The author has identified the following significant results. An area of anomalous linear topographic grain and color expressions was recognized in Apollo 9 and ERTS-1 imagery along the Colorado River of northwestern Arizona and southern Nevada. Field reconnaissance and analysis of U-2 photography has shown the anomaly to be a zone of north to north-northwest trending dike swarms and associated granitic plutons. The dikes vary in composition from rhyolite to diabase, with an average composition nearer rhyolite. Shearing and displacement of host rocks along dikes suggest dike emplacement along active fault zones. Post-dike deformation has resulted in shearing and complex normal faulting along a similar north-south trend. The epizonal plutonism and volcanism of this north-south belt appears to represent a structurally controlled volcanogenic province which ends abruptly in the vicinity of Lake Mead at a probable eastern extension of the Las Vegas Shear Zone. The magnitude and chronology of extensional faulting and plutonism recognized in the north-south zone, support the hypothesis that the Las Vegas Shear Zone is a transform fault separating two areas of crustal spreading

Bechtold, I. C.

Liggett, M. A.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

~'M8~e· ava"a6fe under NASA· .
In t~e ;~terest of early and wi:~~rsh'P
semlnahon of Earth ResOtIn:es SU IS-
Program . f' rvey
for a tn ormation and without liability
ny use made thereof." .
E 7 2. - .. 1 0 1. 9 2
e,~_ l:i<a-390
9 November 1972
ARGUS EXPLORATION COMPANY
A Research Subsidiary of
Cyprus Mines Corporation
523 West Sixth Street
Los Angeles, California 90014
Telephone 629-5771
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
Attn: NASA Scientific & Technical Information Facility
ERTS Contracting Officer, Code 245, GSFC
ERTS Technical Officer, Code 430, GSFC
ERTS Project Scientist, Code 650, GSFC
ERTS Scientific Monitor, Code 650, GSFC
Subject: Type 1 Progress Report, 1 september through 31 October 1972
Proposal - A Reconnaissance Space Sensing Investigation of
Crustal Structure for a Strip from the Eastern Sierra Nevada
to the Colorado Plateau: April 1971.
Reference: Proposal Control No. SR103
GSFC Prmcipal Investigator ID PRO 15
ERTS-A Contract NAS5-21809, Ira C. Bechtold, P.I.
Gentlemen:
In accordance with Article II, Item 3, and Paragraph 3.1 of the referenced
contract, the follOWing reports the status of our ERTS-1 investigation.
1. Contract Objectives:
A. Analysis, interpretation and evaluation of ERTS-1 data for application
to study of regional crustal structure.
B. Comparison and evaluation of selected available remote sensing tech-
niques, including Apollo 9, X-15 and U-2 photography.
C. Field Investigations to confirm interpretation studies and evaluate
significance and practical applications of geologic phenomena visible
in ERTS imagery.
RECONNAISSANCE SPACE SENSING4~~i~~~~iiioNAOF THE CRUSTAL STRUCTURE FOR
STRIP FROM THE EASTERN I.C. Bechtold, et~l (Argus Exploration Co., Los Ange~~~i 08G G3/13
calif.) 9 NoV. 1972 11 P
N73-10371l
Unclas
00192
J
- ---,
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730001644 2020-03-23T09:15:59+00:00Z
2.
n. Summary of Work Performed:
A. Data Handling and Organization:
Efficient organization and handling of ERTS-l imagery has required
the design of an indexing and filing system for both prints and trans-
parencies. Indexing and plotting of areas covered by NASA U-2,
USAF U-2, NASA SLAR, X-15 and NIMBUS imagery are progressing
satisfactorily.
B. Literature Research:
Research for available geologic and geophysical data has continued as
an integral part of the ERTS-l project. This task has included multiple
reference indexing of data from both published and unpublished sources.
Data sources include REDAF, NASA-MSC; WE SR AC , University of
Southern California; EROS, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Pomona College,
Claremont, California; U. S. Geological Survey.
