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At least 19 records

Assessment of satellite and aircraft multispectral scanner data for strip-mine monitoring

The application of LANDSAT multispectral scanner data to describe the mining and reclamation changes of a hilltop surface coal mine in the rugged, mountainous area of eastern Kentucky is presented. Original single band satellite imagery, computer enhanced single band imagery, and computer classified imagery are presented for four different data sets in order to demonstrate the land cover changes that can be detected. Data obtained with an 11 band multispectral scanner on board a C-47 aircraft at an altitude of 3000 meters are also presented. Comparing the satellite data with color, infrared aerial photography, and ground survey data shows that significant changes in the disrupted area can be detected from LANDSAT band 5 satellite imagery for mines with more than 100 acres of disturbed area. However, band-ratio (bands 5/6) imagery provides greater contrast than single band imagery and can provide a qualitative level 1 classification of the land cover that may be useful for monitoring either the disturbed mining area or the revegetation progress. However, if a quantitative, accurate classification of the barren or revegetated classes is required, it is necessary to perform a detailed, four band computer classification of the data.

Spisz, E. W.↗

Appendix C: A comparative study of small scale remotely sensed data for monitoring clearcutting in hardwood forests

Manual photointerpretation techniques were used to analyze images acquired by high altitude aircraft, the Skylab multispectral and Earth terrain camera (ETC), the LANDSAT multispectral scanner, and the LANDSAT-3 return beam vidicon camera. A color-additive viewer, and digital image analysis were also used on the LANDSAT MSS imagery. The value of each type of remotely sensed data was judged by the ease and accuracy of clearcut identification, and by the amount of detail discernible, especially regarding revegetation. Results of a site study in the Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania indicate that high altitude aerial photography, especially color infrared photography acquired during the growing season, is well suited for identifying clearcuts and assessing revegetation. Although photographs acquired with Skylab's ETC also yielded good results, only incomplete inventories of clearcuts could be made using LANDSAT imagery. Results for the Adirondack region of New York State were similar for the aircraft and satellite photography, but even less satisfactory for the LANDSAT imagery.

Hafker, W. R.↗

LANDSAT Remote Sensing: Observations of an Appalachian mountaintop surface coal mining and reclamation operation

The potential benefits of using LANDSAT remote sensing data by state agencies as an aide in monitoring surface coal mining operations are reviewed. A mountaintop surface mine in eastern Kentucky was surveyed over a 5 year period using satellite multispectral scanner data that were classified by computer analyses. The analyses were guided by aerial photography and by ground surveys of the surface mines procured in 1976. The application of the LANDSAT data indicates that: (1) computer classification of the various landcover categories provides information for monitoring the progress of surface mining and reclamation operations; (2) successive yearly changes in barren and revegetated areas can be qualitatively assessed for surface mines of 100 acres or more of disrupted area; (3) barren areas consisting of limestone and shale mixtures may be recognized, and revegetated areas in various stages of growth may be identified against the hilly forest background.

Source record↗

Application of ERTS-A imagery to fracture related mine safety hazards in the coal mining industry

The author has identified the following significant results. The most important result to date is the demonstration of the special value of repetitive ERTS-1 multiband coverage for detecting previously unknown fracture lineaments despite the presence of a deep glacial overburden. The Illinois Basin is largely covered with glacial drift and few rock outcrops are present. A contribution to the geological understanding of Illinois and Indiana has been made. Analysis of ERTS-1 imagery has provided useful information to the State of Indiana concerning the surface mined lands. The contrast between healthy vegetation and bare ground as imaged by Band 7 is sharp and substantial detail can be obtained concerning the extent of disturbed lands, associated water bodies, large haul roads, and extent of mined lands revegetation. Preliminary results of analysis suggest a reasonable correlation between image-detected fractures and mine roof fall accidents for a few areas investigated. ERTS-1 applications to surface mining operations appear probable, but further investigations are required. The likelihood of applying ERTS-1 derived fracture data to improve coal mine safety in the entire Illinois Basin is suggested from studies conducted in Indiana.

Wier, C. E.↗

Identification of geostructures of continental crust particularly as they relate to mineral resource evaluation

The author has identified the following significant results. New mineral deposits have recently been discovered in eastern Alaska through application of a hypothesis very similar to one developed in interpretation of Nimbus and ERTS-1 imagery in this investigation, that mineral deposits may be spatially related to a set of crustal linears. The discovery affirms the validity of this hypothesis and provides an additional exploration rationale to the mineral industry. A regional lineation in lakes near Umiat in northern Alaska, suspected to reflect structures in basement and suggesting areas of possible potential for new petroleum exploration, is found to cover a much larger area than previously suspected east of the Colville River, increasing the area of interest. Further application of this same imagery exists in that environmental scars to the tundra resulting from previous ground exploration, if of large size, can be recognized and their natural revegetation monitored by use of ERTS imagery. New geologic data obtained from ERTS-1 images of lowland areas of western northern Alaska facilitates assessing the petroleum potential of this area. Use of the images in field mapping permitted extrapolation of field observations. Mosaics of ERTS-1 images have provided additional data on regional linear sets and on other regional fault trends possibly related to mineralized areas.

