Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 179-181).

Guided Wave Testing (GWT) is a relatively new development in non-destructive testing. Conventional Ultrasonic Testing (UT) methods are operated at high frequencies (MHz) and are capable of detecting very small (down to micrometre-scale) flaws within a range of millimetres from a transducer. GWT, however, is carried out at lower frequencies (kHz) and is capable of highlighting the position of volumetric structural detail and discontinuities, such as gross corrosion at a minimum of 9% of the cross-sectional area, tens of metres from a test location. Conventional ultrasonic testing relies on the transmission of bulk waves whereas GWT employs so-called ultrasonic guided waves (UGW). To simplify UGW inspections, several tests are conducted sequentially at a range of different excitation frequencies. The frequency bandwidth of each of these tests needs to be controlled to avoid complexities caused by the frequency dependent nature of the propagation of guided waves. This gives rise to the current GWT inspection procedure, where a number of different narrowband tests are conducted at several distinct frequencies. It is also found that different test circumstances (such as pipe coating or defect type) are inspected more easily with certain excitation frequencies than with others - and the optimum frequency can not always be predicted ahead of time. Thus, where time allows it is often beneficial to carry out a frequency sweep, whereby a large range of excitation frequencies are incrementally generated - for example, from 20 to 80kHz in 1kHz steps. This research proposes a novel approach to the existing pipeline inspection procedure by utilising the information contained within a broadband response. The overarching proposition given by this research is that the current collection procedure be entirely rewritten. This thesis will present ideas related to every area of the inspection procedure beginning with the tuning of excitation signals and concluding with recommendations on how tooling and excitation configuration can be modified to further optimise the technique for broadband excitation.

The successful delivery of low-carbon housing (both new and retrofitted) is a key aspect of the UK s commitment to an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. In this context, the inclusion of small-scale building-integrated renewable energy technologies is an important component of low carbon design strategies, and is subject to numerous regulation and incentive schemes (including the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)) set up by government to encourage uptake and set minimum performance benchmarks. Unfortunately there are numerous examples of in-use energy and carbon performance shortfalls for new and retrofitted buildings this is termed the performance gap . Technical and human factors associated with building subsystem performance, which are often not considered in design tools used to predict performance, are the root cause of performance uncertainty. The research presented in this doctoral thesis aims to develop and apply a novel probabilistic method of evaluating the performance uncertainty of solar thermal systems installed in the UK. Analysis of measured data from a group of low carbon retrofitted dwellings revealed that the majority of buildings failed to meet the designed-for carbon emissions target with an average percentage difference of 60%. An in-depth case study technical evaluation of one of these dwellings showed significant dysfunction associated with the combined ASHP/solar thermal heating system, resulting in a performance gap of 94%, illustrating that the performance gap can be regarded as a whole-system problem, comprising a number of subsystem causal factors. Using a detailed dataset obtained from the UK s largest field trial of domestic solar thermal systems, a cross-cutting evaluation of predicted vs. measured performance similarly revealed a discrepancy with a mean percentage difference in predicted and measured annual yield of -24%. Having defined the nature and extent of underperformance for solar thermal technology in the UK, causal factors influencing performance were mapped and the associated uncertainty quantified using a novel knowledge-based Bayesian network (BN). In addition, the BN approach along with Monte Carlo sampling was applied to the well-established BREDEM model in order to quantify performance uncertainty of solar thermal systems by producing distributions of annual yield. As such, the modified BN-based BREDEM model represents a significant improvement in the prediction of performance of small-scale renewable energy technologies. Finally, financial analysis applied to the probabilistic predictions of annual yield revealed that the current UK RHI scheme is unlikely to result in positive returns on investment for solar thermal systems unless the duration of the payments is extended or electricity is the primary source of heating.

