Next Issue
Volume 6, June
Previous Issue
Volume 5, December
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.3
2.4
Journals
Geosciences
Volume 6
Issue 1
share announcement

Geosciences, Volume 6, Issue 1 (March 2016) – 16 articles

  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Section
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
8665 KiB  
Article
Geographically Weighted Regression of Determinants Affecting Women’s Access to Land in Africa
by Rodney Godfrey Tsiko
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010016 - 10 Mar 2016
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4849
Abstract
The underlying motivation of this study is to account for the spatial variation of factors affecting women’s access to land, which has been largely ignored by the traditional regression-based model studies, much to the detriment of spatially varying relationships. Using household and individual-level [...] Read more.
The underlying motivation of this study is to account for the spatial variation of factors affecting women’s access to land, which has been largely ignored by the traditional regression-based model studies, much to the detriment of spatially varying relationships. Using household and individual-level data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), this study used Geographically Weighted Regression to explore and analyze the spatial relationships between women’s access to own or family land and determinants that influence women’s access to land in Africa. The results demonstrated that HIV-positive women in West Africa and Ethiopia were more likely to have access to own land than family land. Educated women in North, West and Southern Africa were less likely to have access to own land than their non-educated counterparts. Population density exhibited predominantly negative influence over women’s access to both own and family land. The relationship between rural areas and women’s access to their own land was mostly not significant across the continent. However, both rural and urban women in West Africa and Ethiopia were negatively associated with access to family land. Women within the 15–24 age group in West, Central and East Africa were more likely to have access to own land than family land, while those within the 25–34 and 35–49 age groups had a better chance of gaining access to family than own land, with the results being significant in Southern, West and North Africa. While some of the reasons for these variations have been discussed in this paper there is still need for further investigation particularly focusing on smaller regions since this study shows that women’s access to land changes as one crosses geographical boundaries even within the same country. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

3233 KiB  
Article
Stratigraphic Changes in the Pliocene Carnivoran Assemblage from Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, Idaho
by Dennis R. Ruez
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010015 - 4 Mar 2016
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4002
Abstract
At least 17 carnivoran taxa occur in the Pliocene Glenns Ferry Formation at Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (HAFO), Idaho. This assemblage was examined for stratigraphic changes in species distribution, specimen abundance, and species diversity. Three relatively common mustelids, Trigonictis cookii, Trigonictis [...] Read more.
At least 17 carnivoran taxa occur in the Pliocene Glenns Ferry Formation at Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (HAFO), Idaho. This assemblage was examined for stratigraphic changes in species distribution, specimen abundance, and species diversity. Three relatively common mustelids, Trigonictis cookii, Trigonictis macrodon, and Mustela rexroadensis, occur at most stratigraphic levels, but are absent during an interval coinciding with the coolest time segment at HAFO. It is within this gap that two less-common mustelids, Ferinestrix vorax and Buisnictis breviramus, first appear at HAFO; they persist up-section with the more common mustelids listed above. Specimens of Borophagus hilli are restricted to the warm intervals at HAFO, irrespective of the relative abundance of surface water. The other canid at HAFO, Canis lepophagus, is more abundant during the dry intervals at HAFO, regardless of the estimated paleotemperature. Most remarkable is the recovery of many taxa impacted by abrupt climate change, although a notable change is the much higher relative abundance of carnivoran species following a return to warm temperatures. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

1298 KiB  
Article
Integrating Expert Knowledge with Statistical Analysis for Landslide Susceptibility Assessment at Regional Scale
by Christos Chalkias, Christos Polykretis, Maria Ferentinou and Efthimios Karymbalis
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010014 - 1 Mar 2016
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6270
Abstract
In this paper, an integration landslide susceptibility model by combining expert-based and bivariate statistical analysis (Landslide Susceptibility Index—LSI) approaches is presented. Factors related with the occurrence of landslides—such as elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, lithology, land cover, Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) and Peak [...] Read more.
In this paper, an integration landslide susceptibility model by combining expert-based and bivariate statistical analysis (Landslide Susceptibility Index—LSI) approaches is presented. Factors related with the occurrence of landslides—such as elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, lithology, land cover, Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) and Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA)—were analyzed within a GIS environment. This integrated model produced a landslide susceptibility map which categorized the study area according to the probability level of landslide occurrence. The accuracy of the final map was evaluated by Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis depending on an independent (validation) dataset of landslide events. The prediction ability was found to be 76% revealing that the integration of statistical analysis with human expertise can provide an acceptable landslide susceptibility assessment at regional scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Remote Sensing and GIS for Geomorphological Mapping)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

899 KiB  
Review
The Value of Original Natural Stone in the Context of Architectural Heritage
by Dolores Pereira and Brian Marker
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010013 - 24 Feb 2016
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 5984
Abstract
Natural stone is required for maintenance and repair of historically, archaeologically and culturally important structures to prevent deterioration due to weathering and use. Those that have national or World Heritage significance are historically and culturally important. Sometimes, severely damaged buildings may require extensive [...] Read more.
