ALBERT

Description: The discovery of concentrations of meteorites in Antarctica by Japanese field parties in 1969, and subsequently by joint U.S.-Japanese and U.S. field parties since 1976 has provided a significant new resource for understanding the origin and evolution of the solar system. The number of meteorites as well as the variety of meteorites has increased dramatically, and substantial amounts of data derived from their study has begun to appear in the scientific literature. The U.S. program of investigation has drawn on curatorial experience derived from the lunar program to: (1) develop specific collection and preliminary examination protocols; (2) provide documented samples for scientific investigations in response to specific requests; and (3) coordinate research by scientific consortia. The productivity of scientific research is significantly enhanced by these management approaches. Some of the results of the curatorial program for Antarctic meteorites carried out over the past three years are described.

Description: Two unique meteorites were identified by means of a mineralogical examination of the smaller-sized Yamato achondrites. Yamato-74130 is the most iron-rich ureilite with Na, Cr-rich augite instead of pigeonite. Yamato-74160 was extensively recrystallized, but the composition and proportion of olivine, orthopyroxene, augite, and plagioclase is consistent with LL7 chondrites. ALHA77005 is a unique achondrite with olivine, possibly three pyroxene assemblages, and maskelynite. These meteorites provide evidence that there may be other 'thermalized' asteroids than the howardite parent body. Detailed petrologic descriptions of the unique achondrites, recrystallized diogenite Yamato-74013, and the rapidly cooled eucrite Yamato-74450 with pyroxene phenocrysts are given. It is inferred from the bulk chemistry and the mineralogical reexamination of Yamato-75028 that it is composed of the H5-type clasts and chondrule-rich H(L)3-like matrix with the H5 fragments. A close relationship in the collisional evolution of some asteroids with these materials is inferred.

Description: The High Resoltuion Spectrograph (HRS) in conjunction with the Space Telescope (ST), extends ultraviolet astronomical spectroscopy to higher spectra, spatial, and time resolutions than previously achieved, as well as to fainter and more distant celestial objects. Other significant advances inherent in the instrument are high photometric accuracy and efficient operation via exposure meter control and real time rejection of bad data. These capabilities are provided to accomplish the scientific programs of the HRS investigation definition team, which concern the interstellar medium, stellar winds, and evolutionary aspects of stellar atmosphere studies; the determination of chemical abundances relevant to stellar evolution; the investigation of quasars and Seyfert galaxy nuclei; and the analysis of the atmospheres of solar system objects, including comets.

Description: Opinions conflict over the role of surface gravity in shaping impact craters on Mercury. One view holds that the effects of g are evident in measurable aspects of crater form; other investigators find little or no evidence for g's geomorphic importance. Ambiguity in the role of g and other variables in cratering on Mercury stems largely from uncertainty in identifying major geomorphic contrasts and the crater sizes at which they occur. One of these, depth/diameter (d/D), undergoes a major change at the transition from simple (bowl shaped) to complex (peaks and terraces) crater interiors. Four least-squares d/D fits for fresh craters on Mercury were attemped. The results are inconsistent. The d/D data that should resolve previous shortcomings is presented. The revised d/D distributions for simple and complex craters, which intersect at a diameter of about 5 km, support the initial thesis that g substantially influences the form of Mercury's craters.

Description: Observations of cosmic and gamma radiation by SAS-2 satellite are summarized and analyzed to determine processes responsible for producing observed galactic radiation. In addition to the production of gamma rays in discrete galactic objects such as pulsars, there are three main mechanisms by which high-energy (greater than 100 MeV) radiation is produced by high-energy interactions involving cosmic rays in interstellar space. These processes, which produce what may be called diffuse galactic gamma-rays, are: (1) the decay of pi mesons produced by interactions of cosmic ray nucleons with interstellar gas nuclei; (2) the bremsstrahlung radiation produced by cosmic ray electrons interacting in the Coulomb fields of nuclei of interstellar gas atoms; and (3) Compton interactions between cosmic ray electrons and low-energy photons in interstellar space.

Description: Gamma ray astronomy is now beginning to provide a new look at the galactic structure and the distribution of cosmic rays, both electrons and nucleons, within the galaxy. The observations are consistent with a galactic spiral-arm model in which the cosmic rays are linearly coupled to the interstellar gas on the scale of the spiral arms. The agreement between the predictions of the model and the observations for regions of the plane where both 21-cm and 2.6-mm CO surveys exist emphasizes the need to extend these observations to include the entire plane. Future gamma-ray observations with more sensitivity and better angular resolutions, combined with these radio surveys, should shed new light on the distribution of cosmic rays, the nature of the galaxy, and the location and intensity of the spiral arms.

Description: The density distributions of pulsars in luminosity, period, Z-distance, and galactocentric distance were derived, using a uniform sample of pulsars detected during a 408-MHz pulsar survey at Jodrell Bank. There are indications of a fine-scale structure in the spatial distributions and evidence that there is a general correlation with other galactic populations and the overall spiral structure. The electron layer in our galaxy is shown to be wider than the pulsar layer and uniform on a large scale. The number of pulsars in the galaxy has been estimated and used to derive the pulsar birthrate.

Description: Thermal radiation associated with the explosion of supernovae is investigated. High temperature is required to produce copious gamma radiation of this sort. It appears that type 11 supernovae do not release much of their energy as gamma ray continuum radiation.

Description: Observations of the diffuse far-infrared flux from the galactic plane, as well as far-infrared measurements of the properties of dense molecular clouds, when combined with recent high-energy gamma-ray measurements and radio observations of carbon monoxide, yield information about the total mass of molecular clouds, the large-scale structure of the inner galaxy, and the density of cosmic rays.

Description: The degree of saturation characterizing low altitude emission observations of H(I) and the optical depth corrections to the derived column and volume densities are discussed. The amount of fine-scale velocity and spatial structure diluted by the instrumental limitations of the presently available surveys are described. The general problem of detailed mapping of H(I) in the galaxy is explored. Comparison is made between the distribution of H(I) and that of CO and several other galactic tracers. Atomic hydrogen is unique in its distribution, instead of being typical of many Population I constituents. As defined by atomic hydrogen, the galactic disk has a diameter fully twice as large as that defined by the ionized and molecular states of hydrogen, as well as by other molecules, supernova remnants, pulsars, gamma-radiation, synchroton radiation, and the youngest stars. It is also less confined to the galactic equator than most of the other constituents. The degree of small scale structure apparent in the molecular observations is much greater than that in the H(I) observations.

Description: Data from the SAS-2 high-energy gamma-ray experiment reveal the existence of four pulsars emitting photons above 35 MeV. An attempt is made to explain the gamma-ray emission from these pulsars in terms of an electron-photon cascade that develops in the magnetosphere of the pulsar. Although there is very little material above the surface of the pulsar, the very intense magnetic fields (10 to the 12th power gauss) correspond to many radiation lengths which cause electrons to emit photons by magnetic bremsstrahlung and which cause these photons to pair-produce. The cascade develops until the mean photon energy drops below the pair-production threshold which is in the gamma-ray range; at this stage, the photons break out from the source.

