Benson, C.S., and Shapiro, L.H., 1974, Glaciological and volcanological studies in the Wrangell Mountains, Alaska: NASA Final Report Contract NAS5-21833, Task II ERTS Project 110-M.
The feasibility of applying EPRTS data to the study of volcanological and glaciological phenomena in the Wrangell Mountains has been established. Short-term changes at the 4,000 m summit of Mt. Wrangell (620*N; 144*W), produced by deposition of new snow and its subsequent melting by volcanic heat can be observed directly on EPRTS photographic images at scale of 1:1,000,000,000. Long-term changes in the total amount of exposed rock caused by increasing heat flux at the summit over the past decade can also be observed. Digital printouts of data over selected areas of the summit region provide maps at scale of about 1:20,000 with sufficient detail to follow significant changes. When using photographic images, band 7 proved best. When using digital printouts, band 7 was best for high-contrast scenes, but band 5 was best for low-contrast scenes. Large scale glacier features in the Wrangell Mountains can also be successfully studied by ERTS imagery. The most exciting aspect of this study is the fact that changes produced by volcanic activity in craters at the summit of Mt. Wrangell can be directly observed on the ERTS photographic images; and can be followed in detail by using digital forms of the data. Routine satellite monitoring combined with annual aerial photogrammetry provide an adequate observation system for the potentially hazardous and potentially useful Wrangell Mountains.
Outside LinkThis publication is not available through the DGGS website. Find out how to obtain this publication.