Com a intensa degradação histórica dos ecossistemas naturais esforços mundiais estão sendo unidos para a restauração dos ecossistemas degradados. Em vista dessa demanda crescente por restauração florestal e pela diminuição dos custos que dela decorrem, o trabalho objetivou descrever e distinguir a composição florística e fitossociológica atual de uma área em processo de restauração pelo método de plantio total e de outra imediatamente ao lado que foi abandonada e está se recuperando somente pela regeneração natural. Ambas as áreas eram talhões de eucaliptos que foram colhidos há 8 anos, na região da serra do Rio Grande do Sul, que pelas limitações de terreno ainda abrigam diversos remanescentes florestais. A coleta dos dados foi realizada num Horto Florestal do município de Canela. Foram alocadas sistematicamente 20 parcelas de 10 x 10m (100m²) nos locais onde foi realizado o plantio (AP) e 20 parcelas onde ocorreu o estabelecimento da regeneração natural (ARN). Em cada parcela de 100 m² foram coletados dados de todos os indivíduos arbustivo-arbóreos com Diâmetro a Altura do Peito (DAP) ≥ 4,8 cm, os quais tiveram suas alturas totais estimadas. Os exemplares foram identificados e classificados conforme seu grupo (plantados, regenerantes, rebrotas ou remanescentes), sua posição (dossel, sub-bosque ou situados em clareiras) e tamanho de copa (grande, média e pequena). Para amostragem do estrato regenerante, em cada parcela de 100m² foram alocadas duas sub-parcelas de 2 x 2m (4m²), onde todos os indivíduos de altura acima de 0,3 m até DAP = 4,7 cm foram levantados. Todos os indivíduos foram classificados conforme a categoria de status sucessional de suas espécies em: pioneiras, secundárias iniciais, clímácicas e típicas de sub-bosque, bem como segundo a síndrome de dispersão em: zoocóricas (dispersas por animais), anemocóricas (dispersas pelo vento) e autocóricas (mecanismos próprios). Os parâmetros fitossociológicos foram calculados, como densidade, dominância, frequência, valor de cobertura e de importância, além da riqueza de espécies, indicador Jackknife 1 e dos índices de Shannon, Pielou, similaridade de Jaccard e Chao-Jaccard. A densidade, área basal, proporções de categorias sucessionais, síndromes de dispersão, tamanhos de copa, área de projeção de copa e grupos, foram comparados entre as duas áreas utilizando Modelos Lineares Generalizados. Como a paisagem é basicamente composta por florestas maduras, e as áreas de estudo estão localizadas lado a lado, os parâmetros riqueza, diversidade de espécies, densidade de indivíduos, área basal, cobertura florestal e proporções de grupos funcionais (categorias de status sucessional e síndromes de dispersão) praticamente não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre as duas áreas, tanto no estrato arbustivo-arbóreo quanto no estrato regenerante. Os resultados demonstram que neste contexto, o plantio total de mudas não foi necessário para o objetivo de restaurar a estrutura florestal, composição florística e processos ecológicos. Porém mostram a importância de se analisar os fatores como objetivos, composição da paisagem, uso histórico do solo e potencial de regeneração da área a ser restaurada para aproveitar-se do potencial da regeneração natural quando essas condicionantes forem atendidas, o que pode diminuir custos da restauração florestal e torná-la mais atrativa. / Because of the intense historical degradation of natural ecosystems, worldwide efforts are being joined for the restoration of degraded lands. Driven by the growing demand for forest restoration and for the need of reducing its costs, this study aimed to describe and distinguish the current phytosociological aspects and floristic composition of an area undergoing restoration using the total seedling plantation method and an adjacent secondary forest regenerating naturally in abandoned area. Both areas are former Eucalyptus sp. stands that were harvested eight years ago, in the mountainous of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, which still shelters many forest remnants, because of the terrain characteristics. The study sites are located in a reserve in Canela, RS, Brazil. Twenty 10 x 10 m plots (100m²) were systematically allocated in the plantations site (AP) and another 20 plots were allocated in the natural regeneration site (ARN). In each plot, all shrub and tree individuals with Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 4.8 cm were measured (diameter and total height). The individuals were classified into planted, regenerating, sprouts or remnant, classified according to their position (canopy, understory or located in clearings) and also according to crown size (large, medium and small). For sampling the regenerative stratum, two sub-plots (2 x 2 m; 4 m²) were allocated in each plot, within which all individuals taller than 0.3 m and of DBH smaller than 4.7 cm were measured. All specimens were classified according to their sucessional categories into pioneers, early secondary, climax and typical understory species, and according to their dispersion syndrome into zoochoric, anemochoric and autochoric. After sampling, the following phytosociological parameters were calculated: density, frequency, dominance, coverage and importance value, and also species richness and the indexes of Shannon, Pielou, Jaccard and Chao-Jaccard. Density, basal area, proportions between successional categories, dispersal syndromes, crown sizes, forest cover and groups were compared between the two areas using Generalized Linear Models. As the landscape is basically composed of mature forests, and the study sites are adjacent, the richness parameters, species diversity, density, basal area, forest cover and proportion of functional groups (successional status categories and dispersion syndromes) showed practically no significant differences between the sites, considering both the shrub-tree layer and the regenerative stratum. The results demonstrate that, in this context, the plantation of seedlings in total area was not necessary to restore the forest structure, floristic composition and ecological process. Nevertheless, they show the importance of analyzing factors such as the goal, landscape composition, historical land use and resilience of a degraded land in order to take advantage of its natural regeneration potential when these conditions are met, which may decrease restoration costs and also make it more attractive.