Description: Considerations made in developing a model of pulsars are explored. Observational data seems to support the argument that pulsar magnetospheres may contain large masses of plasma. The cascade process resulting from pair creation enables one to interpret the X-ray emission from the Crab and Vela pulsars as synchrotron radiation. On the other hand, the optical radiation from the Crab pulsar is best understood as coherent curvature radiation. Radio emission is interpreted as curvature radiation produced by charge bunches moving along magnetic-field lines. Certain tests of this model are proposed.

Description: The high closing speed of 57km/s between the spacecraft and Halley poses special problems in the design of the required meteoroid protection. A double wall structure with a total thickness equal to 0.1 to 1 times the diameter of the largest meteoroid encountered is sufficient to stop that meteoroid. However, the unusually high number of meteoroid impacts on the Halley probe will cause significant erosion of the outer wall so that failure of the second wall is more likely to occur from a small meteoroid passing through a previously created hole in the outer wall and then penetrating the second wall. Calculations of the shielding required based on this failure mode, show that a double wall structure must actually have a total thickness 1.2 to 7.3 times the diameter of the largest meteoroid encountered, depending on the size distribution of the meteoroids.

Description: Craters within the Ganymede Jg-7 quadrangle were divided into seven mappable units. The units represent: (1) irregular or elongate craters, (2) craters with dark ejecta, (3) palimpsests, (4) secondary craters, (5) and craters of young, mature, and old age. Symbols used for crater floors include: (1) flat floors, (2) floors with pits, (3) floora with a central dome or peak, (4) and floors with a central dome and pit. Grooved terrains were divided into five mappable units. Three units of light grooved material represent small, medium, and large grooves, which are arbitrarily divided. The other two units of grooved terrain represent dark grooved materials, and reticulate grooves. Two units of ungrooved dark terrain and two units of ungrooved light terrain were defined. In Galileo Regio, two units were defined repesenting large furrowed grooves, and smaller grooves which are orthogonal to the furrowed grooves.

Description: The relative time of emplacement of some major rock units on Mars was recognized to some degree from geologic mapping using Mariner Images. Correlation charts showing the map units and their position in sequence, however, displayed little discrimination in their vertical range of occurrence. A more detailed time-stratigraphy is currently being developed as Viking geologic mapping of the planet progresses.

Description: Although many radar profiles and images of the area within 20 deg of Mercury's equator had been obtained from 1971 to 1981, at both Goldstone and Arecibo radar facilities, surprisingly little geological analysis had been done with these data until recently. Topographic profiles and radar roughness reflectivity images which can be derived from these data will be crucial in completing the geological mapping of Mercury now underway at the U.S. Geological Survey. Processing of available radar data must be completed to establish any systematic relationship between radar reflectivities and roughness, density, dielectric constant, and other related geological parameters. Specific tasks accomplished for these purposes include the following. Documentation was located and searched to establish the type and quantity of Goldstone 12.5 cm radar observations which were available for Mercury. Data has been collected during approximately 50 observation periods from 1971 to 1981. About half of the data, collected during 1972 and 1973, have been processed, but without adequate documentation. A standardized, well-documented procedure for processing and analysis for all Goldstone Earth-based observations of Mercury was established.

Description: The origin of Mars surface units and the extent of subsequent cratering play key roles in determining surface texture. At scale sizes of 0.1-10 meters, however, there is a growing body of evidence that wind is the dominant force. The direct and indirect evidence which implies that meter-scale surface texture on Mars is controlled by the wind is presented. Since radar is uniquely sensitive to structure on these scales, radio wave scattering data can provide insight on aeolian activity available from no other source.

Description: Two old volcano-tectonic collapse structures are exposed north and northeast of the huge shield volcano, Olympus Mons. They are semicircular and were probably low shield volcanoes similar to Alba Patera, but whose central portions have subsided or collapsed. They form the basement upon which younger volcanic materials of Alba Patera Olympus Mons have been emplaced. The oldest structure, Acheron Fossae is over 700 km across and is north of Olympus Mons. It has a surface of considerable relief broken by graben and extensive en echelon and parallel fractures and faults with varied displacements. Acheron Fossae is the most densely cratered in the Olympus Mons region. The structure must have formed very early in martian time. The second is Halex Fossae, northeast of Olympus Mons. Where exposed, it is cut by a series of arcuate grabens that become closer spaced toward its center. The radii of the fractures indicate that the structure may be at least 250 km across and centered beneath the Olympus Plains. Lava flows appear to have issued from some of the arcuate fractures and to have flowed radially away from the center of Halex Fossae. North of Halex Fossae, material of the same age as Halex Fossae overlaps Acheron Fossae.

Description: High spatial resolution data from the Viking infrared thermal mapper (IRTM) are used to examine the Tharsis volcanoes which are situated within a vast area of low thermal inertia material very fine particle size or very high porosity, with the volcanoes having the lowest thermal inertias. Thermal infrared images of the 1823 flow on Kilauea's southwest rift zone show lower thermal inertias near the vent area where shelly pahoehoe is common while individual channelized aa flows with abundant broken pahoehoe slabs are higher thermal inertia. The increase in aa flows to the southeast leads to a general trend of increasing thermal inertias from near vent to distal areas. Martian shield volcanoes have thermal inertias equal to or higher than their surrounding plans when atmospheric effects are removed from the data. The general increase in thermal inertias away from the summit calderas is consistent with the trend of the Hawaiian 1823 flow and may be related to changing lava properties away from the summit.

Description: A photometrically and geometrically reduced data base is being produced for the Galilean Satellites using Voyager Imaging data. The basic data set used is essentially all the useful satellite images returned by Voyager. Each frame was radiometrically calibrated and many are projected into cartographic formats. Mosaics of low, medium and high resolution frames being made for each satellite consist of registered digital images with intensity values scaled through a traceable calibration procedure to normal albedo values. Many of the mosaics are being made in two versions. One version is an albedo version and the second is a maximum discrimination version in which large variations in brightness across the picture are suppressed.

Description: One unique feature on Mars is the presence of ring furrows which are apparently produced by inversion of topography at the rims of partially buried craters. Ring furrows are flat-floored trenches, circular in plan view, forming rings 7 to 50 km in diameter. The moat is on the order of 0.5 km deep and 2 to 10 km wide, and it surrounds a flat topped circular mesa or plateau that is 5 to 40 km across. The central plateau is at the same elevation or lower than the surrounding plain outside the ring. The circular nature and size range of ring furrows tend to suggest that these features are related to craters partially buried by younger lava flows. The rings have been formed by preferential removal of the exposed crater rims. Ground ice decay, sapping, or fluvial erosion removed the less resistant, porous material of crater rims while leaving the more resistant volcanic flow material. Differential erosion has thus led to a reversal of topography in which the original positive relief of the rim is reduced to a negative relief feature.

Description: The morphology of channels, valleys, chaotic and fretted terrains and many smaller features on Mars is consistent with the hypothesis that localized deterioration of thick layers of ice-rich permafrost was a dominant geologic process on the Martian surface. Such ground ice deterioration gave rise to large-scale mass movement, including sliding, slumping and sediment gravity flowage, perhaps also catastropic floods. In contrast to Earth, such mass movement processes on Mars lack effective competition from erosion by surface runoff. Therefore, Martian features due to mass movement grew to reach immense size without being greatly modified by secondary erosional processes. The Viking Mission to Mars in 1976 provided adequate measurements of the relevant physical parameters to constrain models for Martian permafrost.