Gryc, G.↗

Analysis of state of vehicular scars on Arctic Tundra, Alaska

Identification on ERTS images of severe vehicular scars in the northern Alaska tundra suggests that, if such scars are of an intensity or have spread to a dimension such that they can be resolved by ERTS sensors (20 meters), they can be identified and their state monitored by the use of ERTS images. Field review of the state of vehicular scars in the Umiat area indicates that all are revegetating at varying rates and are approaching a stable state.

Lathram, E. H.↗

The use of color infrared imagery for the study of marsh buggy tracks

Color infrared imagery is used to determine the location of buggy routes and to quantify the extent of tracks in a selected area where the marsh is seriously dissected. The imagery is used to show successive stages of destruction. It is recommended that alternate routes be identified in the operating area to eliminate continuous use of the same route and facilitate faster revegetation.

Whitehurst, C. A.↗

A demonstration of ERTS-1 analog and digital techniques applied to strip mining in Maryland and West Virginia

The largest contour strip mining operations in western Maryland and West Virginia are located within the Georges Creek and the Upper Potomac Basins. These two coal basins lie within the Georges Creek (Wellersburg) syncline. The disturbed strip mine areas were delineated with the surrounding geological and vegetation features using ERTS-1 data in both analog (imagery) and digital form. The two digital systems used were: (1) the ERTS-Analysis system, a point-by-point digital analysis of spectral signatures based on known spectral values, and (2) the LARS Automatic Data Processing System. The digital techniques being developed will later be incorporated into a data base for land use planning. These two systems aided in efforts to determine the extent and state of strip mining in this region. Aircraft data, ground verification information, and geological field studies also aided in the application of ERTS-1 imagery to perform an integrated analysis that assessed the adverse effects of strip mining. The results indicated that ERTS can both monitor and map the extent of strip mining to determine immediately the acreage affected and indicate where future reclamation and revegetation may be necessary.

Anderson, A. T.↗

Predict ephemeral and perennial range quantity and quality during normal grazing season

The author has identified the following significant results. Collection and update of resource inventory data has historically been a difficult, time consuming task. Accurate resource data is necessary as a basis for wise management decisions made by a resource management agency such as the Bureau of Land Management. Black and white and color infrared composites of ERTS satellite imagery at 1:1,000,000 and enlarged scales can be used as data gathering tools. No investment in expensive sophisticated equipment is necessary. A photointerpreter can map boundaries of soils, plant communities, levels of forage production, areas revegetated by man, and areas burned by wildlife directly from satellite imagery. The ERTS system of producing and distributing imagery must be improved greatly before satellite imagery can be useful to the resource manager.

Bentley, R. G., Jr.↗

Selenium in soils of the Lower Wasatch Formation, Campbell County, Wyoming: Geochemistry, distribution, and environmental hazards

The author has identified the following significant results. Seleniferous Shingle series soils and sandstone outcrops of section 27, T 48 N, R 71 W, Wyoming are mapped on aerial photography by their association with Astragalus bisulcatus. Chemical leachate analyses and atomic absorption methods reveal all studied Samsil and Shingle soils to contain acid, base, and water soluble selenium compounds, and that water extractions showed varied concentration behavior due to soil pH. Acid-soluble selenium is found to be associated with smectite. Statistical analyses confirm that A. bisulcatus presence has a weak influence on soil-lens organic selenium concentration, and determine the importance of other geobotanical factors for convertor presence. Environmental procedures of high selenium lens burial, convertor plant eradication, and revegetated site monitoring are recommended. Usage of density analysis and photographic enlargement are used to successfully produce both a control area and a Campbell County, Wyoming regional map of A. bisulcatus supportive soils and outcrops using Skylab photography.

Kolm, K. E.↗

ERTS-1 data applied to strip mining

Two coal basins within the western region of the Potomac River Basin contain the largest strip-mining operations in western Maryland and West Virginia. The disturbed strip-mine areas were delineated along with the surrounding geological and vegetation features by using ERTS-1 data in both analog and digital form. The two digital systems employed were (1) the ERTS analysis system, a point-by-point digital analysis of spectral signatures based on known spectral values and (2) the LARS automatic data processing system. These two systems aided in efforts to determine the extent and state of strip mining in this region. Aircraft data, ground-verification information, and geological field studies also aided in the application of ERTS-1 imagery to perform an integrated analysis that assessed the adverse effects of strip mining. The results indicated that ERTS can both monitor and map the extent of strip mining to determine immediately the acreage affected and to indicate where future reclamation and revegetation may be necessary.