Com a intensa degradação histórica dos ecossistemas naturais esforços mundiais estão sendo unidos para a restauração dos ecossistemas degradados. Em vista dessa demanda crescente por restauração florestal e pela diminuição dos custos que dela decorrem, o trabalho objetivou descrever e distinguir a composição florística e fitossociológica atual de uma área em processo de restauração pelo método de plantio total e de outra imediatamente ao lado que foi abandonada e está se recuperando somente pela regeneração natural. Ambas as áreas eram talhões de eucaliptos que foram colhidos há 8 anos, na região da serra do Rio Grande do Sul, que pelas limitações de terreno ainda abrigam diversos remanescentes florestais. A coleta dos dados foi realizada num Horto Florestal do município de Canela. Foram alocadas sistematicamente 20 parcelas de 10 x 10m (100m²) nos locais onde foi realizado o plantio (AP) e 20 parcelas onde ocorreu o estabelecimento da regeneração natural (ARN). Em cada parcela de 100 m² foram coletados dados de todos os indivíduos arbustivo-arbóreos com Diâmetro a Altura do Peito (DAP) ≥ 4,8 cm, os quais tiveram suas alturas totais estimadas. Os exemplares foram identificados e classificados conforme seu grupo (plantados, regenerantes, rebrotas ou remanescentes), sua posição (dossel, sub-bosque ou situados em clareiras) e tamanho de copa (grande, média e pequena). Para amostragem do estrato regenerante, em cada parcela de 100m² foram alocadas duas sub-parcelas de 2 x 2m (4m²), onde todos os indivíduos de altura acima de 0,3 m até DAP = 4,7 cm foram levantados. Todos os indivíduos foram classificados conforme a categoria de status sucessional de suas espécies em: pioneiras, secundárias iniciais, clímácicas e típicas de sub-bosque, bem como segundo a síndrome de dispersão em: zoocóricas (dispersas por animais), anemocóricas (dispersas pelo vento) e autocóricas (mecanismos próprios). Os parâmetros fitossociológicos foram calculados, como densidade, dominância, frequência, valor de cobertura e de importância, além da riqueza de espécies, indicador Jackknife 1 e dos índices de Shannon, Pielou, similaridade de Jaccard e Chao-Jaccard. A densidade, área basal, proporções de categorias sucessionais, síndromes de dispersão, tamanhos de copa, área de projeção de copa e grupos, foram comparados entre as duas áreas utilizando Modelos Lineares Generalizados. Como a paisagem é basicamente composta por florestas maduras, e as áreas de estudo estão localizadas lado a lado, os parâmetros riqueza, diversidade de espécies, densidade de indivíduos, área basal, cobertura florestal e proporções de grupos funcionais (categorias de status sucessional e síndromes de dispersão) praticamente não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre as duas áreas, tanto no estrato arbustivo-arbóreo quanto no estrato regenerante. Os resultados demonstram que neste contexto, o plantio total de mudas não foi necessário para o objetivo de restaurar a estrutura florestal, composição florística e processos ecológicos. Porém mostram a importância de se analisar os fatores como objetivos, composição da paisagem, uso histórico do solo e potencial de regeneração da área a ser restaurada para aproveitar-se do potencial da regeneração natural quando essas condicionantes forem atendidas, o que pode diminuir custos da restauração florestal e torná-la mais atrativa. / Because of the intense historical degradation of natural ecosystems, worldwide efforts are being joined for the restoration of degraded lands. Driven by the growing demand for forest restoration and for the need of reducing its costs, this study aimed to describe and distinguish the current phytosociological aspects and floristic composition of an area undergoing restoration using the total seedling plantation method and an adjacent secondary forest regenerating naturally in abandoned area. Both areas are former Eucalyptus sp. stands that were harvested eight years ago, in the mountainous of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, which still shelters many forest remnants, because of the terrain characteristics. The study sites are located in a reserve in Canela, RS, Brazil. Twenty 10 x 10 m plots (100m²) were systematically allocated in the plantations site (AP) and another 20 