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At least 55 records · Page 3

Cherokee Water Resources Project Summary - Mapping Forest Composition and Health in the Southern Appalachians Using NASA Earth Observations to Enhance Drought and Watershed Health-Related Forest Management for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) owns and manages more than 55,000 acres of land in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. Most of these lands reside within the Oconaluftee River watershed. In this region and watershed, hemlock trees are a culturally significant foundation species that contribute to habitat biodiversity, regulate temperature and evapotranspiration of riparian environments, and provide economic value for tourism and recreation. The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect, has caused widespread hemlock mortality in recent decades, raising concerns about hemlock decline. Hemlock mortality leads to standing dead trees and increased evapotranspiration which can abet the spread of wildfires, especially during periods of drought. The DEVELOP team used satellite imagery from Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) to quantify and map possible hemlock decline by comparing changes in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values of winter season between 2003 and 2010. The project utilized the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) along with imagery from Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) to create a weighted suitability analysis that maps topographic and environmental conditions favorable for hemlock habitat. This study found that 67%of evergreen and mixed forest cover in the Oconaluftee River valley exhibited a decrease in winter NDVI from 2003 to 2010. Additionally, the two-example weighted suitability analyses showed 4.5-9.5% of hemlock suitable land in 2018 in the Oconaluftee. The partners of this project can use the outputs to identify the extent of potential hemlock decline in the Oconaluftee and establish benchmark metrics for assessing changes in hemlock suitable areas over time.

DEVELOP Project Summary↗

The delineation and interpretation of the Earth's gravity field

The observed changes in velocity with time are reduced relative to the well-determined low degree and order GEM field model and accelerations are found by analytical differentiation of the range rates. This new map is essentially identical to the first map and we have produced a composite map by combining all 90 passes of SST data. The resolution of the map is at worst about 5 deg and much better in most places. A comparison of this map with conventional GEM models shows very good agreement. A reduction of the SEASAT altimeter data has also been carried out for an additional comparison. Although the SEASAT geoid contains much more high frequency information, it agrees very well with both the SST and GEM fields. The maps are dominated (especially in the east) by a pattern of roughly east-west anomalies with a transverse wavelength of about 2000 km. A further comparison with regional bathymetric data shows a remarkably close correlation with plate age.

Marsh, B. D.↗

Automatic mineral map generation procedure from imaging spectrometer data

An airborne imaging spectrometer collected data for 128 wave length channels covering from near to short wavelength infrared across a 320 m swath, to help obtain a mineral map of an area based on reflectance spectral signatures of the area. Minerals have distinctive crystal structures and chemical contents which can be identified by their light absorption characteristics, and an optimized automatic mineral map generation procedure for imaging spectrometer data was developed. The procedure generates two types of mineral maps, a mineral distribution map showing spatial layout of various minerals and a mineral composition map showing the percentage composition of a selected mineral.

Lee, M.↗

Performance Prediction of High‐Entropy Perovskites La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Mn x Co y Fe z O 3 with Automated High‐Throughput Characterization of Combinatorial Libraries and Machine Learning

Perovskite oxides form a large family of materials with applications across various fields, owing to their structural and chemical flexibility. Efficient exploration of this extensive compositional space is now achievable through automated high-throughput experimentation combined with machine learning. In this study, we investigate the composition–structure–performance relationships of high-entropy La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Mn x Co y Fe z O 3±𝞭 perovskite oxides (0 < x, y, z <1; x+y+z≈1) for application as oxygen electrodes in Solid Oxide Cells. Following the deposition of a continuous compositional map using thin-film combinatorial pulsed laser deposition, compositional, structural, and performance properties are characterized using six different techniques with mapping capabilities. Random forests effectively model electrochemical performance, consistently identifying Fe-rich oxides as optimal compounds with the lowest area-specific resistance values for oxygen electrodes at 700 °C. Additionally, the models identify a statistical correlation between oxygen sublattice distortion—derived from spectral analysis of Raman-active modes—and enhanced performance.

high entropy oxides↗

Southwest Pacific tropical cyclone development classification utilizing machine learning and synoptic composites