C. Scientific Communications and Correspondence:
The ERTS-l users conference held at Goddard Space Flight Center
October 1972, was attended by W. E. Hosken, President, Argus Explora-
tion Company; and Mark A. Liggett, Co-Investigator of ERTS-l Project.
Extensive discussions of ERTS-1 research progress were conducted with
NASA monitors, Dr. Paul D. Lowman, Jr. and Mr. Edward W. Crump.
We have continued correspondence or discussions with many investigators
involved in research relating to the ERTS-l program. As appropriate,
we have exchanged relevant data, analytical techniques, or interpretation.
Correspondents include:
Mr. Roy A. Bailey, U. S. Geological Survey, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Homer Lasitter, U. S. Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory,
Port Hueneme, California
Dr. Monem Abdel-Gawad, North American Rockwell Corporation
Mr. Robert E. Frazer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena,
California.
D. Image Enhancement Analysis:
Additive color viewing and false color enhancement experimentation
has been conducted on key RBV and MSS imagery. This work has used
a modified Spectral Data Corporation additive color viewer. Several
methods for photographically recording color composite imagery are now
in development. Experimentation with structural pattern analysis has been
3.
conducted on ERTS-1, NASA U-2 and NASA SLAR imagery using a
Ronche grating, and photographic edge-enhancement processes for
directional filtering.
E. Imagery Comparison and Evaluation:
Initial coverage of the ERTS-1 test site by excellent MSS imagery has
permitted preliminary comparison of this and the limited ~vailable
Apollo 9 photography covering the same areas. Repetitive vertical
coverage by ERTS has proved to be an advantage over the highly oblique
Apollo photography. Available coverage of color infra-red and multi-
spectral U-2 photography and NASA SLAR have been used to complement
ERTS MSS imagery in ground based reconnaissance and mapping.
F. Geologic Field Reconnaissance and Mapping:
Reconnaissance field work from 1 September has concentrated in the
following areas:
1) Owens Valley, Bishop Tungsten District, California
2) Long Valley Caldera, California with Roy A. Bailey, USGS
3) San Gabriel Mountains, California
4) White Mountains, California
5) Spring Mountains, Nevada
6) South Muddy Mountains - Bitter Spring Valley - Pinto Valley Area,
Nevada
7) Cerbat Mountains, Arizona
8) Black Mountains, Arizona, including fixed wing flying
9) Newberry Mountains, Nevada, including fixed wing flying
10) Eldorado Mountains, Nevada, including fixed wing flying
11) River Mountains, Nevada
12) Death Valley, California
Emphasis was placed on regional tectonic interpretation with some
detailed mapping of key areas in the southern Muddy Mountains, Pinto
Valley, Newberry Mountains, and Colorado Mountains, Nevada; and
Black Mountains, Arizona. Large scale structural anomalies found
in ERTS, Apollo and X-15 imagery were reconnaissance field checked
in order to determine what the large scale features are, and how they
might relate to each other in a regional pattern. Detailed field work
was conducted to determine What, if any, small scale structures are
typical of these major features, and what differences in the large scale
features exist from place to place along their strike. Detailed work was
also conducted where the geology of key areas has not been described
in the literature.
"4.
m. Conformance to Work Schedule:
A moderate shift in research scheduling has been required to cover project
administration during illness of the Principal Investigator. \\e feel this has
not had significant effect on research progress.
All work planned for this reporting period has been successfully accomplished.
IV. Analysis of Research Progress:
Analysis of preliminary ERTS-l data has indicated a number of previously
unrecognized geologic features having regional significance. Ground based
reconnaissance is being conducted to verify interpretation study. Specific
studies having adequate ground truth support are abstracted in Section VI.
A problem has resulted from poor duplicate ERTS-l imagery provided by the
NDPF, Goddard S. F. C. Degredation of the 70 mm transparencies has greatly
interfered with additive color viewing and analysis.