Natural stone is required for maintenance and repair of historically, archaeologically and culturally important structures to prevent deterioration due to weathering and use. Those that have national or World Heritage significance are historically and culturally important. Sometimes, severely damaged buildings may require extensive or complete restoration. The choice of stone should be appropriate in physical and aesthetic terms, ideally from the original source. Researchers, architects, those who specify contracts and other stakeholders need reliable information, but access to, and awareness of, important sources such as manuscripts, publications and collections of samples is often limited. Easier access to information is needed when planning and commissioning works that require the replacement of stone. Making important information more widely available and promoting awareness of the need to maintain adequate supplies of natural stone of suitable quality is a task for both national and international organizations including the Heritage Stone Task Group of IUGS and IAEG. This paper provides some illustrative examples and pointers towards some recent major publications, as well as describing current Heritage Stone Resource and European Union initiatives, all the while requesting further participation from colleagues in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geoscience of the Built Environment 2016 Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10172 KiB  
Article
Petrological Monitoring of the AD 2011–2012 Volcanic Ash from Sakurajima Volcano, Southern Kyushu, Japan
by Idham Andri Kurniawan, Masayuki Sakakibara and Emmy Suparka
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010012 - 24 Feb 2016
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4852
Abstract
Sakurajima in Japan is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. This paper presents the results of a petrological study of the Showa Crater volcanic ash samples ejected from January 2011 to November 2012 from Sakurajima. The aim of this paper is to [...] Read more.
Sakurajima in Japan is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. This paper presents the results of a petrological study of the Showa Crater volcanic ash samples ejected from January 2011 to November 2012 from Sakurajima. The aim of this paper is to reconstruct the evolution in time of the conduit magma system, based on the compositions and physical properties of the studied volcanic ash. We analyzed the composition of interstitial glass and microcrystal of Black Volcanic Rock (BVR) and Black Vesicular Volcanic Rock (BVVR) in order to estimate the magma ascent rate. The results show that SiO2 content of interstitial glass and crystallinity of the BVR is generally higher than for BVVR. The different types of juvenile material likely resulted from cooling-induced crystallization and decompression-induced crystallization in the conduit. The conditions of magma transit within the conduit from 2011 to 2012 differ: in 2011, the decompression rate and magma ascent rate of BVR were higher than for BVVR, but, in 2012, the decompression rate and magma ascent rate between BVR and BVVR were similar. As such, monitoring the petrological features of dated eruptive materials could provide useful information for evaluating ongoing eruptive activity. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11242 KiB  
Article
Utilizing HyspIRI Prototype Data for Geological Exploration Applications: A Southern California Case Study
by Wendy M. Calvin and Elizabeth L. Pace
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010011 - 24 Feb 2016
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5365
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the value of the proposed Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) instrument for geological mapping applications. HyspIRI-like data were collected as part of the HyspIRI airborne campaign that covered large regions of California, USA, over multiple seasons. [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the value of the proposed Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) instrument for geological mapping applications. HyspIRI-like data were collected as part of the HyspIRI airborne campaign that covered large regions of California, USA, over multiple seasons. This work focused on a Southern California area, which encompasses Imperial Valley, the Salton Sea, the Orocopia Mountains, the Chocolate Mountains, and a variety of interesting geological phenomena including fumarole fields and sand dunes. We have mapped hydrothermal alteration, lithology and thermal anomalies, demonstrating the value of this type of data for future geologic exploration activities. We believe HyspIRI will be an important instrument for exploration geologists as data may be quickly manipulated and used for remote mapping of hydrothermal alteration minerals, lithology and temperature anomalies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Lithological and Structural Mapping Using Earth Observation Data)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10174 KiB  
Article
Calcite Twinning in the Ordovician Martinsburg Formation, Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey, USA: Implications for Cleavage Formation and Tectonic Shortening in the Appalachian Piedmont Province
by John P. Craddock, Maria Princen, Jakob Wartman, Haoran Xia and Junlai Liu
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010010 - 19 Feb 2016
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5837
Abstract
A traverse across the Stone Church syncline in the Ordovician Martinsburg turbidites reveals an axial planar cleavage (N40°E, SE dips) in regional thrust-related folds (N40°E, shallow plunges) and five phases of sparry calcite. Calcite fillings are bedding-parallel, cleavage-parallel, and one vein set cross-cuts [...] Read more.