Description: High-resolution pictures of talus slopes on Mars show small, dark streaks that characteristically widen downward. These streaks are different from the thin and even streaks of various albedos that stream from cliffs on talus slopes, but gradations between the two streak types occur and not all streaks can be classified with confidence. In order to study the nature and origin of the small, widening, dark streaks, all Viking pictures with a resolution of less than 100 m/pixel were surveyed. To date several hundred streaks were located, but only few are of high enough resolution to be confidently identified as widening downwards. The approximate dimensions of the streaks were measured and their shapes, numbers, position, and spacing on slopes were noted. They were plotted on a topographic map, and their relation to topography, geologic units, and regions of distinct thermal inertia and albedo were studied. Also noted was the season at which images containing streaks were acquired and the direction of illumination. Albedo measurements are in progress. Several streaks can be seen stereoscopically, but none are observed on color images. The observation of small dark streaks on talus slopes on Mars is compatible with an interpretation of their origin as eruptions of small masses of wet debris in places where steep walls intersect aquifers or where seasonal equatorial warming permits the local melting of ground ice.

Description: The valley networks of Mars are widely believed to have formed at a time when climatic conditions on the planet were significantly different from those that currently prevail. This view arises from the following observations: (1) the valleys form integrated branching networks which suggests fluid drainage, and water is the most plausible fluid, (2) the present atmosphere contains only minute amounts of water, (3) the networks appear to be more akin to terrestrial valleys that are eroded by streams of modest discharges than features that form by catastrophic floods, and (4) small streams of water will rapidly freeze under present climatic conditions. Climatic conditions at the time of formation of the valleys are studied based on the assumption that they were cut by running water.

Description: Images of the surface of Venus obtained by the Soviet Venera 9, 10, 13 and 14 landers are analyzed to provide a basis for understanding the nature of geologic processes operating there. Bedrock is exposed at the Venera 10, 13 and 14 sites and is characterized by semi-continuous, flat polygonal to subrounded patches up to several meters in width. The bedrock surface is often dominated by sub horizontal to horizontal layered plates with thicknesses of several cm and abundant linear and polygonal vertical fractures. Soils (particles 1 cm) are abundant at the Venera 9, 10 and 13 sites, but are uncommon at Venera 14. Features indicative of a strong aeolian influence (moats, dunes, wind tails) are not observed. Several hypotheses are considered for the origin of the bedrock surfaces, and it is concluded that bedrock originated from surface lava flows. The relative freshness of features observed by the Veneras suggests that erosion rates are very low or that some bedrock surfaces are geologically young.

Description: A tectonic orgin for Venus banded terrain is consistent with band spacing. Both compressional (folding) and extensional models for band formation can fit present observations. Band spacing cannot distinguish among scenarios for global heat loss and for the origin of highland terrain. Tectonic models for band formation indicate that the surface brittle layer in the venus highlands is no more than a few kilometers thick.

Description: A study to determine the feasibility of conducting experiments to simulate the aeolian environment on Venus as related to wind abrasion was completed. Ideally, such experiments should involve complete investigation of weathering, in which mechanical, thermal, and chemical parameters are taken into account. This is particularly important for Venus, where atmospheric temperatures and pressures at the surface produce an environment which is equivalent to low or medium grade metamorphic conditions on Earth. Details that describe the Venus Aeolian Abrasion Device (VAAD) are included. The VAAD device would enable experiments to be conducted with the same chemistry, temperature, pressure, and other physical properties of the Venus atmosphere near the surface. The proposed device enables the important aeolian parameters to be controlled and monitored, including particle size, velocity, impact-angle and flux, atmospheric pressure, temperature, and gas composition.

Description: Why the lowlands of Mars are concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere and the highlands in the Southern Hemisphere is probably the most fundamental unsolved problem in martian geology. No explanation that accounts both for this asymmetric distribution and for the isostatic equilibrium across the scarp or sloping transition zone dividing the two provinces has been generally accepted; thinning of the lithosphere in the northern hemisphere by internal processes has been suggested. Because other lowland-highland distributions on Mars, Moon, and Mercury are controlled by impact basins, it is proposed that a giant basin formed early in Mars' history has caused the martian hemispheric dichotomy as well.

Description: A number of researchers have concluded that saturation equilibrium cratering exists nowhere in the solar system, and therefore that diameter distributions in even the most heavily cratered provinces reveal initial production functions related to impacting bodies. Based on this premise, different populations of impactors are identified in different epochs and regions of the solar system. These hypotheses are clearly crucial to interpreting planetary history and need further independent examination. The production function in the outer solar system may differ from that in the inner solar system, but it is also possible that viscous relaxation of ice craters or immediate flooding of craters that penetrate through an ice lithosphere into watery substrate may explain the greater deficiency of large craters on icy moons. This problem is controversial and needs more study.

Description: Properties of the planetary surface and subsurface can affect the morphology of impact craters. A mechanism was proposed to explain pedestal craters and domed floors within fresh craters on Ganymede. Voyager 1 and 2 images with resolutions = to or 3.2 km/lp were examined and 523 fresh craters were identified. For each crater, the rim and ejecta diameters were measured, and the crater was characterized by ejecta class(es), interior features, floor morphology and target terrain. Of the craters examined, 97 show moderate to prominent doming of the crater floor; 340 craters have continuous ejecta which terminates in a scarp pedestal craters, of which 86 (25%) have a high albedo diffuse deposit beyond the pedestal.

Description: A systematic survey of the entire Mariner 10 coverage of Mercury was performed to determine the number, distribution and dimensions of additional ancient basins on the planet. Ancient multi-ringed basins on Mercury can be recognized by the following criteria: (1) arcs of massif chains and isolated massifs that protrude through younger units, (2) arcuate segments of lobate ridges (rupes) that align with massifs in circular patterns, (3) arcuate scarps that are aligned with ridges and massif, and (4) isolated regions of anomalously high topography within the intercrater regions of heavily cratered terrain. All of the newly identified basins predate the mercurian intercrater plains, previously held to be the oldest geologic unit on the planet. Subsequent structural evolution of various regions was influenced by the presence of these basins. Smooth plains units appear to be more extensive than mapped by Mariner 10 and more than 90 percent of them appear to be basin contained or basin related. The concentration of extensive smooth plains material within and associated with basin structural and depositional environments suggests a volcanic origin for most of this unit, analogous to the lunar maria. Basins appear to provide the basic structural pattern of early terrestrial planetary crusts.

Description: An improved version of the Pionner-Venus orbital data was used for a statistical analysis of global radar roughness and (alpha(0)) (rho) reflectivity. Classification maps of the venusian surface are produced in a supervised manner on the basis of statistical and empirical studies of the individual data sets. The primary objective is to assess the degree of homogeneity of surface radar properties within topographic provinces in order to map possible geologic boundaries. Maps were produced by correlating two data sets at a time. Classification of specific regions, such as Ishtar, has demonstrated that distinct geological units can be identified.

