Stratigraphic and structural analyses of the Wind River basin and Big Horn basin areas of central Wyoming are in progress. One result has been the development of an approach to stratigraphic and structural analysis that uses photogeologic and spectral interpretation of multispectral image data to characterize the attitude, thickness, and lithology of strata.

New multispectral systems that have only been available since 1982 are used with topographic data to map upper Paleozoic and Mesozoic strata exposed on the southern margin of the Bighorn Mountains. Landsat-acquired thematic mapper (TM) data together with topographic data are used to map lithologic contacts, measure dip and strike, and develop a stratigraphic column that is correlated with conventional surface and subsurface sections. Aircraft-acquired airborne imaging spectrometer (AIS) and thermal infrared multispectral scanner (TIMS) data add mineralogic information to the TM column, including the stratigraphic distribution of quartz, calcite, dolomite, smectite, and gypsum.

Results illustrate an approach that has general applicability in other geologic investigations that could benefit from remotely acquired information about areal variations in attitude, sequence, thickness, and lithology of strata exposed at the earth's surface. Application of our methods elsewhere is limited primarily by availability of multispectral and topographic data, and quality of bedrock exposures.