Geological Features of Southwestern North America

Abstract

The SKYLAB 4 crewmen conducted visual observations of seven designated geological target areas and other targets of opportunity in parts of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The experiments were designed to determine how effectively geologic features could be observed from orbit and what research information could be obtained from the observations when supported by ground studies. For the limited preparation they received, the crewmen demonstrated exceptional observational ability and produced outstanding photographic studies. They also formulated cogent opinions on how to improve future observational and photo documentation techniques. Significant research contributions to ongoing field investigations were obtained from the photographs and observations. These contributions were integrated into other aspects of the ground investigations to (1) identify and evaluate zones of major faulting in southeastern California, Baja California, and northwestern Sonora; (2) develop a new key to the regional stratigraphy of the prebatholithic rocks of northern Baja California; (3) discover the most southwesterly known occurrence of Precambrian crystalline rocks in North America; (4) discover a previously unmapped section of Mesozoic (?) volcanic rocks in southeastern California; and (5) contribute important overview perspectives to many regional geologic problems. The experimental data and the demonstrated crew capabilities justify planning future geology visual observation experiments for manned Earth-orbiting programs such as the Space Shuttle. Both professional scientist-observers and astronaut-observers can make contributions if properly prepared and equipped. The experiments should be closely coordinated with active surface research investigations. The emphasis should be on selecting important problems and objectives and integrating orbital observations and ground studies, not on prospecting for isolated spectacular discoveries.

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