V. Efforts to Achieve Reliability and Recommended Changes in Operation:
Defects in NDPF supplied ERTS-l imagery have been monitored and re-
orders for imagery submitted to the NDPF.
In order to counter problems with ERTS-l imagery, we have concentrated
on development of our own photographic processing capabilities, including
production of color composite imagery.
VI. Significant Scientific Results:
Geologic field reconnaissance is continuing on structural and igneous phenomena
recognized in interpretation of ERTS-l imagery. The following abstracts
summarize significant findings having adequate ground truth support as of this
report:
ABSTRACT 9 November 1972
5.
Structurally Controlled Dike Swarms Along the Colorado River, North-
western Arizona and Southern Nevada
Bechtold, 1. C., Mark A. Liggett, and John F. Childs,
Argus Exploration Company, 4120 Birch Street/Suite 108,
Newport Beach, California 92660
An area of anomalous linear topographic grain and color expressions was
recognized in Apollo 9 and ERTS-1 satellite imagery along the Colorado
River of northwestern Arizona and southern Nevada; 350 to 36 0 north latitude.
Field reconnaissance and analysis of USAF/USGS U-2 photography has shown
the anomaly to be a zone of north to north, northwest trending dike swarms
and associated granitic plutons. The dikes vary in composition from rhyolite
to diabase, with an average composition nearer rhyolite. Dikes range in
width from a few feet to over 75 feet, and can be traced along strike for as
far as two miles. Most are steeply dipping to vertical, and in portions of
the Newberry Mountains, Nevada, closely spaced dikes comprise approximately
fifty percent of the rock volume.
In the Eldorado Mountains, Nevada, radiometric age dates from a 15,000
foot sequence of intermediate volcanics range from 18.6 to 13.8 m. y. (Ander-
son et al, 1972). The dike swarms described here are believed to be feeders
for much of this volume. This is supported by the similarity in compositions
of the dikes and volcanics, and the scarcity of dikes cutting upper members
of the volcanic pile. Dated dikes fall within this age span, and further K-Ar
dates for representative dikes are presently being obtained. A maximum age
for intrusion is indicated for the dikes that cut a 15. 9 ':!: O. 3 m. y. granite
pluton at Spirit Mountain, Nevada (Anderson et al, 1972). Reconnaissance
has indicated similar plutons in the Newberry, Eldorado, and Black Mountains
\ that may form a Tertiary aged composite batholith.
Shearing and displacement of host rocks along dikes suggest dike em-
placement along active fault zones. Post-dike deformation has resulted in
shearing and complex normal faulting along a similar north-south trend.
Some of these faults form present range-front scarps, and have locally been
sites of hydrothermal alteration and mineralization.
The epizonal plutonism and volcanism of this north-south belt appears
to represent a structurally controlled volcanogenic province which ends
abruptly in the vicinity of Lake Mead at a probable eastern extension of the
ABSTRACT (Continued)
6.
9 November 1972
Structurally Controlled Dike Swarms Along the Colorado River, North-
western Arizona and Southern Nevada
Las Vegas Shear Zone. Fleck (1971) postulated the Las Vegas Shear Zone
as a transform fault separating two areas of crustal spreading. The magni-
tude and chronology of extensional faulting and plutonism recognized in the
north-south zone described here, supports this hypothesis.
References:
Anderson, R. E., Longwell, C. R., Armstrong,
R. L., and Marvin, R. F., 1972, Significance
of K-Ar Ages of Tertiary rocks from the
Lake Mead region, Nevada-Arizona:
Geol. Soc. America Bull., V. 83, No.2,
p. 273-288.
Fleck, R. J., 1970, Age and possible Origin
of the Las Vegas Valley Shear Zone, Clark
and Nye COWlties, Nevada: Geol. Soc.,
America Abs. with Programs (Rocky Mtn.