This study evaluates the ability of machine learning algorithms to classify tropical depressions (TDs) and tropical storms (TSs) in the western region of the southwest Pacific Ocean (SWPO). Decision rules are generated to predict the environment required for a depression to fully develop into a mature storm, and the most influential predictors in the classification decision are ranked. TD and TS are discriminated based on a maximum sustained wind speed threshold (≥17 ms -1 ). Various aerosol, thermodynamic, and dynamic parameters are extracted closest to the initiation point of each non-developing and developing sample. The covariates associated with each labelled sample are used to train a decision tree and random forest model. Results using a testing dataset suggest the random forest approach more accurately distinguishes between non-developing and developing samples. The classification accuracy of the decision tree and random forest are 72% and 91%, respectively. Random forest outperformed the decision tree by providing higher accuracy in test data. The most important variables for binary classification are sea salt aerosol optical depth (AOD), 1,000 mb relative humidity, and sea surface temperature. AOD is a quantitative estimate of the aerosols presents in the air through the extinction of a ray of light as it passes through the atmosphere. Mean composite maps constructed in an unsupervised manner have been created for the most important variables identified by the random forest classifier during TD and TS events to highlight the difference in geophysical and aerosol variables' climatology during the two different classifications. This work will advance the risk management strategies for northeastern Australia and other SWPO basin islands to control their tropical cyclone related losses through prioritizing forecasting variables that are the strongest predictors of the strengthening of tropical depressions into tropical cyclones.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

A Method for Peat Inventory Based on LANDSAT Data and Computerized Mapping

Wetlands were preliminarily delineated on a geometrically-corrected color composite map printed from digital LANDSAT data using a computerized color plotting system. A digital classification was performed to identify the location and extent of wetland types (e.g., open bog, types of treed fen and black spruce-alder swamp). A map is printed from the results of this classification using the computerized color plotter. This color-coded map, produced at several different scales, provides a basis for pre-selecting field sampling sites. Helicopter-aided spot sampling based on the LANDSAT-derived map was conducted over the entire 1700 sq km area of North Ontario. Traditional transect sampling was carried out over a portion of the area, so that the two methods could be compared. Spot sampling based on the LANDSAT-derived map was found to produce results virtually identical to those produced by the transect sampling technique, in approximately one-fifteenth of the time and with a proportionate reduction in cost.

Pala, S.↗

Quantitative Electron Probe Microanalysis: State of the Art

Quantitative electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) has improved due to better instrument design and X-ray correction methods. Design improvement of the electron column and X-ray spectrometer has resulted in measurement precision that exceeds analytical accuracy. Wavelength-dispersive spectrometer (WDS) have layered-dispersive diffraction crystals with improved light-element sensitivity. Newer energy-dispersive spectrometers (EDS) have Si-drift detector elements, thin window designs, and digital processing electronics with X-ray throughput approaching that of WDS Systems. Using these systems, digital X-ray mapping coupled with spectrum imaging is a powerful compositional mapping tool. Improvements in analytical accuracy are due to better X-ray correction algorithms, mass absorption coefficient data sets,and analysis method for complex geometries. ZAF algorithms have ban superceded by Phi(pz) algorithms that better model the depth distribution of primary X-ray production. Complex thin film and particle geometries are treated using Phi(pz) algorithms, end results agree well with Monte Carlo simulations. For geological materials, X-ray absorption dominates the corretions end depends on the accuracy of mass absorption coefficient (MAC) data sets. However, few MACs have been experimentally measured, and the use of fitted coefficients continues due to general success of the analytical technique. A polynomial formulation of the Bence-Albec alpha-factor technique, calibrated using Phi(pz) algorithms, is used to critically evaluate accuracy issues and can be also be used for high 2% relative and is limited by measurement precision for ideal cases, but for many elements the analytical accuracy is unproven. The EPMA technique has improved to the point where it is frequently used instead of the petrogaphic microscope for reconnaissance work. Examples of stagnant research areas are: WDS detector design characterization of calibration standards, and the need for more complete treatment of the continuum X-ray fluorescence correction.

