Changes in ERTS data requirements: Because of nature of investigation,
bulk color composite paper prints in 9 x 5 inch format are requested
on a standing order basis.
3
Problems: 
No serious investigative problems have been encountered during the
first few months of operation.
The equipment necessary to produce color composites from the 70 mm
positive transparencies is not readily available to the project but this
lack has not been detrimental to the progress of the investigation, so far.
However, it is anticipated that the lack of the ability to produce in-house
color composites (by projection or otherwise) will hinder the full evalu-
ation of the imagery in the future. During the initial phase of the pro-
ject, standard NDFP bulk color products for each scene were requested on
a standing order basis to be used for comparison with the B&W positive
transparencies, for rapid comparison of images obtained during the various
orbits, and for field work. The change to retrospective order for color
composites is time consuming and may result in some delays in the
investigation.
The Principal Investigator has looked into various alternatives; but
the costs.of commercially available viewing systems or of "buying time"
on locally available industrial equipment is fiscally prohibitive. Other
avenues of obtaining this capability are continually being explored, as
well as means of obtaining image enhancement of critical scenes. If it
is possible, it would be advantageous to the project to obtain bulk color
composites of each scene on a standing order basis.
The announcement by NASA (December 19, 1972) to supply data only once
per season will seriously handicap the project. The experience of the Prin-
cipal Investigator and preliminary examination of available ERTS-1 imagery
suggests that seasonal variation in the vegetative cover is closely related
to the type of bedrock and that the changes, or differences, in the character
of vegetation that occurs just at the time of seasonal change is of utmost
importance. For example, extrusive volcanic rocks and sandstone have similar
photo characteristics during both the wet and dry seasons in California;
however, subtle, but distinct differences in photo characteristics can be
observed within the relatively short period of time during the change from
wet to dry or dry to wet season. The original request and existing standing
order was specifically designed to acquire data during these specifieItimes.
LI
Accomplishments:
Prior to receipt of ERTS-1 data, several sets of U-2, high altitude,
multiband imagery of the southern part of the project area were obtained
through the courtesy of NASA Ames Research Center. This imagery was
critically examined to determine the photogeologic characteristics of
rock types under varying climatic conditions. From both the in-the-field
experience of the Principal Investigator and from independent examination
of the U-2 imagery by the Research Assistant, it was ascertained that it would
be possible, and most profitable, to differentiate only three gross rock
types, namely, sedimentary rocks, extrusive volcanic rocks, and serpentinite.
Recognition of these three rock types on the ERTS-1 imagery was thought
to yield maximum results and, if it were possible,to subdivide these gross
rock types into specific units, this could be done only after critical
examination of ERTS-1 data. As a consequence, a set of photo criteria,
for each bandwidth of ERTS-1, was established and is summarized on the
accompanying tables. Geologic structural data, which depends in part on
an entirely different kind of photo criteria, were not studied in detail
on the U-2 imagery.
The first ERTS-1 data was received October 23, 1972 and included orbits
1056 thru 1060. To date imagery includes 4 sets of passes (Nos. 56-60, 74-76, 93-96
112-114). Although only semi-qualitative analysis has been possible so far, gross
structural patterns may be discerned (See: Significant Results); however,
because of the seasonal differences between the U-2 and the ERTS-1 imagery
presently on hand, no direct correlation of rock types is unequivocally
possible. However, within the areas familiar to the Principal Investigator,
differences may be detected - the full significance of which will depend
on subsequent ERTS-1 data.
Analysis of the data has involved the use of the B&W positive trans-
parencies of three band widths - MSS 4, 5 and 6. Color composites and
enhancement capability have not been available to the project (See section;
Problems); however, bands 5 and 6 appear to be the most useful for the
project. Band 4 has unquestioned value in seasonal evaluation and as
conformation of the data obtained from the other bands. Tentatively,
band 4 will be critical to the project for the analysis of data during
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seasonal changes (e.g. from dry to wet and from wet to dry seasons). No
image enhancement has been attempted, to date; but it is anticipated that
enhancement techniques will be used at a later date. An effort will be
made to "buy time" on commercially available equipment, if fiscally possible.
The quality of the ERTS-1 data is excellent. Although there appears
to be some variation in densities from orbit to orbit, this in no way
has proved detrimental to the investigation.


Structural and lithologic study of Northern Coast Range and Sacramento Valley, California

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