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NASA NTRS1991

Ground-based infrared measurements of HNO3 total column abundances - Long-term trend and variability

The long-term trend and variability of the total column amount of atmospheric nitric acid (HNO3) have been investigated. The study was based on time series of infrared solar absorption spectra recorded at two sites, the International Scientific Station of the Jungfraujoch (ISSJ) in the Swiss Alps (altitude 3.6 km, latitude 46.5 N, longitude 8.0 E) and the National Solar Observatory McMath solar telescope facility on Kitt Peak (altitude 2.1 km, latitude 31.9 N, longitude 111.6 W), Arizona. Measurements of HNO3 absorption features recorded at Kitt Peak between 1980 and 1990 and measurements of the same features in ISSJ solar spectra obtained in June 1951 and June 1986 to June 1990 provide quantitative estimates of the long-term trend in the HNO3 total vertical column. It is found that the trend deduced for each site is equal to zero within the measurement uncertainty. The modern ISSJ measurements show that the fitted trend is (-0.16 + or - 0.50) percent/yr, 2 sigma, which indicates that there has been no detectable change in HNO3 total column over three decades. The Kitt Peak measurements show marked variability in the HNO3 total column, but no obvious seasonal cycle is observed.

Rinsland, C. P.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Satellite radar for monitoring forest resources

An evaluation is made of the computer analysis results of a study which used Seasat satellite radar data obtained in 1978 and Shuttle Imaging Radar-B data obtained in 1984. The change-detection procedures employed demonstrate that deforestation and reforestation activities can be effectively monitored on the basis of radar data gathered at satellite altitudes. The computer-processing techniques applied to the data encompassed (1) overlay display, (2) ratios, (3) differences, (4) principal-component analysis, and (5) classification; of these, overlay display is noted to quickly and easily yield a qualitative display of the multidate data.

Hoffer, Roger M.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Rocket temperature soundings

The purpose was to provide rocket-borne measurements of temperature and wind. These data are used to: obtain a better understanding of the processes that control the chemical and dynamic behavior of the stratospheric region; monitor temperature trends and detect changes; verify and monitor remote measurements (ground- and satellite-based); and provide density measurements for large space vehicle operations.

Schmidlin, Francis J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Surface radiation budgets in the presence of cirrus clouds

A study utilizing interferometric means to collect highly resolved spectral measurements of the downwelling radiance fields under cirrus cloud cover is presented. The measurements are employed to examine data collected by conventional means to evaluate their ability to detect changes due to the presence of the clouds.

Davis, John M.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Remote sensing of the biological dynamics of large-scale salt evaporation ponds

Optical properties of salt evaporation ponds associated with Exportadora de Sal, a salt production company in Baja California Sur, Mexico, were analyzed using a combination of spectroradiometer and extracted pigment data, and Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper imagery. The optical characteristics of each pond are determined by the biota, which consists of dense populations of algae and photosynthetic bacteria containing a wide variety of photosynthetic and photoprotective pigments. Analysis has shown that spectral and image data can differentiate between taxonomic groups of the microbiota, detect changes in population distributions, and reveal large-scale seasonal dynamics.

Richardson, Laurie L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Design of a self-diagnostic beam-mode piezoelectric accelerometer

A technique was developed for detecting in situ real-time soft failures in a beam-mode piezoelectric accelerometer. The new technique can be used to detect changes in the piezoelectric capacitance, the equivalent mechanical stiffness of the piezoelectric element and the surface mounting impedance, and the piezoelectric efficiency.

Flanagan, Patrick M.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Device For Perception Of Polarization

Polarized image viewed through rotating polarizing filter appears to pulsate. Optical device enables human observer to perceive polarization of light. Used alone for viewing in real time and/or in conjunction with video or movie camera to record for subsequent detailed quantitative analysis of polarization in scene. Device used in remote sensing to classify portions of scenes according to polarization characteristics, to enhance viewing through atmosphere and oceans and to enhance contrasts. Used to monitor oilspill from air and detect changes in soil moisture and to map wetlands, among many other possible civilian and military applications.

