scholarly journals Remote sensing for the Spanish forests in the 21st century: a review of advances, needs, and opportunities

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. eR001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Gómez ◽  
Pablo Alejandro ◽  
Txomin Hermosilla ◽  
Fernando Montes ◽  
Cristina Pascual ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Temporal Frequency ◽  
Hyperspectral Data ◽  
Wood Products ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Infrared Sensors ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Sustainable Planning

Forest ecosystems provide a host of services and societal benefits, including carbon storage, habitat for fauna, recreation, and provision of wood or non-wood products. In a context of complex demands on forest resources, identifying priorities for biodiversity and carbon budgets require accurate tools with sufficient temporal frequency. Moreover, understanding long term forest dynamics is necessary for sustainable planning and management. Remote sensing (RS) is a powerful means for analysis, synthesis and report, providing insights and contributing to inform decisions upon forest ecosystems. In this communication we review current applications of RS techniques in Spanish forests, examining possible trends, needs, and opportunities offered by RS in a forestry context. Currently, wall-to-wall optical and LiDAR data are extensively used for a wide range of applications—many times in combination—whilst radar or hyperspectral data are rarely used in the analysis of Spanish forests. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) carrying visible and infrared sensors are gaining ground in acquisition of data locally and at small scale, particularly for health assessments. Forest fire identification and characterization are prevalent applications at the landscape scale, whereas structural assessments are the most widespread analyses carried out at limited extents. Unparalleled opportunities are offered by the availability of diverse RS data like those provided by the European Copernicus programme and recent satellite LiDAR launches, processing capacity, and synergies with other ancillary sources to produce information of our forests. Overall, we live in times of unprecedented opportunities for monitoring forest ecosystems with a growing support from RS technologies.

scholarly journals Direct estimates of downslope deadwood movement over 30 years in a temperature forest illustrate impacts of treefall on forest ecosystem dynamics

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad Oberle ◽  
Amy M. Milo ◽  
Jonathan A. Myers ◽  
Maranda L. Walton ◽  
Darcy F. Young ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Dynamics ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Ecosystem Dynamics ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Forest Inventories ◽  
Lower Elevation ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Forest Dynamics Plot ◽  
Import And Export

Deadwood plays important roles in forest ecosystems by storing carbon, influencing hydrology, and provisioning countless organisms. Models for these processes often assume that deadwood does not move and ignore redistribution that occurs when trees fall. To evaluate the effects of treefall, we provide the first direct estimates for the magnitude, direction, and drivers of deadwood movement in a long-term oak–hickory forest dynamics plot in Missouri, USA. Among 1871 total pieces of deadwood, logs today pointed downslope more often than branches and occurred at lower elevation than snags. Of these, 477 logs retained tags from which we reconstructed movement using new formulae for reconciling survey coordinates and calculating log shape. Relocated logs occurred at lower elevation than their original rooting location, with the magnitude of the drop dependent on log size, degree of decay, and slope. Although changes in elevation were modest, the log centroids moved up to several meters horizontally. Consequently, as large trees fall, they predictably redistribute deadwood downhill, suggesting that models of deadwood dynamics in small inventory plots may gain accuracy by incorporating import and export along with recruitment and decay. We highlight implications of small-scale deadwood movement for forest inventories, carbon dynamics, and biodiversity.

The value of a broad temporal and spatial perspective in understanding dynamics of kelp forest ecosystems

2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel C. Reed ◽  
Andrew R. Rassweiler ◽  
Robert J. Miller ◽  
Henry M. Page ◽  
Sally J. Holbrook
Keyword(s):  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Kelp Forest ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variability ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Spatial Perspective ◽  
Ecological Responses ◽  
Temporal And Spatial

Many ecological processes play out over longer time scales and larger spatial scales than can be studied in a traditional 2–4-year grant cycle. Uncertainties in future funding hinder efforts to implement comprehensive research programs that integrate coupled time series observations of physical variables and ecological responses, manipulative experiments and synthetic analyses over the long term. Such research is essential for advancing our understanding of ecological responses associated with climate change, and the physical and biological processes that control them. This need is perhaps greatest for ecosystems that display highly dynamic and spatially complex patterns that are difficult to explain with short-term, small-scale studies. Such is the case for kelp forest ecosystems, which often show tremendous spatial and temporal variability in resource supply, consumer control and physical disturbance across spatial scales of metres to hundreds of kilometres and temporal scales of hours to decades. Here we present four examples from the Santa Barbara Coastal Long-term Ecological Research project that demonstrate the value of a broad temporal and spatial perspective in understanding the causes and ecological consequences of short-term local dynamics of giant kelp forests of California, USA.

scholarly journals Vocabulary Retention in Cognitive Theory

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 414-419
Author(s):  
M. Allanazarova
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Vocabulary Retention ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Esl Learners