Carpernter, P. K.↗

Calibration of Sea Ice Motion from QuikSCAT with those from SSM/I and Buoy

QuikSCAT backscatter and DMSP SSM/I radiance data are used to derive sea ice motion for both the Arctic and Antarctic region using wavelet analysis method. This technique provides improved spatial coverage over the existing array of Arctic Ocean buoys and better temporal resolution over techniques utilizing satellite data from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Sea ice motion of the Arctic for the period from October 1999 to March 2000 derived from QuikSCAT and SSM/I data agrees well with that derived from ocean buoys quantitatively. Thus the ice tracking results from QuikSCAT and SSM/I are complement to each other, Then, three sea-ice drift daily results from QuikSCAT, SSM/I, and buoy data can be merged to generate composite maps with more complete coverage of sea ice motion than those from single data source. A series of composite sea ice motion maps for December 1999 show that the major circulation patterns of sea ice motion are changing and shifting significantly within every four days and they are dominated by wind forcing. Sea-ice drift in the summer can not be derived from NSCAT and SSM/I data. In later summer of 1999 (in September), however, QuikSCAT data can provide good sea ice motion information in the Arctic. QuiksCAT can also provide at least partial sea ice motion information until June 15 in early summer 1999. For the Antarctic, case study shows that sea ice motion derived from QuikSCAT data is predominantly forced by and is consistent with wind field derived from QuikSCAT around the polar region. These calibrated/validated results indicate that QuikSCAT, SSM/I, and buoy merged daily ice motion are suitably accurate to identify and closely locate sea ice processes, and to improve our current knowledge of sea ice drift and related processes through the data assimilation of ocean-ice numerical model.

Liu, Antony K.↗

Evaluation of Lunar Dark Mantle Deposits as Key to Future Human Missions

I proposed to continue detailed mapping, analysis and assessment of the lunar pyroclastic dark mantle deposits in support of the Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) initiative. Specifically: (1) I continued gathering data via the Internet and mailable media, and a variety of other digital lunar images including; high resolution digital images of the new Apollo masters from JSC, images from Clementine and Galileo, and recent telescopic images from Hawaii; (2) continued analyses on these images using sophisticated hardware and software at JSC and the College of Charleston to determine and map composition using returned sample data for calibration; (3) worked closely with Dr. David McKay and others at JSC to relate sample data to image data using laboratory spectra from JSC and Brown University; (4) mapped the extent, thickness, and composition of important dark mantle deposits in selected study areas; and (5) began composing a geographically referenced database of lunar pyroclastic materials in the Apollo 17 area. The results have been used to identify and evaluate several candidate landing sites in dark mantle terrains. Additional work spawned from this effort includes the development of an educational CD-Rom on exploring the Moon: Contact Light. Throughout the whole process I have been in contact with the JSC HEDS personnel.

Coombs, Cassandra↗

Development of a data management front end for use with a LANDSAT based information system

A user friendly front end was constructed to facilitate access to the LANDSAT mosaic data base supplied by JPL and to process both LANDSAT and ancillary data. Archieval and retrieval techniques were developed to efficiently handle this data base and make it compatible with requirements of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry. Procedures are ready for: (1) forming the forest/nonforest mask in ORSER compressed map format using GSFC-supplied classification procedures; (2) registering data from a new scene (defoliated) to the mask (which may involve mosaicking if the area encompasses two LANDSAT scenes; (3) producing a masked new data set using the MASK program; (4) analyzing this data set to produce a map showing degrees of defoliation, output on the Versatec plotter; and (5) producing color composite maps by a diazo-type process.

Turner, B. J.↗

Using scalable computer vision to automate high-throughput semiconductor characterization

Abstract High-throughput materials synthesis methods, crucial for discovering novel functional materials, face a bottleneck in property characterization. These high-throughput synthesis tools produce 10 4 samples per hour using ink-based deposition while most characterization methods are either slow (conventional rates of 10 1 samples per hour) or rigid (e.g., designed for standard thin films), resulting in a bottleneck. To address this, we propose automated characterization (autocharacterization) tools that leverage adaptive computer vision for an 85x faster throughput compared to non-automated workflows. Our tools include a generalizable composition mapping tool and two scalable autocharacterization algorithms that: (1) autonomously compute the band gaps of 200 compositions in 6 minutes, and (2) autonomously compute the environmental stability of 200 compositions in 20 minutes, achieving 98.5% and 96.9% accuracy, respectively, when benchmarked against domain expert manual evaluation. These tools, demonstrated on the formamidinium (FA) and methylammonium (MA) mixed-cation perovskite system FA 1−x MA x PbI 3 , 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, significantly accelerate the characterization process, synchronizing it closer to the rate of high-throughput synthesis.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI, Part 13

