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At least 397 records · Page 22

Machine learning to identify geologic factors associated with production in geothermal fields: A casestudy using 3D geologic data, Brady geothermal field, Nevada

In this paper, we present an analysis using unsupervised machine learning (ML) to identify the key geologic factors that contribute to the geothermal production in the Brady geothermal field. Brady is a hydrothermal system in northwestern Nevada that supports both electricity production and direct use of hydrothermal fluids. Transmissive fluid flow pathways are relatively rare in the subsurface but are critical components of hydrothermal systems like Brady and many other types of fluid flow systems in fractured rock. The ML method, non-negative matrix factorization with k-means clustering (NMFk), is applied to a library of fourteen 3D geologic characteristics hypothesized to control hydrothermal circulation in the Brady geothermal field. Our results indicate the macro-scale faults and a local step-over in the fault system preferentially occur along with production wells when compared to injection wells and non-productive wells. We infer that these are the key geologic characteristics that control the through-going hydrothermal transmission pathways at Brady. Our results demonstrate 1) the specific geologic controls on the Brady hydrothermal system and 2) the efficacy of pairing ML techniques with 3D geologic characterization to enhance the understanding of subsurface processes.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Aspects of investigating STOL noise using large scale wind tunnel models

The applicability of the NASA Ames 40- by 80-ft wind tunnel for acoustic research on STOL concepts has been investigated. The acoustic characteristics of the wind tunnel test section has been studied with calibrated acoustic sources. Acoustic characteristics of several large-scale STOL models have been studied both in the free-field and wind tunnel acoustic environments. The results indicate that the acoustic characteristics of large-scale STOL models can be measured in the wind tunnel if the test section acoustic environment and model acoustic similitude are taken into consideration. The reverberant field of the test section must be determined with an acoustically similar noise source. Directional microphone and extrapolation of near-field data to far-field are some of the techniques being explored as possible solutions to the directivity loss in a reverberant field. The model sound pressure levels must be of sufficient magnitude to be discernable from the wind tunnel background noise.

Falarski, M. D.↗

Aspects of investigating STOL noise using large-scale wind-tunnel models.

The applicability of the NASA Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel for acoustic research on STOL concepts has been investigated. The acoustic characteristics of the wind-tunnel test section have been studied with calibrated acoustic sources. Acoustic characteristics of several large-scale STOL models have been studied in both the free-field and wind-tunnel acoustic environments. The results of these studies indicate that the acoustic characteristics of large-scale STOL models can be measured in the wind tunnel if the test section acoustic environment and model acoustic similitude are taken into consideration. The reverberant field of the test section must be determined with an acoustically similar noise source. A directional microphone, a phased array of microphones, and extrapolation of near-field data to far-field are some of the techniques being explored as possible solutions to the directivity loss in a reverberant field. The model sound pressure levels must be of sufficient magnitude to be distinguishible from the wind-tunnel background noise.

Falarski, M. D.↗

Coastal wetlands analysis from ERTS MSS digital data and field spectral measurements

Classification, delineation and evaluation of coastal wetlands can be made on the basis of major vegetative associations. To produce wetland maps, two vegetation-analysis look-up tables were developed for use in the ERTS ANALYSIS System. These look-up tables are based on Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) digital values in Multispectral Scanner (MSS) bands 4, 5, and 7 and were developed using seasonal spectral reflectance measurements from field observations. Computer-generated maps at an approximate scale of 1:20,000 were produced for the primary test site, Chincoteague Marsh, Virginia. There is a high degree of accuracy in the identification of wetland features and plant associations. The classification was also tested on other Atlantic coast salt marshes and a brackish marsh in the Chesapeake Bay.

Carter, V.↗

Prototype residential solar-energy system-engineering analysis

Tests indicate performance very close to theoretical predictions. Major objectives were to verify system installation techniques, operation, and performance; to verify performance of individual subsystems; and to provide general test data base comparison with field data.

Source record↗

Application of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer vegetation index to study atmosphere-biosphere exchange of CO2

Normalized difference vegetation indices derived from radiances measured by the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer were used to prescribe the phasing of terrestrial photosynthesis. The satellite data were combined with field data on soil respiration and a global map of net primary productivity to obtain the seasonal exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere and the terrestrial biosphere. The monthly fluxes of CO2 thus obtained were employed as source/sink functions in a global three-dimensional atmospheric tracer transport model to simulate the annual oscillations of CO2 in the atmosphere. The results demonstrate that satellite data of high spatial and temporal resolution can be used to provide quantitative information about seasonal and longer-term variations of photosynthetic activity on a global scale.

Fung, I. Y.↗

Kinematics at the Intersection of the Garlock and Death Valley Fault Zones, California: Integration of TM Data and Field Studies

Kinematic relationships at the intersection of the southern Death Valley and Garlock fault zones were examined to identify and delineate the eastern structural boundary between the Mojave and the Basin and Range geologic terrains, and to construct a model for the evolution of this boundary through time. In order to accomplish this, satellite imagery was combined with field investigations to study six areas in the vicinity of the intersection, or possible extensions, of the fault zones. The information gathered from these areas allows the test of various hypotheses that were proposed to explain the interaction between the Death Valley and Garlock fault zones.

Verosub, Kenneth L.↗

Landscape and geomorphic survey of Zhamanshin area, Northern Kazakhstan: Preliminary report on 1992 field trip data

The June 1992 geographical expedition to Zhamanshin crater area made a landscape and geomorphic survey of this impact structure. Observational points in the area of 300 sq km give new data on the geographical processes in the impact crater. The data obtained could be applied to search for unknown impact structures anywhere through the traces of such features in landscapes.