Anderson, A. T.↗

Machine processing of remotely sensed data; Proceedings of the Fifth Annual Symposium, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., June 27-29, 1979

Papers are presented on techniques and applications for the machine processing of remotely sensed data. Specific topics include the Landsat-D mission and thematic mapper, data preprocessing to account for atmospheric and solar illumination effects, sampling in crop area estimation, the LACIE program, the assessment of revegetation on surface mine land using color infrared aerial photography, the identification of surface-disturbed features through a nonparametric analysis of Landsat MSS data, the extraction of soil data in vegetated areas, and the transfer of remote sensing computer technology to developing nations. Attention is also given to the classification of multispectral remote sensing data using context, the use of guided clustering techniques for Landsat data analysis in forest land cover mapping, crop classification using an interactive color display, and future trends in image processing software and hardware.

Tendam, I. M.↗

A Temporal Approach to Monitor Surface Mine Reclamation Progress via LANDSAT

Using LANDSAT satellite imagery, the mine reclamation process can be studied on a temporal and continuing basis. Not only can the progress of reclamation be readily monitored, but also a breakdown in the mining reclamation process can be detected. In viewing reclamation, it is important to monitor the mined site well past initial revegation stages. With present mining law and bonding procedures, fast revegetational growth is encouraged, often leading to poor soil fertilizing and inappropriate stabilizing species. As a result, the initial reclamation may exhibit good qualities for one or two years but then may experience vegetational deterioration after the state has relinquished the mining company from it's responsibility. It is this small-scale breakdown in the reclamation process that was detected using an unsupervised classification technique with eight-year temporal LANDSAT imagery coverage.

Davis, A. L.↗

Comparative techniques used to evaluate Thematic Mapper data for land cover classification in Logan County, West Virginia

Several digital data processing techniques were evaluated in an effort to identify and map active/abandoned, partially reclaimed, and fully revegetated surface mine areas in the central portion of Logan County. The TM data were first subjected to various enhancement procedures, including a linear contrast stretch, principal components and canonical analysis transformations. At the same time, four general procedures were followed to produce six classifications as a means of comparing the techniques involved. Preliminary results show that various feature extraction/data reduction techniques provide classification results equal or superior to the more straightforward unsupervised clustering technique. Analyst interaction time for labelling clusters is reduced using the canonical analysis and principal components procedures, though the canonical technique has clearly produced better results to date.

Brumfield, J. O.↗

Nitrogen transformations following tropical forest felling and burning on a volcanic soil

Nitrogen transformations and loss were measured following forest clearing in a relatively fertile tropical forest site. Nitrogen mineralization, nitrification, and amounts of ammonium and nitrate increased substantially in surface soils during the 6 mo following burning, then returned to background levels. The nitrogen content of microbial biomass declined to half its original value 6 mo after clearing and remained low in the cleared sites. Plant uptake of nitrogen was substantial on cleared plots (50 g/sq m), but it accounted for only 18 percent of N-15 label added to field plots. MIcrobial immobilization of N-15 was small relative to that in a cleared temperate site, and measurements of denitrification potentials suggested that relatively little mineralized nitrogen was lost to the atmosphere. Substantial amounts of nitrogen (40-70 g/sq m) were retained as exchangeably bound nitrate deep in the soils of a cleared plot on which revegetation was prevented; this process accounted for 12 percent of the N-15 label added to field plots.

Matson, Pamela A.↗

Louisiana Water Resources: Using NASA Earth Observations to Monitor Historical Changes in the Extension of Seagrass Meadows in the Breton National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana

The barrier islands of Louisiana’s Breton National Wildlife Refuge (BNWR) are disappearing due to sea level rise, extreme hurricanes, sediment starvation, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This decline in land area has damaged important bird habitat and reduced the islands’ ability to protect coastal Louisiana from storm surges. The persistence of the islands is synergetic to that of the surrounding seagrass beds; seagrass binds together land, protecting the islands from erosion, and the loss of land exposes the seagrass and accelerates its decline. Furthermore, seagrass is independently important, absorbing excess nutrients and providing habitat for marine ecosystems. Here we present the Tool for Coastal Remote Ecological Observations in Louisiana (Tool CREOL), a Google Earth Engine Tool built to easily access data from Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+, Landsat 8 OLI, and Aqua and Terra MODIS. We show, using time series and maps generated using the tool, how land area and seagrass have responded to destructive events from the past 36 years (1984-2021). In only 7 years, Hurricane Georges (1998), Ivan (2004), and Katrina (2005) reduced land area by approximately 85%, accompanied by a major decline in seagrass extent. Tool CREOL will have strategic utility in planning upcoming restoration and revegetation efforts planned by Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority in the Breton National Wildlife Refuge and will provide up-to-date monitoring of the results of that project. The tool serves as a basic model which can be adapted to study similar coastal regions in the world.

Mariam Moeen↗