Contents include the following: A Fast, Non-Destructive Method for Classifying Ordinary Chondrite Falls Using Density and Magnetic Susceptibility. An Update on Results from the Magnetic Properties Experiments on the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. Measurement Protocols for In Situ Analysis of Organic Compounds at Mars and Comets. Piping Structures on Earth and Possibly Mars: Astrobiological Implications. Uranium and Lead in the Early Planetary Core Formation: New Insights Given by High Pressure and Temperature Experiments. The Mast Cameras and Mars Descent Imager (MARDI) for the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory. MGS MOC: First Views of Mars at Sub-Meter Resolution from Orbit. Analysis of Candor Chasma Interior Layered Deposits from OMEGA/MEX Spectra. Analysis of Valley Networks on Valles Marineris Plateau Using HRSC/MEX Data. Solar Abundance of Elements from Neutron-Capture Cross Sections. Preliminary Evaluation of the Secondary Ion/Accelerator Mass Spectrometer, MegaSIMS. Equilibrium Landforms in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica: Implications for Landscape Evolution and Climate Change on Mars. Continued Study of Ba Isotopic Compositions of Presolar Silicon Carbide Grains from Supernovae. Paleoenviromental Evolution of the Holden-Uzboi Area. Stability of Magnesium Sulfate Minerals in Martian Environments. Tungsten Isotopic Constraints on the Formation and Evolution of Iron Meteorite Parent Bodies. Migration of Dust Particles and Volatiles Delivery to the Inner Planets. On the Sitting of Trapped Noble Gases in Insoluble Organic Matter of Primitive Meteorites. Trapping of Xenon Upon Evaporation-Condensation of Organic Matter Under UV Irradiation: Isotopic Fractionation and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Analysis. Stability of Water on Mars. A Didactic Activity. Analysis of Coronae in the Parga Chasma Region, Venus. Photometric and Compositional Surface Properties of the Gusev Crater Region, Mars, as Derived from Multi-Angle, Multi-Spectral Investigation of Mars Express HRSC Data. Mapping Compositional Diversity on Mars: Spatial Distribution and Geological Implications. A New Simulation Chamber for Studying Planetary Environments. Folded Structure in Terra Sirenum. Mars. Nitrogen-Noble Gas Static Mass Spectrometry of Genesis Collector Materials. Neon Isotope Heterogeneity in the Terrestrial Mantle: Implication for the Acquisition of Volatile Elements in Terrestrial Planets. The Cosmic Clock, the Cycle of Terrestrial Mass Extinctions.

Source record↗

Understanding the Effect of Electron Beam Melting Scanning Strategies on the Aluminum Content and Materials State of Single Ti-6Al-4V Feedstock

Research on the additive manufacturing of metals often neglects any characterization of the composition of final parts, erroneously assuming a compositional homogeneity that matches the feedstock material. Here, the composition of electron-beam-melted Ti-6Al-4V produced through three distinct scanning strategies (linear raster and two point melting strategies, random fill and Dehoff fill) is characterized both locally and globally through energy-dispersive spectroscopy and quantitative chemical analysis. As a result of the different scanning strategies used, differing levels of preferential vaporization occur across the various parts, leading to distinct final compositions, with extremes of ~5.8 wt.% Al and ~4.8 wt.% Al. In addition, energy-dispersive spectroscopy composition maps reveal specific features in both the XY and XZ planes (with Z being the build direction) as a result of local inhomogeneous preferential vaporization. The subsequent change in composition significantly modifies the materials’ state of parts, wherein parts and local regions with higher aluminum contents lead to higher hardness levels (with a ~50 HV difference) and elastic property values and vice versa. While varying scan strategies and scan parameters are known to modify the microstructure and properties of a part, the effect on composition cannot, and should not, be neglected.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Preliminary results of imaging spectroscopy of the Humorum Basin region of the moon

Imaging spectroscopy of the lunar surface was carried out using a CCD spectrograph employed as an imaging spectrometer at the University of Hawaii 2.24-m telescope at Mauna Kea Observatory. A portion of the Humorum multiringed impact basin was observed, yielding an imaging spectroscopic dataset consisting of approximately 400,000 spectra covering the wavelength region 0.7-0.98 microns at a spectral resolution of 200 (lambda/Delta-lambda). Results of this analysis included (1) identifying craters and other explosures of highland material within the bounds of Mare Humorum, (2) identifying craters in the highlands adjacents to Mare Humorum that excavate buried mare basalt, and (3) identifying two spectral units in the highlands that likely represent compositional units. The region is shown to be extremely diverse spectrally and demonstrates the ability of imaging spectroscopy to enable a qualitative improvement in the ability to identify and map compositional units.

