The importance of spatial resolution in large-scale, long-term planning models
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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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Diffraction-limited spatial resolution of circumstellar dust shells at 10 microns
A new spatial array instrument has provided diffraction-limited mid-infrared intensity profiles of the type M supergiant stars Alpha Orionis and Alpha Scorpii, both of which are known to exhibit excess 10 micron radiation due to the presence of circumstellar dust shells. In the case of Alpha Ori, there is a marked asymmetry in the dust distribution, with peak intensity of dust emission a distance of 0.9 sec from the star.
Bloemhof, E. E.↗
High spatial resolution charge sensing of quantum Hall states
Charge distribution offers a unique fingerprint of important properties of electronic systems, including dielectric response, charge ordering, and charge fractionalization. Here, we develop an architecture for charge sensing in two-dimensional electronic systems in a strong magnetic field. We probe local change of the chemical potential in a proximitized detector layer using scanning tunneling microscopy, allowing us to infer the chemical potential and the charge profile in the sample. Our technique has both high energy (<0.3 meV) and spatial (<10 nm) resolution exceeding that of previous studies by an order of magnitude. We apply our technique to study the chemical potential of quantum Hall liquids in monolayer graphene under high magnetic fields and their responses to charge impurities. The chemical potential measurement provides a local probe of the thermodynamic gap of quantum Hall ferromagnets and fractional quantum Hall states. The screening charge profile reveals spatially oscillatory response of the quantum Hall liquids to charge impurities and is consistent with the composite Fermi liquid picture close to the half-filling. Our technique also paves the way to map moiré potentials, probe Wigner crystals, and investigate fractional charges in quantum Hall and Chern insulators.
charge sensing↗
High Spatial Resolution Studies of Blastwave Interactions in the Vela Supernova Remnant
The report targeted two interaction zones within the Vela supernova remnant for HRI observation and data reduction and analysis. Approximately 40 ksec of HRI integration time was awarded for each of the awarded target regions, one at priority 2 and one at priority 3. The observations have been completed for the priority 2 observation. Some observations have been made of the priority 3 target, however the data have not yet been received by the PI. The priority 2 data have been received and analyzed and the results have been prepared for publication. The chief results are as follows: (1) the radial profile of the X-ray emission from the western rim is characterized by a sudden increase in emission at the blastwave interaction region which is unresolved spatially at HRI resolution. The profile is consistent with the expanding blastwave from the remnant encountering a large, coherent structure in the surrounding ISM; (2) the X-ray emission lags slightly 'behind', approx. 10(exp 16)cm the H(alpha) and OIII optical filaments, consistent with the expected spatial profile of the emission assuming parameters derived from earlier PSPC observations of the region. the combination of the X-ray and optical interference filter data allow us to set limits on the distance to the Vela remnant and the general nature of the blastwave interactions in the remnant.
Craig, William↗
IKONOS Spatial Resolution and Image Interpretability Characterization
This paper contains research from five individual projects to characterize the spatial performance of the IKONOS commercial imaging sensor. The end result of the projects is determination of the spatial image quality of IKONOS data prodicts in terms of the National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (NIIRS), the system Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), the system stability over the first year, the characteristics of the Space Imaging MTF Compensation (MTFC) procedure, and the application-specific capabilities of IKONOS imagery. Both panchromatic and multispectral imagery were evaluated. Major conclusions of this work are that the system was stable im imaging performance during the first year of operation, tha its MTF meets the specification for the NASA Scientific Data Purchase program, that the initial MTFC processing appears to be transposed in the in-track and the cross-track directions, that the MTFC results in a noise amplification of 2x to 4x in addition to sharpening the imagery, and that IKONOS panchromatic imagery achieves an average NIIRS rating of 4.5.
Ryan, Robert↗
Analysis of spatial inhomogeneities in cumulus clouds using high spatial resolution Landsat data
Aircraft observations and high resolution Landsat MSS digital data are used to determine the sizes of spatial inhomogeneities ('holes') in cumulus clouds. The majority of holes are found near cloud edges, but the larger holes tend to be found in cloud interiors. Aircraft measurements show these cloud spatial inhomogeneities in the range of 100 to 500 m, while Landsat data show them in the range of 100 m to 3 km. The number of holes per cloud decreases exponentially with increasing hole diameter. Small clouds not only have smaller holes, but also fewer holes than large clouds. Large clouds have large holes in them, as well as large numbers of the smaller holes. The total cloud area occupied by holes increases with increasing cloud size.