Whitehead, Victor S.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Predicted aircraft effects on stratospheric ozone

The possibility that the current fleet of subsonic aircraft may already have caused detectable changes in both the troposphere and stratosphere has raised concerns about the impact of such operations on stratospheric ozone and climate. Recent interest in the operation of supersonic aircraft in the lower stratosphere has heightened such concerns. Previous assessments of impacts from proposed supersonic aircraft were based mostly on one-dimensional model results although a limited number of multidimensional models were used. In the past 15 years, our understanding of the processes that control the atmospheric concentrations of trace gases has changed dramatically. This better understanding was achieved through accumulation of kinetic data and field observations as well as development of new models. It would be beneficial to start examining the impact of subsonic aircraft to identify opportunities to study and validate the mechanisms that were proposed to explain the ozone responses. The two major concerns are the potential for a decrease in the column abundance of ozone leading to an increase in ultraviolet radiation at the ground, and redistribution of ozone in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere leading to changes in the Earth's climate. Two-dimensional models were used extensively for ozone assessment studies, with a focus on responses to chlorine perturbations. There are problems specific to the aircraft issues that are not adequately addressed by the current models. This chapter reviews the current status of the research on aircraft impact on ozone with emphasis on immediate model improvements necessary for extending our understanding. The discussion will be limited to current and projected commercial aircraft that are equipped with air-breathing engines using conventional jet fuel. The impacts are discussed in terms of the anticipated fuel use at cruise altitude.

Ko, Malcolm K. W.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Effects of refrigerating preinoculated Vitek cards on microbial physiology and antibiotic susceptibility

Reference cultures of 16 microorganisms obtained from the American Type Culture Collection and four clinical isolates were used in standardized solutions to inoculate 60 cards for each test strain. A set of three ID and three susceptibility cards was processed in the Vitek AutoMicrobic System (AMS) immediately after inoculation. The remaining cards were refrigerated at 4 C, and sets of six cards were removed and processed periodically for up to 17 days. The preinoculated AMS cards were evaluated for microorganism identification, percent probability of correct identification, length of time required for final result, individual substrate reactions, and antibiotic minimal inhibitory/concentration (MIC) values. Results indicate that 11 of the 20 microbes tested withstood refrigerated storage up to 17 days without detectable changes in delineating characteristics. MIC results appear variable, but certain antibiotics proved to be more stable than others. The results of these exploratory studies will be used to plan a microgravity experiment designed to study the effect of microgravity on microbial physiology and antibiotic sensitivity.

Skweres, Joyce A.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Concept for a high-resolution thermometer utilizing the temperature dependence of the magnetic penetration depth

A thermometer using the temperature dependence of the magnetic penetration depth in superconductors is described which has the potential for temperature resolution, when using a dc SQUID readout, on the order of 1 pK. One such device has been fabricated and characterized to demonstrate proof of concept. It consists of primary and secondary coils of NbTi wire wound on a copper toroidal core on which a thin layer of In (Tc = 3.4 K) has been deposited. The temperature dependence of the mutual inductance, M(T), or self-inductance, is used to detect changes in temperature. Measurements of M(T) have been made with an ac excitation of the primary for various frequencies and peak magnetic field strengths. Estimates of ultimate temperature resolution are given.

Shirron, P. J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

A combined surface/volume scattering retracking algorithm for ice sheet satellite altimetry

An algorithm that is based upon a combined surface-volume scattering model is developed. It can be used to retrack individual altimeter waveforms over ice sheets. An iterative least-squares procedure is used to fit the combined model to the return waveforms. The retracking algorithm comprises two distinct sections. The first generates initial model parameter estimates from a filtered altimeter waveform. The second uses the initial estimates, the theoretical model, and the waveform data to generate corrected parameter estimates. This retracking algorithm can be used to assess the accuracy of elevations produced from current retracking algorithms when subsurface volume scattering is present. This is extremely important so that repeated altimeter elevation measurements can be used to accurately detect changes in the mass balance of the ice sheets. By analyzing the distribution of the model parameters over large portions of the ice sheet, regional and seasonal variations in the near-surface properties of the snowpack can be quantified.

