scholarly journals Improving estimation of glacier volume change: a GLIMS case study of Bering Glacier System, Alaska

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Beedle ◽  
M. Dyurgerov ◽  
W. Tangborn ◽  
S. J. S. Khalsa ◽  
C. Helm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Volume Change ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Drainage Basins ◽  
Landsat Images ◽  
Glacier System ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Bering Glacier ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Dependent Mass

Abstract. The Global Land Ice Measurements from Space (GLIMS) project has developed tools and methods that can be employed by analysts to create accurate glacier outlines. To illustrate the importance of accurate glacier outlines and the effectiveness of GLIMS standards we conducted a case study on Bering Glacier System (BGS), Alaska. BGS is a complex glacier system aggregated from multiple drainage basins, numerous tributaries, and many accumulation areas. Published measurements of BGS surface area vary from 1740 to 6200 km2, depending on how the boundaries of this system have been defined. Utilizing GLIMS tools and standards we have completed a new outline (3630 km2) and analysis of the area-altitude distribution (hypsometry) of BGS using Landsat images from 2000 and 2001 and a US Geological Survey 15-min digital elevation model. We compared this new hypsometry with three different hypsometries to illustrate the errors that result from the widely varying estimates of BGS extent. The use of different BGS hypsometries results in highly variable measures of volume change and net balance (bn). Applying a simple hypsometry-dependent mass-balance model to different hypsometries results in a bn rate range of −1.0 to −3.1 m a−1 water equivalent (W.E.), a volume change range of −3.8 to −6.7 km3 a−1 W.E., and a near doubling in contributions to sea level equivalent, 0.011 mm a−1 to 0.019 mm a−1. Current inaccuracies in glacier outlines hinder our ability to correctly quantify glacier change. Understanding of glacier extents can become comprehensive and accurate. Such accuracy is possible with the increasing volume of satellite imagery of glacierized regions, recent advances in tools and standards, and dedication to this important task.

scholarly journals Improving estimation of glacier volume change: a GLIMS case study of Bering Glacier System, Alaska

2007 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 169-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Beedle ◽  
M. Dyurgerov ◽  
W. Tangborn ◽  
S. J. S. Khalsa ◽  
C. Helm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Volume Change ◽  
Previous Analysis ◽  
Drainage Basins ◽  
Ice Streams ◽  
Landsat Images ◽  
Glacier System ◽  
Bering Glacier ◽  
Global Land

Abstract. The Global Land Ice Measurements from Space (GLIMS) project has developed tools and methods that can be employed by analysts to create accurate glacier outlines and resultant measures of glacier extent. To illustrate the importance of accurate glacier outlines and the effectiveness of GLIMS standards we have conducted a case study on Bering Glacier System (BGS), Alaska. BGS is a complex glacier system aggregated from multiple drainage basins, numerous individual ice streams, and many accumulation areas. Published measurements of BGS surface area vary from 1740 to 6200 km2, depending on how the boundaries of this system have been defined. Utilizing GLIMS tools and standards we have completed a new outline and analysis of the area-altitude distribution (hypsometry) of BGS using Landsat images from 2000 and 2001. We compared this new outline (3632 km2) with three previous outlines to illustrate the errors that result from the widely varying estimates used in previous analysis of BGS area. The use of different BGS outlines results in highly variable measures of volume change and net balance (bn). Outline variability alone results in a net balance rate range of –1.0 to –3.2 m/yr water equivalent (W.E.), a volume change range of –4.2 to –8.2 km3/yr, and a near doubling in contributions to sea level equivalent (SLE), 0.0122 mm/yr to 0.0236 mm/yr. A study of three different models of BGS net balance leads us to favor estimates of bn of –1.2 m/yr W.E. and total volume change of –4.2 km3/yr for the period 1950–2004. These estimates result in a near doubling of contributions to sea level equivalent when compared with previous studies. While current inaccuracies in glacier outlines hinder our ability to fully understand glacier change, there is no reason why our understanding of glacier extents should not be comprehensive and accurate. Such accuracy is possible with the increasing volume of satellite imagery of glacierized regions, and recent advances in tools and standards.

