TECTONICS OF THE TIBETAN PLATEAU- THE VIEW FROM THE SPACE SHUTTLE

Since the beginning of manned space flight, astronauts have been taking pictures of the earth. Their pictures along and across major tectonic boundaries, under various lighting conditions and view directions, aid in making the relationships between units clear.In addition, they take stereo strips of critical regions, allowing the making of geologic/tectonic maps. Their vantage point gives them (and informed observers) the unique perspective of viewing an entire tectonic province. This talk will describe the tectonic elements of the Tibetan Plateau and vicinity using pictures taken from the Space Shuttle. Some examples, given with their Mission-roll-frame designations:41G-120-023- From Everest west along Himalaya to Karakoram fault and north across Tibetan Plateau to Tarim Basin; 66-95-082 to 086- sequence looking west along Altyn Tagh fault; 27-39-026,027- northeast across Ganges Plain to Himalaya, eastern Tibetan Plateau to Eastern Syntaxis; 61B-49-061 and 062- Color IR, north along Red River fault to Lake Erhai and beyond to Salween River; 66-106-052- south along Chaman fault, Kirthar and Makran Ranges. Near vertical views of Mt. Everest: wide angle-58-74-005, telephoto- 58-101-014. View these and 300K more at: eol.jsc.nasa.gov.