Description: Interest on Venus has centered on three regions; (1) Aphrodite Terra, especially east of the main uplant portion, (2) Ishtar Terra, especially Lakshmi Planum and its bounding scarp and massifs, and (3) Beta Regio-Phoebe Regio. The last region is topographically similar to the East African rift system, and has been inferred to have a similar tectonic origin. The Aphrodite region is part of a 21,000 km long tectonic zone that seems best explained as due to extension, and that may represent hot spots clustered along an incipient divergent plate boundary. The most interesting and complex portion of this tectonic zone is that part of eastern Aphrodite between Thetis Regio and Atla Regio. In contrast, the Lakshmi Planum region has many topographic characteristics suggesting that it is a true continent, and thus indicative of convergence and a thick crust. Detailed topographic contour maps of eastern Aphrodite Terra and of Lakshmi Planum are included.

Description: The results of analyses of near infrared reflectance spectra are inconsistent with numerous previous interpretations of the Reiner Gamma Formation. These include: (1) nue ardente or volcanic ash deposits, (2) volcanically derived sublimates, (3) high albedo volcanic deposits, and (4) highlands debris emplaced as impact ejecta. These results, strongly suggest that the selective preservation of high albedo features (formed by secondaries) by a local magnetic field enhancement is not a viable hypothesis. The results are generally consistent with, but place constraints on, the cometary impact hypothesis of Schultz and co-workers. While the presence of a magnetized component was not detected in either the bright or dark portions of the Reiner Gamma Formation, this material may be present in amounts under the current detection limits.

Description: On the basis of the icy conglomerate model of cometary nuclei, various observations demonstrate the spotted nature of many or most nuclei, i.e., regions of unusual activity, either high or low. Rotation periods, spin axes and even precession of the axes are determined. The observational evidence for variations in activity over the surfaces of cometary nuclei are listed and discussed. On June 11 the comet IRAS-ARAKI-ALCOCK approached the Earth to a distance of 0.031 AU, the nearest since C/Lexell, 1770 I, providing a unique opportunity for near-nucleus observations. Preliminary analysis of these images establishes the spin axis of the nucleus, with an oblioquity to the orbit plane of approximately 50 deg, and a lag angle of sublimation approximately 35 deg from the solar meridian on the nucleus. Asymmetries of the inner coma suggests a crazy-quilt distribution of ices with differing volatility over the surface of the nucleus. The observations of Comet P/Homes 1892 III, exhibiting two 8-10 magnitude bursts, are carefully analyzed. The grazing encounter produced, besides the first great burst, an active area on the nucleus, which was rotating retrograde with a period of 16.3hr and inclination nearly 180 deg. After the first burst the total magnitude fell less than two magnitudes from November 7 to November 30 (barely naked eye) while the nuclear region remained diffuse or complex, rarely if ever showing a stellar appearance. The fading was much more rapid after the second burst. The grazing encounter distributed a volume of large chunks in the neighborhood of the nucleus, maintaining activity for weeks.

Description: Dione is one of the most geologically complex of the Saturnian satellites. Crater counts and surface morphology indicates the geologic units observed are of variable age and origin. In an attempt to understand the processes which have affected Dione, a geologic map was prepared. Several geologic units were identified; ancient heavily cratered terrain, two plains units: cratered plains and lightly cratered plains, lobate deposits, crater rim deposits and bright wispy materials.

Description: For large parts of the surfaces of the Galilean satellites there is no stereoscopic high resolution imagery, and so for shadow-free regions far from the terminator, the only method of obtaining topograpic information is photoclinometry, the technique of converting brightness variations into local surface tilts and hence into topographic profiles and contour maps. The conversion from brightness changes to slopes require knowledge of the angular photometric function for the type of planetary surface terrain being analyzed, i.e., the relationship describing the brightness of the surface as a function of the angles of incidence (I) and emergence (E) of light at a surface element. In order to investigate the effects of these changes on the shapes of topographic profiles deduced from the functions, an area of grooved terrain (lines 500-505, samples 550-650 on frame 20640.27 0060J2) using wide ranges of values of all the adjustable parameters in Hapke's new photometric function were analyzed.

Description: Exploratory work on the structure of the Ionian lithosphere is reported. The approach is to examine temperature profiles within the lithosphere that result from different distributions of sulfur and silicates and different conductive heat fluxes, then compare such profiles with observations in the expectation that only a limited set of the profiles are possible. In this preliminary work some rather simplistic assumptions were taken and the report should be viewed more as a demonstration of a method rather than a presentation of results.

Description: Improvements to the design of the Mariner spacecraft resulted in the Viking spacecraft. The Viking spacecraft would consist of two major systems - an orbiter and a lander, while the lander would provide the means for safely delivering the scientific instruments to the surface, house, and provide the necessary power source and communication links for those experiments, the orbiter would transport the lander to Mars, rovide a platform for the Viking imaging system so that proposed landing sites could be surveyed and certified, relay lander science information back to Earth, and conduct scientific observations in its own right.

Description: An intelligent subsystem for interfacing a PDS1010A digital microdensitometer to a DEC DR11W DMA 16 bit UNIBUS port in DEC VAX VMS environment was tested. The subsystem employs two MOTOROLA M68000 microprocessors with 128 KB data memory. The PDS primitives and the user defined high level scanning functions and preprocessing modules are loaded from the host computer into two 8 KB RAM memories in the microprocessors using a dedicated PDS control language. The subsystem is planned to employ a nonstandard photomultiplier electronics. Two design schemes were tested: (1) based on three amplifiers of gain 10 cascaded and multiplexed to a 12 bit AD converter, and (2) based on a single amplifier of gain 100 and two 14 bit AD converters.

Description: The specific objectives of this experiment are to establish the population and size distribution of meteoroids in the mass range from 10 to the minus 10 power to 10 to the minus 4 power G, to establish the current population of man-made debris in the same mass range, and to obtain data on the physical properties (composition and density) of meteoroids.

Description: The objective of this experiment is to study interplanetary dust, variously referred to as cosmic dust, cometary dust, zodiacial dust, or meteoric dust particles. Specific objectives are to obtain information regarding particle mass and velocity, and to undertake correlative analyses with other experiments, both on LDEF or near the time of the LDEF flight.

Description: The primary objective of this experiment is to investigate the feasibility of future missions of multilayer thin-film detectors acting as energy sorter to collect micrometeoroids, if not in their original shape, at least as fragments suitable for chemical analysis. It is expected that this kind of particle collector will help in solving one of the most puzzling topics in cosmic-dust studies: the mineralogical and chemical composition of the particles. This is a matter of great interest in the study of the origin and evolution of the solar system.

Description: The significance of the Space Telescope for the advancement of astronomy and astrophysics is described. The current state of knowledge in astronomy and cosmology is summarized and unanswered questions in those fields discussed. The rapid evolution of modern astronomy and the need for systematic observations are stressed.