plots were allocated in the natural regeneration site (ARN). In each plot, all shrub and tree individuals with Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 4.8 cm were measured (diameter and total height). The individuals were classified into planted, regenerating, sprouts or remnant, classified according to their position (canopy, understory or located in clearings) and also according to crown size (large, medium and small). For sampling the regenerative stratum, two sub-plots (2 x 2 m; 4 m²) were allocated in each plot, within which all individuals taller than 0.3 m and of DBH smaller than 4.7 cm were measured. All specimens were classified according to their sucessional categories into pioneers, early secondary, climax and typical understory species, and according to their dispersion syndrome into zoochoric, anemochoric and autochoric. After sampling, the following phytosociological parameters were calculated: density, frequency, dominance, coverage and importance value, and also species richness and the indexes of Shannon, Pielou, Jaccard and Chao-Jaccard. Density, basal area, proportions between successional categories, dispersal syndromes, crown sizes, forest cover and groups were compared between the two areas using Generalized Linear Models. As the landscape is basically composed of mature forests, and the study sites are adjacent, the richness parameters, species diversity, density, basal area, forest cover and proportion of functional groups (successional status categories and dispersion syndromes) showed practically no significant differences between the sites, considering both the shrub-tree layer and the regenerative stratum. The results demonstrate that, in this context, the plantation of seedlings in total area was not necessary to restore the forest structure, floristic composition and ecological process. Nevertheless, they show the importance of analyzing factors such as the goal, landscape composition, historical land use and resilience of a degraded land in order to take advantage of its natural regeneration potential when these conditions are met, which may decrease restoration costs and also make it more attractive.

During monitoring of rear-mounted equipment, frequent rearward turning of tractor drivers in awkward postures can cause musculoskeletal disorders related to the back, neck, and shoulders. A camera-based monitoring system, consisting of one or more cameras placed on the implement and a monitor placed inside the tractor cab, has potential ergonomic benefits compared with traditional implement monitoring strategies by reducing the rearward turning and twisting movements of tractor drivers. A camera-based monitoring system was compared with two traditional monitoring strategies (direct looking and using rear-view mirrors) in a lab environment using a Tractor Air-Seeder Driving Simulator. The operator’s reaction time and response errors, head/neck movement (acceleration), and neck muscle temperature were compared for the three monitoring strategies. The camera-based monitoring system yielded significantly (α=0.05) better outcomes in terms of acceleration and muscle temperature values. No significant difference was observed for response errors.

During monitoring of rear-mounted equipment, frequent rearward turning of tractor drivers in awkward postures can cause musculoskeletal disorders related to the back, neck, and shoulders. A camera-based monitoring system, consisting of one or more cameras placed on the implement and a monitor placed inside the tractor cab, has potential ergonomic benefits compared with traditional implement monitoring strategies by reducing the rearward turning and twisting movements of tractor drivers. A camera-based monitoring system was compared with two traditional monitoring strategies (direct looking and using rear-view mirrors) in a lab environment using a Tractor Air-Seeder Driving Simulator. The operator’s reaction time and response errors, head/neck movement (acceleration), and neck muscle temperature were compared for the three monitoring strategies. The camera-based monitoring system yielded significantly (α=0.05) better outcomes in terms of acceleration and muscle temperature values. No significant difference was observed for response errors.

