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The anatomy of an anomalyAn anomalous tonal pattern, apparently associated with the Beaver Creek oil field in central Wyoming, was identified using an MSS Band 5 to 4 ratio image made from digital LANDSAT data. This pattern was attributed to an increase in iron with rocks and/or soils which might have resulted from escaping hydrocarbons. The nature of this anomaly was investigated by producing several different combinations of band ratios and by conducting appropriate field studies. The results indicated (1) the existence of a well-defined oval feature related to exposure of iron-cemented red sandstones in a badlands topography, (2) a broader iron-influenced anomaly surrounding this feature, and (3) a spectral response of the rocks, soils, and alluvium making up this iron-colored surface that is readily distinguishable from that of iron-rich reddish Chugwater siltstones exposed in nearby anticlines. The general pattern of the broad anomaly extending beyond the Beaver Creek field is controlled by several factors including variations in vegetation (mainly sage and tall grasses), soil composition and moisture, and topography in addition to variations in iron content of the rock materials. From the available evidence, there is no provable correlation between the oval or the broad anomalies and the distribution of petroleum-producing structures or possible surface alteration effects related to uranium deposits known to occur within this region.
Document ID
19760010417
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Short, N. M.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Marrs, R. W.
(Wyoming Univ.)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1975
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center NASA Earth Resources Surv. Symp., Vol. 1-B
Subject Category
Earth Resources And Remote Sensing
Report/Patent Number
G-5
Accession Number
76N17505
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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