Description: Astrometry with the Space Telescope (ST) is performed using one of the fine guidance sensors (FGS). The FGS, which is based on a pair of Koester's prism interferometers, one for each axis, is capable of measuring the position of one object relative to another with an accuracy of 0.002 arcseconds. Astrometric Data Reduction Software (ADRS) available to the astrometric user of ST is described. The kinds of problems the space telescope astrometry team plans to investigate using ST are discussed.

Description: A wide site of potential astronomical and solar system scientific studies using the wide field planetary camera on space telescope are described. The expected performance of the camera as it approaches final assembly and testing is also detailed.

Description: The role of the European Coordinating Facility is described. European participation in the Space Telescope Science Institute and the relation of Space Telescope to ground-based astronomy in Europe are discussed.

Description: An actively-shielded, high-energy X-ray telescope was launched onboard OSO-8 on 21 June 1975. The primary objectives of this experiment are the measurements of the energy spectrum of discrete cosmic X-ray sources in the range 20 keV to 3 MeV and of the temporal variations in the intensity of each source detected with a time resolution of 0.3 msec. This detector provides the highest duty factor and the finest time resolution of any of its kind for observations over a period of up to 10 days. The background spectrum of this detector in orbit was monitored continuously since shortly after launch. The minimum detectable source strength is estimated to be between 10,000 and 100,000 photons/sq-cm-sec keV, limited primary by the effects of induced radioactivity. From 16 July through 18 July 1975, the X-ray binary, Cen X-3, was observed with the hard X-ray telescope.

Description: Photoelectric photometry of X Persei was obtained on five out of seven consective nights in January 1975, from the Lick and Leuschner Observatories. The observations yield B = 6.848 + or - 0.002, B-V = 0.139 + or - 0.001, with no strong evidence for variability during the observing run. These are the faintest and bluest photoelectric magnitudes and colors ever reported for X Per; this change apparently occured relatively uniformly during 1973-74 and is reminiscent of behavior last observed in approximately 1900. The suggested association of X Persei with the weak X-ray source 3U 0352+30 raises the possibility of detection of X-ray/optical covariability. On January 21, 1975, 7 hours of data were obtained from both observatories simulataneous with OAO Copernicus X-ray observations of 3U 0352+30. The X-ray data varied during this period by a factor of two, but there is no obviously correspondent optical activity, to a level of 0.02 mag. The optical data are also used to limit to 0.01 mag variations coincident with the X-ray periodicity.

Description: Spectra of Cen X-3 during eclipse, in transition out of eclipse, and during several later phases of the binary orbit were obtained from quick look data of the July 16-25, 1975 observation by the Goddard X-ray spectroscopy experiment on OSO-8. In the high state there was no absorption turn over. Pulsations were present at least to 23 keV. The spectrum at the pulse minimum was flatter above 7 keV than that of the pulse peak. In transition out of eclipse Cen X-3 emerged above a small low energy flux seen during eclipse. The observations appear to indicate absorption by cold and ionized matter and the presence of iron in the companion's atmosphere. Decreased intensities were observed at late phases of some binary orbits in some cases corresponding to dips. Absorption appears although the low energy component remains. Variable features may be interpretable as absorption and emission by iron and possibly other trace elements.

Description: Preliminary results from the Bragg crystal spectrometer on the ANS satellite are given. No significant Si XIII and Si XIV narrow line emission has been detected from Cygnus X-1, -2, or -3.

Description: The X-ray binary Her X-1 was observed by the GSFC cosmic X-ray detectors aboard OSO-8 between August 26 and September 3, 1975. The results reported are based on quick look tapes which contain less than 10% of the total time spent on source. Spectra were observed during different phases of the binary period including the anomalous low state (dip) in X-ray intensity. The normal high spectra is well represented by a power law with a short cutoff above approximately 25 keV. A significant and varying enhancement in the intensity around 6.7 keV was observed, suggesting the presence of an iron line. Absorption was seen in the spectrum immediately following eclipse. The dip spectrum is found to be considerably flattened. Also spectra are presented for different phases of the pulse period.

Description: Investigation of blue-sensitive photographs of HDE 226868 = Cygnus X-1 reveal no (+ or - 0.06 mag) long-term changes in brightness since the beginning of the century nor any abrupt intensity changes similar to what was observed at X-ray and radio frequencies. From the double sinusoidal fluctuation with 5.6 day period, an attempt is made to derive a more precise value for the orbital period, but problems are encountered and discussed. There exists evidence that the amplitude of the orbital fluctuations is increasing slowly with time.

Description: Data from the Copernicus satellite are presented which show that the 4.8 hour light curve of Cyg X-3 has been relatively stable in period, shape, and amplitude since the observation of the first giant radio outburst in September 1972. A pulse height spectrum of the source obtained by the Ariel 5 satellite in the 1.5 to 26 kev energy band shows convincing evidence for line emission at about 6.5 keV. The strength of this feature varies in phase with the 4.8 hour continuum modulation, but there is no simple long term relation with the mean continuum intensity per 4.8 hour cycle. Evidence is presented which indicates that the average 2-6 kev intensity of Cyg X-3 has been higher by a factor of 3 since the onset of the radio flares.

Description: Six different instruments on OSO-8 have observed several binary X-ray sources between energies of 0.13 keV and 1 MeV at various times since 21 June 1975. The schedule for these observations is given, as well as the present plan for such future observations through July 1976. Included is the OSO-8 observing schedule for the transient X-ray source A0620-00.

Description: Spectroscopic observations of Sco X-1 show conclusively that the emission lines vary in radial velocity with a period of .787 sup d + or - .006 and a full range of approximately 120 km/s. The period is identical to that found by Gottleib et al (1975) from photometric data; light minimum occurs when the emission line region is at superior conjunction. The observations indicate that the emission lines originate in an accretion disk surrounding a neutron star which is orbiting about a normal, although somewhat evolved companion. The light variation is due to a heating effect on the non degenerate star, viewed at a small inclination angle.

Description: X-ray observations with Copernicus reveal three categories of flux variability in 3U 1700-37. High amplitude hourly variations are energy independent in the 3-11 keV range while a change in the low energy absorbing column causes variations in flux level on an orbital time scale. This absorption is most severe prior to eclipse ingress, suggesting that the distribution of absorbing material around the X-ray source is asymmetrical with respect to the line of centers of the binary system. The absorbing material may be identical with a high density region inferred from optical observations of HD 153919. In the third category, the maximum source intensity per binary cycle is variable by at least a factor of two between observations. Measurement of the eclipse duration on three occasions indicate that it is significantly less than when observed by Uhuru.

Description: X-ray, spectroscopic, and photometric data for the source are reviewed briefly. Some points of controversy and difficulty are discussed. The X-ray source 3U 1700-37 is moderately strong (approximately 100 Uhuru counts) and shows a long eclipse, with a period of 3.412 days. The X-rays are attenuated near 0.5 phase, and show a very wide gradual decrease on either side of the total eclipse. The low-energy cutoff is the strongest of all the X-ray binaries. These characteristics are all qualitatively compatible with the optical star's, which represent an extreme in several ways: (1) the primary is an extreme star with large mass outflow through a spherically symmetric stellar wind; (2) it is the hottest of all X-ray binary primaries (with possible exception of Cen X-3); and (3) the mass ratio is very high and the relative separation of the stars is low.