A traverse across the Stone Church syncline in the Ordovician Martinsburg turbidites reveals an axial planar cleavage (N40°E, SE dips) in regional thrust-related folds (N40°E, shallow plunges) and five phases of sparry calcite. Calcite fillings are bedding-parallel, cleavage-parallel, and one vein set cross-cuts both earlier phases; the youngest calcite filling is a bedding-parallel fault gouge that crosscuts the cleavage and preserves top-down-to-the-southeast normal fault kinematics. Calcite veins unique to disharmonically-folded calcareous siltstones (Maxwell, 1962) were also analyzed. Stable isotopic analysis (O, C) of all of the calcite phases indicates a uniform fluid source (δ13C −2.0, δ18O −13.3 VPDB) and, potentially, a similar precipitation and mechanical twinning age. The twinning strains (n = 1341; average Δσ = −32 MPa; average ε1 = −2.9%) in the calcite suite are consistent with SE-NW thrust shortening, and sub-horizontal shortening perpendicular to evolving axial planar cleavage planes in the Stone Church syncline. Calcareous siltstone layers within the Martinsburg Fm. turbidites share concordant bedding planes and are unique, chemically (XRF), but folded and cleaved differently than the surrounding clay-rich Martinsburg turbidites. Neither sediment type yielded detrital zircons. Electron backscatter X-ray diffraction (EBSD) and calcite twinning results in a folded calcareous siltstone layer preserving a layer-normal SE-NW shortening strain and Lattice Preferred Orientation (LPO). Shortening axes for the five-phase calcite suite trends ~N40°W, consistent with tectonic transport associated with crystalline nappe emplacement of the Reading Prong within the Piedmont province. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sedimentary Basins and Orogenic Belts 2016 Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14623 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Geologic Model of Glacial Outwash in Mclean County, Illinois, Based on Seismic Refraction Studies
by Matthew Hartz, David Malone and Robert Nelson
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010009 - 16 Feb 2016
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 9371
Abstract
Seven two-dimensional (2-D) seismic refraction lines were used to determine the thickness and geometry of a valley train outwash deposit of the Quaternary Henry Formation near Heyworth in southern McLean County, Illinois. These refraction data were collected and processed in 2-D, then imported [...] Read more.
Seven two-dimensional (2-D) seismic refraction lines were used to determine the thickness and geometry of a valley train outwash deposit of the Quaternary Henry Formation near Heyworth in southern McLean County, Illinois. These refraction data were collected and processed in 2-D, then imported into a Petrel, a three-dimensional (3-D) geological modeling software package. The 3-D geologic model was built using the velocity attribute of the seismic refraction data. The 3-D velocity model was then verified manually by moving a cross-section through the velocity model at 20 m increments. These selected data points were used to create 3-D horizons, surfaces, and contacts constraining the target Henry Formation from the overlying alluvium of the Cahokia Formation and the underlying Delavan Till. Results of the 3-D model show the Henry Formation outwash trends about S10°E, which is oblique to S55°W-trending modern Kickapoo Creek valley. The Henry Formation outwash is confined to the Kickapoo valley, and consists of well-stratified sand and gravel at that is as much as 25 m in thickness in the channel. The thickness of the Henry Formation in the terrace is 8–10 m. The Cahokia Formation is everywhere about 2 m in thickness. The Henry Formation here is interpreted to be deposited in a subglacial tunnel valley that was deposited about 20,000 years ago as the Laurentide ice sheet retreated from its maximum southerly extent. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

148 KiB  
Editorial
Medical Geology: Impacts of the Natural Environment on Public Health
by Jose A. Centeno, Robert B. Finkelman and Olle Selinus
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010008 - 1 Feb 2016
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7912
Abstract
All living organisms are composed of major, minor, and trace elements, given by nature and supplied by geology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Geology: Impacts of the Natural Environment on Public Health)
1015 KiB  
Article
Screening the Resilience of Short-Rotation Woody Crops to Climate Change
by Sophan Chhin
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010007 - 26 Jan 2016
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4076
Abstract
Sustainable woody biofeedstock production systems require a reliable supply of woody biomass that could be affected by future climate change. However, there is limited understanding of the climatic sensitivity of short rotation woody crops, such as hybrid aspens. The general objective of this [...] Read more.
