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At least 397 records · Page 22

Spatial estimation from remotely sensed data via empirical Bayes models

Multichannel satellite image data, available as LANDSAT imagery, are recorded as a multivariate time series (four channels, multiple passovers) in two spatial dimensions. The application of parametric empirical Bayes theory to classification of, and estimating the probability of, each crop type at each of a large number of pixels is considered. This theory involves both the probability distribution of imagery data, conditional on crop types, and the prior spatial distribution of crop types. For the latter Markov models indexed by estimable parameters are used. A broad outline of the general theory reveals several questions for further research. Some detailed results are given for the special case of two crop types when only a line transect is analyzed. Finally, the estimation of an underlying continuous process on the lattice is discussed which would be applicable to such quantities as crop yield.

Hill, J. R.↗

Comparison of MSS and TM Data for Landcover Classification in the Chesapeake Bay Area: a Preliminary Report

An area bordering the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay was selected for study and classified using unsupervised techniques applied to LANDSAT-2 MSS data and several band combinations of LANDSAT-4 TM data. The accuracies of these Level I land cover classifications were verified using the Taylor's Island USGS 7.5 minute topographic map which was photointerpreted, digitized and rasterized. The the Taylor's Island map, comparing the MSS and TM three band (2 3 4) classifications, the increased resolution of TM produced a small improvement in overall accuracy of 1% correct due primarily to a small improvement, and 1% and 3%, in areas such as water and woodland. This was expected as the MSS data typically produce high accuracies for categories which cover large contiguous areas. However, in the categories covering smaller areas within the map there was generally an improvement of at least 10%. Classification of the important residential category improved 12%, and wetlands were mapped with 11% greater accuracy.

Mulligan, P. J.↗

Lightning phenomenology in the Tampa Bay Area

A commercial lightning-locating system (LLS) was employed in the study of lightning phenomenology in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. The LLS output included the time, location, number of strokes per flash, and initial peak magnetic field value of first strokes for lightning ground flashes lowering negative charge. Attention is given to the design and the operation of the LLS, and the experimental results. Measured properties of each of 111 storms are given in a number of tables. It was observed that the apparent motion associated with the lightning activity in storm systems was not due to the motion of the individual single-peak and multiple-peak storms but rather to the successive growth of new storms near previously active storms.

Peckham, D. W.↗

A comparison of LANDSAT TM to MSS imagery for detecting submerged aquatic vegetation in lower Chesapeake Bay

LANDSAT Thematic Mapper (TM) and Multispectral Scanner (MSS) imagery generated simultaneously over Guinea Marsh, Virginia, are assessed in the ability to detect submerged aquatic, bottom-adhering plant canopies (SAV). An unsupervised clustering algorithm is applied to both image types and the resulting classifications compared to SAV distributions derived from color aerial photography. Class confidence and accuracy are first computed for all water areas and then only shallow areas where water depth is less than 6 feet. In both the TM and MSS imagery, masking water areas deeper than 6 ft. resulted in greater classification accuracy at confidence levels greater than 50%. Both systems perform poorly in detecting SAV with crown cover densities less than 70%. On the basis of the spectral resolution, radiometric sensitivity, and location of visible bands, TM imagery does not offer a significant advantage over MSS data for detecting SAV in Lower Chesapeake Bay. However, because the TM imagery represents a higher spatial resolution, smaller SAV canopies may be detected than is possible with MSS data.

Ackleson, S. G.↗

Dynamic characteristics of power-tower space stations with 15-foot truss bays

A power tower space station concept which generates power with photovoltaic arrays and where the truss structure has a bay size of 15 ft is described. Rigid body and flexible body dynamic characteristics are presented for a 75-kW Initial Operating Capability (IOC) and 150-kW and 300-kW growth stations. The transient response of the IOC and 300-kW growth stations to shuttle dock, orbit reboost, and mobile remote manipulator system translation loads are studied. Displacements, accelerations, and bending moments at various locations on the IOC and 300-kW growth stations are presented.