Description: A model is presented for the X-ray nova A0620-00. Identification with a nova can be ruled out on two counts. A binary consisting of a late-type subgiant near the Roche lobe, irradiated by an accreting compact companion is shown, however, to be in agreement with all known observations. Photometry of the optical object should be pursued since variability on an approximately eight hour period is expected.

Description: Observations of Cyg X-1 between October 1974 and July 1975 reveal a persistent 5.6 day modulation of the 3-6 keV X-ray intensity, having a minimum in phase with superior conjunction of the HDE 226868 binary system. The modulation is found to be most pronounced just prior to the April-May 1975 increase of Cyg X-1, after which both the modulation and intensity are at their lowest values for the entire duration of the observations. These data imply that the X-ray emission from Cyg X-1 arises from the compact member of HDE 226868, and that the increase of April-May 1975 may have represented the depletion of accreting material which had not yet been mixed into a cylindrically symmetric accretion disk about the compact member.

Description: Data which indicate a periodicity of 17d from Cyg X-3 are reviewed. The data are taken from the Ariel 5 satellite All-Sky Monitor and the Sky Survey Experiment.

Description: The interpretation of optical light variations of X-ray binaries is discussed for the case of negligible reflection effect. The limiting cases of synchronous rotation of the visible star (Roche configuration) and of no rotation (pure tidal deformation) are considered. The theoretical results are compared with the available light curves of Cen X-3. X-ray data of the Copernicus satellite are used to get an impression of the atmospheric structure of the outer layers of the visible component. It is shown, that the X-ray eclipse duration is in good agreement with the mass ration derived from the optical variations. The X-ray eclipse duration is discussed with respect to the extended low states, and a possible correlation of the extended lows with the appearance of the optical light curves is considered.

Description: The steep high energy cutoff observed in the spectrum for Her X-1 is analyzed in terms of the severely modified Thomson scattering that dominates the radiative transfer in a highly magnetized plasma near the surface of a neutron star. The data are shown to indicate a field of about 10 to the 13th power G near the magnetic poles and the stopping of accreting matter by nuclear collisions in the neighboring plasma.

Description: Weak 0.28-keV radiation was observed from Her X-1 5 days before turn-on in the 35 day cycle. The observations were made from an Aerobee rocket. The 0.28-keV intensity is about 1/25 that observed during the on phase. Some evidence for X-rays above 1 keV is also present, and it is possible that the spectrum is different only in intensity from the spectrum in the on phase. The radiation may be X-rays from the vicinity of the neutron star, scattered by ionized material in the inner accretion disk, or may be thermal radiation from the inner accretion disk, or both.

Description: The cosmic X-ray spectroscopy experiment on OSO-8 will observe seven X-ray binary sources in its first six months of operation. If possible, each of these sources will be observed for one or more binary orbits so that the X-ray spectrum of each object can be observed through all phases of its orbit. For the two pulsing binaries, Her X-1 and Cen X-3, spectral variations over the pulse period will be studied. Simultaneous radio observations of Cyg X-1 and Cyg X-3 will search for any correlation between radio and X-ray emission. During the first year of operation, the detectors will observe over 50% of the known X-ray sources.

Description: The spectrum of the object suggested as a possible optical counterpart of GX 2+5, was studied, using the image tube scanner attached to the 3-m telescope of Lick Observatory. An improved X-ray error box obtained with Copernicus strongly supports this proposed identification. The candidate displays all the characteristics of the symbiotic stars and the related recurrent novae. The spectrum reveals the presence of an M star together with a blue component and a large number of emission lines displaying a wide range of ionization. There is evidence of variability of both the continuum and the line intensities. This object provides strong support for the often proposed association of some X-ray sources with nova-like systems.

Description: The orbital elements of the 3U 0900-40 binary system were determined by measuring the variations in the arrival times of the 283-second X-ray pulses. The best-fit values of the system parameters and their 95% confidence limits are listed.

Description: From a radial velocity study of lines of He I and the heavier ions of HD 77581 (=Vela X-1), orbital elements for this X-ray binary system are derived. Together with the orbital elements given by Rappaport and McClintock from X-ray pulsar results, this enables determination of masses for both the X-ray and the early type supergiant component.

Description: No modulation of the 3-6 keV X-ray intensity of Sco X-1 at a level of excess of 1% is observed at the optical period of .787313d. Evidence is found for shot-noise character in a large fraction or the X-ray emission. Almost all of the Sco X-1 emission can be synthesized in terms of approximately 200 shots per day, each with a duration of approximately 1/3 day.

Description: There is a standard model for X-ray sources comprising a binary system containing a compact star and powered by mass accretion. It can be argued that the majority and perhaps all the galactic X-ray sources are of this kind. Three kinds of sources which may be qualitatively different from these are discussed: namely, low luminosity sources such as 3U0352 + 30, the sources associated with the globular clusters, and the transient X-ray sources.

Description: The properties of the binary system in the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are presented from X-rays to the radio. Physical parameters and a model for the system are derived.

Description: It is shown that the broad emission features in the spectrum of HD 153919 are associated with the X-ray secondary and not significantly with the primary star. When the primary is at maximum velocity towards us, the HeI line lambda 4471 develops a blue shifted secondary component with a velocity of -470 km/sec relative to the primary.

Description: Ultraviolet spectra of HD153919 (=3U1700-37) and HDE226868 (=Cyg X-1) were obtained with the ultraviolet objective-prism spectrograph of Skylab Experiment S019. The data consist of unwidened spectra which extend to 1,600A for HD153919 and to 2,400A for HDE226868. The wavelength resolution is about 2A to 1,400A and 12A at 2,000A. For HD153919, an unwidened spectrum of fair quality and extending to a wavelength of 1,600A was obtained at 22 sup h 08 sup m on 1 September 1973. The energy distribution in this spectrum generally resembles that of other reddened O stars. A break in continuum intensity seems to occur at a wavelength of about 1,720A. There is a suggestion of an emission line on the longward edge of the break but this could be either a chance clumping of grains or else a photographic edge-effect caused by the break.

Description: Equipotential surfaces incorporating the effect of radiation pressure were computed for the X-ray binaries Cen X-3, Cyg X-1 = HDE 226868, Vela XR-1 = 3U 0900-40 = HD 77581, and 3U 1700-37 = HD 153919. The topology of the equipotential surfaces is significantly affected by radiation pressure. In particular, the so-called critical Roche (Jacobian) lobes, the traditional figure 8's, do not exist. The effects of these results on modeling X-ray binaries are discussed.

Description: Absorbing material in Cygnus X-1 jitters near the line joining the two stars, out of the orbital plane is described. Three looks with the Copernicus satellite at Cygnus X-1 have produced four examples of absorption dips (decreases in the 2 to 7 keV flux from Cygnus X-1 with an increase of spectral hardness consistent with photoelectric absorption).

