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At least 883 records · Page 49
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Characterization of Root Zone Soil Moisture and Herpetofaunal Biodiversity in the Southern Great Plains

(1) Goal: The scientific objective to the proposed research is to develop a proto-type downscaled (<1 km) version of the root-zone soil moisture product called SoilMERGE or SMERGE. This objective is linked as root zone soil moisture is a critical climate variable that has a more direct influence on plant growth than precipitation. Therefore, the developed downscaled version of SMERGE can be used as input into biodiversity informatic techniques (i.e., maximum entropy modeling) Development of downscaled SMERGE will be facilitated by Department of Energy (DOE) resources specifically data from the DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) facility and modeling platforms such as the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Environmental matrix and moisture are key determinants of microbial phenotypes expressed in a reduced complexity soil-analog

Soil moisture and porosity regulate microbial metabolism by influencing factors such as redox conditions, substrate availability, and soil connectivity. However, the inherent biological, chemical, and physical heterogeneity of soil complicates laboratory investigations into microbial phenotypes that mediate community metabolism. This difficulty arises from challenges in accurately representing the soil environment and in establishing a tractable microbial community that limits confounding variables. To address these challenges in our investigation of community metabolism, we use a reduced-complexity microbial consortium grown in a soil analog using a glass-bead matrix amended with chitin. Long-read and short-read metagenomes, metatranscriptomes, metaproteomes, and metabolomes were analyzed to test the effects of soil structure and moisture on chitin degradation. Our soil structure analog system greatly altered microbial expression profiles compared to the liquid-only incubations, emphasizing the importance of incorporating environmental parameters, like pores and surfaces, for understanding microbial phenotypes relevant to soil ecosystems. These changes were mainly driven by differences in overall expression of chitin-degrading Streptomyces species and stress-tolerant Ensifer. Our findings suggest that the success of Ensifer in a structured environment is likely related to its ability to repurpose carbon via the glyoxylate shunt while potentially using polyhydroxyalkanoate granules as a C source. We also identified traits like motility, stress resistance, and biofilm formation that underlie the degradation of chitin across our treatments and inform how they may ultimately alter carbon use efficiency. Together our results demonstrate that community functions like decomposition are sensitive to environmental conditions and more complex than the multi-enzyme pathways involved in depolymerization.

Rodriguez-Ramos, Josue A↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advanced monitoring of soil-vegetation co-dynamics reveals the successive controls of snowmelt on soil moisture and on plant seasonal dynamics in a mountainous watershed

Evaluating the interactions between above- and below-ground processes is important to understand and quantify how ecosystems respond differently to atmospheric forcings and/or perturbations and how this depends on their intrinsic characteristics and heterogeneity. Improving such understanding is particularly needed in snow-impacted mountainous systems where the complexity in water and carbon storage and release arises from strong heterogeneity in meteorological forcing and terrain, vegetation and soil characteristics. This study investigates spatial and temporal interactions between terrain, soil moisture, and plant seasonal dynamics at the intra- and inter-annual scale along a 160 m long mountainous, non-forested hillslope-to-floodplain system in the upper East River Watershed in the upper Colorado River Basin. To this end, repeated UAV-based multi-spectral aerial imaging, ground-based soil electrical resistivity imaging, and soil moisture sensors were used to quantify the interactions between above and below-ground compartments. Results reveal significant soil-plant co-dynamics. The spatial variation and dynamics of soil water content and electrical conductivity, driven by topographic and soil intrinsic characteristics, correspond to distinct plant types, with highest plant productivity in convergent areas. Plant productivity in heavy snow years benefited from more water infiltration as well as a shallow groundwater table depth. In comparison, low snowpack years with an early first bare-ground date, which are linked to an early increase in plant greenness, imply a short period of saturated conditions that leads to lower average and maximum greenness values during the growing season. Overall, these results emphasize the strong impact of snowpack dynamics, and terrain and subsurface characteristics on the heterogeneity in plant type and seasonal dynamics.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Data from: High temperatures and low soil moisture synergistically reduce switchgrass yields from marginal field sites and inhibit fermentation