Sec.), V. 2, No.5, p. 333.
Discipline Classification:
Mineral Resources, Geological Structure and
Landform Surveys
Mineral Exploration
Volcano Surveys
Lithologic Surveys
Structural Surveys
7.
VII. Funding status:
AB indicated in Financial Reports 533M and 533Q, dated 13 October 1972,
proposed project funding will be adequate. to complete the contracted
research program.
VIII. Scientific staff and Backup Personnel:
In conformance with the rate schedule submitted 28 April 1972, as an
addendum to the referenced proposal, the following personnel are presently
assigned to the ERTS-1 investigation:
Scientific staff
Ira C. Bechtold, Principal Investigator
Mark A. Liggett, Field Geologist
John F. ChUds, Field Geologist
Technical Aids:
Paul L. McClay, Photographic Technician and Field Assistant
Richard L. Hutchens, Field Assistant
Backup Personnel (covered in G & A)
Secretary
Clerk-typist
1lccountant
IX. Work Planned for Next Reporting Period:
A. Field Reconnaissance:
Field work will continue emphasis on compilation of ground truth
along the Black Mountains Lineament of northwestern Arizona;
eastern structural extensions of the Las Vegas Shear Zone, southern
Nevada; and northern extensions of the !vanpah fault zone of eastern
California and southern Nevada. Data analysis and field reconnais-
sance will place particular attention on correlations of major structural
features with distribution and types of volcanic activity. As necessary,
detailed mapping will continue in key areas to determine age or
specific phenomena relating to satellite imagery anomalies .
• B. Image Ehnancement and Analysis:
Laboratory study will continue with additive color analysis of both
. ERTS-1 and multispectral NASA U-2 imagery. Additional photographic
enhancement processes will be investigated for increase of contrast
range in additive color viewing, edge enhancement processing, and
8.
structural pattern analysis.
C. Data Source Research:
Compilation and indexing of relevant geologic and geophysical data
will continue as an important augmentation of ground truth studies
and imagery analysis. Specific attention will be given to compilation
of published age dates for igneous rocks in the eastern portion of the
test area. Additional sources for geophysical and aerial remote
sensing data are being investigated.
x. Authorized Reports and Publications:
Orbital Remote Sensing for Mineral Resources Exploration (Abstract):
by: Ira C. Bechtold and Mark A. Liggett
(A General Discussion of Orbital Remote Sensing Techniques)
To be presented at the Ninth Annual Meeting of the AIAA,
8 January 1972, Washington D. C.
Requested by: Mr. Samuel Hubbard, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D. C.
Summary of ERTS-l research project:
A Reconnaissance Space Sensing Investigation of Crustal Structure for a
Strip from the Eastern Sierra Nevada to the Colorado Plateau: April 1971
Prepared for IEEE Transactions index of ERTS-l investigations at
the request of Mr. Steven Riter, Texas A & M University, College
Station, Texas, 77843.
XI. Changes in Standing Order Forms:
A modified Standing Order Form was submitted on 18 October 1972.
This modification supersedes the Form of 24 February 1972.
XTI. NASA Data Request Forms:
A. Request for ERTS-l 9-1/2 inch positive transparencies; NDPF,
Goddard Space Flight Center, 26 October 1972. Data not received
as of this date.
B. Request for ERTS-l 70 mm positive transparencies to replace
damaged imagery; c/o E. W. Crump, Code 430, Goddard Space
Flight Center, 18 October 1972. Data not received as of this
date.
xm. ERTS-l Image Description Forms:
(Attached)
l
9.
