Modeling of Dynamic Hydrologic Connectivity: How Do Depressions Affect the Modeling of Hydrologic Processes?

Traditional delineation and modeling methods do not consider the spatial arrangement and dynamic threshold control of surface depressions. Instead, full structural hydrologic connectivity, uniform well-connected drainage networks, and an invariant contributing area are often assumed. In reality, depressions play an important role in quantifying hydrologic connectivity and outlet discharge. Current literature lacks a preferred foundation and tools to identify and quantify hydrologic connectivity on depression-dominated landscapes. Therefore, the objectives of this dissertation research are to (1) develop a new procedure to analyze functional hydrologic connectivity related to surface topography, specifically in depression-dominated areas; (2) evaluate the impacts of the puddle-to-puddle (P2P) filling-spilling-merging processes and dynamic hydrologic connectivity on watershed outlet discharge; and (3) address the combined effect of topographic depressions and wetland functions on hydrologic connectivity and watershed outlet discharge. To accomplish these objectives, three studies are conducted where (1) a new procedure was developed for identifying and analyzing hydrologic connectivity in depression-dominated areas; (2) an improved HEC-HMS modeling framework was developed by incorporating a depression threshold control proxy; and (3) a new hydrologic categorization of wetlands was adapted for watershed-scale hydrologic modeling. The major findings from these studies include: (1) traditional delineation methods may fail to represent the realistic contributing area (CA), especially for depression-dominated surfaces; (2) the consideration of the P2P processes and dynamic contributing area is essential for hydrologic modeling of depression-dominated areas; and (3) different wetland types have unique characteristics of contributing area and depression storage that are not simulated in detail in most traditional models. The conclusions from this research also provides useful information for future studies relating to sediment and pollutant transport in depression-dominated regions, ecological interactions in wetlands, and anthropogenic effects on hydrologic processes.North Dakota State University. Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringNorth Dakota Water Resources Research InstituteNational Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF EPSCoR, Grant No. IIA-1355466

Extracting Martian Meteorite Mineral Spectra for Remote Sensing of the Surface Geology of Mars

The source craters of the Martian meteorites remain unknown. This PhD extracted pyroxene mid-infrared spectra directly from the shergottites to supplement the current spectral libraries in modelling the geology of the Martian surface. Models using planet-representative spectral end members improves the spectral fit of the modelling, and the accuracy of the mineral abundance determination

Can a remote sensing approach with hyperspectral data provide early detection and mapping of spatial patterns of black bear bark stripping in coast redwoods?

The prevalence of black bear (Ursus americanus) bark stripping in commercial redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) timer stands has been increasing in recent years. This stripping is a threat to commercial timber production because of the deleterious effects on redwood tree fitness. This study sought to unveil a remote sensing method to detect these damaged trees early and map their spatial patterns. By developing a timely monitoring method, forest timber companies can manipulate their timber harvesting routines to adapt to the consequences of the problem. We explored the utility of high spatial resolution UAV-collected hyperspectral imagery as a means for early detection of individual trees stripped by black bears. A hyperspectral sensor was used to capture ultra-high spatial and spectral information pertaining to redwood trees with no damage, those that have been recently attacked by bears, and those with old bear damage. This spectral information was assessed using the Jeffries-Matusita (JM) distance to determine regions along the electromagnetic spectrum that are useful for discerning these three-health classes. While we were able to distinguish healthy trees from trees with old damage, we were unable to distinguish healthy trees from recently damaged trees due to the inherent characteristics of redwood tree growth and the subtle spectral changes within individual tree crowns for the time period assessed. The results, however, showed that with further assessment, a time window may be identified that informs damage before trees completely lose value

Abstracts 2013: Highlights of Student Research and Creative Endeavors

https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/abstracts/1005/thumbnail.jp

NASA Tech Briefs, September 2012

Topics covered include: Beat-to-Beat Blood Pressure Monitor; Measurement Techniques for Clock Jitter; Lightweight, Miniature Inertial Measurement System; Optical Density Analysis of X-Rays Utilizing Calibration Tooling to Estimate Thickness of Parts; Fuel Cell/Electrochemical Cell Voltage Monitor; Anomaly Detection Techniques with Real Test Data from a Spinning Turbine Engine-Like Rotor; Measuring Air Leaks into the Vacuum Space of Large Liquid Hydrogen Tanks; Antenna Calibration and Measurement Equipment; Glass Solder Approach for Robust, Low-Loss, Fiber-to-Waveguide Coupling; Lightweight Metal Matrix Composite Segmented for Manufacturing High-Precision Mirrors; Plasma Treatment to Remove Carbon from Indium UV Filters; Telerobotics Workstation (TRWS) for Deep Space Habitats; Single-Pole Double-Throw MMIC Switches for a Microwave Radiometer; On Shaft Data Acquisition System (OSDAS); ASIC Readout Circuit Architecture for Large Geiger Photodiode Arrays; Flexible Architecture for FPGAs in Embedded Systems; Polyurea-Based Aerogel Monoliths and Composites; Resin-Impregnated Carbon Ablator: A New Ablative Material for Hyperbolic Entry Speeds; Self-Cleaning Particulate Prefilter Media; Modular, Rapid Propellant Loading System/Cryogenic Testbed; Compact, Low-Force, Low-Noise Linear Actuator; Loop Heat Pipe with Thermal Control Valve as a Variable Thermal Link; Process for Measuring Over-Center Distances; Hands-Free Transcranial Color Doppler Probe; Improving Balance Function Using Low Levels of Electrical Stimulation of the Balance Organs; Developing Physiologic Models for Emergency Medical Procedures Under Microgravity; PMA-Linked Fluorescence for Rapid Detection of Viable Bacterial Endospores; Portable Intravenous Fluid Production Device for Ground Use; Adaptation of a Filter Assembly to Assess Microbial Bioburden of Pressurant Within a Propulsion System; Multiplexed Force and Deflection Sensing Shell Membranes for Robotic Manipulators; Whispering Gallery Mode Optomechanical Resonator; Vision-Aided Autonomous Landing and Ingress of Micro Aerial Vehicles; Self-Sealing Wet Chemistry Cell for Field Analysis; General MACOS Interface for Modeling and Analysis for Controlled Optical Systems; Mars Technology Rover with Arm-Mounted Percussive Coring Tool, Microimager, and Sample-Handling Encapsulation Containerization Subsystem; Fault-Tolerant, Real-Time, Multi-Core Computer System; Water Detection Based on Object Reflections; SATPLOT for Analysis of SECCHI Heliospheric Imager Data; Plug-in Plan Tool v3.0.3.1; Frequency Correction for MIRO Chirp Transformation Spectroscopy Spectrum; Nonlinear Estimation Approach to Real-Time Georegistration from Aerial Images; Optimal Force Control of Vibro-Impact Systems for Autonomous Drilling Applications; Low-Cost Telemetry System for Small/Micro Satellites; Operator Interface and Control Software for the Reconfigurable Surface System Tri-ATHLETE; and Algorithms for Determining Physical Responses of Structures Under Load