Dorsey, J. T.↗

Environmental monitoring of the orbiter payload bay and Orbiter Processing Facilities

Contamination control in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) is studied. The clean level required in the OPF is generally clean, which means no residue, dirt, debris, or other extraneous contamination; various methods of maintaining this level of cleanliness are described. The monitoring and controlling of the temperature, relative humidity, and air quality in the OPF are examined. Additional modifications to the OPF to improve contamination control are discussed. The methods used to maintain the payload changeout room at a level of visually clean, no particulates are to be detected by the unaided eye, are described. The payload bay (PLB) must sustain the cleanliness level required for the specific Orbiter's mission; the three levels of clean are defined as: (1) standard, (2) sensitive, and (3) high sensitive. The cleaning and inspection verification required to achieve the desired cleanliness level on a variety of PLB surface types are examined.

Bartelson, D. W.↗

Microbial mats and modern stromatolites in Shark Bay, Western Australia

Distribution, external morphology, texture, and microbial composition of microbial mats in Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, Western Australia, have been studied and reviewed along a composite representative profile starting from the permanently submerged zone, across the zones of periodic flooding, toward permanently emerged land and coastal dunes. The following nine types of algal mats have been recognized: colloform, gelatinous, smooth, pincushion, tufted, mamillate, film, reticulate, and blister. Solar ponds represent a particular environment. The mat types represent microbial communities that are characterized by one or more dominant microorganisms. The colonization and stabilization of loose sediment is carried out by a microbial assemblage of generalists that prepare the ground for later replacement and succession by specialized microflora. Lithification of microbial mats takes place periodically, mainly during the austral summer. This process is destructive for the microbial community but increases the preservation potential of the stromatolitic structures.

Golubic, S.↗

An across-the-bay flight support structure designed specifically for the Spartan program

The preliminary design of an across-the-bay Flight Support Structure optimized to the specific requirements of the Spartan program has been completed. Although approximately 15 percent heavier than the initial goal, preliminary analysis indicate very low stress levels and significant reduction in weight should be possible in the final design. This structure is capable of supporting two Spartan 200-class spacecraft or attached payloads of equivalent total weight. The inherent structural efficiency of monocoque type construction is utilized. The minimization of fabrication and assembly costs and provision for simple and versatile payload interfacing where given significant considerations. Modularity of this structure allows it to be readily adapted for use as the primary structure of an Aries-class Spartan free-flyer utilizing the Orbit trunning latch mechanisms, thus eliminating the need for a flight support structure.

Rast, J. J.↗

Remote sensing of submerged aquatic vegetation in lower Chesapeake Bay - A comparison of Landsat MSS to TM imagery

Landsat MSS and TM imagery, obtained simultaneously over Guinea Marsh, VA, as analyzed and compares for its ability to detect submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). An unsupervised clustering algorithm was applied to each image, where the input classification parameters are defined as functions of apparent sensor noise. Class confidence and accuracy were computed for all water areas by comparing the classified images, pixel-by-pixel, to rasterized SAV distributions derived from color aerial photography. To illustrate the effect of water depth on classification error, areas of depth greater than 1.9 m were masked, and class confidence and accuracy recalculated. A single-scattering radiative-transfer model is used to illustrate how percent canopy cover and water depth affect the volume reflectance from a water column containing SAV. For a submerged canopy that is morphologically and optically similar to Zostera marina inhabiting Lower Chesapeake Bay, dense canopies may be isolated by masking optically deep water. For less dense canopies, the effect of increasing water depth is to increase the apparent percent crown cover, which may result in classification error.

Ackleson, S. G.↗

Payload bay atmospheric vent airflow testing at the Vibration and Acoustic Test Facility

Several concerns related to venting the Space Shuttle Orbiter payload bay during launch led to laboratory experiments with a flight-type vent box installed in the wall of a subsonic wind tunnel. This report describes the test setups and procedures used to acquire data for characterization of airflow through the vent box and acoustic tones radiated from the vent-box cavity. A flexible boundary-layer spoiler which reduced the vent-tone amplitude is described.

Johnston, James D., Jr.↗

Mineral compositions of plutonic rocks from the Lewis Hills massif, Bay of Islands ophiolite

Mineral compositions of residual and cumulate rocks from the Lewis Hills massif of the Bay of Islands ophiolite complex are reported and interpreted in the context of magnetic processes involved in the geochemical evolution of spatially associated diabase dikes. The mineral compositions reflect greater degrees of partial melting than most abyssal peridotites do and appear to represent the most depleted end of abyssal peridotite compositions. Subsolidus equilibration between Cr-Al spinal and olivine generally has occurred at temperatures of 700 to 900 C. The spinel variations agree with the overall fractionation of basaltic magmas producing spinels with progressively lower Cr numbers. The compositions of clinopyroxenes suggest that the fractionation of two different magma series produced the various cumulate rocks.