Parker, Lindsay↗
An evaluation of the spatial resolution of soil moisture information
Rainfall-amount patterns in the central regions of the U.S. were assessed. The spatial scales of surface features and their corresponding microwave responses in the mid western U.S. were investigated. The usefulness for U.S. government agencies of soil moisture information at scales of 10 km and 1 km. was ascertained. From an investigation of 494 storms, it was found that the rainfall resulting from the passage of most types of storms produces patterns which can be resolved on a 10 km scale. The land features causing the greatest problem in the sensing of soil moisture over large agricultural areas with a radiometer are bodies of water. Over the mid-western portions of the U.S., water occupies less than 2% of the total area, the consequently, the water bodies will not have a significant impact on the mapping of soil moisture. Over most of the areas, measurements at a 10-km resolution would adequately define the distribution of soil moisture. Crop yield models and hydrological models would give improved results if soil moisture information at scales of 10 km was available.
Hardy, K. R.↗
Evaluation of ERTS-1 image sensor spatial resolution in photographic form
The author has identified the following significant results. A coherent optical system was used to display the spatial frequency content of the amplitude image of one area of the ground as obtained in the four wavelength bands of the multispectral scanner. This enabled a rapid comparison to be made between the four bands, from which it was clear that bands 5 and 7 were preferred to the others in terms of image definition, and thus mapping and acreage estimation, for the particular agricultural area imaged. With suitable scaling it was also possible to compare the modulation, as a function of spatial frequency, of MSS bands 4 and 5 with the green (BB) and red (DD) bands of the same area from the Apollo 9, SO65 experiment. A significant result is that the modulation in the MSS amplitude imagery is 65%-90% of that in the Apollo 9 amplitude imagery. In addition, the ratio of spatial frequencies for the ERTS-1 and Apollo imagery, at which the same modulation occurs, lies between 0.55 and 0.75 for the red band. This ratio is closely related to the ratio of resolutions for the two sensors. These values corroborate statements that the resolution of the MSS imagery is better than anticipated by pre-flight predictions.
Slater, P. N.↗
Exploring Aerosols Near Clouds With High‐Spatial‐Resolution Aircraft Remote Sensing During SEAC(4)RS
Since aerosols are important to our climate system, we seek to observe the variability of aerosol properties within cloud systems. When applied to the satellite‐borne Moderate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), the Dark Target retrieval algorithm provides global aerosol optical depth (AOD; at 0.55 μm) in cloud‐free scenes. Since MODIS' resolution (500‐m pixels, 3‐ or 10‐km product) is too coarse for studying near‐cloud aerosol, we ported the Dark Target algorithm to the high‐resolution (~50‐m pixels) enhanced‐MODIS Airborne Simulator (eMAS), which flew on the high‐altitude ER‐2 during the Studies of Emissions, Atmospheric Composition, Clouds, and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys Airborne Science Campaign over the United States in 2013. We find that even with aggressive cloud screening, the ~0.5‐km eMAS retrievals show enhanced AOD, especially within 6 km of a detected cloud. To determine the cause of the enhanced AOD, we analyze additional eMAS products (cloud retrievals and degraded‐resolution AOD), coregistered Cloud Physics Lidar profiles, MODIS aerosol retrievals, and ground‐based Aerosol Robotic Network observations. We also define spatial metrics to indicate local cloud distributions near each retrieval and then separate into near‐cloud and far‐from‐cloud environments. The comparisons show that low cloud masking is robust, and unscreened thin cirrus would have only a small impact on retrieved AOD. Some of the enhancement is consistent with clear‐cloud transition zone microphysics such as aerosol swelling. However, 3‐D radiation interaction between clouds and the surrounding clear air appears to be the primary cause of the high AOD near clouds.
aerosol retrieval algorithm↗
A sampling procedure to guide the collection of narrow-band, high-resolution spatially and spectrally representative reflectance data
A multistage sampling procedure using image processing, geographical information systems, and analytical photogrammetry is presented which can be used to guide the collection of representative, high-resolution spectra and discrete reflectance targets for future satellite sensors. The procedure is general and can be adapted to characterize areas as small as minor watersheds and as large as multistate regions. Beginning with a user-determined study area, successive reductions in size and spectral variation are performed using image analysis techniques on data from the Multispectral Scanner, orbital and simulated Thematic Mapper, low altitude photography synchronized with the simulator, and associated digital data. An integrated image-based geographical information system supports processing requirements.