Submitted by Geandra Rodrigues (geandrar@gmail.com) on 2018-04-17T14:08:08Z No. of bitstreams: 1 joseluizbrazmelgueiro.pdf: 1170135 bytes, checksum: 09767e823b193e45fd2d5263c4e9252b (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2018-04-20T14:04:55Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 joseluizbrazmelgueiro.pdf: 1170135 bytes, checksum: 09767e823b193e45fd2d5263c4e9252b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-20T14:04:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 joseluizbrazmelgueiro.pdf: 1170135 bytes, checksum: 09767e823b193e45fd2d5263c4e9252b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-01-26 / A presente dissertação é desenvolvida no âmbito do Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Avaliação da Educação (PPGP) do Centro de Políticas Públicas e Avaliação da Educação da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (CAEd/UFJF). O caso de gestão a ser estudado discute como é feito o monitoramento dos cursos de formação continuada ofertados pela SEDUC/AM. Os objetivos definidos para este estudo são: O objetivo geral é analisar como a SEDUC/AM monitora os cursos de formação continuada docente oferecida pela instituição, seguido dos objetivos específicos, que são: (1) descrever os instrumentos de monitoramento do programa de formação continuada da SEDUC-AM; (2) analisar se os instrumentos de monitoramento da SEDUC são compatíveis com o programa de formação continuada oferecido; (3) propor um modelo de sistema de monitoramento da SEDUC, para seus programas de formação continuada, que contemple os atores envolvidos no processo. Assumimos, como hipóteses, que instrumentos de monitoramento para avaliar o programa de formação continuada de professores podem aperfeiçoar as ações pedagógicas na melhoria da qualidade do curso oferecido e, por conseguinte, das práticas docentes. Além disso, também acreditamos que a formulação de instrumentos de monitoramento potencializa o acompanhamento das ações do programa de formação continuada dos professores, assim como verifica a qualidade deste. A pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa, sendo um estudo de caso de caráter descritivo, tendo como suporte teórico estudos feitos por Mainardes (2006) Gatti (2008), Gatti e Barretto (2009), Condé (2012), Libâneo (2013) e outros autores que discorrem acerca da avaliação e monitoramento de políticas públicas educacionais e da formação continuada. Para tanto, utilizaremos como metodologia a pesquisa bibliográfica e, como técnica a entrevista semiestruturada com os gestores do CEPAN, DEPPE e GEAQ. Essas metodologias estão ancoradas nos estudos de Duarte (2004), Severino (2007), Minayo (2010), entre outros teóricos. / The following research was developed in the range of the Professional Master degree in Education Management and Evaluation (PPGP) of the Center of Public Policies and Evaluation of Education of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (CAEd/UFJF). The management case in study discusses how the continuous formation courses offered by SEDUC/AM are monitored. The established objectives for this study are: The general objective is to analyze how SEDUC / AM monitors the courses of continuing teacher education offered by the institution, followed by specific objectives, which are: (1) to describe the monitoring tools of SEDUC-AM's continuing formation program; (2) to analyze whether the SEDUC monitoring instruments are compatible with the continuing program offered; (3) to suggest a model of the SEDUC monitoring system for its continuing formation programs, which includes the actors involved in the process. As hypothesis, we assume that monitoring tools to evaluate the continuous formation program can improve pedagogical actions in improving the quality of the course offered and, therefore, of teaching practices. In addition, we also believe that the formulation of monitoring instruments strengthens the monitoring of the actions of the teacher's continuous formation program, as well as verifying its quality. The research is qualitative in nature, being a case study of descriptive character, having as a theoretical support the studies by Mainardes (2006), Gatti (2008), Gatti and Barretto (2009), Condé (2012), Libâneo (2013) and other authors that discuss the evaluation and monitoring of educational public policies and continuous formation. For that purpose, we will use as a methodology the bibliographic research and, as a technique, the semi-structured interview with the managers of the CEPAN, DEPPE e GEAQ. These methodologies are anchored in the studies of Duarte (2004), Severino (2007), Minayo (2010), among other theorists.

A avaliação e monitoramento de trilhas vêm sendo implantados nos últimos anos nas unidades de conservação brasileiras. No entanto, as escadas, como parte do caminho percorrido pelos usuários não são consideradas. Este tipo de infraestrutura ocorre com maior frequência em terrenos acidentados como onde se encontra o Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira (PETAR), local selecionado para o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos descrever e avaliar os fatores que colaboram na degradação dos degraus feitos com troncos de madeira; verificar se essas escadas podem ser avaliadas da mesma forma que o restante da trilha; e com base nos resultados obtidos propor um protocolo preliminar de avaliação e monitoramento deste tipo de estrutura nas trilhas em áreas naturais. Com base nas informações obtidas, procurou-se fornecer subsídio para o manejo de trilhas em áreas naturais, especialmente em unidades de conservação. A coleta de dados detalhados das escadas foi feita em julho de 2010. A análise das informações coletadas em campo mostra que: a) a extensão do segmento de escada influencia na quantidade de afundamentos nos pisos dos degraus; b) a declividade não interfere na intensidade de erosão e empoçamento; c) a ergonomia, apesar de não apresentar correlação com os impactos