Description: Cyg X-1 was observed on two occasions (Oct. 4, 1973 and Oct. 3, 1974) by the Goddard X-ray rocket payload. This payload consisted of two gas proportional counters (xenon-methane with 710 sq cm and argon-methane with 610 sq cm using the same 128 channel pulse height analyzer and having 320 micro sec temporal resolution on the 1973 flight and 160 micro sec resolution on the 1974 flight. During both flights, bursts of 1 ms duration were observed with very high statistical certainty. To date all 13 of these bursts were analyzed for spectral and temporal character, and the results of this analysis are presented. The spectra of overall X-ray emission from both flights is also presented. In a source known for its variability, it is remarkable that the spectra taken one year apart are virtually identical.

Description: The Ariel-5 All-Sky Monitor measured the 3-6 keV X-ray intensity of 0620-00 for two days shortly after peak emission in August 1975, and continuously throughout September 1975. The effective exposure each day for this source (and every other source in the 80% of the celestial sphere covered by the monitor) is approximately 250 sq cm sec. The light curve obtained through October 1 (when the spin axis was again pointed to A0620-00) is shown. The intensity difference at maximum is obviously a manifestation of the very soft spectrum of the source. Clearly, A0620-00 was approximately four times as bright as Sco X-1 at maximum in the band 3-6 keV. The decay is quite smooth, but cannot be fit with a single e-folding time. The interval between the early All-Sky Monitor points and the onset of continuous coverage has an inferred e-folding time of 22 days, but it is continually increasing throughout September. A0620-00 is apparently similar in its X-ray character to the very strong, long-lasting transient X-ray sources which presently number six. In contrast, only three can be sensibly reconciled with the lower-intensity, shorter-duration hard-spectrum transients which have been found to pulse on a time scale of minutes.

Description: An observation of Cygnus X-3 was made with soft X-ray detectors launched on an Aerobee rocket. The iron line emission observed one month later and in May 1975 was not found. A 3 sigma upper limit for this feature is 0.006 ph/2 cm/s.

Description: Some of the conclusions derived from the data on the radio flaring of Cyg X-3 are summarized. In addition, recent data showing that Cyg X-3 has both active and quiet radio behavior are presented.

Description: The current status of the analysis of Cen X-3 data from Uhuru concerning pulsations, orbital period and eccentricity, and extended lows, are reviewed. The pulse period decreases irregularly. The pulsed fraction (2-7 keV) is 70%-90% for single pulses but significantly less for superpositions of pulses, due to variability in shape. The pulses are narrower at higher energies with a correlated increase in fraction pulsed. The orbital period is found to both decrease and increase with p/p on the order of a few times 0.00001/year. A three sigma upper limit on the eccentricity of 0.003 is obtained; if no significant periastron motion is allowed over two years, the upper limit becomes 0.0016. The orbital period is found to be detectable during some extended lows but with a significantly decreased ratio of eclipsed to non-eclipsed intensity. Two transitions between normal high states and extended lows are studied, and a consistent model is obtained in which extended lows are caused by both burying the source in an increased stellar wind from the companion, and starving the source by decreasing the stellar wind. Changes in fraction pulsed during transitions and systematic differences in the harmonic content of the pulses are also found.

Description: Radio observations of Cyg X-1 (HDE 226868) taken during the period May-June 1975 at 2,695 and 8,085 MHz are presented and discussed in the context of both the previous four years of data at these frequencies and subsequent data for September-October 1975. The data show that the radio event was a transient one with a time scale of the order of a few to several weeks, and that the observed radio decay was qualitatively similar to the observed decay of the enhanced X-ray state.

Description: The present state of knowledge of the binary system HDE226868 = Cygnus X-1 is summarized, including system dimensions, nature of the secondary X-ray source, and mass transfer properties. Some deficiencies in the optical observations are pointed out; these deficiencies make interpretation of the system difficult, but can be corrected.

Description: Observations of Cyg X-1 with a 20 to 200 keV balloon carried X-ray telescope in 1969, 1970, and 1972 are presented. These results reveal the following characteristics of Cyg X-1: The steep spectrum observed at E 10 keV during the radio quiet phase can extend to 200 keV. This phase may have lasted 21 months (July 1969 to March 1971). The low flux values are factors of 3 and 8 below the normal values at 30 and 100 keV respectively, are rarely observed, and may be associated with the early phase of the 1971 April X-ray transition. During some one hour periods, the intensity remained constant to approximately 20% and during other periods it varied a factor 2 in 5 minutes and a factor 10 in 1 hour. Complex spectral variations accompanied the intensity changes.

Description: The status of X-ray observations is summarized in tabular form along with general aspects of X-ray emission. Specific questions that arise when the observed phenomena are pieced together into a coherent picture are presented. Spectral states, transitions, periodic behavior, fluctuations, and bursts are among the topics discussed.

Description: A0620-00 is the first of the so-called X-ray novae to be identified with an optical object. Emission in the ultraviolet, infrared, and radio wavelength regions was observed from this source. From the observed properties of the optical radiation, it is suggested that the source is a recurrent nova.

Description: The 4.8 second X-ray pulsations from Centaurus X-3 were monitored by the MSSL collimated proportional counter on board Ariel-5 between 18-27 January 1975. Analysis of the source Doppler effect shows that the pulsation period of Cen X-3 decreased by 3.70 + or - 0.04 milliseconds during the preceding 2.3 years. The Doppler analysis also yields updated values for the binary phase and period of Cen X-3. Phase zero occurred at JD 2442438.628 + or - 0.003, and the average heliocentric binary period between October 1972 and January 1975 was 2.087129 + or - 0.000007 days. Light curves of the 4.8 second pulsations in the 3-9 keV band are characterized by two pronounced peaks, in contrast with the single peak profiles observed by Uhuru.

Description: The usual gas-to-dust ratio is shown to hold quite precisely for a sample of supernova remnants with available X-ray spectra and interstellar reddening observations. Supernova remnants are extended objects, tenuous enough to be optically thin in the X-ray range; it is shown that the X-ray observations can readily be interpreted in terms of a main source component and of an interstellar perturbation affecting the lower part of the spectrum. Cen X-3 is associated with an OB supergiant. The effect of the column density is easily detectable in the X-ray range. The spectrum exhibits a low energy cut-off, which is parameterized by a column of cold matter, NX. The cut-off is definitely observed to be variable. There is a suggestion that sometimes NX NH. It is concluded that on those occasions a spurious soft X-ray component is present in the source, bearing close similarity with Cyg X-1.

Description: Detailed features in cosmic X-ray sources and their associated temporal variation over a wide energy range were studied. Excess emission and absorption at approximately 6 to 7 kiloelectron volts in the spectra of supernova remnants, binary X-ray sources, and clusters of galaxies were observed. A gas scintillation proportional counter (GSPC) will be used as the detector system. In the gas scintillator the principal limitation is due to the statistics of the initial ionization process only.

Description: The Far Ultraviolet Space Telescope (FAUST) a compact, wide field-of-view, far ultraviolet instrument designed for astronomical observations of extended and point sources is discussed. The design and application of the instrument are described. The prime objective is to observe faint astronomical sources with sensitivities higher than previously available. Scientific programs will include: (1) a search for ultraviolet stars which are predicted to exist at the stage of evolution prior to the final death of a star; (2) observations of galaxies and quasars; and (3) joint programs with other Spacelab 1 experiments. The secondary objective is to verify the suitability of the Spacelab as a platform for far ultraviolet astronomy: data will be provided on the ultraviolet background levels due to astronomical, terrestrial, and spacecraft generated sources; the levels of contaminants which affect ultraviolet instruments; and the capability of the Orbiter for stable pointing at celestial sources for useful periods of time.

