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Blanchard, B. J.

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https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19760020538 2020-03-22T14:44:24+00:00Z
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B,	 J. Blanchard
Remote Sensing Center
College Stag, Texas 77843
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SPECTRAL MEASUREMENT OF WATERSHED COEFFICIENTS
IN THE SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS
June 1976
Type I l Report for Period
March 1976 - May 1976
Prepared For:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
Contract No. NAS5-22534
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
,EMOTE SENSING CENTER
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
RECEIVED
JUN 2 5 197 6
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Progress Report RSC 3273-3
SPECTRAL MEASUREMENT OF WATERSHED COEFFICIENTS
IN THE SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS
Principal Investigator:
Bruce J. Blanchard,^y
Remote Sensing Center
College Station, Texas 77843
June 1976
Type II Report for Period
March 1, 1976 - May 31, 1976
Prepared for:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
Contract No. NASS-22534
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0	 BACKGROUND & SUMMARY .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 . 1
1.1 Background	 .	 . .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 . 1
1.2 Summary .	 .	 .	 . .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 . 2
2.0	 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PROBLEM AREAS	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 . 3
2.1 Accomplishments During the Reporting
Period	 .	 .	 .	 . .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 . 3
2.2 Problem Areas . .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 . 4
2.3 Recommendation .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 . 5
2.4 Accomplishments Expected During the Next
Quarter	 .	 .	 .	 . .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 . S
3.0	 SIGNIFICANT RESULTS AND PRESENTATION .	 .	 .	 .	 .. a'
3.1 Significant Results .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .
3.2 Presentations . .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .	 .
R
11
SPECTRAL MEASUREMENT OF WATERSHED COEFFICIENTS
IN THE SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS
1.0 BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
1.1 Background
This investigation is directed toward testing
and modifying a technique developed in a previous study
(Contract #5-70251-AG TASK #5) where a linear combination
of Landsat data was related to watershed runoff coeffi-
cients. The relationship was developed and tested in a
region of central Oklahoma where extensive rainfall and
runoff data were available for research watersheds.
In this study the technique will be tested in
two regions; one in central and east central Texas having
more dense vegetation than Oklahoma and the other in arid
regions of Arizona and New Mexico where vegetation is less
dense. In each region twenty watersheds will be selected
on a basis of the most adequate records of rainfall and
runoff. The technique will be tested in each region by
developing a relationship between spectral response and
runoff coefficients based on ten watersheds and then
testing the prediction capability of the relationship on
the remaining watersheds in that region.
It is expected that by testing the technique
in regions having; more dense and more sparse vegetation
on the watershed surfaces, an estimate can be made of the
i
7
area where the technique is applicable. At the same time,
the influence of the quality of rainfall and runoff data
used to calibrate the prediction scheme should indicate
whether the technique can be useful to practicing hydrol-
ogists.
1.2 Summary
Computer programs were developed to process
computer compatible tape (CCT) data to determine the mean
spectral reflectance for multispectral scanner (MSS) bands
four, five, six and seven of an irregular shaped area
(watershed). There are problems in accurately locating
an area from CCT's, thus, human interaction with the computer
is necessary to obtain the final output.
Data from 27 experimental watersheds in Arizona
and New Mexico were collected. Agencies contributing data
were listed.
♦ 	 2
2.0 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PROBLEM AREAS
2.1 Accomplishments
Computer compatible tapes (CCT's) ordered during
the previous reporting period were received. Computer
programs to convert watershed boundary points from latitude
and longitude to records and pixels and to define an
irregular area by use of trapezoids were developed and tested.
These programs also calculate a watershed's mean spectral
reflectance in each of the bands. The programs are cur-
rently being utilized to process CCT data to determine
reflectance values for the Texas test watersheds.
At one time, it was assumed that the programs could
be developed for determining the average spectral reflectance
of a watershed automatically by computer. However, as of
now the problem of accurately locating the area of interest
from CCT's has restricted such procedures. Many of the areas
of interest for watershed studies have few readily distin-
guishable points that can be related to the longitude and
latitude. Consequently, the watershed boundary defined by the
computer in records and pixels must be shifted on a greymap
of the general area by using reference points to accurately
delineate the watershed. Since this adjustment must be made,
input (records and pixels) for the irregular area program
must be determined manually from the greymap. Final computer
3
4output for each watershed is the average spectral reflectance
(less water) for the multispectral scanner (MSS) bands four,
five, six and seven.
Rainfall and runoff data were collected for 27
experimental watersheds located in Arizona and New Mexico
during this reporting period. Contributing agencies were
the United States Geological Survey (USGS) at Phoenix,
Southwest Rangeland Watershed Research Center at Tucson,
University of Arizona Water Resources Research at Tucson,
Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station at Tempe,
and Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station at
Flagstaff.
Data have been requested for an additional twelve
watershed areas in order that test watersheds in Arizona and
New Mexico may be selected that are comparable in size. Since
storm rainfall in the arid regions is known to be highly
localized and very intense in small areas it seems reasonable
to use smaller watersheds. A cursory examination of the data
reveals major differences in runoff due to climatic differences
within Arizona. An attempt will be made to select test areas
in a region having a minimum of climatic differences.
2.2 Problem Areas
None
Ft
2.3 Recommendations
None
2.4 Accomplishments Expected During the Next Quarter
Analysis of the Texas test watersheds will be
completed. Watershed data from Arizona and New Mexico will
be processed, and watershed boundaries will be ou tlined
on USGS topographic maps.
3.0 SIGNIFICANT RESULTS AND PRESENTATION
3.1 Significant Results
None
3.4: Presentations
None
4.0 FUNDS EXPENDED AND LANDSAT DATA STATUS
4.1 Third Quarter Expenditures
4.2 Data Expenditures
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Spectral measurement of watershed coefficients in the southern Great Plains

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