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At least 109 records · Page 6

Comparison of ERTS-1 and Skylab-EREP for interdisciplinary coastal investigations

The author has identified the following significant results. NASA's ERTS-1 satellite and Skylab EREP have both provided imagery suitable for investigating coastal vegetation, land use, current circulation, water turbidity, waste disposal, and sea state. Based on high contrast targets, such as piers and breakwaters, the ERTS-1 MSS seems to have a resolution of 70-100 meters, Skylab's S190A about 30-70 meters, and its S190B about 10-30 meters. Important coastal land use details can be more readily mapped using Skylab's imagery. On the other hand, the regular eighteen day cycle of ERTS-1 allows observation of important manmade and natural changes, and facilitates collection of ground truth. The Skylab/EREP multispectral scanner offers 13 spectral bands as compared to 4 bands on ERTS-1. However, EREP scanner tapes require special filtering to remove several types of noise and their conical line scan pattern must be linearized before one can identify small targets based on spatial features.

Klemas, V.↗

Skylab/EREP application to ecological, geological and oceanographic investigations of Delaware Bay

The author has identified the following significant results. NASA's ERTS-1 satellite and Skylab-EREP have both provided imagery suitable for investigating coastal vegetation, land use, current circulation, water turbidity, waste disposal, and sea state. Based on high contrast targets, such as piers and breakwaters, the ERTS-1 MSS seems to have a resolution of 70-100 meters, Skylab's S190A about 30-70 meters, and its S190B about 10-30 meters. Important coastal land use details can be more readily mapped using Skylab's imagery. On the other hand, the regular eighteen day cycle of ERTS-1 allows observation of important man-made and natural changes, and facilitates collection of ground truth. The Skylab/EREP multispectral scanner offers 13 spectral bands as compared to 4 bands on ERTS-1. However, EREP scanner tapes require special filtering to remove several types of noise and their conical line scan pattern must be linearized before small targets can be identified based on spatial features.

Klemas, V.↗

Performance capability of laser-powered launch vehicles using vertical ascent trajectories

The use of a ground-based high-power laser source to power a vertically launched rocket vehicle is investigated. By using a vertical ascent trajectory, only a single laser source is required. The vertical ascent mode is not applicable to earth orbit destinations but is applicable to missions beyond earth escape. Performance and trajectory characteristics are examined for vertical trajectories to earth escape and solar escape (which may be of interest in the future for radioactive waste disposal). Specific impulse values from 2000 to 5000 seconds are considered. With these values, a single-stage vehicle can deliver payloads to earth escape and beyond, but extremely high power sources (gigawatts) are required.

Spurlock, O. F.↗

Skylab and ERTS-1 investigations of coastal land use and water properties

The author has identified the following significant results. ERTS-1 multispectral scanner and Skylab's S190A, S190B, and S192 data products were evaluated for their utility in studying current circulation, suspended sediment concentrations and pollution dispersal in Delaware Bay and in mapping coastal vegetation and land use. Imagery from the ERTS-1 MSS, S190A and S190B cameras shows considerable detail in water structure, circulation, suspended sediment distribution and within waste disposal plumes in shelf waters. These data products were also used in differentiating and mapping twelve coastal vegetation and land use classes. The spatial resolution of the S190A multispectral facility appears to be about 30 to 70 meters while that of the S190B earth terrain camera is about 10 to 30 meters. Such resolution, along with good cartographic quality, indicates a considerable potential for mapping coastal land use and monitoring water properties in estuaries and on the continental shelf. The ERTS-1 MSS has a resolution of about 70-100 meters. Moreover, its regular 18-day cycle permits observation of important changes, including the environmental impact of coastal zone development on coastal vegetation and ecology.

Klemas, V.↗

Research on fission fragment excitation of gases and nuclear pumping of lasers

Experimental investigations of fission fragment excited gases are reported along with a theoretical analysis of population inversions in fission fragment excited helium. Other studies reported include: nuclear augmentation of gas lasers, direct nuclear pumping of a helium-xenon laser, measurements of a repetitively pulsed high-power CO2 laser, thermodynamic properties of UF6 and UF6/He mixtures, and nuclear waste disposal utilizing a gaseous core reactor.

Schneider, R. T.↗

Application of ERTS-1 data to the protection and management of New Jersey's coastal environment

The author has identified the following significant results. Quasi-operational information products for coastal zone management have been prepared using ERTS-1 imagery and collateral aerial photography. These products were applied to the practical regulation, protection, and management of New Jersey's coastal environment. Procedures were developed for the operational use of ERTS-1 data products within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection. Successful analysis and product preparation for operational needs centered on four major coastal resource problem areas: (1) detection of environmental changes in coastal areas, (2) siting of ocean outfalls, (3) monitoring of offshore waste disposal, and (4) calculation of recession rates along the Atlantic Shore. The utility and monetary benefits derived from ERTS and aircraft imagery for each problem area have been determined. The NJDEP estimates the possibility of $620,000 yearly savings through the use of an operational ERTS system and a one-time savings of $2.8 million on current or planned projects if a truly operational ERTS type satellite were available.

Yunghans, R. S.↗

Correlation of coastal water turbidity and current circulation with ERTS-1 and Skylab imagery

The article reviews investigations of current circulation patterns, suspended sediment concentration, coastal frontal systems, and waste disposal plumes based on visual interpretation and digital analysis of ERTS-1 and Skylab/EREP imagery. Data on conditions in the Delaware Bay area were obtained from 10 ERTS-1 passes and one Skylab pass, with simultaneous surface and airborne sensing. The current patterns and sediments observed by ERTS-1 correlated well with ground-based observations. Methods are suggested which would make it possible to identify certain pollutants and sediment types from multispectral scanner data.