An Analytical Approach for Pipeline Geohazard Management

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Otto Huisman ◽  
Moness Rizkalla ◽  
Matt Tindall ◽  
Alejandro Reyes ◽  
Erika Santana
Keyword(s):  
Data Sets ◽  
Drainage Basins ◽  
Management Platform ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Integrity Management ◽  
Disciplinary Process ◽  
Critical Zones ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Pipeline Failures

Abstract Contamination of waterbodies as a result of hydrocarbon releases is one of the most undesirable events in our industry. Unfortunately, over the past few years, several major events have occurred around the globe, and geohazards have played a major role in many of these. Indeed, Pipeline Geohazard Management is a complex, multi-disciplinary process, heavily dependent on data integration and expert judgment. The current work presents a methodology that allows the identification of critical zones by assessing potential hydrocarbon release mechanisms that could affect waterbodies and adjacent areas, including: channel section pipeline failures, approach slope pipeline failures and spill path effects. The geological model is constructed based on datasets such as a digital elevation model (DEM), surficial geology and route geometry form. Additional datasets can also be derived to represent features such as drainage basins and slopes. The entire framework is being implemented on a data and integrity management platform that not only supports the integration of spatial, geological and general integrity management data (including multiple ILI data sets) but can also execute processes, such as stability analysis, and provide visualizations of results within a GIS (Geographic Information System) environment. Execution of semi-quantitative and quantitative risk assessments is also facilitated, as well as the elaboration of rehabilitation plans. To illustrate the methodology application and the platform capabilities, an anonymized, but real, case study is presented.

scholarly journals Conformity of the NASADEM_HGT and ALOS AW3D30 DEM with the Altitude from the Brazilian Geodetic Reference Stations: A Case Study from Brazilian Cerrado

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 2935
Author(s):  
Giovana Maranhão Bettiol ◽  
Manuel Eduardo Ferreira ◽  
Luiz Pacheco Motta ◽  
Édipo Henrique Cremon ◽  
Edson Eyji Sano
Keyword(s):  
Decision Makers ◽  
Surface Model ◽  
Brazilian Cerrado ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Class B ◽  
Crucial Information ◽  
Error Standard Deviation ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Main Region

The Brazilian Cerrado (tropical savanna) is the second largest biome in South America and the main region in the country for agricultural production. Altitude is crucial information for decision-makers and planners since it is directly related to temperature that conditions, for example, the climatic risk of rainfed crop plantations. This study analyzes the conformity of two freely available digital elevation models (DEMs), the NASADEM Merged Digital Elevation Model Global 1 arc second (NASADEM_HGT) version 1 and the Advanced Land Observing Satellite Global Digital Surface Model (ALOS AW3D30), version 3.1, with the altitudes provided by 1695 reference stations of the Brazilian Geodetic System. Both models were evaluated based on the parameters recommended in the Brazilian Cartographic Accuracy Standard for Digital Cartographic Products (PEC-PCD), which defines error tolerances according to eight different scales (from 1:1000 to 1:250,000) and classes A (most strict tolerance, for example, 0.17 m for 1:1000 scale), B, C, and D (least strict tolerance, for example, 50 m for 1:250,000 scale). Considering the class A, the NASADEM_HGT meets 1:250,000 and lower scales, while AW3D30 meets 1:100,000 and lower scales; for class B, NASADEM_HGT meets 1:100,000 scale and AW3D30 meets 1:50,000. AW3D30 presented lower values of root mean square error, standard deviation, and bias, indicating that it presents higher accuracy in relation to the NASADEM_HGT. Within eight of Cerrado’s municipalities with the highest grain production, the differences between average altitudes, measured by the Cohen’s effect size, were statistically insignificant. The results obtained by the PEC-PCD for the Cerrado biome indicate that both models can be employed in different DEM-dependent applications over this biome.