‘Marginal lands’ are low productivity sites abandoned from agriculture for reasons such as low or high soil water content, challenging topography, or nutrient deficiency. To avoid competition with crop production, cellulosic bio- energy crops have been proposed for cultivation on marginal lands, however on these sites they may be more strongly affected by environmental stresses such as low soil water content. In this study we used rainout shelters to in- duce low soil moisture on marginal lands and determine the effect of soil water stress on switchgrass growth and the subsequent production of bioetha- nol. Five marginal land sites that span a latitudinal gradient in Michigan and Wisconsin were planted to switchgrass in 2013 and during the 2018–2021 growing seasons were exposed to reduced precipitation under rainout shelters in comparison to ambient precipitation. The effect of reduced precipitation was related to the environmental conditions at each site and biofuel produc- tion metrics (switchgrass biomass yields and composition and ethanol pro- duction). During the first year (2018), the rainout shelters were designed with 60% rain exclusion, which did not affect biomass yields compared to ambient conditions at any of the field sites, but decreased switchgrass fermentability at the Wisconsin Central–Hancock site. In subsequent years, the shelters were redesigned to fully exclude rainfall, which led to reduced biomass yields and inhibited fermentation for three sites. When switchgrass was grown in soils with large reductions in moisture and increases in temperature, the potential for biofuel production was significantly reduced, exposing some of the chal- lenges associated with producing biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass grown under drought conditions.

bioethanol↗
DOE OSTI2025

A 1 km soil moisture dataset over eastern CONUS generated by assimilating SMAP data into the Noah-MP land surface model

An improved fine-scale soil moisture (SM) dataset at 1 km grid spacing, covering much of the eastern continental US, was generated by assimilating 9 km Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) SM data into the v4.0.1 Noah-MP land surface model. With 12 ensemble members, the assimilation was carried out using the ensemble Kalman filter algorithm within NASA's Land Information System. The SM analysis for 2016 was fully validated against in situ observations from four different networks and compared with four other existing datasets. Results indicate that this SM analysis surpasses other datasets in top-layer SM distribution, including a machine-learning-based product, despite all SM estimates being less heterogeneous than observed. The analysis of anomalous errors suggests that large similarity in intrinsic errors is likely due to overlapping data sources among the selected SM datasets. More detailed evaluations were performed over two geographic areas. The observations collected by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement facility in Oklahoma suggest that soil temperature and surface heat fluxes are concurrently simulated with good accuracy. Investigation into the 2016 southeastern US drought response further indicates drier conditions and higher evapotranspiration estimates compared to GLEAMv4.1. Notably, large errors are associated with grids having clay soil textures, underscoring the need for refined model treatments for specific soil types to further improve SM estimates. The dataset is publicly available on Zenodo at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14370563 (Tai et al., 2024).

Tai, Sheng-Lun [Pacific Northwest National Laborat↗
DOE OSTI2021

Soil Temperature and Moisture, Council Road Mile Marker 71, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, beginning 2016

Daily averages of soil temperature and moisture measured once every hour at different heights, as well as daily averages of hourly measured snow depths located at Intensive Monitoring Stations at Council Road Mile Marker 71 site. Deployed at each site is an Onset HOBO U30 data logger with five smart temperature sensors and three smart soil moisture sensors (10HS). Three sites (CN_IS_4, CN_IS_6A, CN_IS_7) are equipped with a snow depth sensor. Data are retrieved annually since 2016. Contains 53 *.CSV files including a file inventory list by year. Data files have header rows, NaN fields indicate invalid or missing data, and negative vertical offsets are above ground. The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments: Arctic (NGEE Arctic), was a research effort to reduce uncertainty in Earth System Models by developing a predictive understanding of carbon-rich Arctic ecosystems and feedbacks to climate. NGEE Arctic was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The NGEE Arctic project had two field research sites: 1) located within the Arctic polygonal tundra coastal region on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and the North Slope near Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska and 2) multiple areas on the discontinuous permafrost region of the Seward Peninsula north of Nome, Alaska. Through observations, experiments, and synthesis with existing datasets, NGEE Arctic provided an enhanced knowledge base for multi-scale modeling and contributed to improved process representation at global pan-Arctic scales within the Department of Energy's Earth system Model (the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM), and specifically within the E3SM Land Model component (ELM).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Soil moisture, physical and chemical properties coincident with airborne SAR data collections for 2017 and 2019, Seward Peninsula, Alaska