Klemas, V.↗

The potential benefit of an advanced integrated utility system

The applicability of an advanced integrated utility system based on 1980 technology was investigated. An example of such a system, which provides electricity, heating and air conditioning, solid waste disposal, and water treatment in a single integrated plant, is illustrated for a hypothetical apartment complex. The system requires approximately 50 percent of the energy and approximately 55 percent of the water that would be required by a typical current conventional system.

Wolfer, B. M.↗

Spectral reflectance signatures of coastal pollutants

The author has identified the following significant results. Remote sensing from satellites and aircraft was combined with ground truth collected from ships in an attempt to classify coastal and estuarine water types by their spectral reflectance signatures. During ocean waste disposal operations 40 miles off the Delaware coast, water samples were collected and spectroradiometric measurements conducted in the field to provide ground truth for aircraft and LANDSAT overpasses with multispectral scanners.

Klemas, V.↗

Investigation of storage system designs and techniques for optimizing energy conservation in integrated utility systems. Volume 1: (Executive summary)

Integrated Utility Systems (IUS) have been suggested as a means of reducing the cost and conserving the nonrenewable energy resources required to supply utility services (energy, water, and waste disposal) to developments of limited size. The potential for further improving the performance and reducing the cost of IUS installations through the use of energy storage devices is examined and the results are summarized. Candidate energy storage concepts in the general areas of thermal, inertial, superconducting magnetic, electrochemical, chemical, and compressed air energy storage are assessed and the storage of thermal energy as the sensible heat of water is selected as the primary candidate for near term application to IUS.

Source record↗

Hydrogen as an energy medium

Coal, though abundant in certain geographical locations of the USA poses environmental problems associated with its mining and combustion. Also, nuclear fission energy appears to have problems regarding safety and radioactive waste disposal that are as yet unresolved. The paper discusses hydrogen use and market projection along with energy sources for hydrogen production. Particular attention is given to hydrogen production technology as related to electrolysis and thermochemical water decomposition. Economics of hydrogen will ultimately be determined by the price and availability of future energy carriers such as electricity and synthetic natural gas. Thermochemical methods of hydrogen production appear to offer promise largely in the efficiency of energy conversion and in capital costs over electrolytic methods.

Cox, K. E.↗

A computer software system for integration and analysis of grid-based remote sensing data with other natural resource data. Remote Sensing Project

A computer-based information system is described designed to assist in the integration of commonly available spatial data for regional planning and resource analysis. The Resource Analysis Program (RAP) provides a variety of analytical and mapping phases for single factor or multi-factor analyses. The unique analytical and graphic capabilities of RAP are demonstrated with a study conducted in Windsor Township, Eaton County, Michigan. Soil, land cover/use, topographic and geological maps were used as a data base to develope an eleven map portfolio. The major themes of the portfolio are land cover/use, non-point water pollution, waste disposal, and ground water recharge.

Tilmann, S. E.↗

A computer software system for integration and analysis of grid-based remote sensing data with other natural resource data

This report describes a computer-based information system designed to assist in the integration of commonly available spatial data for regional planning and resource analysis. The Resource Analysis Program (RAP) provides a variety of analytical and mapping phases for single factor or multi-factor analyses. The unique analytical and graphic capabilities of RAP are demonstrated with a study conducted in Windsor Township, Eaton County, Michigan. For this study, soil, land cover/use, topographic and geological maps were used as a data base to develop an eleven map portfolio. The major themes of the portfolio are land cover/use, nonpoint water pollution, waste disposal, and ground water recharge.

Tilmann, S. E.↗

Earth-to-orbit transportation for advanced space facilities

Stages in the development of lift vehicles and related facilities for near-earth space transportation, starting with the Space Shuttle, are reviewed. Data and expected missions for the Lunar Lander, Heavy Lift Vehicle, Orbital Transport Vehicle, Lunar Transport Vehicle, Shuttle plus Intermediate Upper Stage or Shuttle plus FCT are tabulated. Objectives and summary data are tabulated for some programs (low earth orbit space stations, geosynchronous operations, lunar surface sorties, planetary exploration, nuclear waste disposal, satellite energy systems).

Davis, H. P.↗

Application of aerial photography to water-related programs in Michigan

Aerial photography and information system technology were used to generate information required for the effective operation of three water-related programs in Michigan. Potential mosquito breeding sites were identified from specially acquired low altitude 70 mm color photography for the city of Lansing; the inventory identified 35% more surface water areas than indicated on existing field maps. A comprehensive inventory of surface water sources and potential access sites was prepared to assist fire departments in Antrim County with fire truck water-recharge operations. Remotely-sensed land cover/use data for Windsor Township, Eaton County, were integrated with other resource data into a computer-based information system for regional water quality studies. Eleven thematic maps focusing on landscape features affecting non-point water pollution and waste disposal were generated from analyses of a four-hectare grid-based data file containing land cover/use, soils, topographic and geologic (well-log) data.

Enslin, W. R.↗

Monitoring coastal water properties and current circulation with ERTS-1

Imagery and digital tapes from nine successful ERTS-1 passes over Delaware Bay during different portions of the tidal cycle were analyzed with special emphasis on turbidity, current circulation, waste disposal plumes, and convergent boundaries between different water masses. ERTS-1 image radiance correlated well with Secchi depth and suspended sediment concentration. Circulation patterns observed by ERTS-1 during different parts of the tidal cycle, agreed well with predicted and measured currents throughout Delaware Bay.

Klemas, V.↗