Davis, Curt H.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Applications of satellite image processing to the analysis of Amazonian cultural ecology

This paper examines the application of satellite image processing towards identifying and comparing resource exploitation among indigenous Amazonian peoples. The use of statistical and heuristic procedures for developing land cover/land use classifications from Thematic Mapper satellite imagery will be discussed along with actual results from studies of relatively small (100 - 200 people) settlements. Preliminary research indicates that analysis of satellite imagery holds great potential for measuring agricultural intensification, comparing rates of tropical deforestation, and detecting changes in resource utilization patterns over time.

Behrens, Clifford A.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Measurement of atmospheric OH by titration of near-IR fluorescent dyes

Recent research has shown that certain polymethine dyes can be detected at ultratrace levels (greater than or equal to 6x10(exp -14) M) in solution by fluorimetry. These detection limits are possible because of the inherent sensitivity of fluorescence techniques, because the dyes fluoresce in the near infrared region where background interference is negligible, and because powerful infrared diode lasers are now available to improve the signal to noise ratio. Other work has shown that the hydroxyl radical destroys the ability of polymethine dyes to fluoresce. These observations form the basis for a new hydroxyl radical detector that is essentially a fluorometric titrator. Theoretically, the detector should show an acceptable sensitivity and response time. Assuming that the atmospheric HO concentration is about 10(exp -11) moles m(exp -3) (i.e. 10(exp 6) molecules cm(exp -3)), then 10 L of air 'titrated' with 20 mL of 10(exp -11) M dye solution (an easily detected concentration) should result in a drop in the fluorescent signal of 50 percent - a readily detectable change. At a flow rate of 3 L min(exp -1) the sampling time would be 3 minutes. The biggest potential problem is selectivity: other oxidants may also cause the fluorescence signal to be lost. The chemistry of polymethine dyes has not been studied in detail and so no quantitative data are available. However, a survey of the literature suggests that in general HO should react up to six orders of magnitude faster than HO2 and other radicals such as RO2 and RO. It should also react much more rapidly than H2O2 and O3. Thus it may be possible to discriminate kinetically against potential interfering substances. It was shown in the laboratory that 10(exp -4) M H2O2 has little effect on the absorption spectrum of the dye IR125 over a period of hours but that the band at 780 nm is slowly lost in water over a period of days even under argon in the dark. By contrast, DMSO solutions of IR125 are stable.

Betterton, Eric A.↗

NASA NTRS1993

A comparison of spectral mixture analysis an NDVI for ascertaining ecological variables

In this study, we compare the performance of spectral mixture analysis to the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in detecting change in a grassland across topographically-induced nutrient gradients and different management schemes. The Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas, is a relatively homogeneous tallgrass prairie in which change in vegetation productivity occurs with respect to topographic positions in each watershed. The area is the site of long-term studies of the influence of fire and grazing on tallgrass production and was the site of the First ISLSCP (International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project) Field Experiment (FIFE) from 1987 to 1989. Vegetation indices such as NDVI are commonly used with imagery collected in few (less than 10) spectral bands. However, the use of only two bands (e.g. NDVI) does not adequately account for the complex of signals making up most surface reflectance. Influences from background spectral variation and spatial heterogeneity may confound the direct relationship with biological or biophysical variables. High dimensional multispectral data allows for the application position of techniques such as derivative analysis and spectral curve fitting, thereby increasing the probability of successfully modeling the reflectance from mixed surfaces. The higher number of bands permits unmixing of a greater number of surface components, separating the vegetation signal for further analyses relevant to biological variables.

Wessman, Carol A.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Urban remote sensing applications: TIMS observations of the City of Scottsdale

A research program has been initiated between Arizona State University and the City of Scottsdale, Arizona to study the potential applications of TIMS (Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner) data for urban scene classification, desert environmental assessment, and change detection. This program is part of a long-term effort to integrate remote sensing observations into state and local planning activities to improve decision making and future planning. Specific test sites include a section of the downtown Scottsdale region that has been mapped in very high detail as part of a pilot program to develop an extensive GIS database. This area thus provides excellent time history of the evolution of the city infrastructure, such as the timing and composition of street repavement. A second area of study includes the McDowell intensive study by state and local agencies to assess potential sites for urban development as well as preservation. These activities are of particular relevance as the Phoenix metropolitan area undergoes major expansion into the surrounding desert areas. The objectives of this study in urban areas are aimed at determining potential applications of TIMS data for classifying and assessing land use and surface temperatures. Land use centers on surface impermeability studies for storm runoff assessment and pollution control. These studies focus on determining the areal abundance of urban vegetation and undeveloped soil. Highly experimental applications include assessment and monitoring of pavement condition. Temperature studies focus on determining swimming pool area and temperature for use in monitoring evaporating and urban water consumption. These activities are of particular relevance as the Phoenix metropolitan area undergoes major expansion into the surrounding desert area.