Brand, R. R.↗
High spatial resolution infrared imaging of L1551-IRS 5 - Direct observations of its circumstellar envelope
Images of L1551-IRS 5 were obtained at 1.65, 2.2, and 3.8 microns using the University of Rochester's Infrared Array Camera. It is found that IRS 5 is spatially resolved, and that it is elongated: the observed FWHM size of IRS 5 is 4.1 x 2.8 arcsec-squared at 2.2 microns. These observations are interpreted in terms of a flattened circumstellar envelope that is viewed from about 18 deg above its equatorial plane, a configuration that has been treated theoretically by Lefevre et al. In this model the central star is not seen directly, but only light scattered toward the observer from the visible polar region, where the envelope is thinnest, is observed. It is deduced that the envelope has a diameter of 1000 AU, a molecular hydrogen density of greater than or approximately equal to 4 x 10 to the 6th/cu cm, and a mass of greater than or approximately equal to 0.02 M solar mass, which results in an extinction of Av greater than about 33 mag to the central source.
Moneti, Andrea↗
Cloud field classification based upon high spatial resolution textural features. I - Gray level co-occurrence matrix approach
Stratocumulus, cumulus, and cirrus clouds were identified on the basis of cloud textural features which were derived from a single high-resolution Landsat MSS NIR channel using a stepwise linear discriminant analysis. It is shown that, using this method, it is possible to distinguish high cirrus clouds from low clouds with high accuracy on the basis of spatial brightness patterns. The largest probability of misclassification is associated with confusion between the stratocumulus breakup regions and the fair-weather cumulus.
Welch, R. M.↗
Mapping wall-to-wall fractional cover of Arctic tundra plant functional types in Alaska using 20-m spatial resolution satellite imagery and harmonized plot observations
Estimates of fractional cover (fCover) across given land surfaces are used to assess, and often model, vegetation composition and diversity, which are crucial for understanding the health and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Remote sensing provides a useful means for scaling local, plot-measured fCover estimates to regional scales. Leveraging a recently synthesized and harmonized plot database, this study generated wall-to-wall maps of fCover for six Alaskan-Arctic plant functional types (PFT), including non-vascular plants, forbs, graminoids, and deciduous and evergreen shrubs, using 20-m satellite data (Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, ArcticDEM) using a machine learning regression approach, specifically the random forest (RF) algorithm, which is well-suited for handling nonlinear relationships and high-dimensional satellite datasets. This study additionally addressed the spatio-temporal inconsistencies e.g., sampling scale, plot size, and collection year in plot measured fCover by adopting a multivariate outlier detection approach—Cook’s distance—to identify high-quality plots for model training and validation. Our approach achieves high accuracy (R 2 = 0.59–0.93, root mean squared errors = 0.02–0.10 for all PFTs) between plot-observed and satellite-derived fCover when using high-quality plot samples. The mapped fCover characterizes the spatial patterns of different PFTs across the tundra biome at a 20-m resolution, providing key information needed for improved representation of Arctic tundra vegetation in terrestrial biosphere models to better understand climate-vegetation feedback across the Arctic tundra.
Arctic tundra↗
High spatial resolution telescopic multispectral imaging and spectroscopy of the Moon. 1: The Serenitatis/Tranquillitatis border region
The region of the moon near the border between Mare Serenitatis and Mare Tranquillitatis is one of the most geologically and compositionally complex areas of the nearside. The geologic history of this region has been shaped by impacts of widely-varying spatial scale and temporal occurrence, by volcanism of variable style and composition with time, and by limited tectonism. We have been studying this region as part of a larger multi remote sensing technique effort to understand the composition, morphology, geology, and stratigraphy of the moon at spatial scales of 2 km or less. The effort has been aided by the proximity of this area to the Apollo 11, 15, and 17 landing sites and by the occurrence of one of the primary lunar spectroscopic 'standard areas' within our scene (MS2). Here, some of the findings from the multispectral imaging and spectroscopy part of this effort are reported.
