Satellite geological and geophysical remote sensing of Iceland: Preliminary results from analysis of MSS imagery

• Main Authors: Palmason, G., Sigtryggsson, H., Fridriksson, S., Williams, R. S., Jr., Boedvarsson, A., Thorsteinsson, I., Rist, S., Thorarinsson, S.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: 1973
• Subjects: GEOPHYSICS; Askja; Heimaey; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2060/19730019509

A binational, multidisciplinary research effort in Iceland is directed at an analysis of MSS imagery from ERTS-1 to study a variety of geologic, hydrologic, oceanographic, and agricultural phenomena. A preliminary evaluation of available MSS imagery of Iceland has yielded several significant results - some of which may have direct importance to the Icelandic economy. Initial findings can be summarized as follows: (1) recent lava flows can be delineated from older flows at Askja and Hekla; (2) MSS imagery from ERTS-1 and VHRR visible and infrared imagery from NOAA-2 recorded the vocanic eruption on Heimaey, Vestmann Islands; (3) coastline changes, particularly changes in the position of bars and beaches along the south coast are mappable; and (4) areas covered with new and residual snow can be mapped, and the appearance of newly fallen snow on ERTS-1, MSS band 7 appears dark where it is melting. ERTS-1 imagery provides a means of updating various types of maps of Iceland and will permit the compilation of special maps specifically aimed at those dynamic environmental phenomena which impact on the Icelandic economy.