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At least 469 records · Page 26

Glaciological and volcanological studies on the Wrangell Mountains, Alaska

The author has identified the following significant results. It appears feasible to monitor changes of the summit area on Mt. Wrangell. Data from cycles 1, 2, 3, and 4 over the Wrangell Mountains indicate that the deposition of new snow from storms and its later melting by volcanic heat can be detected. Snow can be removed from the areas on the summit only through melting by volcanic heat. The results of this process can be observed in the ERTS-1 images. Note that these results are based upon first-look analysis only. It is expected in the future to be able to increase the information extracted from the images by the use of enhancement techniques.

Benson, C. S.↗

Identification, definition and mapping of terrestrial ecosystems in interior Alaska

The author has identified the following significant results. A reconstituted color infrared image covering the western Seward Peninsula was used for identifying vegetation types by simple visual examination. The image was taken by ERTS-1 approximately 1120 hours on August 1, 1972. Seven major colors were identified. Four of these were matched with four units on existing vegetation maps: bright red - shrub thicket; light gray-red - upland tundra; medium gray-red - coastal wet tundra; gray - alpine barrens. In the bright red color, two phases, violet and orange, were recognized and tentatively ascribed to differences in species composition in the shrub thicket type. The three colors which had no map unit equivalents were interpreted as follows: pink - grassland tundra; dark gray-red - burn scars; light orange-red - senescent vegetation. It was concluded that the image provides a considerable amount of information regarding the distribution of vegetation types, even at so simple a leval of analysis. It was also concluded that sequential imagery of this type could provide useful information on vegetation fires and phenologic events.

Anderson, J. H.↗

Survey of the seasonal snow cover of Alaska

The author has identified the following significant results. The delineation of the transient snow cover can generally be made directly from any of the RBV of MSS images. On many glaciers, however, there seems to be a relatively small difference between the reflectivities of snow and ice in the visible portion of the spectrum (corresponding to MSS bands 4 and 5). On the other hand, the reflectivity is distinctly lower for ice than for snow in the near infrared (MSS bands 6 and 7). By applying the sensors of the latter spectral bands the position of the transient snowline, indicative of the mass balance, can in many cases be determined with what appears to be a satisfactory accuracy. This circumstance should prove especially useful in studies of regional variations of glacier mass balances. It had been found that the effect of winds early in the fall seasons can be seen on the arctic slope when a light dusting of snow is present. Winds channeled by topography redistribute the snow and actually remove it from regions. After freeze up has occurred and a continuous snow cover exists it is possible to identify open water reaches on streams flowing through the region. Such cases are identifiable on the ERTS images especially on the MSS 7 images.

Weller, G. E.↗

A new vegetation map of the western Seward Peninsula, Alaska, based on ERTS-1 imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. A reconstituted, simulated color-infrared ERTS-1 image covering the western Seward Peninsula was prepared and it is used for identifying and mapping vegetation types by direct visual examination. The image, NASA ERTS E-1009-22095, was obtained approximately at 1110 hours, 165 degrees WMT on August 1, 1972. Seven major colors are identified. Four of these are matched with units on existing vegetation maps: bright red - shrub thicket; light gray-red - upland tundra; medium gray-red - coastal coastal wet tundra; gray - alpine barrens. The three colors having no map equivalents are tentatively interpreted as follows: pink - grassland tundra; dark gray-red - burn scars; light orange-red - senescent vegetation. A vegetation map, drawn by tracing on an acetate overlay of the image is presented. Significantly more information is depicted than on existing maps with regards to vegetation types and their areal distribution. Furthermore the preparation of the new map from ERTS-1 imagery required little time relative to conventional methods and extent of areal coverage.

Anderson, J. H.↗

An evaluation of acquired data as a tool for management of wildlife habitat in Alaska

The author has identified the following significant results. Density sliced and digitized imagery of the Kuskokwin/Yukon Delta were analyzed. Color coded images of the isodensity displays were compared with existing vegetation maps of the ERTS-1 frames for the Yukon/Kuskokwin area. A high degree of positive correlation was found to exist between the ERTS-1 image and the conventionally prepared maps. Hydrologic phenomena were also analyzed. Digitization on South Dakota State Remote Sensing Center's SADE system provide some discrimination among several large lakes in the subject area. However, interpretation must await ground observations and depth measurements. An attempt will be made to classify large water bodies by depth classes.

Vantries, B. J.↗

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.↗