2,038 research outputs found
Workshop on Magmatic Processes of Early Planetary Crusts: Magma Oceans and Stratiform Layered Intrusions
The significance of the lunar highland pristine cumulate samples were reevaluated with the aid of the additional insights provided by geologically constrained terrestrial investigations. This exercise involved a review of the state of knowledge about terrestrial and lunar cumulate rocks as well as an enumeration and reevaluation of the processes hypothesized to have been responsible for their formation, both classically and at present
LandSense: A Citizen Observatory and Innovation Marketplace for Land Use and Land Cover Monitoring
Classification of Space Images for Forest State Identification Within the Siberia Region: Part 1
This paper describes the initial stages of a multi-phase collaborative effort underway between IIASA's Forestry Project and the Center of Aerospace Research of the Earth (CASRE). The main goal of this effort is to develop a procedure for the retrieval of forest inventory information across Siberia, Russia. Due to the great size of the area, satellite data may play an important role. We are currently investigating the application of a multi-sensor approach, whereby a combination of high and low resolution sensors is used to achieve results.
Initial efforts have focused on the classification of high-resolution Landsat images with the aid of GIS ground-truth data. In addition, a brief analysis was made of SPOT Vegetation data over the study site. The interaction between the detailed GIS data, the high-resolution Landsat data, and the course resolution SPOT Vegetation data was explored. It appears difficult at present to merge these various datasets in a meaningful way. It will be necessary to incorporate other sensors, possibly those of a moderate resolution in order to tackle the problem. One additional area of investigation begun here was the possible identification of different types of disturbances, in particular, damage from pests. At this stage, it appears that the interpretation of a classified Landsat image after threshholding allows for the identification of forests affected by the Siberian moth
Use of remote sensing products in a terrestrial ecosystems verified full carbon accounting: Experiences from Russia
The paper considers the specifics, strengths and weaknesses of available remote sensing products within major steps and modules of a verified terrestrial ecosystems full carbon account (FCA) of Russia's land. The methodology used is based on system integration of all available information sources and major methods of carbon accounting using IIASA's landscape-ecosystem approach for overall designing of the account. A multi-sensor remote sensing concept is a corner stone of the methodology being substantially used for (1) georeferencing and parametrization of land cover and its change, (2) assessment of important biophysical and ecological parameters of ecosystems and landscapes, and (3) assessment of the impacts of environmental conditions on ecosystem productivity and disturbance regimes. System integration and mutual constraints of remote sensing and ground information allow for substantially decreasing uncertainty of the FCA. In the Russian case-study, the net ecosystem carbon balance of Russia for an individual year (2009) is estimated with uncertainty at 25-30% (CI 0.9), that presumably should satisfy current requirements to the FCA at the national (continental) scale
Optimizing ethanol and bioelectricity production in sugarcane biorefineries in Brazil
In sugarcane biorefineries, the lignocellulosic portion of the sugarcane biomass (i.e. bagasse and cane trash) can be used as fuel for electricity production and/or feedstock for second generation (2G) ethanol. This study presents a techno-economic analysis of upgraded sugarcane biorefineries in Brazil, aiming at utilizing surplus bagasse and cane trash for electricity and/or ethanol production. The study investigates the trade-off on sugarcane biomass use for energy production: bioelectricity versus 2G ethanol production. The BeWhere mixed integer and spatially explicit model is used for evaluating the choice of technological options. Different scenarios are developed to find the optimal utilization of sugarcane biomass. The study finds that energy prices, type of electricity substituted, biofuel support and carbon tax, investment costs, and conversion efficiencies are the major factors influencing the technological choice. At the existing market and technological conditions applied in the upgraded biorefineries, 300 PJy^12G ethanol could be optimally produced and exported to the EU, which corresponds to 2.5% of total transport fuel demand in the EU. This study provides a methodological framework on how to optimize the alternative use of agricultural residues and industrial co-products for energy production in agro-industrie
Global Supply for Carbon Sequestration: Identifying Least-Cost Afforestation Sites Under Country Risk Consideration
We have provided a framework for Identifying least-cost sites for carbon sequestration and deriving carbon sequestration cost curves at a global level in a scenario of limited information. The method is based on determining sequestration costs for geographical explicit units (50km grid cells), based on GIS parameters on land-use and ecosystem properties, and aggregated economic data. Special attention is given to country risk considerations and the sensitivity to special datasets. Our model results suggest that within 20 years and considering a carbon price of $50/tC, afforestation could offset one year of global carbon emissions in the energy sector. However, if we account for country risk considerations - associated with political, economic and and financial risks - the carbon supply is reduced to about 60%. With respect to the geography of supply, illustrated by grid-scale maps, we find that most least-cost projects projects are located in Africa, South America and Asia, assuming a 5% discount rate without risk. Once risk is factored into the equation, these countries become more expensive to operate in
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