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At least 1,747 records · Page 97
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

Radiant Power Measuring Instrument (RPMI)

There are no author-identified significant results in this report. The radiant power measuring instrument is a rugged, hand-carried instrument which provides an ERTS investigator with a capability of obtaining radiometric measurements needed to determine solar and atmospheric parameters that affect the ERTS radiance measurements. With these parameters, ERTS data can be transformed into absolute target reflectance signatures, making accurate unambiguous interpretations possible.

Rogers, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Dynamics of suspended sediment in Lake Ontario

The author has identified the following significant results. The suspended sediment plumes generated by the Welland Canal and the Genesee River are identifiable in most band 5 frames received from ERTS-1. In descending order of value for plume detection in Lake Ontario are bands 4, 6, and 7. Little or no information content relative to plume detection is available in band 7. The Oswego River plume was not visible during low flow periods; however, it was identifiable immediately following storms. Increased suspended sediment loading emanating from storm runoff increases turbidity levels to the point where the plume becomes visible in the ERTS-1 imagery. Despite the fact that it is detectable from high altitude (60,000 feet) photography, the Niagara River plume was not visible in any of the ERTS-1 frames. Numerous examples of shoreline erosion were evident in the December 7, 1972, imagery of western Lake Ontario. Near shore lake circulation patterns are usually apparent whenever turbidity plumes are sensed by the satellite.

Pluhowski, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Sketch on the structural geology and vulcanism in the Central High Plateau of the Bolivian Andes

The author has identified the following significant results. The Earth Resources Technology Satellite Program has as an objective the development of tectonic maps for Bolivia. Maps were prepared using the images of ERTS-1 in a preliminary study of alignments observed and rapidly interpreted in images 1010-14033-3-4-5-6-7 on a scale of 1:1,000,000, and later verified on the ground with corresponding fault zones. This information was not shown on existing geologial maps. The ERTS-1 imagery was used in volcanology research for drawing the regional limits of volcanic formations as soon as the alignment and the extent of the volcanoes could be determined. The extensive coverage of ERTS-1 images provides an excellent opportunity for developing studies of regional structures.

Brockmann, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Sea-surface circulation, sediment transport, and marine mammal distribution, Alaska continental shelf

The author has identified the following significant results. Even though nonsynchronous, the ERTS-1 imagery of November 4, 1972, showed a striking similarity to the ground truth data obtained in late August and September, 1972. The comparison of the images with ground truth data revealed that the general water circulation pattern in Lower Cook Inlet is consistent through the Fall season and that ERTS-1 images in MSS bands 4 and 5 are capable of delineating water masses with a suspended load as low as 1 mg/liter. The ERTS-1 data and the ground truth data demonstrate clearly that the coriolis effect dominates circulation in Lower Cook Inlet. The configuration of plumes in Nushagak and Kuskokwim bays further indicates the influence of the coriolis effect on the movement of sea water at high latitudes. Comparison of MSS bands 4, 5, 6, and 7 suggest MSS-1 penetration of several meters into the water column. Sea ice analysis of available imagery was exceptionally rewarding. The imagery provided a rapid method to delineate and describe the ice types apparent in the photos. The ice types ranged from newly formed grease ice to heavy flows of disintegrating shore-fast ice. Sea ice maps showing the extent of different ice zones in the Chukchi Sea are being compiled.

Wright, F. F.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Task 1: Water Depth Management, 1388

The author has identified the following significant results. ERTS-1 MSS data taken on October 10, 1972, of the Little Bahama Bank are being used to demonstrate the use of ERTS-1 data for mapping of shallow water features for the purpose of upgrading world navigation charts. Marked reflectance differences occur for the shallow water areas in bands 4, 5, and 6. Digital processing of two adjacent data tapes within the ERTS-1 frame covering an area of about 40 by 40 miles has been completed. Correlation of depth measurements to 5 meters has been successful. A mathematical model for depth measurements using ratio of voltages in band 4 and 5 has been successfully developed and is being tested for accuracy. Additional studies for areas near Puerto Rico and in northern Lake Michigan will be undertaken. Satellite data will also provide geographical evidence for verifying existence or nonexistence of doubtful shoal waters now appearing on world charts and considered to be hazardous to shipping.