Vocabulary learning has been a key aspect of acquiring a second language for many years. Many scholars and linguists claimed that learning languages cannot be successful without a wide range of vocabulary. However, most ESL learners are confronted with recalling difficulties as they tend to forget the word fast that they learned recently. These challenges are commonly discussed and researched by Cognitivists since they deem that there are several reasons for forgetting associated with memory and mental process. This case study entails small-scale research on vocabulary retention, reasons for forgetting, and some potential solutions to recall words in the second language. For this case study, we have chosen Cognitivism Theory in a bid to investigate and find out remembering challenges of our ESL learner and give her some possible solutions because according to cognitive psychology it is said that systematic forgetting occurs owing to interfering effects, a continuation of the very process of subsumption, neurolinguistic blocking and other factors. Relying on their findings we tried to help our seventeen-year-old student who tends to forget English words easily. In this case, the hypothesis of the research is that pictorial texts or stories can be more effective for short and long-term vocabulary learning and retention.

scholarly journals Productivity dynamics of oak forests of the Crimean Peninsula

2020 ◽  
Vol 169 ◽  
pp. 03007
Author(s):  
Roman Gorbunov
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Remote Sensing Data ◽  
Oak Forests ◽  
Data Series ◽  
Crimean Peninsula ◽  
Productivity Dynamics ◽  
The Crimean Peninsula

The work proposes a methodology for studying the productivity dynamics of forest ecosystems based on remote sensing data. The possibility of using the NDVI vegetation index to study the interannual variability in productivity of regional ecosystems is shown. The long-term productivity dynamics of oak forests of the Crimean Peninsula is analyzed. On the basis of the data series obtained, the periods characterized by peculiarities of the productivity dynamics of forest ecosystems are identified.

scholarly journals Energy Sustainability Analysis (ESA) of Energy-Producing Processes: A Case Study on Distributed H2 Production

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 4911 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos E. Gómez-Camacho ◽  
Bernardo Ruggeri
Keyword(s):  
H2 Production ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Sustainability ◽  
External Energy ◽  
Additional Energy ◽  
Sustainability Analysis ◽  
Wide Range

In the sustainability context, the performance of energy-producing technologies, using different energy sources, needs to be scored and compared. The selective criterion of a higher level of useful energy to feed an ever-increasing demand of energy to satisfy a wide range of endo- and exosomatic human needs seems adequate. In fact, surplus energy is able to cover energy services only after compensating for the energy expenses incurred to build and to run the technology itself. This paper proposes an energy sustainability analysis (ESA) methodology based on the internal and external energy use of a given technology, considering the entire energy trajectory from energy sources to useful energy. ESA analysis is conducted at two levels: (i) short-term, by the use of the energy sustainability index (ESI), which is the first step to establish whether the energy produced is able to cover the direct energy expenses needed to run the technology and (ii) long-term, by which all the indirect energy-quotas are considered, i.e., all the additional energy requirements of the technology, including the energy amortization quota necessary for the replacement of the technology at the end of its operative life. The long-term level of analysis is conducted by the evaluation of two indicators: the energy return per unit of energy invested (EROI) over the operative life and the energy payback-time (EPT), as the minimum lapse at which all energy expenditures for the production of materials and their construction can be repaid to society. The ESA methodology has been applied to the case study of H2 production at small-scale (10–15 kWH2) comparing three different technologies: (i) steam-methane reforming (SMR), (ii) solar-powered water electrolysis (SPWE), and (iii) two-stage anaerobic digestion (TSAD) in order to score the technologies from an energy sustainability perspective.

scholarly journals Changes in motivation as expertise develops: Relationships with musical aspirations

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 528-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Hallam ◽  
Andrea Creech ◽  
Ioulia Papageorgi ◽  
Teresa Gomes ◽  
Tiija Rinta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Musical Ability ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Teachers Attitudes ◽  
Musical Activities

Recent models of musical motivation have recognised the complex interactions which occur between environmental (cultural, institutional, familial, educational) and internal factors (cognition and affect) in enhancing or reducing motivation. Much previous research has been small scale and not taken account of long term musical aspirations. This article aims to address these issues exploring changes in motivation as expertise develops with a large sample of learners. A total of 3,325 young musicians, aged 6–19 playing a wide range of instruments participated. They represented nine levels of expertise ranging from beginner to higher education conservatoire entry level. Level of expertise was established in terms of the most recent graded independent instrumental examination taken. They were asked to respond to a series of statements on a 7-point Likert scale. The statements focused on well-established elements of motivation including: self-beliefs; enjoyment of musical activities; enjoyment of performance; level of support received from parents, friends and teachers; attitudes towards playing an instrument and perceptions of its value; and beliefs about the importance of musical ability. Participants were also asked to respond to statements about their long term musical aspirations. An exploratory factor analysis provided the basis for the development of a motivational scale which included five sub-scales: social support and affirmation; social life and the value of playing an instrument; enjoyment of performing; self-belief in musical ability; and enjoyment of instrumental musical activities. There were linear trends for each of the five sub-scales in relation to level of expertise with the exception of social support and affirmation. The five sub-scales collectively predicted a composite score relating to aspirations with a multiple R of .64.