Description: The Tharsis ridge system appears to form a great circle around the major volcanoes. The roughly circumferential orientation of these ridges could be interpreted as the formation of a ridge system in response to a single stress field with a center near Pavonis Mons. Wise, et al. (1979) plotted the perpendiculars to strikes of ridges on the eastern flanks of Tharsis as great circles on the upper hemisphere of an equal area net. In order to further test for circular symmetry and possible other influences on ridge orientations, normals to vector means of ridge orientations were calculated using over 1850 digitized ridge segments sampled in 10 degree boxes. Orientations of individual ridge segments were weighted by their lengths, and the magnitudes of normals to vectors means were weighted by cummulative length of the ridge segments. Normals to vector means with magnitudes less than 100 km are not shown. Assuming a single fold origin for ridges, the resulting plot shows compressive stress trajectories for the ridges in the Tharsis region. The averaged compressive stress orientation around Tharsis confirm the suggestion by Wise, et al. that the ridge system is not concentric to any single point.

Description: In this paper the tectonic features of the Elysium region are identified and characterized. Identification of features was made using USGS controlled photomosaics (Elysium quadrangle, and portions of Amenthes and Cebrenia quadrangles); Viking Orbiter photographic data were used in individual cases to assist in identification. The positions and orientations of tectonic features can then be used, in conjunction with estimates of the mass of the volcanic load obtained from gravity modelling, to constrain the thickness of the elastic lithosphere in the region.

Description: Several 3.8 cm radar frames were calibrated empirically by histogram fitting, because no instrument background data is available. Then data were corrected for geometric distortion by: (1) redetermining position of individual frames using most accurate recent lunar ephemerides; (2) reprojecting frames into simple cylindrical map projection; (3) using most recent catalog of lunar craters to determine the exact positions of features identifiable on radar frames; and (4) correcting for apparent distortion (misplacement of features in frames) by resampling using a different bilinear interpolation derived for each of the parallelopideds of the set defined for each frame. A hardcopy set of corrected frames was produced. Attempts to produce a mosaic of such corrected frames continue. The resulting mosaic can be used to show the systematic relationship between photographic thermal IR and radar data at different wavelengths in a region dominated by both mare and highland terrain.

Description: Studies of the stratigraphy of southwest Coprates have led to further constraints on both the geographic extent and the relative age of the major compressional ridge forming events in the Tharsis region of Mars. Southwestern Coprates is characterized by curvilinear ridges that are regularly spaced, suggestive of harmonic folding. The western edge of the ridged plains unit of Coprates is marked by volcanic flow fronts. In an enhanced Viking-Orbiter image, a ridge can be seen completely surrounded by a flow with only a small portion of the ridge crest still exposed. Comparison of partially buried ridges on the western edge of the ridged plains to those in central Coprates suggests that flooding of the inter-ridge plains does not exceed a few hundred meters. The morphological relationship between the flow units to the west and the ridged plains indicates that the deformational events in this region predates the emplacement of the younger units.

Description: Layered deposits within Valles Marineris and its associated system of canyons have been considered to consist of two different rock types: (1) thick, competent, cliff-forming, light and dark bedded material in canyon walls, and (2) relatively thin, alternating series of light and dark layered material, both horizontal and inclined, that form rounded hills and large flat-topped mesas rising above the canyon floors. The dissimilarity in appearance between canyon wall and floor materials, as well as their contrasting patterns of erosion, have been considered strong evidence that their modes of origin were different.

Description: The scarps along the margins of the Vales Marineris display a complex assemblage of forms that have been related to a variety of mass wasting and sapping processes. These scarp segments display variations in the degree of development of spur and gully topography, the number and density of apparent sapping features and the frequency of large scale landslides which reflect the age, geology and processes of slope development throughout the Valles Marineris. This regional analysis should provide more information on the geologic evolution of the Valles Marineris as well as new insight into the relative importance of different processes in the development of the scarp forms. In order to evaluate the regional variation in scarp form and the influence of time and structure on scarp development geomorphic mapping and morphometric analysis of geologically distinct regions of Valles Marineris is being undertaken.

Description: Parallel studies of Martian geomorphic features and their analogs on Earth continue to be fruitful in deciphering the geologic history of Mars. In the context of rock weathering, the Earth-analog approach is admirably served by the study of meteorites recovered from ice sheets in Antarctica. The weathering environment of Victoria Land possesses several Mars-like attributes. Four of the five Antarctic meteorites being studied contain rust and EETA79005 further possesses a conspicuous, dark, weathering rind on one side. Secondary minerals (rust and salts) occur both on the surfaces and interiors of some of the samples and textural evidence indicates that such secondary mineralization contributed to physical weathering (by salt riving) of the rocks. Several different rust morphologies occur and emphasis is being placed on identifying the phase compositions of the various rust occurrances. A thorough understanding of terrestrial weathering features of the meteorites is a prerequisite for identifying possible Martian weathering features (if such features exist) that might be postulated to occur in some meteorites.

Description: Photometric studies of crater related bright and dark streaks have strongly supported the hypothesis that the bright streaks are excess dust deposits and dark streaks are erosional windows in a partial dust cover. Red-blue (and red-violet) plots show that bright streaks are consistent with mosaics of bright red dust and background material. Here the plains are also consistent with a partial dust cover; the dark streak is the least covered area. Bright and dark streaks both reverse contrast relative to surrounding plains at phase angles over 100 deg in violet filter images. The similar phase behavior of both bright and dark streaks supports the idea that they are both changes in the amount of dust cover. Red-violet plots of bright streaks are most easily explained by mosaics of optically thick dust and plains material. Lengths of bright streaks are independent of their contrasts. This suggests the streak deposition, if in the mosaic patterns indicated above, is a function of available sites of deposition, rather than atmospheric dust loading. Contrasts of dark streaks with plains indicate the plains have fractional dust covers nealy as great as the maximum additional cover in bright streaks. The bright streaks thus store little of the global supply of dust.

Description: Viking Lander 1 observations on Mars were punctuated by a strong local dust storm after two martian years of mild wind conditions. Tens of micrometers of dust settled to the surface during global dust storms of the first two falls and winters; some of this dust was locally removed during the second year. A late winter local dust storm of the first year caused little or no erosion of the surface materials despite wind speeds of 25 to 30 m/s. The strong local dust storm occurred during late winter of the third martian year. Winds of this storm altered and demolished small conical piles of surface materials constructed at the onset the first winter, removed 4 to 5 mm size fragments, displaced centimeter size fragments, destroyed clouds in areas disrupted by the sampler and footpad, eroded impact pits, and darkened the sky. Movement of erosional products and tiny wind tails indicate easterly to northeasterly winds. If the 4 to 5 mm size fragments were entrained and removd by the wind, threshold friction speeds near 3 to 5 m/s would have been required for the atmospheric temperatures and pressures that prevailed during the late winter of the third year.