Lucey, P. G.↗

Visible - Near Infrared Spectral Indices for Mapping Mineralogy and Chemistry with OSIRIS-REx

The primary objective of the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, SecurityRegolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is to return to Earth a pristine sample of carbonaceous material from the primitive asteroid (101955) Bennu. To support compositional mapping as part of sample site selection and characterization, we tested 95 spectral parameters on visible to near infrared laboratory reflectance data of minerals and carbonaceous meteorites to find which of these parameters reliably identified spectral features of interest. Most spectral parameters had high positive detection rates when used on spectra of pure, single component materials. The meteorite spectra have fewer and weaker absorption features and, as a result, fewer detections with the spectral parameters. Parameters targeting absorptions at 0.7 and 2.7 – 3 µm, which arise due to hydrated minerals, were most successful for the meteorites. Based on these results, we have identified a set of 17 parameters that are most likely to be useful at Bennu and spectral analogs. These parameters detect olivines, pyroxenes, carbonates, water/OH-bearing minerals, serpentines, ferric minerals, and organics. Particle size and albedo are known to affect band depth but had a negligible impact on parameter accuracy. The effect of instrument-like noise added to the laboratory spectra can result in more false positive detections, but these exhibit large errors. Our study has determined the prioritization of spectral parameters used for OSIRISREx spectral analysis and mapping and informs the reliability of all parameter-derived data products.

Hannah H Kaplan↗

Visible-near Infrared Spectral Indices for Mapping Mineralogy and Chemistry with OSIRIS-Rex

The primary objective of the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is to return to Eartha pristine sample of carbonaceous material from the primitive asteroid (101955) Bennu. To support compositional mapping of Bennu as part of sample site selection and characterization, we tested 95 spectral indices on visible to near infrared laboratory reflectance data from minerals and carbonaceous meteorites. Our aim was to determine which indices reliably identify spectral features of interest. Most spectral indices had high positive detection rates when applied to spectra of pure, single-component materials. The meteorite spectra have fewer and weaker absorption features and, as a result, fewer detections with the spectral indices. Indices targeting absorptions at 0.7 and 2.7–3lm, which are attributable to hydrated minerals, were most successful for the meteorites. Based on these results, we identified a set of 17 indices that are most likely to be useful at Bennu. These indices detect olivines, pyroxenes, carbonates, water/OH-bearing minerals, serpentines, ferric minerals, and organics. Particle size and albedo are known to affect band depth but had a negligible impact on interpretive success with spectral indices. Preliminary analysis of the disk-integrated Bennu spectrum with these indices is consistent with expectations given the observed absorption near 3lm. Our study prioritizes spectral indices to be used for OSIRIS-REx spectral analysis and mapping and informs the reliability of all index-derived data products, including a science value map for sample site selection.

Hannah H. Kaplan↗

Evolution of Shock Melt Compositions in Lunar Regoliths

Space weathering processes - driven primarily by solar wind ion and micrometeorite bombardment, are constantly changing the surface regoliths of airless bodies, such as the Moon. It is essential to study lunar soils in order to fully under-stand the processes of space weathering, and how they alter the optical reflectance spectral properties of the lunar surface relative to bedrock. Lunar agglutinates are aggregates of regolith grains fused together in a glassy matrix of shock melt produced during micrometeorite impacts into the lunar regolith. The formation of the shock melt component in agglutinates involves reduction of Fe in the target material to generate nm-scale spherules of metallic Fe (nanophase Fe0 or npFe0). The ratio of elemental Fe, in the form of npFe0, to FeO in a given bulk soil indicates its maturity, which increases with length of surface exposure as well as being typically higher in the finer-size fraction of soils. The melting and mixing process in agglutinate formation remain poorly understood. This includes incomplete knowledge regarding how the homogeneity and overall compositional trends of the agglutinate glass portions (agglutinitic glass) evolve with maturity. The aim of this study is to use sub-micrometer scale X-ray compositional mapping and image analysis to quantify the chemical homogeneity of agglutinitic glass, correlate its homogeneity to its parent soil maturity, and identify the principal chemical components contributing to the shock melt composition variations. An additional focus is to see if agglutinitic glass contains anomalously high Fe sub-micron scale compositional domains similar to those recently reported in glassy patina coatings on lunar rocks.

Vance, A. M.↗