Polcyn, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Task 6: IFYGL (lake Ontario), 1384

The author has identified the following significant results. The Lake Ontario drainage basin covers over 32,000 miles of U.S. and Canadian territory. ERTS-1 data is contributing to the comprehensive study of this basin as part of the International Field Year for the Great Lakes (IFYGL). A processing approach is described for obtaining detailed and objective synoptive synoptic information thought to be applicable to terrestrial water balance studies of such a large area. A simple ratio algorithm was tested for minimizing daily variations in ERTS-1 data and for allowing the discrimination of surface features and land use classes of hydrologic significance. These steps are necessary if ERTS-1 data is to provide the quantitative information required for the study and management of areas of regional size.

Polcyn, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Task 7: Image Enhancement and Advanced Information Extraction Techniques, 1385

The author has identified the following significant results. Atmospheric effects in satellite multispectral scanner data can influence results obtained with either manual image interpretation or computer information extraction techniques. The atmosphere attenuates radiation arriving from the surface and adds an extraneous path radiance component. Initial results of an investigation of atmospheric effects in ERTS-1 data are presented. Empirical analyses of ERTS-1 MSS data and simultaneous airborne MSS underflight data for one frame, along with theoretical calculations of atmospheric effects, are discussed. The effect of limited spatial resolution on the accuracy of information extracted from ERTS-1 data also is important. Problems occur when individual resolution elements contain two or more materials. Results from an initial application of Environmental Research Institute of Michigan techniques for estimating proportions of materials within individual elements are presented and discussed. Very accurate determination of surface areas of small lakes is achieved.

Malila, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Mapping of the major structures of the African rift system

The author has identified the following significant results. Lake Tara lies within a previously recognized asymmetric graben situated on the Ethiopian plateau and about 250 km west of the plateau-Afar margin. ERTS-1 imagery confirms the stronger deformation of the western side of the Tara graben, with intense faulting and some associated monoclinal mapping extending between latitudes 12 deg and 14 deg N, and lying close to meridian 37 deg E. The zone of deformation is gently arcuate in plan, trending NNE in the south NNW in the north. In the north, the Quaternary faulting dies out in the alluvial plains of the Takazze Valley; in the south the faulting appears to die out in coincidence with a large erosional escapement trending S30W from Lake Tara to precisely latitude 11 deg N. This escapement aligns with the massive NE-SW escapement of western Simien, northeast of Lake Tara, and may represent erosional recession from major faulting and tilting much older than that of the superimposed, obliquely trending Tara graben. A 30 km diameter circular feature has been identified from the ERTS-1 imagery of the Tara graben, centered on 13 deg 05 min N, 37 deg 20 min E. ERTS-1 imagery further shows that the Tara graben and its associated young volcanics have no direct connection with the Red Sea or Ethiopian rift valley.

Mohr, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Structural and lithologic study of northern coast ranges and Sacramento Valley, California

The author has identified the following significant results. Analysis of ERTS-1 imagery of the Northern California Coast Ranges has disclosed a potential relation between a heretofore unrecognized fracture system and known deposits of mercury and geothermally active areas in the Coast Range and between oil and gas fields in the Sacramento Valley. Three potentially important systems of linear elements within the Coast Ranges, detected on ERTS-1 imagery, may represent fault systems or zones of shearing because topographic offset and stratigraph disruption can be seen along one or two of the lineations. One of the systems in subparallel to the San Andreas fault and is confined to the Pacific Coastal Belt. Another set is confined to the central core of the Coast Ranges. The third set of linear features (Valley System) has not heretofore been recognized. Some of the known mercury deposits and geothermally active areas near Clear Lake, in the Coast Ranges, are along the Valley System or at the intersection of the Central and Valley Systems. The plotted locations of some of the oil and gas fields in the Sacramento Valley are associated with the Valley and/or Central Systems. If these relations prove reliable, the ERTS-1 imagery may prove to be an extremely useful exploration tool.