scholarly journals Environmental monitoring of soil pollution in urban areas (a case study from Heraklion city, Central Crete, Greece)

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 963
Author(s):  
E. Kokinou ◽  
C. Belonaki ◽  
D. Sakadakis ◽  
K. Sakadaki
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Susceptibility ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Magnetic Measurements ◽  
Topographic Map ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Thermomagnetic Analysis ◽  
Geological Features ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Elevation Model

Main scope of the present study is to combine topographic and geological data, magnetic susceptibility and thermomagnetic analysis in order to investigate the magnetic properties of the near surface soils in possible polluted urban areas. For this purpose, a power plant with a dense traffic net around it, located in the NW section of Heraklion city in Crete was selected to be the study area. Surface soil samples have been collected from the area under investigation and they were analyzed in order to estimate the spatial distribution of the magnetic susceptibility. Loci of high values of the magnetic susceptibility within the study area gave rise to further proceed to thermomagnetic analysis of the selected samples. GIS techniques were used for mapping the magnetic measurements on the various topographic and geological features of the area. The digital elevation model was created by the digitization of the topographic map contours (1:5000 scale maps). The combination of the above techniques indicate high values of the magnetic susceptibility especially in the northeastern part of the investigated area, possibly related to pollution due to the presence of heavy metals.

scholarly journals Geodetic work at the archaeological site Tell el-Retaba

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-80
Author(s):  
Eva Stopková
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Data ◽  
Statistical Modelling ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
The North ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Elevation Model ◽  
Modern Technologies

The paper summarizes the geodetic contribution for the Slovak team within the joint Polish-Slovak archaeological mission at Tell el-Retaba in Egypt. Surveying work at archaeological excavations is usually influenced by somewhat specific subject of study and extreme conditions, especially at the missions in the developing countries. The case study describes spatial data development according to the archaeological conventions in order to document spatial relationships between the objects in excavated trenches. The long-term sustainability of surveying work at the site has been ensured by detailed metadata recording. Except the trench mapping, Digital Elevation Model has been calculated for the study area and for the north-eastern part of the site, with promising preliminary results for further detection and modelling of archaeological structures. In general, topographic mapping together with modern technologies like Photogrammetry, Satellite Imagery, and Remote Sensing provide valuable data sources for spatial and statistical modelling of the sites; and the results offer a different perspective for the archaeological research.

scholarly journals Scale-Optimized Surface Roughness for Topographic Analysis

Geosciences ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 322 ◽  
Author(s):  
John B. Lindsay ◽  
Daniel R. Newman ◽  
Anthony Francioni
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Grid Cell ◽  
Topographic Analysis ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Locally Adaptive ◽  
Elevation Model

Surface roughness is a terrain parameter that has been widely applied to the study of geomorphological processes. One of the main challenges in studying roughness is its highly scale-dependent nature. Determining appropriate mapping scales in topographically heterogenous landscapes can be difficult. A method is presented for estimating multiscale surface roughness based on the standard deviation of surface normals. This method utilizes scale partitioning and integral image processing to isolate scales of surface complexity. The computational efficiency of the method enables high scale sampling density and identification of maximum roughness for each grid cell in a digital elevation model (DEM). The approach was applied to a 0.5 m resolution LiDAR DEM of a 210 km2 area near Brantford, Canada. The case study demonstrated substantial heterogeneity in roughness properties. At shorter scales, tillage patterns and other micro-topography associated with ground beneath forest cover dominated roughness scale signatures. Extensive agricultural land-use resulted in 35.6% of the site exhibiting maximum roughness at micro-topographic scales. At larger spatial scales, rolling morainal topography and fluvial landforms, including incised channels and meander cut banks, were associated with maximum surface roughness. This method allowed for roughness mapping at spatial scales that are locally adapted to the topographic context of each individual grid cell within a DEM. Furthermore, the analysis revealed significant differences in roughness characteristics among soil texture categories, demonstrating the practical utility of locally adaptive, scale-optimized roughness.

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