ERTS IMAGE DESCRIPTOR FORM
(See Instructions on Back)
DATE 8 November 1972
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR -=Ir=a_C.:..:...--'B=e=:ch::.;t:;.::o;:,ld=- _
GSFC -=P-=R~O~1~5~ _
ORGANIZATION __Ar""""'"g:u~siil.....olExp~,u.I~Q.....raliloJt.....iloLonu.......:C""Qlol.ml.l.loJl<PrJilan...y.~------
NDPF USE ONLY
0 --'__
N__--'- _
10_-_...._--
PRODUCT 10
(INCLUDE BAND AND PRODUCT)
1015-17433 M
FREQUENTLY USED DESCRIPTORS·
plutons basin- fault
granitic) range zone
structure
b.
DESCRIPTORS
LAKE, Havasu & Mojave
RIVER, Colorado
DIKE SWARM (W114 45' -
N 35 15')
1018-19001 M
1018-18010 M
&. b. c.
c.
a. Sierra Nevada Batholitl
c. Owens Valley, FurnaCE
Creek
PLAYA, Owens Lake
GLACIATION, mountain
c. San Andreas, Pine Mt.
Garlock, San Gabriel.
ALLUVIAL FAN, Wright-
wood
COAST
MOUNTAINS, Transverse
Ranges.
CITY, Los Angeles
DESERT, Mojave
PLAYA, Roger's Dry Lake
1052-17490 M a. b. c. a. Composite
b. Las Vegas Shear Zone
LAKE, Mead, Mojave
RIVER, Colorado
TlffiUST FAULT. I(;ont'n\
,
*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
10 LINES. (FOR OTHER DESCRIPTORS, WRITE THE TERM UNDER THE DESCRIPTORS COLUMN).
MAIL TO ERTS USER SERVICES
CODE 563
BLDG 23 ROOM E413
NASA GSFC
GREENBELT, MD. 20771
301-982-5406.
GSFC 37-2 (7/72)
p , 4f i. _,f !P. *- $C! 4. ,
Page 2
ERTS IMAGE DESCRIPTOR FORM
(See Instructions on Back)
DATE -=8'""'-=-'No.=o..:..;v~em=b:.:::e;:.r__=1::.97.:..:2=__ _
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR _--==Ir:..=a:.....:::C;.:..--=B~e=ch:::t:::::o:.::.ld=-- _
GSFC ..:::P-=R.:..:O~1~5~ _
ORGANIZATION __.....A;J",Ir-..l!gu~si-JoOExp~l,loJoo.u.r....llau.tiu.·oa.nI....'.lC~om.........,pu;alol.JnL,ll-y _
PRODUCT 10 FREQUENTLV USED DESCRIPTORS·
IINCLUDE BAND AND PRODUCT)
(Continued from page 1)
NDPF USE ONLV
0 _
N__.-,,;,.. _
10__--.-__
DESCRIPTORS
1053-17545 M
1055-19055 M a.
b.
b.
c.
c.
Keystone, Thrust (W115 30' f-
N36 00')
DIKE SWARM (W114 45' -
N35 45')
c. Garlock, Death Valley
Furnace Creek, Ivanpal!.
THRUST FAULT (Keystone
(W115 30' - N36 00')
PLAYA, Mesquite Valley
a. Sierra Nevada Batholitl
c. Owen's Valley
CALDERA (Wi18 45' -
N37-45')
GLACIATION, mountain
LAKE, Mono
IttFOR DESCRIPTORS WHICH WILL OCCUR FREQUENTLY, WRITE THE DESCRIPTOR TERMS IN THESE'
COLUMN HEADING SPACES NOW AND USE A CHECK (../) MARK IN THE APPROPRIATE PRODUCT
10 LINES. (FOR OTHER DESCRIPTORS, WRITE THE TERM UNDER THE DESCRIPTORS COLUMN).
MAIL TO ERTS USER SERVICES
CODE 563
BLDG 23 ROOM E413
NASA GSFC
GREENBELT, MD. 20771
301-982-5406.
GSFC 37-2 (7/72)


A reconnaissance space sensing investigation of the crustal structure for a strip from the eastern Sierra Nevada to the Colorado Plateau: April 1971

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