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Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS): An investigator's guide to TIMS data

The Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) is a NASA aircraft scanner providing six channel spectral capability in the thermal infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Operating in the atmospheric window region (8 to 12 micrometers) with a channel sensitivity of approximately 0.1 C, TIMS may be used whenever an accurate measure of the Earth's surface is needed. A description of this scanner is provided as well as a discussion of data acquisition and reduction.

Palluconi, F. D.

Airborne Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) images over disseminated gold deposits, Osgood Mountains, Humboldt County, Nevada

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) acquired airborne Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) images over several disseminated gold deposits in northern Nevada in 1983. The aerial surveys were flown to determine whether TIMS data could depict jasperoids (siliceous replacement bodies) associated with the gold deposits. The TIMS data were collected over the Pinson and Getchell Mines in the Osgood Mountains, the Carlin, Maggie Creek, Bootstrap, and other mines in the Tuscarora Mountains, and the Jerritt Canyon Mine in the Independence Mountains. The TIMS data seem to be a useful supplement to conventional geochemical exploration for disseminated gold deposits in the western United States. Siliceous outcrops are readily separable in the TIMS image from other types of host rocks. Different forms of silicification are not readily separable, yet, due to limitations of spatial resolution and spectral dynamic range. Features associated with the disseminated gold deposits, such as the large intrusive bodies and fault structures, are also resolvable on TIMS data. Inclusion of high-resolution thermal inertia data would be a useful supplement to the TIMS data.

Krohn, M. Dennis

The TIMS investigator's guide

The Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) is a NASA aircraft scanner providing six-channel spectral capability in the thermal infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Operating in the thermal infrared atmospheric window region (8 to 12 microns) with a sensitivity of approximately 0.1 C, TIMS may be used whenever an accurate measurement of spectral radiance or brightness temperature is needed. The purpose of the TIMS Investigator's Guide is to provide in one location, enough information about TIMS that potential investigators can decide whether or not it would provide measurements useful in their research program and to provide a new user of TIMS data sufficient information to begin analysis.

Palluconi, Frank D.

A geologic atlas of TIMS data

In the three years since the first data were taken, it was well demonstrated that the Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS), properly used, can be a most valuable tool for the geologist. Compilation of the TIMS data into a geological atlas was felt to be useful. Several data sets were extensively studied to establish TIMS as a geologic tool and to explore the optimum enhancement techniques. It was found that a decorrelation stretch of bands 1, 3, and 5 enhance the data to a form that is very useful and this enhancement will be used in the geologic atlas along with an accompanying geologic map and description. Many data sets are well published and familiar to TIMS users, but there are some sets that, for lack of time and funds, were not thoroughly studied or published. A short description of these least studied sets of data is presented. The images presented along with the many previously studied and published TIMS images constitute an enormously useful set of information for the geologist in the 8 to 10 micron range.

Abbott, Elsa

Plutonium isotope ratio measurements by total evaporation-thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TE-TIMS): an evaluation of uncertainties using traceable standards from the New Brunswick Laboratory

The accuracy and precision of isotope amount ratio measurements using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) instrumentation are described, and the measurement of Pu materials is emphasized. The mass fractionation observed for Am, Ga, Pu, and U for isotope amount ratio measurements using the total evaporation (TE) technique is compared with theoretical estimates to demonstrate the advantage of the TE methodology and to investigate systematic biases in the major isotope amount ratios of U and Pu certified reference material (CRM) standards from the U.S. provider of CRMs. The quality of the Pu isotopic data generated by TIMS instruments in an analytical laboratory is demonstrated by the application of the double ratio technique to estimate the 241 Pu half-life. Analytical data on traceable Pu CRMs from the New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL), generated as part of routine measurements supporting various programs, are used for this half-life estimation. Although the 241 Pu abundances in CRMs of 136, 137, 138, and 126-A are approximately 200–2000× smaller than those in the 241 Pu material used in the previous Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) evaluation of the 241 Pu half-life, the half-life value estimated in this work shows excellent agreement with the currently accepted value from the IRMM. This agreement also demonstrates the pedigree of the Pu isotopic standards from the NBL and the quality of the isotope amount ratio measurements using TIMS instrumentation. For both the major and minor Pu isotope amount ratios, this report describes the relative importance of the factors affecting the uncertainty of TIMS measurements, which are considered the gold standard in isotope ratio measurements (LA-UR-24-29199).

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES

The TIMS Data User's Workshop

A workshop was held to bring together all users of data from NASA's airborne Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS). The purpose was to allow users to compare results, data processing algorithms, and problems encountered; to update the users on the latest instrument changes and idiosyncracies, including distribution of the TIMS investigation guide; to inform the users of the wide range of problems that are currently being tackled by other TIMS investigators; to explore ways to expand the user community; to discuss current areas where more basic research is required; and to discuss the future directions of NASA's thermal infrared remote sensing programs. Also discussed were: geology, land use, archeology; and data processing and noise research.

