Thesis (M.S.)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2006. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Theodore W. Weaver. Includes bibliographical references

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1987. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 100-104). Also available via the Internet.

<p>Previous research in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) has demonstrated that land-based sources of pollution associated with watershed development and climate change are local and global factors causing coral reef degradation. A good indicator that can be used to assess stress on these environments is the water quality. Conventional assessment methods based on <i>in situ</i> measurements are timely and costly. Satellite remote sensing techniques offer better spatial coverage and temporal resolution to accurately characterize the dynamic nature of water quality parameters by applying bio-optical models. Chlorophyll-a, suspended sediments (TSM), and colored-dissolved organic matter are color-producing agents (CPAs) that define the water quality and can be measured remotely. However, the interference of multiple optically active constituents that characterize the water column as well as reflectance from the bottom poses a challenge in shallow coastal environments in USVI. In this study, field and laboratory based data were collected from sites on St. Thomas and St. John to characterize the CPAs and bottom reflectance of substrates. Results indicate that the optical properties of these waters are a function of multiple CPAs with chlorophyll-a values ranging from 0.10 to 2.35 ?g/L and TSM values from 8.97 to 15.7 mg/L. These data were combined with <i>in situ</i> hyperspectral radiometric and Landsat OLI satellite data to develop a regionally tiered model that can predict CPA concentrations using traditional band ratio and multivariate approaches. Band ratio models for the hyperspectral dataset (R² = 0.35; RMSE = 0.10 ?g/L) and Landsat OLI dataset (R² = 0.35; RMSE = 0.12 ?g/L) indicated promising accuracy. However, a stronger model was developed using a multivariate, partial least squares regression to identify wavelengths that are more sensitive to chlorophyll-a (R² = 0.62, RMSE = 0.08 ?g/L) and TSM (R² = 0.55). This approach takes advantage of the full spectrum of hyperspectral data, thus providing a more robust predictive model. Models developed in this study will significantly improve near-real time and long-term water quality monitoring in USVI and will provide insight to factors contributing to coral reef decline.

<p> This work describes technical innovations to improve the data quality and volume for the Fast Plasma Investigation (FPI) on board the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission (MMS). A parametric study of wavelet compression has shown that plasma count data can be compressed to high compression ratios with a minimal effect on the integrated plasma moments. Different regions of the magnetosphere are analyzed for both electron and ion count data. The FPI trigger data, intended as a data ranking metric, has been adapted and corrected to a point where scientifically accurate pseudo moments can be generated and released to the research community, drastically increasing the availability of high time resolution data. This is possible due to a scaling system that tunes the dynamic range of the system per region, and the method of using a neural network to correct for exterior contamination effects, such as spacecraft potential. Finally, a map of detection angle bias has been generated that can be used to correct raw count for errors in look direction of incoming particles. This map was generated by statistically sampling particle flight paths through a charged spacecraft environment, validating against flight data. All three of these efforts lead toward the overarching goal of improving data quality and volume for the FPI suite, and future missions to come. </p><p>

Studies have been completed into the spectral response of alkaline and other ultramafic rocks from arid and semi-arid regions. To date these rocks have not been investigated spectrally in a systematic fashion using the latest field and airborne imaging spectrometers. The objective was to determine how spectral geological techniques could be used to locate these rock types when they are exposed, weathered and reduced to residual soil. The data used in this study were spectra obtained from field spectrometers (PIMA and GER IRIS MkIV) and airborne scanners (GEOSCAN MkII, GER IS and HyMap). These data were gathered at four sites within Australia. The data processing software packages used for the analyses were commercially available image processing systems (is S'600and ENVI) and a modified version of PIMAVIEW for processing spectra. Spectra were measured, in the field and the laboratory, of alkaline and other ultramafic rocks to determine if they had diagnostic spectral absorption features. These studies demonstrated that there are diagnostic spectral absorption features common to alkaline and other ultramafic rocks including dunite, peridotite and serpentinite. The diagnostic spectrum in the SWIR2 region (2000nm to 2500nm) has absorption features located near 2300nm and 2380nm and results from Mg-OH bearing minerals including serpentine, talc and phlogopite. The VNIR spectra of these rocks also have distinct absorption features, but since these are caused by minerals that are common to a variety of rocks and soils, they have not been considered in this study. When weathered under arid and semi-arid conditions, ultramafic rocks break down into smectite clays, primarily saponite. Saponite has a similar spectral signature to the primary Mg-OH bearing minerals. Further weathering and removal of magnesium results in saponite altering to kaolinite and then to opaline silica. These minerals may occur in residual soils derived from ultramafic rocks. Spectral investigation of mixtures of saponite and other minerals showed that there are linear changes the absorption features of spectra, depth, wavelength and shape, as the proportion of saponite to other minerals varies. The ability to identify ultramafic rocks from the distribution of their diagnostic spectra was confirmed by analysing data obtained from surface samples and airborne scanners. The coincidence of results obtained from field studies and airborne scanner data signifies that data acquired remotely are as useful as spectra obtained in the field, for mapping the extent of ultramafic rocks. Present and past imaging systems have been investigated to determine the specifications required to suit this application. These investigations included sampling the spectra of ultramafic and background rocks with the band pass characteristics of various instruments. The signal-to-noise ratio that is required of scanner data to ensure it is useable was also studied. These studies indicated a specification for data of at least eight and preferably, thirty two channels in the SWIR2 (between 2000nm and 2500nm) obtained with a signalto-noise ratio in excess of 200: 1, ideally 400: 1 at 2200nm. Scanners producing data with these specifications can be used to locate ultramafic rocks from their spectral signature, whether exposed or covered by residual soils in a variety of geological environments. The success of applying these techniques will however depend on the spectral contrast between ultramafic rocks and their backgrounds. Rocks that produce Mg-OH bearing minerals or have near 2300nm absorption can result in areas being mistakenly identified as containing alkaline and other ultramafic rocks. However, in this study it was demonstrated that carbonate soils and rocks that have a near 2300nm absorption feature can be spectrally distinguished from alkaline ultramafic derived saponite using HyMap scanner data. In South Australia dolomite appears to have altered to saponite at surface but kimberlites in the area can still be detected by processing HyMap scanner data with spectral as opposed to conventional image processing techniques.

<p> An experiment was designed to capture micrometeorological observations during a fire spread on a simple slope. Three towers equipped with a variety of instrumentation, an array of fire-sensing packages, and a Doppler lidar was deployed to measure various aspects of the fire. Pressure and temperature perturbations were analyzed for each of the grid packages to determine if the fire intensity could be observed in the covariance of the two variables. While two of the packages measured a covariance less than &ndash;15 &deg;C hPa, there was no clear trend across the grid. The fire front passage at each of the three towers on the slope yielded extreme swings in observed turbulent kinetic energy and sensible heat flux. Vertical velocity turbulence spectra showed that the high-intensity fire front passage at the bottom tower was 2 to 3 orders of magnitude larger than the low-intensity fire front passages at the top two towers. Opposing wind regimes on the slope caused a unique L-shaped pattern to form in the fire front. A vorticity estimation from the sonic anemometers showed that vorticity reached a maximum just as a fire whirl formed in the bend of the L-shaped fire front, leading to a rapid increase in fire spread.</p><p>

Master of Science / Department of Agronomy / William T. Schapaugh Jr / Yield in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) needs to dramatically increase across the world to feed the growing population. Remote sensing and high-throughput phenotyping may provide a tool to better phenotype soybean genotypes. This research was conducted to: 1) examine the relationships between NDVI and CT with seed yield, maturity, lodging, and height, 2) determine if the time of day and growth stage have an effect on the spectral readings, 3) examine the relationships between spectral reflectance and traits associated with drought tolerance, and 4) evaluate how weather variables impact the ability of vegetative indices and canopy temperature to detect differences among genotypes. Ninety genotypes from the mapping population derived from the cross between KS4895 x Jackson were evaluated in Manhattan, KS, in 2013 and in McCune, Pittsburg, and Salina, KS in 2014. Genotypes were planted in a randomized complete bloc design in four-row, 3.4m long plots spaced 76 cm apart. Plant height, lodging, maturity and seed yield was collected on the center two rows of each plot. Spectral readings used to calculate a normalized differential vegetative index (NDVI) and canopy temperature (CT) were taken during reproductive growth. Nitrogen fixation trait and drought tolerance data was collected by the University of Arkansas. This population exhibited a substantial genetic variation for all traits evaluated. Correlations of NDVI and CT entry means with the agronomic traits were small and inconsistent. Time of day and growth stage were not important in differentiating genotypes. Differences in NDVI and CT did account for some genetic variation in drought tolerance traits, however, the strength of the associations were small. None of the weather variables were consistently associated with an increase or decrease in entry or error variance across the four environments. Stronger associations need to be established to use NDVI or CT to characterize differences in genotypes in a plant breeding program

Orientador: Gilda Carneiro Ferreira / Banca: Jairo Roberto Jiménez-Rueda / Banca: Maria Isabel Castreghini de Freitas / Banca: Nilson Clementino Ferreira / Banca: Marcos Estevan Del Prette / Resumo: Para ordenar o uso territorial do município de Colorado D'Oeste - RO, este trabalho fundamentou-se na caracterização do meio físico. Para tanto, foram utilizadas técnicas de Sensoriamento Remoto e Geoprocessamento, que possibilitaram a elaboração do Zoneamento Geoambiental, no intuito de contribuir para o fortalecimento da gestão territorial e ambiental daquele município. Com os dados pré-existentes, foi possível formatar um Diagnóstico Zero, o qual permitiu identificar as deficiências ambientais existentes e priorizar estudos complementares, que fundamentaram a consecução dessa pesquisa. Para armazenar, editar e integrar as informações temáticas pré-existentes e as que foram geradas nesta pesquisa foi utilizado o programa de computador denominado Sistema de Processamento de Informações Georreferenciadas (SPRING) desenvolvido pelo Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). O uso de produtos de sensoriamento remoto, no formato digital e analógico, obtidos por satélites, acrescidos aos mapas bases do meio físico, permitiu a realização de estudos morfoestruturais que possibilitaram a definição de altos e baixos estruturais que associados à tectônica, proporcionaram a compartimentação fisiográfica da área em questão. Com base em tais informações foi possível elaborar o mapa das subzonas geoambientais e caracterizá-las quanto ao regime hídrico, pedologia, constituições mineralógicas, textura, cor e materiais sedimentares presentes na mesma. A partir da integração destas informações foi gerada a carta síntese, contendo a espacialização de áreas destinadas ao uso, de áreas a serem preservadas e aquelas que devem ser submetidas a processos de recuperação. As informações geradas nesta pesquisa poderão ser utilizadas por instituições públicas, organizações não governamentais e comunidades... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This research was based on the physical characterization of the environment to support definition of the best land use for the county of Colorado D'Oeste, in State of Rondônia, Brazil. Remote sensing and geoprocessing techniques were applied to support the preparation of a Geoenvironmental Zoning, which was used to define strategies of territorial and environmental management in that county. Initially, secondary data was used to format an Initial Diagnostic, which allowed identifying any potential environmental weakness or fragilities and defining complementary studies required. In order to store, edit and integrate the secondary data and the ones provided by this research, I used a Geographic Information System called SPRING developed by the National Institute for Space Research (INPE). Digital and analogical remote sensing products, acquired by satellites, and additional cartographic and thematic maps allowed a morphostructural analysis to define low and high structural associated study site tectonic. Subsequently, this information was used to support analysis of the physiographic compartmentation of the study area. Based on this study information, it was possible to define geoenvironmental subzones and local hidrological regime, soils, mineral components, texture, color, and sedimentary materials. By integrating previous described information, a synthesis cartographic sheet was generated. Accordingly, this Cartographic Sheet spatially defined the best land use over the study area, involving zones for conservation, agricultural, and regeneration (areas that should be recovered). Finally, the results of this research can contribute and support governmental and non-governmental organization and local communities to improve land use and soil management, which could avoid natural resource destruction and future land scarcity in the county of Colorado D'Oeste. / Doutor

Orientador: Jairo Roberto Jiménez-Rueda / Banca: Marcos Estevan Del Prette / Banca: Eraldo Aparecido Trondoli Matricardi / Banca: Daniel Marcos Bonotto / Banca: Archimedes Perez Filho / Resumo: A presente pesquisa objetivou elaboração de uma proposta de ordenamento da ocupação territorial da Sub-bacia Hidrográfica do Baixo Rio Candeias, localizada no Estado de Rondônia, utilizando ferramentas de Sensoriamento Remoto e Sistemas de Informações Geográficas na avaliação do processo de mudanças de uso da terra para subsidiar o planejamento de bacias hidrográficas. Nesta pesquisa, utilizou-se imagens de satélite digitais e analógicas e Sistema Processamento de Informações Georreferenciadas - SPRING, disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de pesquisas Espaciais - INPE, no qual foram armazenadas, processadas e analisadas todas as informações inerentes a pesquisa. Inicialmente foi realizado um Diagnóstico Zero da sub-bacia, que serviu de base de dados para estabelecer e identificar as deficiências técnicas que necessitam ser complementadas em função das necessidades das comunidades abrangidas. Através da análise da rede de drenagem foi possível analisar a morfoestrutura e morfotectonica da área, identificando as falhas e fraturas, bem como, anomalias do tipo alto/baixo estrutural. Foi realizada uma caracterização das unidades fisiográficas, definidas a partir da interpretação das imagens orbitais, com identificação das formas, reconhecimento e deduções dos fenômenos na elaboração da paisagem atual e subatual. A estas informações foram agregadas, informações de pedologia de fundamental importância para entender a dinâmica e evolução da paisagem e consequentemente, na elaboração do mapa de subzonas. Os limites das Subzonas coincidiram com os limites das unidades de solos incrementadas a unidades geológicas, e como resultado definiu-se dezenove subzonas, que agruparam todas as informações (morfoestrutura e morfotectonica, fisiografia, solos, vegetação e litologia) produzidas e pesquisadas... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This research objective was to prepare a proposal of suitable land uses for the Lower Candeias River Watershed, geographically located within the State of Rondônia, Brazil, using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems approaches to assess land use and land cover change processos and to provide information to support preparation of a sustainable watershed occupation plan. Satellite imagery and a Geographic Information System (SPRING) developed by the National Space Research Institute (INPE) were used to store, process, and analyze digital datasets. Initially, a "Zero Diagnostic" of the Lower Candeias River Watershed was prepared. This diagnostic was used as supporting information to identify technical weakness in the methodological approaches, which required complementary efforts given the local community and environmental characteristics. In addition, based on the river network analysis, it was possible to define the morphostructure and morphotectonic of the study area, which made possible to identify geologic faults and fractures, and low/high structural anomalies. Physiographic units were identified by analyzing satellite imagery, which included form identification, recognition and deduction of the phenomenon that were shaping current and previous landscape. The critical pedologic information were aggregated to support analysis of the dynamic and evolution of the landscape and, subsequently, to support preparation of the subzoning map of the Lower Candeias River Watershed. The subzones limits overlapped the soil unit limits and, by merging them with the geologic units, it resulted in 19 new subzones. Therefore, these new 19 subzones incorporated all information (morfoestrutura and morfotectonica, fisiografia, ground, vegetation and litologia) derived from this dissertation research. Therefore, the land use map... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

This study proposes and demonstrates a through-water photogrammetry approach for Satellite Derived Bathymetry (SDB), which may be used to map nearshore bathymetry in the Canadian Arctic. A four step process is used: First, a standard photogrammetric extraction is performed on 2 m resolution WorldView stereo imagery, then apparent depths are calculated by referencing submerged points to the extracted elevation of the water level seen in the image. Due to the effects of refraction, these apparent depths are underestimates, and a refraction correction factor is applied to convert to actual depths. Finally, tidal stage at the time of image acquisition is used to bring depths to chart datum. A post processing step may be applied to remove erroneous depths caused by water surface objects such as boats, debris, or large waves. This was demonstrated in six study areas across Nunavut, Canada to test its robustness under a variety of environmental conditions, including different seafloor types, and under varying sea states. The six study sites were (with vertical accuracy given in Root Mean Square Error/and vertical bias, both in meters): eastern Coral Harbour (1.18/0.03), western Coral Harbour (0.78/-0.32), Cambridge Bay (1.16/0.08), Queen Maud Gulf (0.97/0.13), Arviat (1.02/0.13), and Frobisher Bay, where bathymetry extraction largely failed due to unfavourable sea surface conditions. These findings show that the proposed method has similar or better vertical accuracy as currently established SDB approaches; however, it has several benefits over the established methods which make it better suited for the Arctic. Namely, not requiring the precise atmospheric correction necessary for physics-based models, which is difficult at high latitudes; as well as being able to function in heterogeneous seafloor environments and not needing in-situ calibration data like the empirical spectral ratio approach, better suiting it to remote Arctic waters which often lack existing bathymetric survey data.