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R. W. Saltus

Publications and source records attributed to R. W. Saltus.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
USGS2000

Eastern Aleutian volcanic arc digital model - version 1.0

A 3-dimensional model (Figure 1) of the interaction of oceanic and continental tectonic plates along the eastern portion of the Aleutian volcanic arc helps in the visualization of basic tectonic, geodetic, and geophysical data in this active plate boundary region. The model is constrained by topographic, bathymetric, and seismic data and by the principle of isostasy. Examination of free-air gravity anomalies over the region indicates where the flexural strength of the down-going oceanic slab disturbs local isostatic balance and where low-density sediments have accumulated in the trench and forearc regions.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1999

Merged aeroradiometric data for Alaska: A web site for distribution of gridded data and plot files

The National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program was conducted by the U.S. Government between 1974 and 1983. The NURE program was administered by the Grand Junction, CO, office of the Department of Energy. The program included airborne gamma-ray spectrometry and magnetic data collection as well as extensive geochemical sample collection and processing. Aeroradiometric and aeromagnetic surveys of 98 1° by 3° quadrangles were flown in Alaska between 1975 and 1980. The data were flown in 15 surveys by Texas Instruments (T.I.), Lockwood, Kessler, and Bartlett (LKB), and AeroServices (Aero) under contract to the U.S. Government. A series of contractor reports document the surveys on a quadrangle by quadrangle basis. We list references to these reports on the detailed survey index pages accessible through the Survey Irfo page.

Alaska↗
USGS1999

A new magnetic view of Alaska

A new, publicly available aeromagnetic data compilation spanning Alaska enables analysis of the regional crustal character of this tectonically diverse and poorly understood part of the North American Cordillera. The merged data were upward-continued by 10 km (mathematically smoothed without assumptions about sources) to enhance crustal-scale magnetic features and facilitate tectonic analysis. This analysis reveals a basic threefold magnetic character: (1) a southern region with arcuate magnetic domains closely tied to tectonostratigraphic elements, (2) a magnetically neutral interior region punctuated locally by intermediate and deep magnetic highs representing a complex history, and (3) a magnetically subdued northern region that includes a large deep magnetic high. Our tectonic view of the data supports interpretations that Paleozoic extension and continental rift basins played a significant role in the tectonic development of northern and interior Alaska. Accretion of oceanic and continental margin terranes could be restricted to the southern region. The new magnetic view of Alaska can be compared and contrasted with other Pacific margin regions where convergent margin and accretionary tectonic processes are important.

GSA Today↗
USGS1999

A new magnetic view of Alaska

A new, publicly available aeromagnetic data compilation spanning Alaska enables analysis of the regional crustal character of this tectonically diverse and poorly understood part of the North American Cordillera. The merged data were upward-continued by 10 km (mathematically smoothed without assumptions about sources) to enhance crustal-scale magnetic features and facilitate tectonic analysis. This analysis reveals a basic threefold magnetic character: (1) a southern region with arcuate magnetic domains closely tied to tectonostratigraphic elements, (2) a magnetically neutral interior region punctuated locally by intermediate and deep magnetic highs representing a complex history, and (3) a magnetically subdued northern region that includes a large deep magnetic high. Our tectonic view of the data supports interpretations that Paleozoic extension and continental rift basins played a significant role in the tectonic development of northern and interior Alaska. Accretion of oceanic and continental margin terranes could be restricted to the southern region. The new magnetic view of Alaska can be compared and contrasted with other Pacific margin regions where convergent margin and accretionary tectonic processes are important.

GSA Today↗
USGS1993

Upper-crustal structure beneath the Columbia River Basalt Group, Washington: Gravity interpretation controlled by borehole and seismic studies

A three-dimensional gravity model based on deep-borehole stratigraphy, densities from borehole gravimetry, and crustal structure from deep seismic and electrical surveys puts limits on sub-basalt crustal structure in the northwest quadrant of the Columbia Plateau, Washington. The gravity model indicates that the Miocene Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG) overlies a broad basin filled with sedimentary rocks that reach thicknesses in excess of 5 km; thickest sub-basalt sedimentary rocks are beneath the late Cenozoic Yakima basin. Analysis of residual gravity shows that the Eocene Chiwaukum graben does not continue beneath the CRBG and that sub-basalt sedimentary rocks are not thrust into the cores of the basalt anticlines in the Yakima fold belt. A gravity high that trends north-south in the center of the CRBG is probably caused by a broad basement ridge marked by thinner sedimentary rocks beneath the Columbia River basalts; the western edge of the north-south basement high is traced at the surface by the Hog Ranch-Naneum Ridge. A major crustal feature, the Olympic- Wallowa lineament, is expressed in the gravity field; the lineament crosses the north-south basement high but does not offset it, suggesting that any strike- slip motion on the lineament preceded development of the north-south basement high. An alternative interpretation of the north-south gravity high, based on a previous seismic study, relates it to a high-density structure in the crystalline basement, perhaps associated with a failed continental rift.

Idaho, Oregon, Washington↗