Rich, E. I.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Application of Earth Resources Technology Satellite data to urban development and regional planning: Test site, County of Los Angeles

The author has identified the following significant results. Signigicant results have been obtained from the analyses of ERTS-1 imagery from five cycles over Test Site SR 124 by classical photointerpretation and by an interactive hybrid multispectral information extraction system (GEMS). Photointerpretation has produced over 25 overlays at 1:1,000,000 scale depicting regional relations and urban structure in terms of several hundred linear and areal features. A possible new fault lineament has been discovered on the northern slope of the Santa Monica mountains. GEMS analysis of the ERTS-1 products has provided new or improved information in the following planning data categories: urban vegetation; land cover segregation; manmade and natural impact monitoring; urban design; land suitability. ERTS-1 data analysis has allowed planners to establish trends that directly impact planning policies. For example, detectable grading and new construction sites quantitatively indicated the extent, direction, and rate of urban expansion which enable planners to forecast demand and growth patterns on a regional scale. This new source of information will not only assist current methods to be more efficient, but permits entirely new planning methodologies to be employed.

Raje, S.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Geological and geophysical remote sensing of Iceland

The author has identified the following significant results. A binational, multidisciplinary research effort in Iceland is directed at an analysis of MSS imagery from ERTS-1 to study a variety of geologic, hydrologic, oceanographic, and agricultural phenomena. Initial findings are: (1) recent lava flows can be delineated from older ones; (2) ERTS-1 and NOAA-2 recorded volcanic eruptions on Heimaey, Vestmann Islands; (3) coastline changes are mappable; (4) areas covered with new or residual snow can be mapped, and dark appearance of newly fallen snow on band 7 appears to be related to melting; (5) sediment plumes from discharge of glacial rivers can be delineated; (6) the area encompassed by glacial ice can be mapped, including the new position of a surging glacier, Eyjabakkajokull, and related phenomena of nunataks and moraines; (7) changes in position of rivers, lake sizes, and new lakes can be mapped; (8) low sun angle imagery enhances the morphologic expression of constructional glacial and volcanic landforms; (9) MSS color composites permit regional mapping of distribution of vegetation; and (10) at least at 1:250, 000 map scale and smaller, ERTS-1 imagery provides a means of updating various types of maps of Iceland and will permit the compilation of maps specifically aimed at those dynamic environmental phenomena which impact on the Icelandic economy.

Williams, R. S., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Man made culture interpretation and culture revision of small scale maps

The author has identified the following significant results. A major interstate highway added to the Wilmington, Del., quadrangle by another revision method was determined by the ERTS-1 data to have been misplotted from its true position. In addition to the experiment, where ERTS-1 data is available and small-scale revision is in progress, the ERTS-1 data is routinely being used to make additions and deletions of hydrographic features.

Kosco, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Interpretation and automatic image enhancement facility

The author has identified the following significant results. Efforts to provide data processing support for ERTS-1 investigators in Kansas are summarized. Programs have been developed for data retrieval, feature extraction, and classification of digital MSS data. The IDECS/PDP-15 facility at the University of Kansas Remote Sensing Laboratory has been used for quick look analysis of ERTS-1 imagery. Programs have been developed for studying fresh water bodies in ERTS-1 imagery over Kansas on the IDECS.

Haralick, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Mapping of the major structures of the African rift system

The author has identified the following significant results. ERTS-1 imagery of the African rift system has already proved of great value in structural geological studies. One of the interesting megastructures expressed on the imagery occurs some 40 km east of the eastern margin of the main Ethiopian rift, in Arussi province, and extending between latitude 71/2 and 81/4 deg N. The Badda-Encuolo ridge proves to have been a line of major Tertiary volcanism and probably supplied the thick Trap Series flood basalt sequence exposed farther east in the canyons of the Webi Shebeli drainage system. The ridge itself was built up by the waning activity of the Sagatu line of volcanism. Serendipitious has been the discovery on Mt. Badda of several deeply glaciated valleys, many of which show clearly on the ERTS-1 imagery. It seems that Mt. Badda was one of the most important glacial centers in eastern Africa during the Pleistocene. Three major late-Tertiary trachytic centers lie between the Badda-Encuolo ridge and the rift valley. The relationships of these three volcanoes to each other and to the rift faulting is revealed for the first time by the ERTS-1 imagery, as is the form of the cladera of Baltata and the crater of Chilalo.