Christensen, Philip R.↗

NASA NTRS1994

The Arctic Boundary Layer Expedition (ABLE-3B): July - August 1990

The Arctic Boundary Layer Expedition (ABLE) 3B used data from ground-based, aircraft, and satellite platforms to characterize the chemistry and dynamics of the troposphere in subarctic and Arctic regions of midcontinent and eastern Canada during July - August 1990. This paper reports the experimental design for ABLE 3B and a brief overview of results. The detailed results are presented in a series of papers in this issue. The chemical composition of the atmospheric mixed layer over remote tundra, boreal wetland, and forested environments was influenced by emissions of CH4 and nonmethane hydrocarbons from biogenic sources, emissions of gases and aerosols from local biomass burning, and transport of pollutants into the study areas from urban/industrial sources. Minimum concentrations of both trace gas and aerosol species in boundary layer air were associated with Arctic source areas. In the free troposphere the biospheric influence was undetectable, and major sources of chemical variability were related to long-range transport of pollutants into the study areas from biomass burning and industrial sources in Alaska and the Great Lakes regions, respectively. Minimum concentrations of both trace gas and aerosol species in the free troposphere were associated with a persistent, widespread air mass which both chemistry and air mass trajectory analyses suggested had originated in the tropical Pacific. Subsidence of air from the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere frequently enhanced ozone and influenced other trace gas and aerosol species at midtropospheric altitudes. The North American Arctic is a complex dynamical and chemical environment with considerable spatial and temporal variability in aerosol and trace gas concentrations. The use of atmospheric chemical indicators for climate change detection will require a much more comprehensive Arctic monitoring program than currently exists.

Harriss, R. C.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Modeling Climate-Biosphere Interactions in the Boreal Forest

The overall goal of this BOREAS Program was to develop, test, and apply a model of the carbon balance of boreal forest sites with a significant groundcover component (moss or lichen). The basic question addressed with this model was: What is the sensitivity of the boreal forest carbon balance to weather variability? More specifically: What are the differences in the sensitivities of carbon gains (photosynthesis) and carbon losses (respiration) of the various components of the ecosystem? Are there different seasonalities to their sensitivities (e.g., warmer springs will have one effect, warmer summers a different effect)? What are the effects of different patterns of successive weather years (wet/dry, warm/cool)? What, for example, would be the difference in effects of two "warmer than normal" months-one with each day warmer than normal, and the other with three normal weeks and one very hot week? Due to weather variability, how "noisy" will any carbon flux or carbon pool signal be that we might use to try to detect change? The project resulted in the development of a new boreal forest ecosystem model. This model was the first model in the BOREAS project to look closely at the role of mosses in the ecosystem carbon balance, and also was the first model in the BOREAS project to look closely at interannual variability in carbon fluxes. Along with the work of many other groups, TE-19 modeling analysis pointed to the need for a second, longer field season in 1996, with particular focus on the spring and fall transitions and on ground vegetation. BOREAS groups TE-19 (Frolking), TGB-1 (Crill) & TGB-3 (Moore & Roulet) analyzed BOREAS data and other published and unpublished data to develop a relationship between peatland ecosystem productivity and incoming radiation, which is quite distinct from the upland ecosystem relationships observed in other studies.

Frolking, Steve↗

NASA NTRS1998

How Hot and Variable are the Coronae of Hertzsprung Gap Giants?

The objective of this final report is to obtain deep PCA measurement of the bright stellar X-ray source Capella to test whether RXTE has sufficient sensitivity to detect changes in temperature and flux of an active late-type "corona." Our conclusion is that--with the present understanding of the background model--relatively soft sources like Capella unfortunately are not productive targets for RXTE. Harder-spectrum stellar sources, like the flaring RS CVns, would be much more suitable.

Ayres, Thomas R.↗