Kahle, Anne B.

Atmospheric correction of TIMS data

The Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) is a unique sensor for two reasons, it is multispectral in the thermal-infrared and it has on board, active calibration sources. The existence of the calibration permits the recorded DNs to be converted unambiguously to absolute energy units. However, to relate the data to energy originating from a target on the ground it is necessary to remove the atmospheric contribution to the signal, specifically its transmittance and emittance. These can be obtained fairly easily by use of the atmospheric model provided by LOWTRAN-6 and the data from the U.S. Weather Service network of bidaily radiosondes. Using these data with the TIMS responsivity curves an equation can be obtained which permits the unambiguous correction of the TIMS data for the atmosphere.

Rickman, Doug

Lithologic mapping of silicate rocks using TIMS

Common rock-forming minerals have thermal infrared spectral features that are measured in the laboratory to infer composition. An airborne Daedalus scanner (TIMS) that collects six channels of thermal infrared radiance data (8 to 12 microns), may be used to measure these same features for rock identification. Previously, false-color composite pictures made from channels 1, 3, and 5 and emittance spectra for small areas on these images were used to make lithologic maps. Central wavelength, standard deviation, and amplitude of normal curves regressed on the emittance spectra are related to compositional information for crystalline igneous silicate rocks. As expected, the central wavelength varies systematically with silica content and with modal quartz content. Standard deviation is less sensitive to compositional changes, but large values may result from mixed admixture of vegetation. Compression of the six TIMS channels to three image channels made from the regressed parameters may be effective in improving geologic mapping from TIMS data, and these synthetic images may form a basis for the remote assessment of rock composition.

Gillespie, A. R.

Detection and mapping of volcanic rock assemblages and associated hydrothermal alteration with Thermal Infrared Multiband Scanner (TIMS) data Comstock Lode Mining District, Virginia City, Nevada

Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) data were acquired over the Virginia City area on September 12, 1984. The data were acquired at approximately 1130 hours local time (1723 IRIG). The TIMS data were analyzed using both photointerpretation and digital processing techniques. Karhuen-Loeve transformations were utilized to display variations in radiant spectral emittance. The TIMS image data were compared with color infrared metric camera photography, LANDSAT Thematic Mapper (TM) data, and key areas were photographed in the field.

Taranik, James V.

Simulation modeling and preliminary analysis of TIMS data from the Carlin area and the northern Grapevine Mountains, Nevada

A theoretical radiance model was employed together with laboratory data on a suite of igneous rock to evaluate various algorithms for processing Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) data. Two aspects of the general problem were examined: extraction of emissivity information from the observed TIMS radiance data, and how to use emissivity data in a way that is geologically meaningful. The four algorithms were evaluated for appropriate band combinations of TIMS data acquired on both day and night overflights of the Tuscarora Mountains, including the Carlin gold deposit, in north-central Nevada. Analysis of a color composited PC decorrelated image (Bands 3, 4, 5--blue/green/red) of the Northern Grapevine Mountains, Nevada, area showed some useful correlation with the regional geology. The thermal infrared region provides fundamental spectral information that can be used to discriminate the major rock types occurring on the Earth's surface.

Watson, Ken

Application of TIMS data in stratigraphic analysis

An in-progress study demonstrates the utility of Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) data for unraveling the stratigraphic sequence of a western interior, North American foreland basin. The TIMS data can be used to determine the stratigraphic distribution of minerals that are diagnostic of specific depositional distribution. The thematic mapper (TM) and TIMS data were acquired in the Wind River/Bighorn area of central Wyoming in November 1982, and July 1983, respectively. Combined image processing, photogeologic, and spectral analysis methods were used to: map strata; construct stratigraphic columns; correlate data; and identify mineralogical facies.

Lang, H. R.

Application of Thermal Infrared Multiband Scanner (TIMS) data to mapping of Plutonic and stratified rock and assemblages in accreted terrains of the Northern Sierra, California

The Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) data were acquired over the Donner Pass area in California on September 12, 1985. The higher peaks in the area approach 9,200 feet in elevation, while the canyon of the north fork of the American River is only 3000 feet in elevation. The vegetation is dominated by conifers, although manzanita and other shrubs are present in areas where soils have developed. The data contain noise patterns which cut across scan lines diagonally. The TIMS data were analyzed using both photointerpretative and digital processing techniques. Preliminary image interpretation and field analysis confirmed that TIMS image data displays the chert units and silicic volcanics as bright red. The imagery appears to display zoning in the batholithic and hypabyssal intrusive rocks, although this was not field checked at this time. Rocks which appear to be more dioritic in composition appear purple on the imagery, while rocks more granitic in composition appear shades of red and pink. Areas that have more than 40% vegetative cover appear green on the imagery.