Soil samples were collected coincident with in-situ soil moisture and thaw depth measurements at NGEE Arctic study sites on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska in August 2017 and 2019 Field measurements and flights were conducted during both summers as a collaboration between the NASA ABoVE Project's Airborne SAR Campaign and the NGEE Arctic Project. Airborne overflights of L-band SAR instruments occurred during the soil sampling periods. Laboratory measurements of soil properties include bulk density, volumetric and gravimetric water content, carbon and nitrogen content, and particle size of mineral components. Soil samples processed and reported in this dataset were collected coincident with in situ measurements of soil moisture and thaw depth and airborne P-band and L-band SAR measurements as a collaboration between NGEE Arctic and NASA ABoVE. To learn more about how ABoVE protocols were applied for sampling site selection and making in situ measurements, see the following datasets: (2017: https://doi.org/10.5440/1423892 and 2019: https://doi.org/10.5440/1856042). Contained in this dataset are four .csv data files (including data dictionaries) and one zipped folder of *.pdf files.The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments: Arctic (NGEE Arctic), was a research effort (with some overlap with Covid-19 pandemic) to reduce uncertainty in Earth System Models by developing a predictive understanding of carbon-rich Arctic ecosystems and feedbacks to climate. NGEE Arctic was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The NGEE Arctic project had two field research sites: 1) located within the Arctic polygonal tundra coastal region on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and the North Slope near Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska and 2) multiple areas on the discontinuous permafrost region of the Seward Peninsula north of Nome, Alaska.Through observations, experiments, and synthesis with existing datasets, NGEE Arctic provided an enhanced knowledge base for multi-scale modeling and contributed to improved process representation at global pan-Arctic scales within the Department of Energy's Earth system Model (the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM), and specifically within the E3SM Land Model component (ELM).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thaw depth, soil moisture, and vegetation height, Teller and Kougarok sites, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 2022

Thaw depth, soil moisture, and vegetation height sampled from locations on the Teller MM27, Kougarok MM80, and Kougarok MM82 NGEE-Arctic sites, Seward Peninsula, Alaska. These data were collected in support of the ongoing NGEE-Arctic and NASA ABoVE data synthesis work. Samples were collected in July 2022, including 6 transects covering the entire Teller MM27 watershed and 4 transects covering 4 thaw ponds at Kougarok MM80 and MM82. This data package includes sample information and thaw depth, soil moisture, vegetation height data (.csv). Metadata files include data descriptions (_dd.csv) for tabular data and file level metadata (.csv). The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments: Arctic (NGEE Arctic), was a research effort to reduce uncertainty in Earth System Models by developing a predictive understanding of carbon-rich Arctic ecosystems and feedbacks to climate. NGEE Arctic was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The NGEE Arctic project had two field research sites: 1) located within the Arctic polygonal tundra coastal region on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and the North Slope near Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska and 2) multiple areas on the discontinuous permafrost region of the Seward Peninsula north of Nome, Alaska. Through observations, experiments, and synthesis with existing datasets, NGEE Arctic provided an enhanced knowledge base for multi-scale modeling and contributed to improved process representation at global pan-Arctic scales within the Department of Energy's Earth system Model (the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM), and specifically within the E3SM Land Model component (ELM).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1967

Detection of entrapped moisture in honeycomb sandwich structures

Thermal neutron moisture detection system detects entrapped moisture in intercellular areas of bonded honeycomb sandwich structures. A radium/beryllium fast neutron source bombards a specimen. The emitted thermal neutrons from the target nucleus are detected and counted by a boron trifluoride thermal neutron detector.

Hallmark, W. B.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Microwave emission measurements of sea surface roughness, soil moisture, and sea ice structure

In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the microwave radiometers to be carried aboard the Nimbus 5 and 6 satellites and proposed for one of the earth observatory satellites, remote measurements of microwave radiation at wavelengths ranging from 0.8 to 21 cm have been made of a variety of the earth's surfaces from the NASA CV-990 A/C. Brightness temperatures of sea water surfaces of varying roughness, of terrain with varying soil moisture, and of sea ice of varying structure were observed. In each case, around truth information was available for correlation with the microwave brightness temperature. The utility of passive microwave radiometry in determining ocean surface wind speeds, at least for values higher than 7 meters/second has been demonstrated. In addition, it was shown that radiometric signatures can be used to determine soil moisture in unvegetated terrain to within five percentage points by weight. Finally, it was demonstrated that first year thick, multi-year, and first year thin sea ice can be distinguished by observing their differing microwave emissivities at various wavelengths.

Gloersen, P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Utilization of ERTS data to detect plant diseases and nutrient deficiencies, soil types and moisture levels

The author has identified the following significant results. A significant finding to date is the delineation of the Memphis soil association in Obion County, Dyer County, and in portions of Kentucky. This soil association was delineated mechanically through the use of imagery in the digital tape format, appropriate computer software, and an IBM/360/05 computer. The Waverly-Swamp association as well as the Obion River have been identified on the ERTS-1 imagery as well as on the computer printout. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of delineating major soil associations through vegetative cover common to the association. Channel 7 provides the most information for studies of this type. Computer density printouts assist markedly in making density separations and delineating major soil moisture differences; however, signatures for soil moisture classification for this area of mixed land uses in relatively small tracts have not yet been developed.

