Evaluation of infrared imagery applications to studies of surficial geology - Yellowstone Park

Infrared imagery, in the 3-5 micron band, was obtained during afternoon and post-sunset hours of August 1966 by the H.R.B. Singer Corporation on contract to the U. S. Geological Survey. Analysis of these data reveals that known thermal features such as hot and cold springs, glaciers and snow fields and lakes are readily identified on day and night images but that areas of known "hydrothermal" alteration are not detectable by the system employed.

Surficial deposits such as talus and frost rubble are generally light toned but commonly darker than outcrops warmed by solar radiation. Sharp constrasts were noted between forest and grassland areas. Attempts were made to use the imagery in mapping surficial deposits in several areas but results were variable due to the overriding effects of outcrop-forest-grassland contrasts. Recommendations for future missions are presented.