Smith, Susan E.↗

Lightning to the upper atmosphere: A vertical light pulse from the top of a thunderstorm as seen by a payload bay TV camera of the space shuttle

An examination and preliminary analysis of video images of thunderstorms as seen by a payload bay TV camera of the Space Shuttle provided examples of lightning in the stratosphere above thunderstorms. These images were obtained on several recent Shuttle flights while conducting the Mesoscale Lightning Experiment (MLE). MLE was an experiment to obtain night time images from space of large storm complexes with lightning. These images are used to provide data for the design of specialized instrumentation which will provide quantitative measurements of global lightning. Eight video sequences were selected because they illustrate near vertical discharges in the stratosphere above thunderstorms. Although there are previous reports in the literature, these are the first images from the viewpoint of an orbiting spacecraft. The written material is primarily a companion to a video presentation.

Boeck, William L.↗

Shuttle performance enhancements using an OMS payload bay kit

The study focuses on the use of an orbital maneuvering system (OMS) payload bay kit (PBK) designed to utilize OMS tanks identical to those currently employed in the Orbiter OMS pods. Emphasis is placed on payload deployment capability and payload servicing/reboost capability augmentation from the point of view of payload mass, maximum deployment altitudes, and initial retrieval and final deployment altitudes. The deployment, servicing, and reboost requirements of the Hubble Space Telescope and Advanced X-ray and Astrophysics Facility are analyzed in order to show the benefits an OMS PBK can provide for these missions. It is shown that OMS PBKs can provide the required capability enhancement necessary to support deployment, reboost, and servicing of payloads requiring altitudes greater than 325 nautical miles.

Templin, Kevin C.↗

On the remote forcing of the circulation in the Bay of Bengal

The paper presents a hypothesis that the remote forcing is one of the mechanisms that determine the semiannual reversal of the upper ocean circulation in the Bay of Bengal. A simple reduced-gravity oceanic model is used to explain the hypothesis. Three numerical experiments have been performed to compare the oceanic responses to a remote forcing, a local forcing, and a combined forcing. It is found that the long Rossby waves excited by the remotely forced Kelvin waves contribute substantially to the variability of the local circulation. This research indicates that equatorial Kelvin waves are one of the major factors determining the circulation in the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean.

Yu, Lisan↗

Peat analyses in the Hudson Bay Lowlands using ground penetrating radar

The use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) as a means to determine peak thickness and estimate peat volume in the Hudson Bay Lowlands of Canada is examined. Ground-based and airborne GPR data were acquired so as to extrapolate measurements to larger scales. While the ground-based measurements did an excellent job in determining peat depth, the airborne techniques did a fair job a low altitudes and demonstrated great promise with additional system engineering changes.

Pelletier, R. E.↗

Built-up Al-Li structures for cryogenic tank and dry bay applications

The objectives are: (1) to demonstrate the cost benefits of built-up cryotank and dry bay structures; (2) to study of benefits of using Al alloys; (3) to study of benefit of using Al-Li alloys; (4) to evaluate alternative low-cost stiffener and joining concepts.

Lisagor, W. Barry↗

Stresses in a two-bay noncircular cylinder under transverse loads

A method, taking into account the effects of flexibility and based on a general eighth-order differential equation, is presented for finding the stresses in a two-bay, noncircular cylinder the cross section of which can be composed of circular arcs. Numerical examples are given for two cases of ring flexibility for a cylinder of doubly symmetrical (essentially elliptic) cross section, subjected to concentrated radial, moment, and tangential loads. The results paralleled those already obtained for shells with circular rings.

Griffith, George E↗

Contributions to the theory of incomplete tension bay

The present report offers an approximate theory for the stress and deformation condition after buckling of the skin in reinforced panels and shells loaded in simple shear and compression and under combined stresses. The theory presents a unified scheme for stresses of these types. It is based upon the concept of a nonuniform stress distribution in the metal panel and its marked power of resistance against compressive stresses ("incomplete" tension bay).

Schapitz, E↗