Bell, James F., III↗
Application of High-Spatial Resolution LA-MC-ICP-MS in Planetary Materials
High-precision stable and radiogenic isotopic measurements of planetary materials can help elucidate processes taking place during early Solar System formation, as well as during subsequent planetary differentiation. Laser Ablation Multi Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) adds the valuable ability of preserving the spatial context of these isotopic measurements, by sampling small sample volumes (~10 – 60 um diameter) using a pulsed laser system. In the Center for Isotope Cosmochemistry and Geochronology (CICG) at NASA Johnson Space Center, these in-situ isotopic measurements are primarily made using the Applied SpectraTM iX-fs-Tandem LA-LIBS Instrument coupled to the Nu InstrumentsTM SP1700 MC-ICP-MS. The instrumental set-up also provides simultaneous Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) measurements and the potential use of a low energy path with a collision/reaction cell for additional interference removal, though we focus here on the typical high-energy LA-MC-ICP-MS operation. We will provide examples of stable (e.g., Mg) and radiogenic (e.g., Lu-Hf) isotopic systems measured in planetary materials and their terrestrial analogs. The measurement of mass dependent Mg isotopic variations is an important tool for reconstructing processes such as evaporation and condensation of solids in the solar nebula. For early Solar System samples, Mg isotope measurements are also important for the short-lived (t1/2 = 0.7 Ma) Al-Mg chronometer. During laser ablation analyses, the measurement of the Al-Mg isotopic system is made in medium mass resolution (RP ~9500 at ~20% transmission) to limit interferences from 48Ti2+ and 48Ca2+ on 24Mg+, in addition to 52Cr2+ and 12C14N+ on 26Mg+. Measured in the mineral zircon, the 176Lu-176Hf decay system is often used for understanding the growth of continents on Earth, and is also a vital aid in deciphering early large-scale planetary differentiation processes, such as the crystallization of the lunar magma ocean, which is thought to be responsible for much of the Moon’s crust. Lu-Hf measurements are made in low resolution mode (RP <2000), with 10 ion masses (from 171Yb to 180Hf) measured simultaneously to facilitate corrections for isobaric interferences from 176Yb and 176Lu on 176Hf.
Jacob B Setera↗
High Altitude Measurements of Radiance at High Spectral and Spatial Resolution for SIMBIOS Sensor Calibration, Validation, and Intercomparisons
The successful combination of data from different ocean color sensors depends on the correct interpretation of signal from each of these sensors. Ideally, the sensor measured signals are calibrated to geophysical units of spectral radiance, and sensor artifacts are removed and corrected. The calibration process resamples the signal into a common radiometric data space so that subsequent ocean color algorithms that are applied to the data are based on physical processes and are inherently sensor independent. The objective of this project is to calibrate and validate the on-orbit radiometric characteristics of Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) with underflights of NASA's calibrated Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS). This objective is feasible because AVIRIS measures the same spectral range as SeaWIFS at higher spectral resolution. In addition to satellite sensor underflights, the AVIRIS project has supported comparison and analysis of the radiometric calibration standards used for AVIRIS and SeaWIFS. To date, both the OCTS and SeaWIFS satellite sensors have been underflown by AVIRIS with matching spectral, spatial, geometric, radiometric, and temporal domains. The calibration and validation objective of this project is pursued for the following reasons: (1) Calibration is essential for the quantitative use of SeaWIFS and other SIMBIOS (Sensor Intercomparison and Merger for Biological and Interdisciplinary Oceanic Studies) sensor data; (2) Calibration in the laboratory of spaceborne sensors is challenging; (3) Satellite sensors are subjected aging on the ground and to trauma during launch; (4) The Earth orbit environment is significantly different than the laboratory calibration environment; (5) Through years of effort AVIRIS has been demonstrated to be well calibrated; and (6) AVIRIS can match the spectral and spatial observation characteristics near the top of the atmosphere at the time of SeaWIFS measurements.
Green, Robert O.↗
Radiometric and Spatial Characterization of High-Spatial Resolution Sensors
The development and improvement of commercial hyperspatial sensors in recent years has increased the breadth of information that can be retrieved from spaceborne and airborne imagery. NASA, through it's Scientific Data Purchases, has successfully provided such data sets to its user community. A key element to the usefulness of these data are an understanding of the radiometric and spatial response quality of the imagery. This proposal seeks funding to examine the absolute radiometric calibration of the Ikonos sensor operated by Space Imaging and the recently-launched Quickbird sensor from DigitalGlobe. In addition, we propose to evaluate the spatial response of the two sensors. The proposed methods rely on well-understood, ground-based targets that have been used by the University of Arizona for more than a decade.
Thome, Kurtis↗
Multifrequency observations of a solar microwave burst with two-dimensional spatial resolution
Frequency-agile interferometry observations using three baselines and the technique of frequency synthesis were used to obtain two-dimensional positions of multiple microwave sources at several frequency ranges in a solar flare. Source size and brightness temperature spectra were obtained near the peak of the burst. The size spectrum shows that the source size decreases rapidly with increasing frequency, but the brightness temperature spectrum can be well-fitted by gyrosynchrotron emission from a nonthermal distribution of electrons with power-law index of 4.8. The spatial structure of the burst showed several characteristics in common with primary/secondary bursts discussed by Nakajima et al. (1985). A source of coherent plasma emission at low frequencies is found near the secondary gyrosynchrotron source, associated with the leader spots of the active region.
Gary, Dale E.↗