Identification and interpretation of tectonic features from ERTS-A imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. A set of criteria characterizing known mineralized areas are: (1) occurrence at structural bends, discontinuities, complex deformations along fault zones and intersections; (2) complex terrain textures produced by fracture intersections; (3) color and tone anomalies produced by igneous intrusives, alteration effects, and oxidation. Significant fracture systems which appear to be most commonly related to mineralization in central and northeastern Nevada trend northeast-southwest, north-south, and north-northwest. In the area from Goldfield and Beatty, Nevada, to south of Las Vegas, ERTS-1 and Skylab imagery have been examined together to study an apparent correlation of mineralized areas with suspected hydrothermal alteration effects. It was observed that areas of mineralization are of complex structure, usually cut by many fractures, and sometimes have a similar mottled or variegated appearance. Although the Beatty-Rhyolite mining district is now largely inactive, several analogous areas not known to be mineralized have been identified. Identification of specific mineral prospects within general targets requires extensive field work and detailed geophysical exploration