negativos ao meio, pode interferir na qualidade de experiência e segurança do usuário; d) a insolação interfere na quantidade de poças; e) a presença de cobertura de copas pode auxiliar na minimização de impactos de chuva; f) há a necessidade de melhor capacitação daqueles que trabalham no manejo de trilhas; e g) as escadas necessitam de avaliação e monitoramento diferenciadas do restante da trilha. Para o PETAR, foram selecionados para o protocolo preliminar de avaliação e monitoramento de escadas feitas com troncos de madeira os seguintes indicadores: 1) existência de raízes expostas; 2) rugosidade ou irregularidade do piso que dificulte o caminhamento; 3) presença de trilhas não oficiais e seu motivo; 4) largura do degrau; 5) profundidade do degrau; 6) altura do degrau; 7) distância do segmento de degraus; 8) pontos com maior afundamento no piso do degrau; 9) estruturas de drenagem bloqueadas por queda de vegetação e sedimentação; 10) presença de estrutura de drenagem no topo dos segmentos de escadas; e 11) erosão na base dos degraus. / The trail evaluation and monitoring have been undertaken in detail throughout Brazilian protected areas. However, stairs, as a component of the pathway used by the visitors, are not taken into account. This kind of infrastructure is present more frequently in steeper terrains as where Alto Ribeira Touristic State Park (PETAR) is located, the selected area for this research. The goals of this research were to describe and evaluate the elements that contribute to the wood stair degradation; verify if these stairs can be evaluated in the same way as the rest of the trail; and based on the results suggest a preliminary protocol to evaluate and monitor this kind of structure in natural area trails. Based on the results found, the objective is to contribute to the trail management in natural areas, especially in protected areas. The detailed data on the stairs was collected in July 2010. The analysis of the data demonstrates: a) the depression quantity on the tread was affected by the length of the stair section; b) the intensity of erosion and puddle were not affected by the tread grade; c) despite the fact that ergonomics didnt show correlation with the negative impacts, it can interfere in the quality of user experience and safety; d) the solar exposure influences the quantity of puddles; e) the presence of canopy cover can minimize raindrop impact; f) better training is needed for the staff involved in trail management; and g) the stairs need differentiated evaluation and monitoring from the rest of the trail. The following indicators were selected for the preliminary protocol to evaluate and monitor the PETAR wood stairs: 1) presence of exposed tree roots; 2) tread roughness that makes it difficult to walk; 3) presence of social trails and its causes; 4) step width; 5) step depth; 6) step height; 7) length of the stair section; 8) location of the deeper depression spots in the steps; 9) drainage structures obstructed by fallen vegetation or sedimentation; 10) presence of drainage structure at the top of the stair section; and 11) erosion in the bottom of the steps.

I examined the hypothesis that high variability in Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and ocean color are associated with higher coral cover and slower rates of decline of coral cover within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS). Synoptic SST time series maps, covering the period 1994-2005, were constructed for the FKNMS with data collected using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) satellite sensors. The SST data were compared with coral cover time series assessments at 36 sites conducted by the Coral Reef and Evaluation Monitoring Program (CREMP; 1996-2005), sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Florida. Out of the 36 stations, Smith Shoals routinely experienced very different and extreme environmental conditions relative to the rest of the stations, including extreme salinity, suspended sediments, and "black water" events that led to the death of coral reef organisms such as in 2002. Among the other 35 stations, sites that experienced moderately higher SST variability (mean variance > 6) relative to other sites showed a trend toward higher percentage coral cover (r=0.62, p=6.33x10-5, N=35) and relatively slower rates of decline (r=0.41, p=0.02, N=35) over the 12-year study period. The results suggest that coral reefs sites that are continuously exposed to high but not extreme variability in temperature may develop resilience against episodes of extreme cold or elevated SST. Variability of suspended sediments and water clarity were estimated using satellite-derived, normalized water-leaving radiance products. Ocean color data were obtained from the Sea-viewing Wide-Field-of View Sensor (Sea WiFS) from 1998 to 2005. Normalized water-leaving radiance at 443 (Lwn443) was used as a proxy to examine variability in water clarity, and normalized water-leaving radiance at 670 (Lwn670) was used as a proxy to study variability in suspended sediments. A weak relationship was identified between variability of Lwn443 and Lwn670 and coral cover as estimated by CREMP assessments in 2005 (r=0.43, p = 0.01, N=35 and r = 0.47, p = 0.005, N=35, respectively). There was a weak relationship between coral cover change and Lwn670 from 1988 to 2005 (r = 0.46, p = 0.05, N=35), but there no relationship was observed between variability of Lwn443 and change in coral cover (r =0.27, p =0.11, N=35). Further research is required to understand the origin, concentration and composition of dissolved or suspended materials that change the turbidity of waters around reefs of the FKNMS, and whether these changes can be adequately interpreted by examining concurrent satellite imagery. Ultimately, such remote sensing and field research is required to understand how water quality affects the health of coral reefs, and how coral ecosystems adapt to environmental variability.