Parks, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Remote soil moisture measurements

The degree of polarization of visible sunlight reflected from bare soils in agricultural test areas in the southwestern United States was measured by an airborne photopolarimeter. Surface soil specimens provided data concerning the surface moisture of the soil to which the polarization data were compared. The results indicate the feasibility of measuring soil surface moisture by airborne polarimeter instrumentation.

Stockhoff, E. H.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Storage stability and improvement of intermediate moisture foods

The rates of chemical reactions which deteriorate foods prepared to an intermediate moisture content and water activity (A sub w 0.6 to 0.9) were studied. The phenomenon of sorption hysteresis was used to prepare model systems and foods to similar A sub w's but different moisture levels so that the separate effects of water binding and water content could be elucidated. It was found that water content is the controlling factor for lipid oxidation in model systems comprised of a solid support and an oxidizable liquid. It was proposed that metal chelating agents like EDTA should give good protection to oxidation. EDTA exhibited the highest efficacy, about 10-15 times better than BHA which is a radical scavenger when studied in the model systems.

Labuza, T. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Moisture effects on the high-temperature strength of fiber-reinforced resin composites.

Under NAS 8-27435, the Convair Aerospace Division of General Dynamics and their subcontractor, Hercules Incorporated, have conducted studies on the effects of moisture on the properties of fiber-reinforced resin composites and on the epoxy resins presently used in advanced composites. Data are presented on the resins and composites subjected to varying time/temperature/humidity or time/temperature/water-boil exposures. The effects of moisture on matrix, reinforcement, and fiber/resin interface are discussed and supported by experimental test data.

Hertz, J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Application of Nimbus 4 THIR 6.7-micron observations to regional and global moisture and wind field analyses.

The Nimbus 4 temperature-humidity infrared radiometer (THIR) monitors radiation in the 6.5 to 7.2-micron water vapor absorption region with a 23-km spatial resolution at the subsatellite point. Radiation monitored in this spectral region results primarily from emission in the 250 to 500-mb region of the upper troposphere. The THIR 6.7-micron observations are readily available in photofacsimile imagery form which shows very distinctive patterns associated with spatial variations in atmospheric water vapor. These radiometric observations have been combined in several instances with moisture values measured in the upper troposphere by the standard radiosonde network. In each instance, the result is a much more consistent analysis showing increased spatial detail that agrees with the radiometric observations and does not compromise the conventional data. The improved moisture analyses show relatively dry and moist tongues that are very difficult or impossible to infer from the conventional data alone.

Steranka, J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Effects of atmospheric moisture on rock resistivity.

This study examines the changes in resistivity of rock samples as induced by atmospheric moisture. Experiments were performed on samples of hematitic sandstone, pyrite, and galena. The sandstone underwent a change in resistivity of four orders of magnitude when it was measured in a vacuum of 500 ntorr and in air of 37% relative humidity. Pyrite and galena showed no variations in resistivity when they were measured under the same conditions. These results, plus others obtained elsewhere, indicate that rocks of the resistive type are affected in their electrical properties by atmospheric moisture, whereas rocks of the conductive type are not. The experimental evidence obtained is difficult to reconcile with a model of aqueous electrolytic conduction on the sample surface. It is instead suggested that adsorbed water molecules alter the surface resistivity in a manner similar to that observed in semiconductors and insulators.

Alvarez, R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Influence of moisture content on the velocity of ultrasounds in black poplar wood

Correlations among the longitudinal, radial and tangential velocities of ultrasounds in black poplar on the one hand and among these magnitudes and the wood's moisture content on the other hand are presented. Mathematical equations approximating these correlations are given, and the influence of moisture content on the elastic constants of wood is discussed. The possibility of using ultrasonic methods in automating the wood drying process and in testing the quality and homogeneity of wood is pointed out.

Bucar, V.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Predicting soil moisture and wheat vegetative growth from ERTS-1 imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Study results indicate: (1) Vegetative growth was best predicted by a linear relationship between leaf area index and the radio of band 4 to band 5. All significant soil moisture effects were cancelled by the ratio. (2) Soil moisture at a depth of 0 to 15 cm, with specific soil factors, was predicted by band 4 and leaf area index with a high regression coefficient. (3) Vegetative growth, measured by leaf area index, was one of the necessary inputs in evaluating the winter wheat crop coefficient from March to maturity.

Krupp, J. W.↗