Mohr, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Detection of prescribed burn on National Forest

The author has identified the following significant results. The effects of a prescribed burn in the Sam Houston National Forest have been detected from ERTS-1 coverage of November 27, 1972. The burn was first identified on aircraft underflight photography of November 7, 1972. On color infrared aircraft photography it appeared as a green patch, indicating stressed vegetation, in an area of red coloration, indicating vigorous vegetation. It was later detected on the color composite of ERTS-1 bands 4, 5, and 7, as a black area in otherwise red vegetation. The fire, covering approximately 40 hectares (100 acres), was intentionally started to clear out heavy underbrush so that trees could be marked prior to harvesting. The significance of this observation is that a light burn of this type and its subsequent effects on vegetation could be detected on ERTS-1 imagery. Continued observation of this type of phenomenon under various conditions may provide a means of identifying such an occurrence without a prior knowledge of the event.

Erb, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Study to demonstrate the feasibility of and determine the optimum method of remote haze monitoring by satellite

The author has identified the following significant results. Ground truth data has been obtained in order to determine the amount of haze present at the time of ERTS-1 passes over the Los Angeles area. October 21, 1972 was the haziest day, that was essentially cloud free, to date. At the time of the next pass, November 8, 1972 this area was quite clear. Changes in terrain features are minimized because these were consecutive passes. Digital tapes of the ERTS-1 data from these two days are being analyzed to determine the effects of haze on the data, in order to determine the optimum method for monitoring haze from a satellite. Preliminary results indicate that a slight reduction in contrast and some distortion of spectral signatures are caused by heavy haze. This effect is thought to be sufficient to determine the presence of moderate haze without the benefit of ground truth data. It is significant to note that there is very little degradation of ERTS-1 data caused be a rather heavy haze. For many purposes the data obtained on a hazy day are just as useful as that obtained on a clear day.

Rogers, E. H.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Remote sensing data management from a user's viewpoint

The author has identified the following significant results. An experimental data bank in conjunction with the National Marine Fisheries Service's Fisheries Engineering Laboratory's (FEL) participation in the ERTS-1 program was established. The data management system was demonstrated to be effective in the performance of the NMFS-FEL ERTS-1 experiment involving several input sources and varying user requirements. The system is to be further evaluated under similar conditions during FEL participation in the Skylab and ERTS-B experiments.

Stevenson, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Dynamics and morphology of Beaufort Sea ice determined from satellites, aircraft, and drifting stations

A series of measurements from drifting stations, aircraft, the ERTS-1, Nimbus 4, and Nimbus 5 satellites have jointly provided a new description of the dynamics and morphology of the ice cover of the Beaufort Sea. The combined analysis of these data show that the eastern Beaufort Sea ice cover is made up of large multiyear floes while the western part is made of small, predominantly first-year floes. The analysis suggests that this distribution might be quasi-steady and that the dynamics and thermodynamics of the region are more complex than hitherto known. The measurements consist of: (1) high resolution ERTS-1 imagery which is used to describe floe size and shape distribution, short term floe dynamics, and lead and polynya dynamics; (2) tracking by Nimbus 4 of IRLS drifting buoys to provide ice drift information which enhances the interpretation of the ERTS-1 imagery; (3) Nimbus 5 microwave (1.55 cm wavelength) imagery which provides synoptic, sequential maps on the distribution of multiyear and first-year ice types; (4) airborne microwave surveys and surface based observations made during 1971 and 1972 in conjunction with the AIDJEX (Arctic Ice Dynamics Joint Experiment) program.

Campbell, W. J.↗