A generalizable method for remote sensing of canopy nitrogen across a wide range of forest ecosystems

2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (9) ◽  
pp. 3511-3519 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.E. Martin ◽  
L.C. Plourde ◽  
S.V. Ollinger ◽  
M.-L. Smith ◽  
B.E. McNeil
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Canopy Nitrogen

scholarly journals The Small-Scale Satellite Modular Hyperspectrometer

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-41
Author(s):  
A. O. Martinov ◽  
Yu. V. Beliaev ◽  
B. I. Beliaev ◽  
A. V. Chumakov ◽  
A. V. Damaratski
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Design Feature ◽  
Hyperspectral Data ◽  
High Spectral Resolution ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Infrared Range ◽  
Scanning System ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Optical Module

Recently in the world practice of aerospace monitoring of the Earth there has been an increasingly active using of methods and devices of hyperspectral imaging. Thus creation of systems designed for recording hyperspectral data and methods for their processing is an actual task for remote sensing of the Earth. The aim of the article was to develop and create a small-sized satellite modular hyperspectrometer in visible and near infrared range, designed to receive information on remote sensing of the Earth in order to constantly update data about state of natural environment and infrastructure objects using videospectral methods with the possibility of comprehensive study of both spectral and spatial characteristics of the observed objects.A small-scale satellite modular hyperspectrometer has been developed. The distinctive features of the equipment include high spectral resolution and small dimensions. A hyperspectrometer includes two main modules: an optical module and an electronics one. The design feature of the optical module is the use of a concave holographic diffraction grating in a polychromator. The electronics module is based on a single board computer. Their description and design features, a scheme for the formation of a hypercube and software for its further processing are presented in the paper. The developed hardware (test equipment, a space experiment simulator and a spatial scanning system) for efficiency testing is presented also, as well as test measurements ware conducted. It is worth noting the extremely small dimensions for this class of devices in comparison with analogues as well as the vibration resistance of the equipment.

scholarly journals Extreme values of snow-related variables in Mediterranean regions: trends and long-term forecasting in Sierra Nevada (Spain)

2015 ◽  
Vol 369 ◽  
pp. 157-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Pérez-Palazón ◽  
R. Pimentel ◽  
J. Herrero ◽  
C. Aguilar ◽  
J. M. Perales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Extreme Values ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
Annual Number ◽  
Precipitation Pattern ◽  
Precipitation Regimes ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Mediterranean Regions

Abstract. Mountain areas in Mediterranean regions constitute key monitoring points for climate variability and its impacts, but long time datasets are not always available due to the difficult access to high areas, relevant for capturing temperature and precipitation regimes, and the predominance of cloudy remote sensing images during the snow season. Sierra Nevada National Park (South Spain), with altitudes higher than 3500 m a.s.l., is part of the Global Change in Mountain Regions network. Snow occurrence just 40 km from the seaside determines a wide range of biodiversity, a snowmelt fluvial regime, and the associated ecosystem services. This work presents the local trend analysis of weather variables at this area together with additional snow-related variables. For this, long term point and distributed observations from weather stations and remote sensing sources were studied and used as input and calibration datasets of a physically based snow model to derive long term series of mean and maximum daily fraction of snow covered area, annual number of days with snow, annual number of days with precipitation, mean and maximum mean daily snow water equivalent, and snowmelt and evaporation volumes. The joint analysis of weather and snow variables showed a decrease trend in the persistence and extent of the snow cover area. The precipitation regime, rather than the temperature trend, seems to be the most relevant driver on the snow regime forcing in Mediterranean areas. This poses a constraint for rigorous scenario analysis in these regions, since the precipitation pattern is poorly approximated by climatic models in these regions.

scholarly journals Low cost infrared and near infrared sensors for UAVs

2014 ◽  
Vol XL-1 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. T. Aden ◽  
J. P. Bialas ◽  
Z. Champion ◽  
E. Levin ◽  
J. L. McCarty
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Infrared Sensors ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Infrared Cameras ◽  
Wildland Firefighting

Thermal remote sensing has a wide range of applications, though the extent of its use is inhibited by cost. Robotic and computer components are now widely available to consumers on a scale that makes thermal data a readily accessible resource. In this project, thermal imagery collected via a lightweight remote sensing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was used to create a surface temperature map for the purpose of providing wildland firefighting crews with a cost-effective and time-saving resource. The UAV system proved to be flexible, allowing for customized sensor packages to be designed that could include visible or infrared cameras, GPS, temperature sensors, and rangefinders, in addition to many data management options. Altogether, such a UAV system could be used to rapidly collect thermal and aerial data, with a geographic accuracy of less than one meter.

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