Taranik, James V.

Using the thermal infrared multispectral scanner (TIMS) to estimate surface thermal responses

A series of measurements was conducted over the H.J. Andrews, Oregon, experimental coniferous forest, using airborne thermal infrared multispectral scanner (TIMS). Flight lines overlapped, with a 28-min time difference between flight lines. Concurrent radiosonde measurements of atmospheric profiles of air temperature and moisture were used for atmospheric radiance corrections of the TIMS data. Surface temperature differences over time between flight lines were used to develop thermal response numbers (TRNs) which characterized the thermal response (in KJ/sq m/C, where K is the measured incoming solar radiation) of the different surface types. The surface types included a mature forest (canopy dominated by dense crowns of Pseudosuga menziesii, with a secondary canopy of dense Tsuga heterophylla, and also a tall shrub layer of Acer circinatum) and a two-year-old clear-cut. The temperature distribution, within TIMS thermal images was found to reflect the surface type examined. The clear-cut surface had the lowest TRN, while mature Douglas fir the highest.

Luvall, J. C.

Groundwater and surface water head from 2019 to 2022 at the Tims Branch in Savannah River Site (SRS), South Carolina.

This dataset contains groundwater and surface water head measurements for investigating hydro-biogeochemical processes in Tims Branch at the Savannah River Site, SC. Water levels were monitored using pressure transducers installed in surface water gauges and piezometers across three subsites in Tims Branch, identified as Wfloc, Snon (Snon1 and Snon2), and Sfloc. A barometric pressure logger was deployed in piezometers to correct pressure transducers from atmospheric pressure. Manual water level measurements were taken to calibrate transducer data. The dataset consists of at least paired groundwater and surface water head time series for each subsite, provided as individual CSV files. These data support analyses of surface-groundwater interactions, hydrologic controls on redox processes, and broader synthesis of wetland hydrology at the Savannah River Site.

ESS-DIVE CSV File Formatting Guidelines Reporting

ATONA TE-TIMS of minor uranium isotopes (FY25 Mid-Year Report)

Isotopic measurements of the minor isotopes of uranium ( 233 U, 234 U, 236 U) are indispensable measures for material accountability and processing history but can be particularly challenging to accurately measure due to the very low abundance of the minor isotopes relative to 238 U, or 235 U in the case of highly enriched uranium (HEU). The goal of this project is to quantify detection limits for minor uranium isotope species at environmental levels (e.g 236 U/ 238 U < 10 -7 ) utilizing an ATONA-outfitted instrument and the Total Evaporation Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TE-TIMS) method. In the first half of Fiscal Year 2025, we set out to identify a suitable experimental material (Task 1) and to optimize our TE-TIMS measurement routine (Task 2). We have successfully identified a material and are in the process of getting an aliquot shipped to LANL. Simultaneously, we began working on our measurement routine utilizing CRM 112A. The results of each task are discussed in detail below.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS

The new airborne Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS)

A new airborne Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) with six bands between 8 and 12 microns is briefly characterized, and some results of remote sensing experiments are reported. The instrument has an instantaneous field of view of 2.5 milliradians, a total field of view of 80 deg, and a NE Delta T of approximately 0.1-0.3 C depending on the band. In the TIMS image of Death Valley, silica-rich rocks were easily separable from the nonsilicates. The Eureka Quartzite stood out in sharp contrast to other Ordovician and Cambrian metasediments, and Tertiary volcanic rocks were easily separable from both. Also distinguishable were various units in the fan gravels.

Kahle, A. B.

Applications of TIMS data in agricultural areas and related atmospheric considerations

While much of traditional remote sensing in agricultural research was limited to the visible and reflective infrared, advances in thermal infrared remote sensing technology are adding a dimension to digital image analysis of agricultural areas. The Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) an airborne sensor having six bands over the nominal 8.2 to 12.2 m range, offers the ability to calculate land surface emissivities unlike most previous singular broadband sensors. Preliminary findings on the utility of the TIMS for several agricultural applications and related atmospheric considerations are discussed.

Pelletier, R. E.

Analysis of Eocene depositional environments - Preliminary TM and TIMS results, Wind River Basin, Wyoming

Both Landsat TM and aircraft Thermal IR Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) data have been used to map the lithofacies of the Wind River Basin's Eocene physical and biological environments. Preliminary analyses of these data have furnished maps of a fault contact boundary and a complex network of fluvial ribbon channel sandstones. The synoptic view thereby emerging for Eocene fluvial facies clarifies the relationships of ribbon channel sandstones to fossil-bearing overbank/floodplain facies and certain peleosols. The utility of TM and TIMS data is thereby demonstrated.

Stucky, Richard K.