Sustainable woody biofeedstock production systems require a reliable supply of woody biomass that could be affected by future climate change. However, there is limited understanding of the climatic sensitivity of short rotation woody crops, such as hybrid aspens. The general objective of this study is to identify climatically resilient hybrid aspen clones for woody biomass feedstock development. Specifically, tree-ring analysis methods (dendrochronology) were used to quantify the influence of climate on stem growth rates of hybrid aspens by measuring year-to-year changes in tree-ring width from different cultivars of hybrid aspen and relating annual growth patterns with past instrumental climate records (i.e., temperature and moisture index). Tree-ring analysis was conducted on a full-sib progeny plantation of different cultivars of hybrid aspens (Populus × smithii derived from different geographical variants of aspen parents: trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata) located on Michigan State University property in the Sandhill Research Area (42.7°N latitude; 84.5°W longitude). Overall, the hybrid aspen families examined in this study were more sensitive to moisture related stressors compared to a weaker or no response to temperature stressors. By the end of the 21st century (2071–2100), 11 out of the 18 hybrid aspen families will be vulnerable to future changes in moisture stress, while the remaining families were screened to be resilient to future changes in moisture stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change and Geosciences)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

641 KiB  
Editorial
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Geosciences in 2015
by Geosciences Editorial Office
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010006 - 22 Jan 2016
Viewed by 2620
Abstract
The editors of Geosciences would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...] Full article
5142 KiB  
Article
Magnitude-Frequency Distribution of Hummocks on Rockslide-Debris Avalanche Deposits and Its Geomorphological Significance
by Hidetsugu Yoshida
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010005 - 19 Jan 2016
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5202
Abstract
A magnitude-frequency analysis of rockslide-debris avalanche deposits was performed. Hummocks are conical mounds formed in debris avalanche deposits from the catastrophic sector collapse of a mountain (often volcanic) that represent relatively cohesive fragments of the mountain edifice. Examination of 17 debris avalanche deposits [...] Read more.
A magnitude-frequency analysis of rockslide-debris avalanche deposits was performed. Hummocks are conical mounds formed in debris avalanche deposits from the catastrophic sector collapse of a mountain (often volcanic) that represent relatively cohesive fragments of the mountain edifice. Examination of 17 debris avalanche deposits in Japan and the Philippines showed that, in general, the larger the magnitude of the hummocks, the smaller their frequency. Hummocks followed an exponential distribution: log10N(x) = a – bx, where N(x) is the cumulative number of hummocks with magnitude ≥ x and a and b are constants; x is equal to log10A, where A is the area of a hummock. The constants a and b were positively correlated. The value of b, which differs among avalanches and in this analysis ranged between 1 and 3, may be controlled by the mobility of the debris avalanche. Avalanches with higher mobility (relatively longer runout) have higher b and potentially produce more numerous fragments forming hummocks (i.e., higher a). From the above correlation, the magnitude-frequency relationship can be used to roughly estimate the original height of the collapsed volcanic body, if the runout distance of the rockslide–debris avalanche can be estimated with sufficient accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Remote Sensing and GIS for Geomorphological Mapping)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17685 KiB  
Article
Black Layers of Decay and Color Patterns on Heritage Limestone as Markers of Environmental Change
by Elena Mercedes Perez-Monserrat, Maria Jose Varas-Muriel, Monica Alvarez De Buergo and Rafael Fort
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010004 - 7 Jan 2016
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7419
Abstract
Air pollution induces the development of black crusts on the surface of built heritage materials. Black layers on the limestone used on an emblematic Madrilenian building dating from the early twentieth century, mainly built up in the 20 years lapsing between two façade [...] Read more.
Air pollution induces the development of black crusts on the surface of built heritage materials. Black layers on the limestone used on an emblematic Madrilenian building dating from the early twentieth century, mainly built up in the 20 years lapsing between two façade cleaning operations, was studied with POM and SEM-EDS. Particulate matter deposited on surfaces in the same period was analyzed with XRD and IC. Climate change in the environs was also studied and façade coloring patterns were compared. Since black crust and settled dust composition, as well as façade soling intensity, were found to be closely related to the surrounding environment, both are proposed as environment and climate change markers. These are considerations, moreover, that must be addressed when designing conservation strategies. Domestic heating systems and vehicle traffic were identified as the two main sources of pollution throughout the period studied in the target area, where the temperature steadily rose and relative humidity declined. The progressive replacement of coal with gas oil in domestic heating boilers and the proliferation of vehicles with diesel engines have mostly determined the evolution of the pollutants emitted. The color of façade soiling, in turn, has been primarily conditioned by the typology of the particles deposited on the limestone surface, declining humidity and the passage of time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geoscience of the Built Environment 2016 Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

187 KiB  
Article
Handling of Human-Geosphere Intersections
by Martin Bohle
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010003 - 6 Jan 2016
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6182
Abstract
This essay introduces the notion of “human-geosphere intersections”, describes “engineering” as an aspect of anthropogenic global change, and reflects on particular “paradigms” that may govern human-geosphere intersections. Seen conceptually, engineering is undertaken to meet needs and preferences of people within a composite framework [...] Read more.
