ABSTRACT

Technical and economic factors have led to acceptance and use of photogeology as an important tool for preliminary reconnaissance and certain detail work. Photogeology remained for many years completely dependent upon capabilities of visible spectrum sensor systems composed of various camera, film and filter combinations. However, restricting data collection to visible spectrum wavelengths (0.4 to 0.76 microns) was not mandatory. Development and application of film and filters sensitive to near infrared energy proved that valuable additional information was available when properly sought. Examples of near infrared emagery are given.

Near infrared sensing having proved useful, it is obvious that additional geologic information should be available through data collection in the many other decades of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.

This requires equipment far more advanced than the classical aerial camera. Such equipment, particularly for the far infrared and radar spectral regions, has been developed and used successfully in contract commercial operations for nearly two years. Images collected by these advanced sensors are presented and include examples of: subsurface and subvegetation geologic structure, lithology, drainage and ground water patterns; geothermal deposits and civil engineering features such as pipe and sewer lines; and stream and current thermal and sediment transport patterns in water bodies.

Special capabilities of these advanced sensors are their high mobility and greater independence of the time-of-day and meteorologic conditions that restrict conventional aerial photographic operations. Consequently, it is now possible to map thousands of square miles of terrain in a matter of hours rather than months. This is demonstrated with reference to a radar mosaic of the Arbuckle Mountains.

The greatest benefits for geologic exploration will be derived from the new sensors where they are applied in combination. This permits the unique data produced by each to be correlated with the other sensors' outputs during interpretation.