Burba, G. G., Jr.↗

Detecting surface roughness effects on the atmospheric boundary layer via AIRSAR data: A field experiment in Death Valley, California

The part of the troposphere influenced by the surface of the earth is termed the atmospheric boundary layer. Flow within this layer is influenced by the roughness of the surface; rougher surfaces induce more turbulence than smoother surfaces and, hence, higher atmospheric transfer rates across the surface. Roughness elements also shield erodible particles, thus decreasing the transport of windblown particles. Therefore, the aerodynamic roughness length (z(sub 0)) is an important parameter in aeolian and atmospheric boundary layer processes as it describes the aerodynamic properties of the underlying surface. z(sub 0) is assumed to be independent of wind velocity or height, and dependent only on the surface topography. It is determined using in situ measurements of the wind speed distribution as a function of height. For dry, unvegetated soils the intensity of the radar backscatter (sigma(sup 0)) is affected primarily by surface roughness at a scale comparable with the radar wavelength. Thus, both wind and radar respond to surface roughness variations on a scale of a few meters or less. Greeley showed the existence of a correlation between z(sub 0) and sigma(sup 0). This correlation was based on measurements over lava flows, alluvial fans, and playas in the southwest deserts of the United States. It is shown that the two parameters behave similarly also when there are small changes over a relatively homogeneous surface.

Blumberg, Dan G.↗

[MODIS Investigation]

The objectives of the last six months were: Continue analysis of Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) bio-optical mooring data, Recover instrumentation from JGOFS cruises in the Southern Ocean and analyze data Maintain documentation of MOCEAN algorithms and software for use by MOCEAN and GLI teams Continue chemostat experiments on the relationship of fluorescence quantum yield to environmental factors. Continue to develop and expand browser-based information system for in situ bio-optical data Work Analysis of Field Data from Hawaii We are continuing to analyze bio-optical data collected at the Hawaii Ocean Time Series mooring. The HOT bio-optical mooring was recovered in May 1998. After retrieving the data, the sensor package was serviced and redeployed. We now have over 18 months of data. These are being analyzed as part of a larger study of mesoscale processes at this JGOFS time series site. We have had some failures in the data logger which have affected the fluorescence channels. These are being repaired. We also had an instrument housing failure, and minor modifications have been made to avoid subsequent problems. In addition, Ricardo Letelier is funded as part of the SeaWiFS calibrator/validation effort (through a subcontract from the University of Hawaii, Dr. John Porter), and he is collecting bio-optical and fluorescence data as part of the HOT activity.

Abbott, Mark R.↗

Modeling Aerosol Nucleation

The goal of this work has been to understand how nitric acid condenses on cirrus ice cloud particles by analyzing data obtained during the SAGE III Ozone Loss and Validation Experiment (SOLVE) research mission based out of Kiruna, Sweden. Ms. Gamblin simultaneously analyzed gas phase nitric acid data along with particulate NO, data, particulate, vapor and gas-phase water data from several different instruments, particle size data, which included surface area and volume measurements, ozone concentration data as well as temperature, pressure and GPS coordinates of the sampled air parcel. All parameters where held constant with only one allowed to vary in order to determine what controls the extent to which nitric acid will condensation on ice. In addition, this data was compared to theoretical values of nitric acid condensation on ice based upon recent laboratory data. Comparison of these two data sets shows the field data does not agree with what is expected in the laboratory at comparable temperatures and nitric acid pressures. The most significant difference is that surface coverages in the atmosphere were found to be elevated relative to surface coverages measured in the laboratory. The results of this study were accepted for publication by Geophysical Research Letters.

Toon, Owen B.↗

The CEOP Inter-Monsoon Studies (CIMS)

Prediction of climate relies on models, and better model prediction depends on good model physics. Improving model physics requires the maximal utilization of climate data of the past, present and future. CEOP provides the first example of a comprehensive, integrated global and regional data set, consisting of globally gridded data, reference site in-situ observations, model location time series (MOLTS), and integrated satellite data for a two-year period covering two complete annual cycles of 2003-2004. The monsoon regions are the most important socio-economically in terms of devastation by floods and droughts, and potential impacts from climate change md fluctuatinns nf the hydrologic cyc!e. Scientifically, it is most challenging, because of complex interactions of atmosphere, land and oceans, local vs. remote forcings in contributing to climate variability and change in the region. Given that many common features, and physical teleconnection exist among different monsoon regions, an international research focus on monsoon must be coordinated and sustained. Current models of the monsoon are grossly inadequate for regional predictions. For improvement, models must be confronted with relevant observations, and model physic developers must be made to be aware of the wealth of information from existing climate data, field measurements, and satellite data that can be used to improve models. Model transferability studles must be conducted. CIMS is a major initiative under CEOP to engage the modeling and the observational communities to join in a coordinated effort to study the monsoons. The objectives of CIMS are (a) To provide a better understanding of fundamental physical processes (diurnal cycle, annual cycle, and intraseasonal oscillations) in monsoon regions around the world and (b) To demonstrate the synergy and utility of CEOP data in providing a pathway for model physics evaluation and improvement. In this talk, I will present the basic concepts of CIMS and the key scientific problems facing monsoon climates and provide examples of common monsoon features, and possible monsoon induced teleconnections linking different parts of the world.

Lau, William K. M.↗