This essay introduces the notion of “human-geosphere intersections”, describes “engineering” as an aspect of anthropogenic global change, and reflects on particular “paradigms” that may govern human-geosphere intersections. Seen conceptually, engineering is undertaken to meet needs and preferences of people within a composite framework of technological means, scientific insights, worldviews, and value system. Nowadays, the engineering of production systems, of consumption patterns, and of related intersections of human activities with the biotic and abiotic environments is a central feature of the anthropogenic global change process. In the last centuries, the cultural evolution of humankind took a development path that now is furthering an engineered planetary process to intersect properties of the geo-biosphere with the noosphere (“human-geosphere intersections”). Four paradigms, ”adjustment”, “dovetailing”, “decoupling” and “modulating” are discussed, which may frame the engineering of human-geosphere intersections. These paradigms convene different insights into how bio-geosphere and noosphere function, how to alter human-geosphere intersections, and how engineering mediates between both spheres. Whatever paradigm is retained to engineer human-geosphere intersections, geoscience know-how has to be part of the noosphere, and geo-ethics should provide an orientation how human activities and geosphere should intersect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geosciences and Future Earth)
3861 KiB  
Article
Gibbs Free Energy of Formation for Selected Platinum Group Minerals (PGM)
by Spiros Olivotos and Maria Economou-Eliopoulos
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010002 - 6 Jan 2016
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 10782
Abstract
Thermodynamic data for platinum group (Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pd and Pt) minerals are very limited. The present study is focused on the calculation of the Gibbs free energy of formation (ΔfG°) for selected PGM occurring in layered intrusions and ophiolite [...] Read more.
Thermodynamic data for platinum group (Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pd and Pt) minerals are very limited. The present study is focused on the calculation of the Gibbs free energy of formation (ΔfG°) for selected PGM occurring in layered intrusions and ophiolite complexes worldwide, applying available experimental data on their constituent elements at their standard state (ΔG = G(species) − ΔG(elements)), using the computer program HSC Chemistry software 6.0. The evaluation of the accuracy of the calculation method was made by the calculation of (ΔGf) of rhodium sulfide phases. The calculated values were found to be ingood agreement with those measured in the binary system (Rh + S) as a function of temperature by previous authors (Jacob and Gupta (2014). The calculated Gibbs free energy (ΔfG°) followed the order RuS2 < (Ir,Os)S2 < (Pt, Pd)S < (Pd, Pt)Te2, increasing from compatible to incompatible noble metals and from sulfides to tellurides. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19870 KiB  
Article
Soil Moisture Estimation in South-Eastern New Mexico Using High Resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Data
by A.K.M. Azad Hossain and Greg Easson
Geosciences 2016, 6(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences6010001 - 6 Jan 2016
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6850
Abstract
Soil moisture monitoring and characterization of the spatial and temporal variability of this hydrologic parameter at scales from small catchments to large river basins continues to receive much attention, reflecting its critical role in subsurface-land surface-atmospheric interactions and its importance to drought analysis, [...] Read more.
Soil moisture monitoring and characterization of the spatial and temporal variability of this hydrologic parameter at scales from small catchments to large river basins continues to receive much attention, reflecting its critical role in subsurface-land surface-atmospheric interactions and its importance to drought analysis, irrigation planning, crop yield forecasting, flood protection, and forest fire prevention. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data acquired at different spatial resolutions have been successfully used to estimate soil moisture in different semi-arid areas of the world for many years. This research investigated the potential of linear multiple regressions and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) based models that incorporate different geophysical variables with Radarsat 1 SAR fine imagery and concurrently measured soil moisture measurements to estimate surface soil moisture in Nash Draw, NM. An artificial neural network based model with vegetation density, soil type, and elevation data as input in addition to radar backscatter values was found suitable to estimate surface soil moisture in this area with reasonable accuracy. This model was applied to a time series of SAR data acquired in 2006 to produce soil moisture data covering a normal wet season in the study site. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geological Mapping and Modeling of Earth Architectures)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-16
Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop