NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lu, Xiaomei; Hu, Yongxiang; Pelon, Jacques; Trepte, Chip; Liu, Katie; Rodier, Sharon; Zeng, Shan; Luckher, Patricia; Verhappen, Ron; Wilson, Jamie;
2016-01-01
A new approach has been proposed to determine ocean subsurface particulate backscattering coefficient bbp from CALIOP 30deg off-nadir lidar measurements. The new method also provides estimates of the particle volume scattering function at the 180deg scattering angle. The CALIOP based layer-integrated lidar backscatter and particulate backscattering coefficients are compared with the results obtained from MODIS ocean color measurements. The comparison analysis shows that ocean subsurface lidar backscatter and particulate backscattering coefficient bbp can be accurately obtained from CALIOP lidar measurements, thereby supporting the use of space-borne lidar measurements for ocean subsurface studies.
Vladimir A Kovalev; Wei Min Hao; Cyle Wold
2007-01-01
A new method is considered that can be used for inverting data obtained from a combined elastic-inelastic lidar or a high spectral resolution lidar operating in a one-directional mode, or an elastic lidar operating in a multiangle mode. The particulate extinction coefficient is retrieved from the simultaneously measured profiles of the particulate backscatter...
Seasonal And Regional Differentiation Of Bio-Optical Properties Within The North Polar Atlantic
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stramska, Malgorzata; Stramski, Dariusz; Kaczmarek, Slawomir; Allison, David B.; Schwarz, Jill
2005-01-01
Using data collected during spring and summer seasons in the north polar Atlantic we examined the variability of the spectral absorption, a(lambda), and backscattering, b(sub b)(lambda), coefficients of surface waters and its relation to phytoplankton pigment concentration and composition. For a given chlorophyll a concentration (TChla), the concentrations of photosynthetic carotenoids (PSC), photoprotective carotenoids (PPC), and total accessory pigments (AP) were consistently lower in spring than in summer. The chlorophyll-specific absorption coefficients of phytoplankton and total particulate matter were also lower in spring, which can be partly attributed to lower proportions of PPC, PSC, and AP in spring. The spring values of the green-to-blue band ratio of the absorption coefficient were higher than the summer ratios. The blue-to-green ratios of backscattering coefficient were also higher in spring. The higher b(sub b) values and lower blue-to-green b(sub b) ratios in summer were likely associated with higher concentrations of detrital particles in summer compared to spring. Because the product of the green-to-blue absorption ratio and the blue-to-green backscattering ratio is a proxy for the blue-to-green ratio of remote-sensing reflectance, we conclude that the performance of ocean color band-ratio algorithms for estimating pigments in the north polar Atlantic is significantly affected by seasonal shifts in the relationships between absorption and TChla as well as between backscattering and TChla. Intriguingly, however, fairly good estimate of the particulate beam attenuation coefficient at 660 nm (potential measure of total particulate matter or particulate organic carbon concentration) can be obtained by applying a single blue-to-green band-ratio algorithm for both spring and summer seasons.
Lidar measurements of stratospheric aerosols over Menlo Park, California, October 1972 - March 1974
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Russell, P. B.; Viezee, W.; Hake, R. D.
1974-01-01
During an 18-month period, 30 nighttime observations of stratospheric aerosols were made using a ground based ruby lidar located near the Pacific coast of central California (37.5 deg. N, 122.2 deg. W). Vertical profiles of the lidar scattering ratio and the particulate backscattering coefficient were obtained by reference to a layer of assumed negligible particulate content. An aerosol layer centered near 21 km was clearly evident in all observations, but its magnitude and vertical distribution varied considerably throughout the observation period. A reduction of particulate backscattering in the 23- to 30-km layer during late January 1973 appears to have been associated with the sudden stratospheric warming which occurred at that time.
Airborne Polarized Lidar Detection of Scattering Layers in the Ocean
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vasilkov, Alexander P.; Goldin, Yury A.; Gureev, Boris A.; Hoge, Frank E.; Swift, Robert N.; Wright, C. Wayne
2001-08-01
A polarized lidar technique based on measurements of waveforms of the two orthogonal-polarized components of the backscattered light pulse is proposed to retrieve vertical profiles of the seawater scattering coefficient. The physical rationale for the polarized technique is that depolarization of backscattered light originating from a linearly polarized laser beam is caused largely by multiple small-angle scattering from particulate matter in seawater. The magnitude of the small-angle scattering is determined by the scattering coefficient. Therefore information on the vertical distribution of the scattering coefficient can be derived potentially from measurements of the timedepth dependence of depolarization in the backscattered laser pulse. The polarized technique was verified by field measurements conducted in the Middle Atlantic Bight of the western North Atlantic Ocean that were supported by in situ measurements of the beam attenuation coefficient. The airborne polarized lidar measured the timedepth dependence of the backscattered laser pulse in two orthogonal-polarized components. Vertical profiles of the scattering coefficient retrieved from the timedepth depolarization of the backscattered laser pulse were compared with measured profiles of the beam attenuation coefficient. The comparison showed that retrieved profiles of the scattering coefficient clearly reproduce the main features of the measured profiles of the beam attenuation coefficient. Underwater scattering layers were detected at depths of 2025 m in turbid coastal waters. The improvement in dynamic range afforded by the polarized lidar technique offers a strong potential benefit for airborne lidar bathymetric applications.
Spectra of Particulate Backscattering in Natural Waters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gordon, Howard, R.; Lewis, Marlon R.; McLean, Scott D.; Twardowski, Michael S.; Freeman, Scott A.; Voss, Kenneth J.; Boynton, Chris G.
2009-01-01
Hyperspectral profiles of downwelling irradiance and upwelling radiance in natural waters (oligotrophic and mesotrophic) are combined with inverse radiative transfer to obtain high resolution spectra of the absorption coefficient (a) and the backscattering coefficient (bb) of the water and its constituents. The absorption coefficient at the mesotrophic station clearly shows spectral absorption features attributable to several phytoplankton pigments (Chlorophyll a, b, c, and Carotenoids). The backscattering shows only weak spectral features and can be well represented by a power-law variation with wavelength (lambda): b(sub b) approx. Lambda(sup -n), where n is a constant between 0.4 and 1.0. However, the weak spectral features in b(sub b), suggest that it is depressed in spectral regions of strong particle absorption. The applicability of the present inverse radiative transfer algorithm, which omits the influence of Raman scattering, is limited to lambda < 490 nm in oligotrophic waters and lambda < 575 nm in mesotrophic waters.
Optical backscattering properties of the "clearest" natural waters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Twardowski, M. S.; Claustre, H.; Freeman, S. A.; Stramski, D.; Huot, Y.
2007-11-01
During the BIOSOPE field campaign October-December 2004, measurements of inherent optical properties from the surface to 500 m depth were made with a ship profiler at stations covering over 8000 km through the Southeast Pacific Ocean. Data from a ~3000 km section containing the very clearest waters in the central gyre are reported here. The total volume scattering function at 117°, βt(117°), was measured with a WET Labs ECO-BB3 sensor at 462, 532, and 650 nm with estimated uncertainties of 2×10-5, 5×10-6, and 2×10-6 m-1 sr-1, respectively. These values were approximately 6%, 3%, and 3% of the volume scattering by pure seawater at their respective wavelengths. From a methodological perspective, there were several results: - distributions were resolvable even though some of the values from the central gyre were an order of magnitude lower than the lowest previous measurements in the literature; - Direct in-situ measurements of instrument dark offsets were necessary to accurately resolve backscattering at these low levels; - accurate pure seawater backscattering values are critical in determining particulate backscattering coefficients in the open ocean (not only in these very clear waters); the pure water scattering values determined by Buiteveld et al. (1994) with a [1+0.3S/37] adjustment for salinity based on Morel (1974) appear to be the most accurate estimates, with aggregate accuracies as low as a few percent; and - closure was demonstrated with subsurface reflectance measurements reported by Morel et al. (2007) within instrument precisions, a useful factor in validating the backscattering measurements. This methodology enabled several observations with respect to the hydrography and the use of backscattering as a biogeochemical proxy: -The clearest waters sampled were found at depths between 300 and 350 m, from 23.5° S, 118° W to 26° S, 114° W, where total backscattering at 650 nm was not distinguishable from pure seawater; -Distributions of particulate backscattering bbp across the central gyre exhibited a broad particle peak centered ~100 m; -The particulate backscattering ratio typically ranged between 0.4% and 0.6% at 650 nm through the majority of the central gyre from the surface to ~210 m, indicative of "soft" water-filled particles with low bulk refractive index; and - bbp showed a distinct secondary deeper layer centered ~230 m that was absent in particulate attenuation cp data. The particulate backscattering ratio was significantly higher in this layer than in the rest of the water column, reaching 1.2% in some locations. This high relative backscattering, along with the pigment composition and ecological niche of this layer, appear to be consistent with the coccolithophorid Florisphaera profunda. Moreover, results were consistent with several expectations extrapolated from theory and previous work in oceanic and coastal regions, supporting the conclusion that particulate and total backscattering could be resolved in these extremely clear natural waters.
Optical backscattering properties of the "clearest" natural waters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Twardowski, M. S.; Claustre, H.; Freeman, S. A.; Stramski, D.; Huot, Y.
2007-07-01
During the BIOSOPE field campaign October-December 2004, measurements of inherent optical properties from the surface to 500 m depth were made with a ship profiler at stations covering over ~8000 km through the Southeast Pacific Ocean. Data from a ~3000 km section containing the very clearest waters in the central gyre are reported here. The total volume scattering function at 117°, βt(117°), was measured with a WET Labs ECO-BB3 sensor at 462, 532, and 650 nm with estimated uncertainties of 2×10-5, 5×10-6, and 2×10-6 m-1 sr-1, respectively. These values were approximately 6%, 3%, and 3% of the scattering by pure seawater at their respective wavelengths. From a methodological perspective, there were several results: - bbp distributions were resolvable even though some of the values from the central gyre were an order of magnitude lower than the lowest previous measurements in the literature; - Direct in-situ measurements of instrument dark offsets were necessary to accurately resolve backscattering at these low levels; - accurate pure seawater backscattering values are critical in determining particulate backscattering coefficients in the open ocean (not only in these very clear waters); the pure water scattering values determined by Buiteveld et al. (1994) with a [1 + 0.3S/37] adjustment for salinity based on Morel (1974) appear to be the most accurate estimates, with aggregate accuracies as low as a few percent; and - closure was demonstrated with subsurface reflectance measurements reported by Morel et al. (2007) within instrument precisions, a useful factor in validating the backscattering measurements. This methodology enabled several observations with respect to the hydrography and the use of backscattering as a biogeochemical proxy: - The clearest waters sampled were found at depths between 300 and 350 m, from 23.5° S, 118° W to 26° S, 114° W, where total backscattering at 650 nm was not distinguishable from pure seawater; - Distributions of particulate backscattering bbp across the central gyre exhibited a broad particle peak centered ~100 m; - The particulate backscattering ratio typically ranged between 0.4% and 0.6% through the majority of the central gyre from the surface to ~210 m, indicative of "soft" water-filled particles with low bulk refractive index; and - bbp at 532 and 650 nm showed a distinct secondary deeper layer centered ~230 m that was absent in particulate attenuation cp data. The particulate backscattering ratio was significantly higher in this layer than in the rest of the water column, reaching 1.2% in some locations. This high relative backscattering, along with the pigment composition and ecological niche of this layer, appear to be consistent with the coccolithophorid F. profunda. Moreover, results were consistent with several expectations extrapolated from theory and previous work in oceanic and coastal regions, supporting the conclusion that particulate and total backscattering could be resolved in these extremely clear natural waters.
Remote sensing of PM2.5 from ground-based optical measurements
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, S.; Joseph, E.; Min, Q.
2014-12-01
Remote sensing of particulate matter concentration with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 um(PM2.5) by using ground-based optical measurements of aerosols is investigated based on 6 years of hourly average measurements of aerosol optical properties, PM2.5, ceilometer backscatter coefficients and meteorological factors from Howard University Beltsville Campus facility (HUBC). The accuracy of quantitative retrieval of PM2.5 using aerosol optical depth (AOD) is limited due to changes in aerosol size distribution and vertical distribution. In this study, ceilometer backscatter coefficients are used to provide vertical information of aerosol. It is found that the PM2.5-AOD ratio can vary largely for different aerosol vertical distributions. The ratio is also sensitive to mode parameters of bimodal lognormal aerosol size distribution when the geometric mean radius for the fine mode is small. Using two Angstrom exponents calculated at three wavelengths of 415, 500, 860nm are found better representing aerosol size distributions than only using one Angstrom exponent. A regression model is proposed to assess the impacts of different factors on the retrieval of PM2.5. Compared to a simple linear regression model, the new model combining AOD and ceilometer backscatter can prominently improve the fitting of PM2.5. The contribution of further introducing Angstrom coefficients is apparent. Using combined measurements of AOD, ceilometer backscatter, Angstrom coefficients and meteorological parameters in the regression model can get a correlation coefficient of 0.79 between fitted and expected PM2.5.
Ocean subsurface particulate backscatter estimation from CALIPSO spaceborne lidar measurements
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chen, Peng; Pan, Delu; Wang, Tianyu; Mao, Zhihua
2017-10-01
A method for ocean subsurface particulate backscatter estimation from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) on the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite was demonstrated. The effects of the CALIOP receiver's transient response on the attenuated backscatter profile were first removed. The two-way transmittance of the overlying atmosphere was then estimated as the ratio of the measured ocean surface attenuated backscatter to the theoretical value computed from wind driven wave slope variance. Finally, particulate backscatter was estimated from the depolarization ratio as the ratio of the column-integrated cross-polarized and co-polarized channels. Statistical results show that the derived particulate backscatter by the method based on CALIOP data agree reasonably well with chlorophyll-a concentration using MODIS data. It indicates a potential use of space-borne lidar to estimate global primary productivity and particulate carbon stock.
Bio-Optics of the Chesapeake Bay from Measurements and Radiative Transfer Calculations
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tzortziou, Maria; Herman, Jay R.; Gallegos, Charles L.; Neale, Patrick J.; Subramaniam, Ajit; Harding, Lawrence W., Jr.; Ahmad, Ziauddin
2005-01-01
We combined detailed bio-optical measurements and radiative transfer (RT) modeling to perform an optical closure experiment for optically complex and biologically productive Chesapeake Bay waters. We used this experiment to evaluate certain assumptions commonly used when modeling bio-optical processes, and to investigate the relative importance of several optical characteristics needed to accurately model and interpret remote sensing ocean-color observations in these Case 2 waters. Direct measurements were made of the magnitude, variability, and spectral characteristics of backscattering and absorption that are critical for accurate parameterizations in satellite bio-optical algorithms and underwater RT simulations. We found that the ratio of backscattering to total scattering in the mid-mesohaline Chesapeake Bay varied considerably depending on particulate loading, distance from land, and mixing processes, and had an average value of 0.0128 at 530 nm. Incorporating information on the magnitude, variability, and spectral characteristics of particulate backscattering into the RT model, rather than using a volume scattering function commonly assumed for turbid waters, was critical to obtaining agreement between RT calculations and measured radiometric quantities. In situ measurements of absorption coefficients need to be corrected for systematic overestimation due to scattering errors, and this correction commonly employs the assumption that absorption by particulate matter at near infrared wavelengths is zero.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Roesler, Collin S.; Pery, Mary Jane
1995-01-01
An inverse model was developed to extract the absortion and scattering (elastic and inelastic) properties of oceanic constituents from surface spectral reflectance measurements. In particular, phytoplankton spectral absorption coefficients, solar-stimulated chlorophyll a fluorescence spectra, and particle backscattering spectra were modeled. The model was tested on 35 reflectance spectra obtained from irradiance measurements in optically diverse ocean waters (0.07 to 25.35 mg/cu m range in surface chlorophyll a concentrations). The universality of the model was demonstrated by the accurate estimation of the spectral phytoplankton absorption coefficents over a range of 3 orders of magnitude (rho = 0.94 at 500 nm). Under most oceanic conditions (chlorophyll a less than 3 mg/cu m) the percent difference between measured and modeled phytoplankton absorption coefficents was less than 35%. Spectral variations in measured phytoplankton absorption spectra were well predicted by the inverse model. Modeled volume fluorescence was weakly correlated with measured chl a; fluorescence quantum yield varied from 0.008 to 0.09 as a function of environment and incident irradiance. Modeled particle backscattering coefficients were linearly related to total particle cross section over a twentyfold range in backscattering coefficents (rho = 0.996, n = 12).
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Reagan, J. A.; Byrne, D. M.; Herman, B. M.; King, M. D.; Spinhirne, J. D.
1980-01-01
A method is presented for inferring both the size distribution and the complex refractive index of atmospheric particulates from combined bistatic-monostatic lidar and solar radiometer observations. The basic input measurements are spectral optical depths at several visible and near-infrared wavelengths as obtained with a solar radiometer and backscatter and angular scatter coefficients as obtained from a biostatic-monostatic lidar. The spectral optical depth measurements obtained from the radiometer are mathematically inverted to infer a columnar particulate size distribution. Advantage is taken of the fact that the shape of the size distribution obtained by inverting the particulate optical depth is relatively insensitive to the particle refractive index assumed in the inversion. Bistatic-monostatic angular scatter and backscatter lidar data are then processed to extract an optimum value for the particle refractive index subject to the constraint that the shape of the particulate size distribution be the same as that inferred from the solar radiometer data. Specifically, the scattering parameters obtained from the bistatic-monostatic lidar data are compared with corresponding theoretical computations made for various assumed refractive index values. That value which yields best agreement, in a weighted least squares sense, is selected as the optimal refractive index estimate. The results of this procedure applied to a set of simulated measurements as well as to measurements collected on two separate days are presented and discussed.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hu, Yongxiang; Behrenfeld, Mike; Hostetler, Chris; Pelon, Jacques; Trepte, Charles; Hair, John; Slade, Wayne; Cetinic, Ivona; Vaughan, Mark; Lu, Xiaomei; Zhai, Pengwang; Weimer, Carl; Winker, David; Verhappen, Carolus C.; Butler, Carolyn; Liu, Zhaoyan; Hunt, Bill; Omar, Ali; Rodier, Sharon; Lifermann, Anne; Josset, Damien; Hou, Weilin; MacDonnell, David; Rhew, Ray
2016-06-01
Beam attenuation coefficient, c, provides an important optical index of plankton standing stocks, such as phytoplankton biomass and total particulate carbon concentration. Unfortunately, c has proven difficult to quantify through remote sensing. Here, we introduce an innovative approach for estimating c using lidar depolarization measurements and diffuse attenuation coefficients from ocean color products or lidar measurements of Brillouin scattering. The new approach is based on a theoretical formula established from Monte Carlo simulations that links the depolarization ratio of sea water to the ratio of diffuse attenuation Kd and beam attenuation C (i.e., a multiple scattering factor). On July 17, 2014, the CALIPSO satellite was tilted 30° off-nadir for one nighttime orbit in order to minimize ocean surface backscatter and demonstrate the lidar ocean subsurface measurement concept from space. Depolarization ratios of ocean subsurface backscatter are measured accurately. Beam attenuation coefficients computed from the depolarization ratio measurements compare well with empirical estimates from ocean color measurements. We further verify the beam attenuation coefficient retrievals using aircraft-based high spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) data that are collocated with in-water optical measurements.
An Innovative Concept for Spacebased Lidar Measurement of Ocean Carbon Biomass
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hu, Yongxiang; Behrenfeld, Michael; Hostetler, Chris; Pelon, Jacques; Trepte, Charles; Hair, John; Slade, Wayne; Cetinic, Ivona; Vaughan, Mark; Lu, Xiaomei;
2015-01-01
Beam attenuation coefficient, c, provides an important optical index of plankton standing stocks, such as phytoplankton biomass and total particulate carbon concentration. Unfortunately, c has proven difficult to quantify through remote sensing. Here, we introduce an innovative approach for estimating c using lidar depolarization measurements and diffuse attenuation coefficients from ocean color products or lidar measurements of Brillouin scattering. The new approach is based on a theoretical formula established from Monte Carlo simulations that links the depolarization ratio of sea water to the ratio of diffuse attenuation Kd and beam attenuation C (i.e., a multiple scattering factor). On July 17, 2014, the CALIPSO satellite was tilted 30Âdeg off-nadir for one nighttime orbit in order to minimize ocean surface backscatter and demonstrate the lidar ocean subsurface measurement concept from space. Depolarization ratios of ocean subsurface backscatter are measured accurately. Beam attenuation coefficients computed from the depolarization ratio measurements compare well with empirical estimates from ocean color measurements. We further verify the beam attenuation coefficient retrievals using aircraft-based high spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) data that are collocated with in-water optical measurements.
Seasonal and regional differentiation of bio-optical properties within the north polar Atlantic
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stramska, Malgorzata; Stramski, Dariusz; Kaczmarek, SłAwomir; Allison, David B.; Schwarz, Jill
2006-08-01
Using field data from the north polar Atlantic, we examined seasonal variability of the spectral absorption, a(λ), and backscattering, bb(λ), coefficients of surface waters in relation to phytoplankton pigments. For a given chlorophyll a concentration, the concentrations of accessory pigments were lower in spring than in summer. This effect contributed to lower chlorophyll-specific absorption of phytoplankton and total particulate matter in spring. The spring values of the green-to-blue band ratio of a(λ) were higher than the summer ratios. The blue-to-green ratios of bb(λ) were also higher in spring. The higher bb values and lower blue-to-green bb ratios in summer were likely associated with higher concentrations of detrital particles in summer compared to spring. Because the product of these band ratios of a and bb is a proxy for the blue-to-green ratio of remote-sensing reflectance, the performance of ocean color band-ratio algorithms for estimating pigments is significantly affected by seasonal shifts in the relationships between absorption, backscattering, and chlorophyll a. Our results suggest that the algorithm for the spring season would predict chlorophyll a that is higher by as much as a factor of 4-6 compared to that predicted from the summer algorithm. This indicates a need for a seasonal approach in the north polar Atlantic. However, we also found that a fairly good estimate of the particulate beam attenuation coefficient at 660 nm (a proxy for total particulate matter or particulate organic carbon concentration) can be obtained by applying a single blue-to-green band-ratio algorithm regardless of the season.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Barbieux, Marie; Uitz, Julia; Bricaud, Annick; Organelli, Emanuele; Poteau, Antoine; Schmechtig, Catherine; Gentili, Bernard; Obolensky, Grigor; Leymarie, Edouard; Penkerc'h, Christophe; D'Ortenzio, Fabrizio; Claustre, Hervé
2018-02-01
Characterizing phytoplankton distribution and dynamics in the world's open oceans requires in situ observations over a broad range of space and time scales. In addition to temperature/salinity measurements, Biogeochemical-Argo (BGC-Argo) profiling floats are capable of autonomously observing at high-frequency bio-optical properties such as the chlorophyll fluorescence, a proxy of the chlorophyll a concentration (Chla), the particulate backscattering coefficient (bbp), a proxy of the stock of particulate organic carbon, and the light available for photosynthesis. We analyzed an unprecedented BGC-Argo database of more than 8,500 multivariable profiles collected in various oceanic conditions, from subpolar waters to subtropical gyres. Our objective is to refine previously established Chla versus bbp relationships and gain insights into the sources of vertical, seasonal, and regional variability in this relationship. Despite some regional, seasonal and vertical variations, a general covariation occurs at a global scale. We distinguish two main contrasted situations: (1) concomitant changes in Chla and bbp that correspond to actual variations in phytoplankton biomass, e.g., in subpolar regimes; (2) a decoupling between the two variables attributed to photoacclimation or changes in the relative abundance of nonalgal particles, e.g., in subtropical regimes. The variability in the bbp:Chla ratio in the surface layer appears to be essentially influenced by the type of particles and by photoacclimation processes. The large BGC-Argo database helps identifying the spatial and temporal scales at which this ratio is predominantly driven by one or the other of these two factors.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhu, Weining; Yu, Qian; Tian, Yong Q.; Chen, Robert F.; Gardner, G. Bernard
2011-02-01
A method for the inversion of hyperspectral remote sensing was developed to determine the absorption coefficient for chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in the Mississippi and Atchafalaya river plume regions and the northern Gulf of Mexico, where water types vary from Case 1 to turbid Case 2. Above-surface hyperspectral remote sensing data were measured by a ship-mounted spectroradiometer and then used to estimate CDOM. Simultaneously, water absorption and attenuation coefficients, CDOM and chlorophyll fluorescence, turbidities, and other related water properties were also measured at very high resolution (0.5-2 m) using in situ, underwater, and flow-through (shipboard, pumped) optical sensors. We separate ag, the absorption coefficient a of CDOM, from adg (a of CDOM and nonalgal particles) based on two absorption-backscattering relationships. The first is between ad (a of nonalgal particles) and bbp (total particulate backscattering coefficient), and the second is between ap (a of total particles) and bbp. These two relationships are referred as ad-based and ap-based methods, respectively. Consequently, based on Lee's quasi-analytical algorithm (QAA), we developed the so-called Extended Quasi-Analytical Algorithm (QAA-E) to decompose adg, using both ad-based and ap-based methods. The absorption-backscattering relationships and the QAA-E were tested using synthetic and in situ data from the International Ocean-Colour Coordinating Group (IOCCG) as well as our own field data. The results indicate the ad-based method is relatively better than the ap-based method. The accuracy of CDOM estimation is significantly improved by separating ag from adg (R2 = 0.81 and 0.65 for synthetic and in situ data, respectively). The sensitivities of the newly introduced coefficients were also analyzed to ensure QAA-E is robust.
Westberry, Toby K; Dall'Olmo, Giorgio; Boss, Emmanuel; Behrenfeld, Michael J; Moutin, Thierry
2010-07-19
We present an extensive data set of particle attenuation (c(p)), backscattering (b(bp)), and chlorophyll concentration (Chl) from a diverse set of open ocean environments. A consistent observation in the data set is the strong coherence between c(p) and b(bp) and the resulting constancy of the backscattering ratio (0.010 +/- 0.002). The strong covariability between c(p) and b(bp) must be rooted in one or both of two explanations, 1) the size distribution of particles in the ocean is remarkably conserved and particle types responsible for c(p) and b(bp) covary, 2) the same particle types exert influence on both quantities. Therefore, existing relationships between c(p) or Chl:c(p) and phytoplankton biomass and physiological indices can be conceptually extended to the use of b(bp). This finding lends support to use of satellite-derived Chl and b(bp) for investigation of phytoplankton biomass and physiology and broadens the applications of existing ocean color retrievals.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stramski, Dariusz; Mitchell, B. Greg; Marra, John W. (Technical Monitor)
2001-01-01
This project was a collaboration between two Principal Investigators, Dr. Dariusz Stramski and Dr. Greg Mitchell of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego. Our overall goal was to conduct optical measurements and modeling to estimate concentrations of organic matter in the Southern Ocean in support of the U.S. JGOFS Process Study in this region. Key variables and processes of high relevance to accomplish the JGOFS goals include time and space resolution of phytoplankton pigments, particulate organic carbon, and the formation and export of organic carbon. Our project focused on establishing the fundamental relationships for parameterization of these variables and processes in terms of the optical properties of seawater, and developing understanding of why the Southern Ocean differs from other low-latitude systems, or has differentiation within. Our approach builds upon historical observations that optical properties provide a useful proxy for key reservoirs of organic matter such as chlorophyll alpha (Chl) and particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations, which are of relevance to the JGOFS objectives. We carried out detailed studies of in situ and water sample optical properties including spectral reflectance, absorption, beam attenuation, scattering, and backscattering coefficients. We evaluated the ability to estimate Chl from the spectral reflectance (ocean color) in the Southern Ocean. We examined relationships between the ocean optical properties and particulate organic carbon. We developed, for the first time, an algorithm for estimating particulate organic carbon concentration in the surface ocean from satellite imagery of ocean color. With this algorithm, we obtained maps of POC distribution in the Southern Ocean showing the seasonal progression of POC in the austral spring-summer season. We also developed a semianalytical reflectance model for the investigated polar waters based on our field measurements of absorption and backscattering coefficients and Chl-dependent parameterizations of these coefficients. With this model, libraries of expected reflectance spectra for various chlorophyll concentrations can be generated with high spectral resolution for specific oceanic regions. In addition, our semianalytical reflectance model provided insight into the mechanisms which drive the empirical relationships between the ocean color and chlorophyll concentration. Our optical approach to the study of pigment and carbon concentrations will be directly relevant to development of system models and long-term monitoring of the Southern Ocean.
Claytor, Thomas N.; Karplus, Henry B.
1985-01-01
Voids and particulates are detected in a flowing stream of fluid contained in a pipe by a detector which includes three transducers spaced about the pipe. A first transducer at a first location on the pipe transmits an ultrasonic signal into the stream. A second transducer detects the through-transmission of the signal at a second location and a third transducer at a third location upstream from the first location detects the back-scattering of the signal from any voids or particulates. To differentiate between voids and particulates a fourth transducer is positioned at a fourth location which is also upstream from the first location. The back-scattered signals are normalized with the through-transmission signal to minimize temperature fluctuations.
Quantitative Ultrasound Imaging Using Acoustic Backscatter Coefficients.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Boote, Evan Jeffery
Current clinical ultrasound scanners render images which have brightness levels related to the degree of backscattered energy from the tissue being imaged. These images offer the interpreter a qualitative impression of the scattering characteristics of the tissue being examined, but due to the complex factors which affect the amplitude and character of the echoed acoustic energy, it is difficult to make quantitative assessments of scattering nature of the tissue, and thus, difficult to make precise diagnosis when subtle disease effects are present. In this dissertation, a method of data reduction for determining acoustic backscatter coefficients is adapted for use in forming quantitative ultrasound images of this parameter. In these images, the brightness level of an individual pixel corresponds to the backscatter coefficient determined for the spatial position represented by that pixel. The data reduction method utilized rigorously accounts for extraneous factors which affect the scattered echo waveform and has been demonstrated to accurately determine backscatter coefficients under a wide range of conditions. The algorithms and procedures used to form backscatter coefficient images are described. These were tested using tissue-mimicking phantoms which have regions of varying scattering levels. Another phantom has a fat-mimicking layer for testing these techniques under more clinically relevant conditions. Backscatter coefficient images were also formed of in vitro human liver tissue. A clinical ultrasound scanner has been adapted for use as a backscatter coefficient imaging platform. The digital interface between the scanner and the computer used for data reduction are described. Initial tests, using phantoms are presented. A study of backscatter coefficient imaging of in vivo liver was performed using several normal, healthy human subjects.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Wenmei; Chen, Erxue; Li, Zengyuan; Feng, Qi
2014-11-01
To assess performance of P-band backscattering coefficients and TSAR for hemi-boreal forest AGB estimation, airborne P-band repeat-path Pol-InSAR data collected by ESAR in Ramingstorp test site during March and May 2007 are applied. The correlation coefficient (R) between P-band backscattering coefficients and in-situ biomass reaches 0.87 for HH polarization. Meanwhile, the R between P-band backscattering power at specific height and in-situ biomass are higher in VV polarization than that in HH and HV polarization. And R between P-band backscattering power and in-situ biomass reaches 0.70 at 5m and 10m height in VV polarization.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Wenmei; Chen, Erxue; Li, Zengyuan; Feng, Qi
2014-11-01
To assess performance of P-band backscattering coefficients and TSAR for hemi-boreal forest AGB estimation, airborne P-band repeat-path Pol-InSAR data collected by ESAR in Ramingstorp test site during March and May 2007 are applied.The correlation coefficient (R) between P-band backscattering coefficients and in-situ biomass reaches 0.87 for HH polarization. Meanwhile, the R between P-band backscattering power at specific height and in-situ biomass are higher in VV polarization than that in HH and HV polarization. And R between P-band backscattering power and in-situ biomass reaches 0.70 at 5m and 10m height in VV polarization.
Near-IR extinction and backscatter coefficient measurements in low- and mid-altitude clouds
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sztankay, Z. G.
1986-01-01
Knowledge of the attenuation and backscattering properties of clouds is required to high resolution for several types of optical sensing systems. Such data was obtained in about 15 hours of flights through clouds in the vicinity of Washington, D.C. The flights were mainly through stratocumulus, altocumulus, stratus, and stratus fractus clouds and covered an altitude and temperature range of 300 to 3200 m and -13 to 17 C. Two instruments were flown, each of which measured the backscatter from close range in two range bins to independently determine both the extinction and backscatter coefficients. The extinction and backscatter coefficients can be obtained from the signals in the two channels of each instrument, provided that the aerosol is uniform over the measurement region. When this assumptions holds, the extinction coefficient is derived basically from the ratio of the signal in the two channels; the backscatter coefficient can then be obtained from the signal in either channel.
Paige, Jeremy S.; Bernstein, Gregory S.; Heba, Elhamy; Costa, Eduardo A. C.; Fereirra, Marilia; Wolfson, Tanya; Gamst, Anthony C.; Valasek, Mark A.; Lin, Grace Y.; Han, Aiguo; Erdman, John W.; O’Brien, William D.; Andre, Michael P.; Loomba, Rohit; Sirlin, Claude B.
2017-01-01
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to explore the diagnostic performance of two investigational quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters, attenuation coefficient and backscatter coefficient, in comparison with conventional ultrasound (CUS) and MRI-estimated proton density fat fraction (PDFF) for predicting histology-confirmed steatosis grade in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS In this prospectively designed pilot study, 61 adults with histology-confirmed NAFLD were enrolled from September 2012 to February 2014. Subjects underwent QUS, CUS, and MRI examinations within 100 days of clinical-care liver biopsy. QUS parameters (attenuation coefficient and backscatter coefficient) were estimated using a reference phantom technique by two analysts independently. Three-point ordinal CUS scores intended to predict steatosis grade (1, 2, or 3) were generated independently by two radiologists on the basis of QUS features. PDFF was estimated using an advanced chemical shift–based MRI technique. Using histologic examination as the reference standard, ROC analysis was performed. Optimal attenuation coefficient, backscatter coefficient, and PDFF cutoff thresholds were identified, and the accuracy of attenuation coefficient, backscatter coefficient, PDFF, and CUS to predict steatosis grade was determined. Interobserver agreement for attenuation coefficient, backscatter coefficient, and CUS was analyzed. RESULTS CUS had 51.7% grading accuracy. The raw and cross-validated steatosis grading accuracies were 61.7% and 55.0%, respectively, for attenuation coefficient, 68.3% and 68.3% for backscatter coefficient, and 76.7% and 71.3% for MRI-estimated PDFF. Interobserver agreements were 53.3% for CUS (κ = 0.61), 90.0% for attenuation coefficient (κ = 0.87), and 71.7% for backscatter coefficient (κ = 0.82) (p < 0.0001 for all). CONCLUSION Preliminary observations suggest that QUS parameters may be more accurate and provide higher interobserver agreement than CUS for predicting hepatic steatosis grade in patients with NAFLD. PMID:28267360
Paige, Jeremy S; Bernstein, Gregory S; Heba, Elhamy; Costa, Eduardo A C; Fereirra, Marilia; Wolfson, Tanya; Gamst, Anthony C; Valasek, Mark A; Lin, Grace Y; Han, Aiguo; Erdman, John W; O'Brien, William D; Andre, Michael P; Loomba, Rohit; Sirlin, Claude B
2017-05-01
The purpose of this study is to explore the diagnostic performance of two investigational quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters, attenuation coefficient and backscatter coefficient, in comparison with conventional ultrasound (CUS) and MRI-estimated proton density fat fraction (PDFF) for predicting histology-confirmed steatosis grade in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this prospectively designed pilot study, 61 adults with histology-confirmed NAFLD were enrolled from September 2012 to February 2014. Subjects underwent QUS, CUS, and MRI examinations within 100 days of clinical-care liver biopsy. QUS parameters (attenuation coefficient and backscatter coefficient) were estimated using a reference phantom technique by two analysts independently. Three-point ordinal CUS scores intended to predict steatosis grade (1, 2, or 3) were generated independently by two radiologists on the basis of QUS features. PDFF was estimated using an advanced chemical shift-based MRI technique. Using histologic examination as the reference standard, ROC analysis was performed. Optimal attenuation coefficient, backscatter coefficient, and PDFF cutoff thresholds were identified, and the accuracy of attenuation coefficient, backscatter coefficient, PDFF, and CUS to predict steatosis grade was determined. Interobserver agreement for attenuation coefficient, backscatter coefficient, and CUS was analyzed. CUS had 51.7% grading accuracy. The raw and cross-validated steatosis grading accuracies were 61.7% and 55.0%, respectively, for attenuation coefficient, 68.3% and 68.3% for backscatter coefficient, and 76.7% and 71.3% for MRI-estimated PDFF. Interobserver agreements were 53.3% for CUS (κ = 0.61), 90.0% for attenuation coefficient (κ = 0.87), and 71.7% for backscatter coefficient (κ = 0.82) (p < 0.0001 for all). Preliminary observations suggest that QUS parameters may be more accurate and provide higher interobserver agreement than CUS for predicting hepatic steatosis grade in patients with NAFLD.
Claytor, T.N.; Karplus, H.B.
1983-09-26
Apparatus for detecting voids and particulates in a flowing stream of fluid contained in a pipe may comprise: (a) a transducer for transmitting an ultrasonic signal into the stream, coupled to the pipe at a first location; (b) a second transducer for detecting the through-transmission of said signal, coupled to the pipe at a second location; (c) a third transducer for detecting the back-scattering of said signal, coupled to the pipe at a third location, said third location being upstream from said first location; (d) circuit means for normalizing the back-scattered signal from said third transducer to the through-transmitted signal from said second transducer; which normalized signal provides a measure of the voids and particulates flowing past said first location.
Observation and analysis of water inherent optical properties
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sun, Deyong; Li, Yunmei; Le, Chengfeng; Huang, Changchun
2008-03-01
Inherent optical property is an important part of water optical properties, and is the foundation of water color analytical model establishment. Through quantity filter technology (QFT) and backscattering meter BB9 (WETlabs Inc), absorption coefficients of CDOM, total suspended minerals and backscattering coefficients of total suspended minerals had been observed in Meiliang Bay of Taihu lake at summer and winter respectively. After analyzing the spectral characteristics of absorption and backscattering coefficients, the differences between two seasons had been illustrated adequately, and the reasons for the phenomena, which are related to the changes of water quality coefficient, had also been explained. So water environment states can be reflected by inherent optical properties. In addition, the relationship models between backscattering coefficients and suspended particle concentrations had been established, which can support coefficients for analytical models.
An energy-dependent electron backscattering coefficient
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Williamson, W., Jr.; Antolak, A. J.; Meredith, R. J.
1987-05-01
An energy-dependent electron backscattering coefficient is derived based on the continuous slowing down approximation and the Bethe stopping power. Backscattering coefficients are given for 10-50-keV electrons incident on bulk and thin-film aluminum, silver, and gold targets. The results are compared with the Everhart theory and empirical fits to experimental data. The energy-dependent theory agrees better with experimental work.
Li, Yang-yang; Zhao, Kai; Ren, Jian-hua; Ding, Yan-ling; Wu, Li-li
2014-01-01
Soil salinity is a global problem, especially in developing countries, which affects the environment and productivity of agriculture areas. Salt has a significant effect on the complex dielectric constant of wet soil. However, there is no suitable model to describe the variation in the backscattering coefficient due to changes in soil salinity content. The purpose of this paper is to use backscattering models to understand behaviors of the backscattering coefficient in saline soils based on the analysis of its dielectric constant. The effects of moisture and salinity on the dielectric constant by combined Dobson mixing model and seawater dielectric constant model are analyzed, and the backscattering coefficient is then simulated using the AIEM. Simultaneously, laboratory measurements were performed on ground samples. The frequency effect of the laboratory results was not the same as the simulated results. The frequency dependence of the ionic conductivity of an electrolyte solution is influenced by the ion's components. Finally, the simulated backscattering coefficients measured from the dielectric constant with the AIEM were analyzed using the extracted backscattering coefficient from the RADARSAT-2 image. The results show that RADARSAT-2 is potentially able to measure soil salinity; however, the mixed pixel problem needs to be more thoroughly considered.
AVIRIS calibration and application in coastal oceanic environments
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Carder, Kendall L.
1992-01-01
The Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) is a test-bed for future spacecraft sensors such as the High-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer and the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectrometers planned for the Earth Observing System. To use this sensor for ocean applications, S/N was increased by spatial averaging of images. Post-flight recalibration was accomplished using in situ the water-leaving radiance measured at flight time, modeling radiance transmission to the aircraft, and adding modeled atmospheric radiance to that value. The preflight calibration curve was then adjusted until aircraft and modeled total radiance values matched. Water-leaving radiance values from the recalibrated AVIRIS imagery were consistent with in situ data supporting the validity of the approach. Imagery of the absorption coefficient at 415 nm and backscattering coefficient at 671 nm were used to depict the dissolved and particulate constituents of an ebb-tidal esturance plume on the East coast of Florida.
Laser Doppler Radar System Calibration and Rainfall Attenuation Measurements
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
1978-10-01
The atmospheric attenuation and backscatter coefficients have been measured at the 10.6-micrometers wavelength of the CO2 laser in rainstorms. Data are presented to show the increase in attenuation coefficient with rainfall rate. Backscatter coeffici...
Estimation of vegetation parameters such as Leaf Area Index from polarimetric SAR data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hetz, Marina; Blumberg, Dan G.; Rotman, Stanley R.
2010-05-01
This work presents the analysis of the capability to use the radar backscatter coefficient in semi-arid zones to estimate the vegetation crown in terms of Leaf Area Index (LAI). The research area is characterized by the presence of a pine forest with shrubs as an underlying vegetation layer (understory), olive trees, natural grove areas and eucalyptus trees. The research area was imaged by an airborne RADAR system in L-band during February 2009. The imagery includes multi-look radar images. All the images were fully polarized i.e., HH, VV, HV polarizations. For this research we used the central azimuth angle (113° ). We measured LAI using the ?T Sun Scan Canopy Analysis System. Verification was done by analytic calculations and digital methods for the leaf's and needle's surface area. In addition, we estimated the radar extinction coefficient of the vegetation volume by comparing point calibration targets (trihedral corner reflectors with 150cm side length) within and without the canopy. The radar extinction in co- polarized images was ~26dB and ~24dB for pines and olives respectively, compared to the same calibration target outside the vegetation. We used smaller trihedral corner reflectors (41cm side length) and covered them with vegetation to measure the correlation between vegetation density, LAI and radar backscatter coefficient for pines and olives under known conditions. An inverse correlation between the radar backscatter coefficient of the trihedral corner reflectors covered by olive branches and the LAI of those branches was observed. The correlation between LAI and the optical transmittance was derived using the Beer-Lambert law. In addition, comparing this law's principle to the principle of the radar backscatter coefficient production, we derived the equation that connects between the radar backscatter coefficient and LAI. After extracting the radar backscatter coefficient of forested areas, all the vegetation parameters were used as inputs for the MIMICS model that simulates the radar backscatter coefficient of pines. The model results show a backscatter of -18dB in HV polarization which is 13dB higher than the mean pines backscatter in the radar images, whereas the co-polarized images revealed a backscatter of -10dB which is 23dB higher than the actual backscatter value deriver from the radar images. Therefore, next step in the research will incorporate other vegetation parameters and attempt to understand the discrepancies between the simulation and the actual data.
Effects of absorption on multiple scattering by random particulate media: exact results.
Mishchenko, Michael I; Liu, Li; Hovenier, Joop W
2007-10-01
We employ the numerically exact superposition T-matrix method to perform extensive computations of elec nottromagnetic scattering by a volume of discrete random medium densely filled with increasingly absorbing as well as non-absorbing particles. Our numerical data demonstrate that increasing absorption diminishes and nearly extinguishes certain optical effects such as depolarization and coherent backscattering and increases the angular width of coherent backscattering patterns. This result corroborates the multiple-scattering origin of such effects and further demonstrates the heuristic value of the concept of multiple scattering even in application to densely packed particulate media.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Odonnell, M.; Miller, J. G.
1981-01-01
The use of a broadband backscatter technique to obtain the frequency dependence of the longitudinal-wave ultrasonic backscatter coefficient from a collection of scatterers in a solid is investigated. Measurements of the backscatter coefficient were obtained over the range of ultrasonic wave vector magnitude-glass sphere radius product between 0.1 and 3.0 from model systems consisting of dilute suspensions of randomly distributed crown glass spheres in hardened polyester resin. The results of these measurements were in good agreement with theoretical prediction. Consequently, broadband measurements of the ultrasonic backscatter coefficient may represent a useful approach toward characterizing the physical properties of scatterers in intrinsically inhomogeneous materials such as composites, metals, and ceramics, and may represent an approach toward nondestructive evaluation of these materials.
[Differences of inherent optical properties of inland lake water body in typical seasons].
Sun, De-Yong; Li, Yun-Mei; Wang, Qiao; Le, Cheng-Fen; Huang, Chang-Chun; Wang, Li-Zhen
2008-05-01
Inherent optical property is one of the important properties of water body, which lays the foundation for the establishment of water color analytical models. By using quantity filter technology (QFT) and BB9 backscattering meter, the absorption coefficients of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and total suspended matters (TSM) and the backscattering coefficient of TSM in the water body at Meiliang Bay of Taihu Lake were measured in summer and winter. Based on the spectral comparison of the absorption and backscattering coefficients, their differences between the two seasons were demonstrated, and the reasons that caused these differences were also explored in the context of their relations to the changes in water quality. Consequently, water environment condition could be revealed by using the inherent optical property. The relationship between the backscattering coefficient and the TSM concentration was established, which could provide supporting coefficients to the analytical models to be developed.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zeng, Chen; Rosengard, Sarah Z.; Burt, William; Peña, M. Angelica; Nemcek, Nina; Zeng, Tao; Arrigo, Kevin R.; Tortell, Philippe D.
2018-06-01
We evaluate several algorithms for the estimation of phytoplankton size class (PSC) and functional type (PFT) biomass from ship-based optical measurements in the Subarctic Northeast Pacific Ocean. Using underway measurements of particulate absorption and backscatter in surface waters, we derived estimates of PSC/PFT based on chlorophyll-a concentrations (Chl-a), particulate absorption spectra and the wavelength dependence of particulate backscatter. Optically-derived [Chl-a] and phytoplankton absorption measurements were validated against discrete calibration samples, while the derived PSC/PFT estimates were validated using size-fractionated Chl-a measurements and HPLC analysis of diagnostic photosynthetic pigments (DPA). Our results showflo that PSC/PFT algorithms based on [Chl-a] and particulate absorption spectra performed significantly better than the backscatter slope approach. These two more successful algorithms yielded estimates of phytoplankton size classes that agreed well with HPLC-derived DPA estimates (RMSE = 12.9%, and 16.6%, respectively) across a range of hydrographic and productivity regimes. Moreover, the [Chl-a] algorithm produced PSC estimates that agreed well with size-fractionated [Chl-a] measurements, and estimates of the biomass of specific phytoplankton groups that were consistent with values derived from HPLC. Based on these results, we suggest that simple [Chl-a] measurements should be more fully exploited to improve the classification of phytoplankton assemblages in the Northeast Pacific Ocean.
Xu, Guangyu; Di Iorio, Daniela
2011-10-01
Acoustic methods are applied to the investigation and monitoring of a vigorous hydrothermal plume within the Main Endeavor vent field at the Endeavor segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Forward propagation and scattering from suspended particulates using Rayleigh scattering theory is shown to be negligible (log-amplitude variance σ(χ) (2)~10(-7)) compared to turbulence induced by temperature fluctuations (σ(χ) (2)~0.1). The backscattering from turbulence is then quantified using the forward scattering derived turbulence level, which gives a volume backscattering strength of s(V)=6.5 × 10(-8) m(-1). The volume backscattering cross section from particulates can range from s(V)=3.3 × 10(-6) to 7.2 × 10(-10) m(-1) depending on the particle size. These results show that forward scatter acoustic methods in hydrothermal vent applications can be used to quantify turbulence and its effect on backscatter measurements, which can be a dominant factor depending on the particle size and its location within the plume. © 2011 Acoustical Society of America
Laser remote sensing of tropospheric aerosol over Southern Ireland using a backscatter Raman LIDAR
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ruth, Albert A.; Acheson, Karen; Apituley, Arnoud; Chaikovsky, Anatoli; Nicolae, Doina; Ortiz-Amezcua, Pablo; Stoyanov, Dimitar; Trickl, Thomas
2016-04-01
Raman backscatter coefficients, extinction coefficients and lidar ratios were measured with a ground based Raman lidar system at University College Cork, Ireland, during the periods of July 2012 - August 2012, April 2013 - December 2013 and March 2014 - May 2014. Statistical analysis of these parameters in this time provided information about seasonal effects of Raman backscatter coefficients and the altitude of the top of the planetary boundary layer. The mean of the altitude of the top of the planetary boundary layer over these time periods is 950 ± 302 m. The values are larger in summer, 1206 ± 367 m, than in winter, 735 m. The altitude of the top of the planetary boundary layer measured at Cork is lower than most EARLINET stations. Raman backscatter coefficients above and altitude of 2 km are highest in summer and spring where the values are greater than 0.28 Mm-1 sr-1. Winter values of Raman backscatter coefficient are less than 0.06 Mm-1 sr-1. These seasonal effects are consistent with most EARLINET stations. Large aerosol loads were detected in July 2013 due to a Canadian forest fire event. HYSPLIT air-mass back trajectory models were used to trace the origin of the detected aerosol layers. The aerosol forecast model, MACC, was used to further investigate and verify the propagation of the smoke. The Lidar ratio values and Klett and Raman backscatter coefficients at Cork, for the 4th July, the 7th to 9th of July and the 11th July were compared with observations at Cabauw, Minsk, Granada, Bucharest, Sofia and Garmisch. Lidar ratio values for the smoke detected at Cork were determined to be between 33 sr and 62 sr. The poster will discuss the seasonal changes of Raman backscatter coefficients and the altitude of the top of the planetary boundary layer at Cork. An investigation of a Canadian forest fire event measured at Cork will be compared with other data from the EARLINET database.
Calculations of radar backscattering coefficient of vegetation-covered soils
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mo, T.; Schmugge, T. J.; Jackson, T. J. (Principal Investigator)
1983-01-01
A model for simulating the measured backscattering coefficient of vegetation-covered soil surfaces includes both coherent and incoherent components of the backscattered radar pulses from a rough sil surface. The effect of vegetation canopy scattering is also incorporated into the model by making the radar pulse subject to two-way attenuation and volume scattering when it passes through the vegetation layer. Model results agree well with the measured angular distributions of the radar backscattering coefficient for HH polarization at the 1.6 GHz and 4.75 GHz frequencies over grass-covered fields. It was found that the coherent scattering component is very important at angles near nadir, while the vegetation volume scattering is dominant at incident angles 30 degrees.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sasano, Y.; Browell, E. V.
1986-01-01
Aerosols are often classified into several general types according to their origins and composition, such as maritime, continental, and stratospheric aerosols, and these aerosol types generally have different characteristics in chemical and physical properties. The present study aims at demonstrating the potential for distinguishing these aerosol types by the wavelength dependence of their backscatter coefficients obtained from quantitative analyses of multiple wavelength lidar signals. Data from the NASA Airborne Differential Abosrption lidar (DIAL) S ystems, which can measure aerosol backscatter profiles at wavelenghts of 300, 600, and 1064 nm and ozone profiles of backscatter coefficients for these three wavelength were derived from the observations of aerosols of different types. Observations were performed over the Atlantic Ocean, the Southwestern United States, and French Guyana.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wang, L.; Shin, R. T.; Kong, J. A.; Yueh, S. H.
1993-01-01
This paper investigates the potential application of neural network to inversion of soil moisture using polarimetric remote sensing data. The neural network used for the inversion of soil parameters is multi-layer perceptron trained with the back-propagation algorithm. The training data include the polarimetric backscattering coefficients obtained from theoretical surface scattering models together with an assumed nominal range of soil parameters which are comprised of the soil permittivity and surface roughness parameters. Soil permittivity is calculated from the soil moisture and the assumed soil texture based on an empirical formula at C-, L-, and P-bands. The rough surface parameters for the soil surface, which is described by the Gaussian random process, are the root-mean-square (rms) height and correlation length. For the rough surface scattering, small perturbation method is used for the L-band frequency, and Kirchhoff approximation is used for the C-band frequency to obtain the corresponding backscattering coefficients. During the training, the backscattering coefficients are the inputs to the neural net and the output from the net are compared with the desired soil parameters to adjust the interconnecting weights. The process is repeated for each input-output data entry and then for the entire training data until convergence is reached. After training, the backscattering coefficients are applied to the trained neural net to retrieve the soil parameters which are compared with the desired soil parameters to verify the effectiveness of this technique. Several cases are examined. First, for simplicity, the correlation length and rms height of the soil surface are fixed while soil moisture is varied. Soil moisture obtained using the neural networks with either L-band or C-band backscattering coefficients for the HH and VV polarizations as inputs is in good agreement with the desired soil moisture. The neural net output matches the desired output for the soil moisture range of 16 to 60 percent for the C-band case. The next case investigated is to vary both soil moisture and rms height while keeping the correlation length fixed. For this case, C-band backscattering coefficients are not sufficient for retrieving two parameters because the Kirchhoff approximation gives the same HH and VV backscattering coefficients. Therefore, the backscattering coefficients at two different frequency bands are necessary to find both the soil moisture and rms height. Finally, the neural nets are also applied to simultaneously invert soil moisture, rms height, and correlation length. Overall, the soil moisture retrieved from the neural network agrees very well with the desired soil moisture. This suggests that the neural network shows potential for retrieval of soil parameters from remote sensing data.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Veselovskii, I.; Goloub, P.; Podvin, T.; Tanre, D.; Ansmann, A.; Korenskiy, M.; Borovoi, A.; Hu, Q.; Whiteman, D. N.
2017-11-01
The existing models predict that corner reflection (CR) of laser radiation by simple ice crystals of perfect shape, such as hexagonal columns or plates, can provide a significant contribution to the ice cloud backscattering. However in real clouds the CR effect may be suppressed due to crystal deformation and surface roughness. In contrast to the extinction coefficient, which is spectrally independent, consideration of diffraction associated with CR results in a spectral dependence of the backscattering coefficient. Thus measuring the spectral dependence of the cloud backscattering coefficient, the contribution of CR can be identified. The paper presents the results of profiling of backscattering coefficient (β) and particle depolarization ratio (δ) of ice and mixed-phase clouds over West Africa by means of a two-wavelength polarization Mie-Raman lidar operated at 355 nm and 532 nm during the SHADOW field campaign. The lidar observations were performed at a slant angle of 43 degree off zenith, thus CR from both randomly oriented crystals and oriented plates could be analyzed. For the most of the observations the cloud backscatter color ratio β355/β532 was close to 1.0, and no spectral features that might indicate the presence of CR of randomly oriented crystals were revealed. Still, in two measurement sessions we observed an increase of backscatter color ratio to a value of nearly 1.3 simultaneously with a decrease of the spectral depolarization ratio δ355/δ532 ratio from 1.0 to 0.8 inside the layers containing precipitating ice crystals. We attribute these changes in optical properties to corner reflections by horizontally oriented ice plates.
Atmospheric aerosol backscatter measurements using a tunable coherent CO2 lidar
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Menzies, R. T.; Kavaya, M. J.; Flamant, P. H.; Haner, D. A.
1984-01-01
Measurements of atmospheric aerosol backscatter coefficients, using a coherent CO2 lidar at 9.25- and 10.6-micron wavelengths, are described. Vertical profiles of the volume backscatter coefficient beta have been measured to a 10-km altitude over the Pasadena, CA, region. These measurements indicate a wide range of variability in beta both in and above the local boundary layer. Certain profiles also indicate a significant enhancement in beta at the 9.25-micron wavelength compared with beta at the 10.6-micron wavelength, which possibly indicates a major contribution to the volume backscatter from ammonium sulfate aerosol particles.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ibrahime Adodo, Fifi; Remy, Frédérique; Picard, Ghislain
2018-05-01
Spaceborne radar altimeters are a valuable tool for observing the Antarctic Ice Sheet. The radar wave interaction with the snow provides information on both the surface and the subsurface of the snowpack due to its dependence on the snow properties. However, the penetration of the radar wave within the snowpack also induces a negative bias on the estimated surface elevation. Empirical corrections of this space- and time-varying bias are usually based on the backscattering coefficient variability. We investigate the spatial and seasonal variations of the backscattering coefficient at the S (3.2 GHz ˜ 9.4 cm), Ku (13.6 GHz ˜ 2.3 cm) and Ka (37 GHz ˜ 0.8 cm) bands. We identified that the backscattering coefficient at Ku band reaches a maximum in winter in part of the continent (Region 1) and in the summer in the remaining (Region 2), while the evolution at other frequencies is relatively uniform over the whole continent. To explain this contrasting behavior between frequencies and between regions, we studied the sensitivity of the backscattering coefficient at three frequencies to several parameters (surface snow density, snow temperature and snow grain size) using an electromagnetic model. The results show that the seasonal cycle of the backscattering coefficient at Ka frequency is dominated by the volume echo and is mainly driven by snow temperature evolution everywhere. In contrast, at S band, the cycle is dominated by the surface echo. At Ku band, the seasonal cycle is dominated by the volume echo in Region 1 and by the surface echo in Region 2. This investigation provides new information on the seasonal dynamics of the Antarctic Ice Sheet surface and provides new clues to build more accurate corrections of the radar altimeter surface elevation signal in the future.
Sci—Fri PM: Dosimetry—05: Megavoltage electron backscatter: EGSnrc results versus 21 experiments
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Ali, E. S. M.; The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa; Buchenberg, W.
2014-08-15
The accuracy of electron backscatter calculations at megavoltage energies is important for many medical physics applications. In this study, EGSnrc calculations of megavoltage electron backscatter (1–22 MeV) are performed and compared to the data from 21 experiments published between 1954 and 1993 for 25 single elements with atomic numbers from 3 to 92. Typical experimental uncertainties are 15%. For EGSnrc simulations, an ideal detector is assumed, and the most accurate electron physics options are employed, for a combined statistical and systematic uncertainty of 3%. The quantities compared are the backscatter coefficient and the energy spectra (in the backward hemisphere andmore » at specific detector locations). For the backscatter coefficient, the overall agreement is within ±2% in the absolute value of the backscatter coefficient (in per cent), and within 11% of the individual backscatter values. EGSnrc results are systematically on the higher end of the spread of the experimental data, which could be partially from systematic experimental errors discussed in the literature. For the energy spectra, reasonable agreement between simulations and experiments is observed, although there are significant variations in the experimental data. At the lower end of the spectra, simulations are higher than some experimental data, which could be due to reduced experimental sensitivity to lower energy electrons and/or over-estimation by EGSnrc for backscattered secondary electrons. In conclusion, overall good agreement is observed between EGSnrc backscatter calculations and experimental measurements for megavoltage electrons. There is a need for high quality experimental data for the energy spectra of backscattered electrons.« less
High-frequency attenuation and backscatter measurements of rat blood between 30 and 60 MHz.
Huang, Chih-Chung
2010-10-07
There has recently been a great deal of interest in noninvasive high-frequency ultrasound imaging of small animals such as rats due to their being the preferred animal model for gene therapy and cancer research. Improving the interpretation of the obtained images and furthering the development of the imaging devices require a detailed knowledge of the ultrasound attenuation and backscattering of biological tissue (e.g. blood) at high frequencies. In the present study, the attenuation and backscattering coefficients of the rat red blood cell (RBC) suspensions and whole blood with hematocrits ranging from 6% to 40% were measured between 30 and 60 MHz using a modified substitution approach. The acoustic parameters of porcine blood under the same conditions were also measured in order to compare differences in the blood properties between these two animals. For porcine blood, both whole blood and RBC suspension were stirred at a rotation speed of 200 rpm. Three different rotation speeds of 100, 200 and 300 rpm were carried out for rat blood experiments. The attenuation coefficients of both rat and porcine blood were found to increase linearly with frequency and hematocrit (the values of coefficients of determination (r(2)) are around 0.82-0.97 for all cases). The average attenuation coefficient of rat whole blood with a hematocrit of 40% increased from 0.26 Nepers mm(-1) at 30 MHz to 0.47 Nepers mm(-1) at 60 MHz. The maximum backscattering coefficients of both rat and porcine RBC suspensions were between 10% and 15% hematocrits at all frequencies. The fourth-power dependence of backscatter on frequency was approximately valid for rat RBC suspensions with hematocrits between 6% and 40%. However, the frequency dependence of the backscatter estimate deviates from a fourth-power law for porcine RBC suspension with hematocrit higher than 20%. The backscattering coefficient plateaued for hematocrits higher than 15% in porcine blood, but for rat blood it was maximal around a hematocrit of 20% at the same rotation speed, and shifted to a hematocrit of 10% at a higher speed. The backscattering properties of rat RBCs in plasma are similar to those of RBCs in saline at a higher rotation speed. The differences in attenuation and backscattering between rat and porcine blood may be attributed to RBCs' being smaller and the RBC aggregation level being lower for rat blood than for porcine blood.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sun, Guo-Qing; Simonett, David S.
1988-01-01
SIR-B images of the Mt. Shasta region of northern California are used to evaluate a composite L-band HH backscattering model of coniferous forest stands. It is found that both SIR-B and simulated backscattering coefficients for eight stands studied have similar trends and relations to average tree height and average number of trees per pixel. Also, the dispersion and distribution of simulated backscattering coefficients from each stand broadly match SIR-B data from the same stand. Although the limited quality and quantity of experimental data makes it difficult to draw any strong conclusions, the comparisons indicate that a stand-based L-band HH composite model seems promising for explaining backscattering features.
Replacing backscattering with reduced scattering. A better formulation of reflectance function?
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Piskozub, Jacek; McKee, David; Freda, Wlodzimierz
2014-05-01
Modern reflectance formulas all involve backscattering coefficient divided by absorption coefficient (bb/a). The backscattering (or backward scattering) coefficient describes how much of the incident radiation is scattered at angles between 90 and 180 deg. However, water leaving photons are not necessarily backscattered because it is possible for a variable fraction to exit after multiple forward scattering events. Therefore the whole angular function of scattering probability (phase function) influences the reflectance signal. This is the reason why phase functions of identical backscattering ratio may result in different reflectance values, contrary to the universally used formula. This creates the question whether there may exist a better formula using a parameter better describing phase function shape than backscattering ratio. The asymmetry parameter g (the average scattering cosine) is commonly used to parametrize phase functions. A replacement for backscattering should decrease with increasing g. Therefore, the simplest candidate to replace backscattering has the form of b(1-g), where b is the scattering coefficient. Such a parameter is well known in biomedical optics under the name of reduced scattering (sometimes transport scattering). It has even been used in parametrizing reflectance in (highly turbid) human tissues. However no attempt has been made to check its usefulness in marine optics. We perform Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculations of reflectance for multiple combinations of inherent optical properties, including different phase functions. The results are used to create a new reflectance formula as a function of reduced scattering and absorption and test its robustness to changes in phase function shape compared to the traditional bb/a formula. We discuss its usefulness as well as advantages and disadvantages compared to the traditional formulation.
Recovery of singularities from a backscattering Born approximation for a biharmonic operator in 3D
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tyni, Teemu
2018-04-01
We consider a backscattering Born approximation for a perturbed biharmonic operator in three space dimensions. Previous results on this approach for biharmonic operator use the fact that the coefficients are real-valued to obtain the reconstruction of singularities in the coefficients. In this text we drop the assumption about real-valued coefficients and also establish the recovery of singularities for complex coefficients. The proof uses mapping properties of the Radon transform.
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission will provide global soil moisture products that will facilitate new science and application areas. The SMAP mission, scheduled for launch in November 2014, will offer synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements of backscattering coefficients for the re...
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cutten, D. R.; Pueschel, R. F.; Srivastava, V.; Clarke, A. D.; Rothermel, J.; Spinhirne, J. D.; Menzies, R. T.
1996-01-01
Aerosol concentrations and size distributions in the middle and upper troposphere over the remote Pacific Ocean were measured with a forward scattering spectrometer probe (FSSP) on the NASA DC-8 aircraft during NASA's Global Backscatter Experiment (GLOBE) in May-June 1990. The FSSP size channels were recalibrated based on refractive index estimates from flight-level aerosol volatility measurements with a collocated laser optical particle counter (LOPC). The recalibrated FSSP size distributions were averaged over 100-s intervals, fitted with lo-normal distributions and used to calculate aerosol backscatter coefficients at selected wavelengths. The FSSP-derived backscatter estimates were averaged over 300-s intervals to reduce large random fluctuations. The smoothed FSSP aerosol backscatter coefficients were then compared with LOPC-derived backscatter values and with backscatter measured at or near flight level from four lidar systems operating at 0.53, 1.06, 9.11, 9.25, and 10.59 micrometers. Agreement between FSSP-derived and lidar-measured backscatter was generally best at flight level in homogeneous aerosol fields and at high backscatter values. FSSP data often underestimated low backscatter values especially at the longer wavelengths due to poor counting statistics for larger particles (greater than 0.8 micrometers diameter) that usually dominate aerosol backscatter at these wavelengths. FSSP data also underestimated backscatter at shorter wavelengths when particles smaller than the FSSP lower cutoff diameter (0.35 micrometers) made significant contributions to the total backscatter.
Kwoun, Oh-Ig; Lu, Z.
2009-01-01
Using multi-temporal European Remote-sensing Satellites (ERS-1/-2) and Canadian Radar Satellite (RADARSAT-1) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data over the Louisiana coastal zone, we characterize seasonal variations of radar backscat-tering according to vegetation type. Our main findings are as follows. First, ERS-1/-2 and RADARSAT-1 require careful radiometric calibration to perform multi-temporal backscattering analysis for wetland mapping. We use SAR backscattering signals from cities for the relative calibration. Second, using seasonally averaged backscattering coefficients from ERS-1/-2 and RADARSAT-1, we can differentiate most forests (bottomland and swamp forests) and marshes (freshwater, intermediate, brackish, and saline marshes) in coastal wetlands. The student t-test results support the usefulness of season-averaged backscatter data for classification. Third, combining SAR backscattering coefficients and an optical-sensor-based normalized difference vegetation index can provide further insight into vegetation type and enhance the separation between forests and marshes. Our study demonstrates that SAR can provide necessary information to characterize coastal wetlands and monitor their changes.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1984-01-01
The atmospheric backscatter coefficient, beta, measured with an airborne CO Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV) system operating in a continuous wave, focussed model is discussed. The Single Particle Mode (SPM) algorithm, was developed from concept through analysis of an extensive amount of data obtained with the system on board a NASA aircraft. The SPM algorithm is intended to be employed in situations where one particle at a time appears in the sensitive volume of the LDV. In addition to giving the backscatter coefficient, the SPM algorithm also produces as intermediate results the aerosol density and the aerosol backscatter cross section distribution. A second method, which measures only the atmospheric backscatter coefficient, is called the Volume Mode (VM) and was simultaneously employed. The results of these two methods differed by slightly less than an order of magnitude. The measurement uncertainties or other errors in the results of the two methods are examined.
Optical backscatter probe for sensing particulate in a combustion gas stream
Parks, James E; Partridge, William P
2013-05-28
A system for sensing particulate in a combustion gas stream is disclosed. The system transmits light into a combustion gas stream, and thereafter detects a portion of the transmitted light as scattered light in an amount corresponding to the amount of particulates in the emissions. Purge gas may be supplied adjacent the light supply and the detector to reduce particles in the emissions from coating or otherwise compromising the transmission of light into the emissions and recovery of scattered light from the emissions.
Visible/Infrared Optical Depths of Cirrus as Seen by Satellite and Scanning Lidar
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wylie, Donald; Wolf, Walt; Piironen, Paivi; Eloranta, Edwin
1996-01-01
The High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) and the Volume Imaging Lidar (VIL) were combined to produce a quantitative image of the visible optical depth of cirrus clouds. The HSRL was used to calibrate the VIL signal into backscatter cross sections of particulates. The backscatter cross sections were related to extinction by a constant backscatter phase function determined from the HSRL data. This produced a three dimensional image of visual extinction in the cirrus clouds over a one hour period. Two lidar images were constructed from one hour VIL cross section records.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Werdell, P. Jeremy; Proctor, Christopher W.; Boss, Emmanuel; Leeuw, Thomas; Ouhssain, Mustapha
2013-01-01
Developing and validating data records from operational ocean color satellite instruments requires substantial volumes of high quality in situ data. In the absence of broad, institutionally supported field programs, organizations such as the NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group seek opportunistic datasets for use in their operational satellite calibration and validation activities. The publicly available, global biogeochemical dataset collected as part of the two and a half year Tara Oceans expedition provides one such opportunity. We showed how the inline measurements of hyperspectral absorption and attenuation coefficients collected onboard the R/V Tara can be used to evaluate near-surface estimates of chlorophyll-a, spectral particulate backscattering coefficients, particulate organic carbon, and particle size classes derived from the NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer onboard Aqua (MODISA). The predominant strength of such flow-through measurements is their sampling rate-the 375 days of measurements resulted in 165 viable MODISA-to-in situ match-ups, compared to 13 from discrete water sampling. While the need to apply bio-optical models to estimate biogeochemical quantities of interest from spectroscopy remains a weakness, we demonstrated how discrete samples can be used in combination with flow-through measurements to create data records of sufficient quality to conduct first order evaluations of satellite-derived data products. Given an emerging agency desire to rapidly evaluate new satellite missions, our results have significant implications on how calibration and validation teams for these missions will be constructed.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nghiem, S. V.; Li, Fuk K.; Lou, Shu-Hsiang; Neumann, Gregory; McIntosh, Robert E.; Carson, Steven C.; Carswell, James R.; Walsh, Edward J.; Donelan, Mark A.; Drennan, William M.
1995-01-01
Ocean radar backscatter in the presence of large waves is investigated using data acquired with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory NUSCAT radar at Ku band for horizontal and vertical polarizations and the University of Massachusetts CSCAT radar at C band for vertical polarization during the Surface Wave Dynamics Experiment. Off-nadir backscatter data of ocean surfaces were obtained in the presence of large waves with significant wave height up to 5.6 m. In moderate-wind cases, effects of large waves are not detectable within the measurement uncertainty and no noticeable correlation between backscatter coefficients and wave height is found. Under high-wave light-wind conditions, backscatter is enhanced significantly at large incidence angles with a weaker effect at small incidence angles. Backscatter coefficients in the wind speed range under consideration are compared with SASS-2 (Ku band), CMOD3-H1 (C band), and Plant's model results which confirm the experimental observations. Variations of the friction velocity, which can give rise to the observed backscatter behaviors in the presence of large waves, are presented.
Relating multifrequency radar backscattering to forest biomass: Modeling and AIRSAR measurement
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sun, Guo-Qing; Ranson, K. Jon
1992-01-01
During the last several years, significant efforts in microwave remote sensing were devoted to relating forest parameters to radar backscattering coefficients. These and other studies showed that in most cases, the longer wavelength (i.e. P band) and cross-polarization (HV) backscattering had higher sensitivity and better correlation to forest biomass. This research examines this relationship in a northern forest area through both backscatter modeling and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data analysis. The field measurements were used to estimate stand biomass from forest weight tables. The backscatter model described by Sun et al. was modified to simulate the backscattering coefficients with respect to stand biomass. The average number of trees per square meter or radar resolution cell, and the average tree height or diameter breast height (dbh) in the forest stand are the driving parameters of the model. The rest of the soil surface, orientation, and size distributions of leaves and branches, remain unchanged in the simulations.
Quantitative Analysis of Venus Radar Backscatter Data in ArcGIS
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Long, S. M.; Grosfils, E. B.
2005-01-01
Ongoing mapping of the Ganiki Planitia (V14) quadrangle of Venus and definition of material units has involved an integrated but qualitative analysis of Magellan radar backscatter images and topography using standard geomorphological mapping techniques. However, such analyses do not take full advantage of the quantitative information contained within the images. Analysis of the backscatter coefficient allows a much more rigorous statistical comparison between mapped units, permitting first order selfsimilarity tests of geographically separated materials assigned identical geomorphological labels. Such analyses cannot be performed directly on pixel (DN) values from Magellan backscatter images, because the pixels are scaled to the Muhleman law for radar echoes on Venus and are not corrected for latitudinal variations in incidence angle. Therefore, DN values must be converted based on pixel latitude back to their backscatter coefficient values before accurate statistical analysis can occur. Here we present a method for performing the conversions and analysis of Magellan backscatter data using commonly available ArcGIS software and illustrate the advantages of the process for geological mapping.
The effect of leaf size on the microwave backscattering by corn
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Paris, J. F.
1986-01-01
Attema and Ulaby (1978) proposed the cloud model to predict the microwave backscattering properties of vegetation. This paper describes a modification in which the biophysical properties and microwave properties of vegetation are related at the level of the individual scatterer (e.g., the leaf or the stalk) rather than at the level of the aggregated canopy (e.g., the green leaf area index). Assuming that the extinction cross section of an average leaf was proportional to its water content, that a power law relationship existed between the backscattering cross section of an average green corn leaf and its area, and that the backscattering coefficient of the surface was a linear function of its volumetric soil moisture content, it is found that the explicit inclusion of the effects of corn leaf size in the model led to an excellent fit between the observed and predicted backscattering coefficients. Also, an excellent power law relationship existed between the backscattering cross section of a corn leaf and its area.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bellecci, Carlo; Gaudio, Pasquale; Gelfusa, Michela; Lo Feudo, Teresa; Murari, Andrea; Richetta, Maria; de Leo, Leonerdo
2010-12-01
In the lidar-dial method, the amount of the water vapor present in the smoke of the vegetable fuel is detected to reduce the number of false alarms. We report the measurements of the smoke backscattering coefficients for the CO2 laser lines 10R20 and 10R18 as determined in an absorption cell for two different vegetable fuels (eucalyptus and conifer). These experimental backscattering coefficients enable us to determine the error to be associated to the water vapor measurements when the traditional first-order approximation is assumed. We find that this first-order approximation is valid for combustion rates as low as 100 g/s.
Remotely sensing wheat maturation with radar
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bush, T. F.; Ulaby, F. T.
1975-01-01
The scattering properties of wheat were studied in the 8-18 GHz band as a function of frequency, polarization, incidence angle, and crop maturity. Supporting ground truth was collected at the time of measurement. The data indicate that the radar backscattering coefficient is sensitive to both radar system parameters and crop characteristics particularly at incidence angles near nadir. Linear regression analyses of the radar backscattering coefficient on both time and plant moisture content result in rather good correlation. Furthermore, by calculating the average time rate of change of the radar backscattering coefficient it is found that it undergoes rapid variations shortly before and after the wheat is harvested. Both of these analyses suggest methods for estimating wheat maturity and for monitoring the progress of harvest.
NARSTO SOS99NASH G-1 AIR CHEMISTRY DATA
Atmospheric Science Data Center
2018-04-09
... Order: E arthdata Search Parameters: Carbon Monoxide Ultraviolet Radiation Atmospheric Pressure Atmospheric ... Nitrogen Oxides Ozone Aerosol Extinction Sulfur Dioxide Aerosol Backscatter Particulate Matter Order Data: ...
Comparison of radar backscatter from Antarctic and Arctic sea ice
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hosseinmostafa, R.; Lytle, V.
1992-01-01
Two ship-based step-frequency radars, one at C-band (5.3 GHz) and one at Ku-band (13.9 GHz), measured backscatter from ice in the Weddell Sea. Most of the backscatter data were from first-year (FY) and second-year (SY) ice at the ice stations where the ship was stationary and detailed snow and ice characterizations were performed. The presence of a slush layer at the snow-ice interface masks the distinction between FY and SY ice in the Weddell Sea, whereas in the Arctic the separation is quite distinct. The effect of snow-covered ice on backscattering coefficients (sigma0) from the Weddell Sea region indicates that surface scattering is the dominant factor. Measured sigma0 values were compared with Kirchhoff and regression-analysis models. The Weibull power-density function was used to fit the measured backscattering coefficients at 45 deg.
Measuring Ultrasonic Backscatter in the Presence of Nonlinear Propagation
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stiles, Timothy; Guerrero, Quinton
2011-11-01
A goal of medical ultrasound is the formation of quantitative ultrasound images in which contrast is determined by acoustic or physical properties of tissue rather than relative echo amplitude. Such images could greatly enhance early detection of many diseases, including breast cancer and liver cirrhosis. Accurate determination of the ultrasonic backscatter coefficient from patients remains a difficult task. One reason for this difficulty is the inherent nonlinear propagation of ultrasound at high intensities used for medical imaging. The backscatter coefficient from several tissue-mimicking samples were measured using the planar reflector method. In this method, the power spectrum from a sample is compared to the power spectrum of an optically flat sample of quartz. The results should be independent of incident pressure amplitude. Results demonstrate that backscatter coefficients can vary by more than an order of magnitude when ultrasound pressure varies from 0.1 MPa to 1.5 MPa at 5.0 MHz. A new method that incorporates nonlinear propagation is proposed to explain these discrepancies.
Backscatter and attenuation properties of mammalian brain tissues
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wijekularatne, Pushpani Vihara
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a common category of brain injuries, which contributes to a substantial number of deaths and permanent disability all over the world. Ultrasound technology plays a major role in tissue characterization due to its low cost and portability that could be used to bridge a wide gap in the TBI diagnostic process. This research addresses the ultrasonic properties of mammalian brain tissues focusing on backscatter and attenuation. Orientation dependence and spatial averaging of data were analyzed using the same method resulting from insertion of tissue sample between a transducer and a reference reflector. Apparent backscatter transfer function (ABTF) at 1 to 10 MHz, attenuation coefficient and backscatter coefficient (BSC) at 1 to 5 MHz frequency ranges were measured on ovine brain tissue samples. The resulting ABTF was a monotonically decreasing function of frequency and the attenuation coefficient and BSC generally were increasing functions of frequency, results consistent with other soft tissues such as liver, blood and heart.
1993-07-24
orders smaller than the Rayleigh cross section. We estimated the extinction coefficients of the Pinatubo volcanic aerosol in the stratosphere using a Raman...to a common aerosol parameter (e.g., backscatter coefficients at selected CO2 wavelengths), have all led to similar estimated values of that...increase only as -r 2 . During this phase, therefore, the backscatter coefficient of a coagulating aerosol population decreases as -r- The maximum
Lidar extinction measurement in the mid infrared
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mitev, Valentin; Babichenko, S.; Borelli, R.; Fiorani, L.; Grigorov, I.; Nuvoli, M.; Palucci, A.; Pistilli, M.; Puiu, Ad.; Rebane, Ott; Santoro, S.
2014-11-01
We present a lidar measurement of atmospheric extinction coefficient. The measurement is performed by inversion of the backscatter lidar signal at wavelengths 3'000nm and 3'500nm. The inversion of the backscatter lidar signal was performed with constant extinction-to-backscatter ration values of 104 and exponential factor 0.1.
Identification of transplanting stage of rice using Sentinel-1 data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hongo, C.; Tosa, T.; Tamura, E.; Sigit, G.; Barus, B.
2017-12-01
As the adaptation of climate change, the Government of Indonesia has launched agricultural insurance program for damage of rice by drought, flood and pest and disease. For assessment of the damage ratio and calculation of indemnity, extraction of paddy field and identification of transplanting stage are key issues. In this research, we conducted identification of rice transplanting stage in dry season of 2015, using data from Sentinel-1, for paddy in Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. As the first step, time series order of backscattering coefficient was analyzed about paddy, forest, villages and fish farming ponds with use of Sentinel-1 data acquired on April 1, April 13, April 25, May 7, May 19, June 24, July 18 and August 11. The result shows that the backscattering coefficient of paddy substantially decreased from data on May 7 and reached minimum value and then after increased toward June. A paddy area showing this change was almost the same area where rice was at harvesting stage and we did field investigation work from August 11 to 13. Considering a growth period of rice in our research site was about 110 days, so the result supported the fact that transplantation of rice was done around May 7. On the other hand, backscattering coefficient of forest, villages and fish farming ponds was constant and showed clear difference from the coefficient of paddy. As the next step, minimum and maximum value of backscattering coefficient were extracted from the data of May 7, May 19 and June 24, respectively. Then increase amount was calculated by deducting the minimum value from the maximum. Finally, using the minimum value of backscattering coefficient and the increased amount, a classification of image was made to identify transplanting stage through maximum likelihood method, decision tree method and threshold setting method (regression analysis by 3σ-rule). As the result, the maximum likelihood method made the most accurate distinguishment about transplanting stage while the decision tree method showed tendency to underestimate a paddy area already planted. As to the threshold setting method (regression analysis by 3σ-rule), its distinguishment accuracy was better than those of other methods about a paddy area adjacent to forest and villages of which backscattering coefficient was influenced by other sources' coefficients.
Modeling of microwave scattering from vegetated covered terrain
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lang, R. H.
1982-01-01
General formulation of resonant backscattering from vegetation, mean field and Green's function in three media, and electromagnetic backscattering coefficients from a layer of vegetation are discussed.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kumar, Pradeep; Prasad, Rajendra; Choudhary, Arti; Gupta, Dileep Kumar; Narayan Mishra, Varun; Srivastava, Prashant K.
2016-04-01
The study about the temporal behaviour of vegetation water content (VWC) is essential for monitoring the growth of a crop to improve agricultural production. In agriculture, VWC could possibly provide information that can be used to infer water stress for irrigation decisions, vegetation health conditions, aid in yield estimation and assessment of drought conditions (Penuelas et al., 1993). The VWC is an important parameter for soil moisture retrieval in microwave remote sensing (Srivastava et al., 2014). In the present study, the backscattering and VWC response of paddy crop has been investigated using medium resolution (MRS) radar imaging satellite-1 (RISAT-1) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data in Varanasi, India. The VWC of paddy crop was measured at its five different growth stages started from 15 July 2013 to 23 October 2013 from the transplanting to maturity stage during Kharif season. The whole life of paddy crop was divided into three different major growth stages like vegetative stage, reproductive stage and ripening stage. During vegetative stage, the backscattering coefficients were found increasing behaviour until the leaves became large and dense due to major contribution of stems and the interaction between the stems and water underneath the paddy crop. During reproductive stage, the backscattering coefficients were found to increase slowly due to random scattering by vertical leaves. The increase in the size of leaves cause to cover most of the spaces between plants resulted to quench the contributions from the stems and the water underneath. At the maturity stage, the backscattering showed its decreasing behaviour. The VWC of paddy crop was found increasing up to vegetative to reproductive stages (28 September 2013) and then started decreasing during the ripening (maturity) stage. Similar behaviour was obtained between backscattering coefficients and VWC that showed an increasing trend from vegetative to reproductive stage and then lowering down at ripening stage at HH- and HV- polarizations. It is concluded that HH- polarized backscattering coefficients using RISAT-1 data are more sensitive in comparison to HV- polarized backscattering coefficients. The C-band, RISAT-1 backscattering coefficients may be useful for the retrieval of VWC of paddy crop to monitor its growth stages. Keywords: SAR, C-band, dual polarimetric, RISAT-1, VWC, paddy References: Penuelas, J., Filella, I., Biel, C., Serrano, L., & Save, R. (1993). The reflectance at the 950-970 mm region as an indicator of plant water status. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 14:1887-1905. Srivastava , P. K., Han, D., Rico-Ramirez, M. A., O'Neill, P., Islam, T., & Gupta, M. (2014). Assessment of SMOS soil moisture retrieval parameters using tau-omega algorithms for soil moisture deficit estimation. Journal of Hydrology 519:574-587
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Esayan, G. L.; Krivoshlykov, S. G.
1989-08-01
A method of coherent states is used to describe the process of Rayleigh scattering in a multimode graded-index waveguide with a quadratic refractive-index profile. Explicit expressions are obtained for the coefficients representing excitation of Gaussian-Hermite backscattering modes in two cases of practical importance: excitation of a waveguide by an extended noncoherent light source and selective excitation of different modes at the entry to a waveguide. An analysis is also made of the coefficients of coupling between forward and backward modes. Explicit expressions for the coefficients representing capture of backscattered radiation by a waveguide are obtained for two special cases of excitation (extended light source and zeroth mode).
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shan, Huihui; Zhang, Hui; Liu, Junjian; Wang, Shenhao; Ma, Xiaomin; Zhang, Lianqing; Liu, Dong; Xie, Chenbo; Tao, Zongming
2018-02-01
Aerosol extinction coefficient profile is an essential parameter for atmospheric radiation model. But it is difficult to get the full aerosol extinction profile from the ground to the tropopause especially in near ground precisely using backscattering lidar. A combined measurement of side-scattering, backscattering and Raman-scattering lidar is proposed to retrieve the aerosol extinction coefficient profile from the surface to the tropopause which covered a dynamic range of 5 orders. The side-scattering technique solves the dead zone and the overlap problem caused by the traditional lidar in the near range. Using the Raman-scattering the aerosol lidar ratio (extinction to backscatter ratio) can be obtained. The cases studies in this paper show the proposed method is reasonable and feasible.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Woźniak, Sławomir B.; Sagan, Sławomir; Zabłocka, Monika; Stoń-Egiert, Joanna; Borzycka, Karolina
2018-06-01
The empirical relationships were examined of spectral characteristics of light scattering and backscattering by particles suspended in seawater in relation to the dry mass concentration of particles and the bulk proportions of their organic and inorganic fractions. The analyses were based on empirical data collected in the surface waters of the southern and central Baltic Sea at different times of the year. It was found that the average scattering and backscattering coefficients, normalized to the dry mass concentration of particles for all our Baltic Sea data (i.e. mass-specific optical coefficients), were characterized by large coefficients of variation (CV) of the order of 30% at all the visible light wavelengths analysed. At wavelength 555 nm the average mass-specific scattering coefficient was ca 0.75 m2 g- 1 (CV = 31%); the corresponding value for backscattering was 0.0072 m2 g- 1 (CV = 29%). The analyses confirmed that some of the observed variations could be explained by changes in the proportions of organic and inorganic fractions of suspended matter. The average organic fraction in all the samples was as high as 83% of the total dry mass concentration but in individual cases it varied between < 50% and up to 100%. Simple, two-variable parameterizations of scattering and backscattering coefficients were derived as functions of the organic and inorganic fraction concentrations. The statistical relationship between the backscattering ratio and the ratio of the organic fraction to the total dry mass of suspended matter was also found: this can be used in practical interpretations of in situ optical measurements. In addition, the variability in particle size distributions recorded with a Coulter counter indicated its potentially highly significant influence on the light scattering properties of particles suspended in Baltic Sea waters.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bi, L.
2016-12-01
Atmospheric remote sensing based on the Lidar technique fundamentally relies on knowledge of the backscattering of light by particulate matters in the atmosphere. This talk starts with a review of the current capabilities of electromagnetic wave scattering simulations to determine the backscattering optical properties of irregular particles, such as the backscatterer and depolarization ratio. This will be followed by a discussion of possible pitfalls in the relevant simulations. The talk will then be concluded with reports on the latest advancements in computational techniques. In addition, we summarize the laws of the backscattering optical properties of aerosols with respect to particle geometries, particle sizes, and mixing rules. These advancements will be applied to the analysis of the Lidar observation data to reveal the state and possible microphysical processes of various aerosols.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wang, J. R.; Shiue, J. C.; Engman, E. T.; Rusek, M.; Steinmeier, C.
1986-01-01
An experiment was conducted from an L-band SAR aboard Space Shuttle Challenger in October 1984 to study the microwave backscatter dependence on soil moisture, surface roughness, and vegetation cover. The results based on the analyses of an image obtained at 21-deg incidence angle show a positive correlatlion between scattering coefficient and soil moisture content, with a sensitivity comparable to that derived from the ground radar measurements reported by Ulaby et al. (1978). The surface roughness strongly affects the microwave backscatter. A factor of two change in the standard deviation of surface roughness height gives a corresponding change of about 8 dB in the scattering coefficient. The microwave backscatter also depends on the vegetation types. Under the dry soil conditions, the scattering coefficient is observed to change from about -24 dB for an alfalfa or lettuce field to about -17 dB for a mature corn field. These results suggest that observations with a SAR system of multiple frequencies and polarizations are required to unravel the effects of soil moisture, surface roughness, and vegetation cover.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Quinn, P. K.; Coffman, D. J.; Bates, T. S.; Welton, E. J.; Covert, D. S.; Miller, T. L.; Johnson, J. E.; Maria, S.; Russell, L.; Arimoto, R.
2004-01-01
During the ACE Asia intensive field campaign conducted in the spring of 2001 aerosol properties were measured onboard the R/V Ronald H. Brown to study the effects of the Asian aerosol on atmospheric chemistry and climate in downwind regions. Aerosol properties measured in the marine boundary layer included chemical composition; number size distribution; and light scattering, hemispheric backscattering, and absorption coefficients. In addition, optical depth and vertical profiles of aerosol 180 deg backscatter were measured. Aerosol within the ACE Asia study region was found to be a complex mixture resulting from marine, pollution, volcanic, and dust sources. Presented here as a function of air mass source region are the mass fractions of the dominant aerosol chemical components, the fraction of the scattering measured at the surface due to each component, mass scattering efficiencies of the individual components, aerosol scattering and absorption coefficients, single scattering albedo, Angstrom exponents, optical depth, and vertical profiles of aerosol extinction. All results except aerosol optical depth and the vertical profiles of aerosol extinction are reported at a relative humidity of 55 +/- 5%. An over-determined data set was collected so that measured and calculated aerosol properties could be compared, internal consistency in the data set could be assessed, and sources of uncertainty could be identified. By taking into account non-sphericity of the dust aerosol, calculated and measured aerosol mass and scattering coefficients agreed within overall experimental uncertainties. Differences between measured and calculated aerosol absorption coefficients were not within reasonable uncertainty limits, however, and may indicate the inability of Mie theory and the assumption of internally mixed homogeneous spheres to predict absorption by the ACE Asia aerosol. Mass scattering efficiencies of non-sea salt sulfate aerosol, sea salt, submicron particulate organic matter, and dust found for the ACE Asia aerosol are comparable to values estimated for ACE 1, Aerosols99, and INDOEX. Unique to the ACE Asia aerosol was the large mass fractions of dust, the dominance of dust in controlling the aerosol optical properties, and the interaction of dust with soot aerosol.
CALIOP near-real-time backscatter products compared to EARLINET data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Grigas, T.; Hervo, M.; Gimmestad, G.; Forrister, H.; Schneider, P.; Preißler, J.; Tarrason, L.; O'Dowd, C.
2015-03-01
The expedited near-real-time Level 1.5 Cloud-Aerosol Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) products were evaluated against data from the ground-based European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET). Over a period of three years, lidar data from 48 CALIOP overpasses with ground tracks within a 100 km distance from an operating EARLINET station were deemed suitable for analysis and they included a valid aerosol classification type (e.g. dust, polluted dust, clean marine, clean continental, polluted continental, mixed and/or smoke/biomass burning). For the complete dataset comprising both PBL and FT data, the correlation coefficient was 0.86, and when separated into separate layers, the PBL and FT correlation coefficients were 0.6 and 0.85 respectively. The presence of FT layers with high attenuated backscatter led to poor agreement in PBL backscatter profiles between the CALIOP and EARLINET measurements and prompted a further analysis filtering out such cases. However, the correlation coefficient value for the complete dataset decreased marginally from 0.86 to 0.84 while the PBL coefficient increased from 0.6 up to 0.65 and the FT coefficient also decreased from 0.85 to 0.79. For specific aerosol types, the correlation coefficient between CALIOP backscatter profiles and ground-based lidar data ranged from 0.37 for polluted continental aerosol in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) to 0.57 for dust in the free troposphere (FT). The results suggest different levels of agreement based on the location of the dominant aerosol layer and the aerosol type.
Effects of vegetation canopy on the radar backscattering coefficient
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mo, T.; Blanchard, B. J.; Schmugge, T. J.
1983-01-01
Airborne L- and C-band scatterometer data, taken over both vegetation-covered and bare fields, were systematically analyzed and theoretically reproduced, using a recently developed model for calculating radar backscattering coefficients of rough soil surfaces. The results show that the model can reproduce the observed angular variations of radar backscattering coefficient quite well via a least-squares fit method. Best fits to the data provide estimates of the statistical properties of the surface roughness, which is characterized by two parameters: the standard deviation of surface height, and the surface correlation length. In addition, the processes of vegetation attenuation and volume scattering require two canopy parameters, the canopy optical thickness and a volume scattering factor. Canopy parameter values for individual vegetation types, including alfalfa, milo and corn, were also determined from the best-fit results. The uncertainties in the scatterometer data were also explored.
Monitoring Everglades freshwater marsh water level using L-band synthetic aperture radar backscatter
Kim, Jin-Woo; Lu, Zhong; Jones, John W.; Shum, C.K.; Lee, Hyongki; Jia, Yuanyuan
2014-01-01
The Florida Everglades plays a significant role in controlling floods, improving water quality, supporting ecosystems, and maintaining biodiversity in south Florida. Adaptive restoration and management of the Everglades requires the best information possible regarding wetland hydrology. We developed a new and innovative approach to quantify spatial and temporal variations in wetland water levels within the Everglades, Florida. We observed high correlations between water level measured at in situ gages and L-band SAR backscatter coefficients in the freshwater marsh, though C-band SAR backscatter has no close relationship with water level. Here we illustrate the complementarity of SAR backscatter coefficient differencing and interferometry (InSAR) for improved estimation of high spatial resolution water level variations in the Everglades. This technique has a certain limitation in applying to swamp forests with dense vegetation cover, but we conclude that this new method is promising in future applications to wetland hydrology research.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Whiteman, David N.
2003-01-01
In a companion paper, the temperature dependence of Raman scattering and its influence on the Raman and Rayleigh-Mie lidar equations was examined. New forms of the lidar equation were developed to account for this temperature sensitivity. Here those results are used to derive the temperature dependent forms of the equations for the water vapor mixing ratio, aerosol scattering ratio, aerosol backscatter coefficient, and extinction to backscatter ratio (Sa). The error equations are developed, the influence of differential transmission is studied and different laser sources are considered in the analysis. The results indicate that the temperature functions become significant when using narrowband detection. Errors of 5% and more can be introduced in the water vapor mixing ratio calculation at high altitudes and errors larger than 10% are possible for calculations of aerosol scattering ratio and thus aerosol backscatter coefficient and extinction to backscatter ratio.
Effects of soil and canopy characteristics on microwave backscattering of vegetation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Daughtry, C. S. T.; Ranson, K. J.
1991-01-01
A frequency modulated continuous wave C-band (4.8 GHz) scatterometer was mounted on an aerial lift truck and backscatter coefficients of corn were acquired as functions of polarizations, view angles, and row directions. As phytomass and green leaf area index increased, the backscatter also increased. Near anthesis when the canopies were fully developed, the major scattering elements were located in the upper 1 m of the 2.8 m tall canopy and little backscatter was measured below that level. C-band backscatter data could provide information to monitor vegetation at large view zenith angles.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Figueroa, C.; Brizuela, H.; Heluani, S. P.
2014-05-21
The backscattering coefficient is a magnitude whose measurement is fundamental for the characterization of materials with techniques that make use of particle beams and particularly when performing microanalysis. In this work, we report the results of an analytic method to calculate the backscattering and absorption coefficients of electrons in similar conditions to those of electron probe microanalysis. Starting on a five level states ladder model in 3D, we deduced a set of integro-differential coupled equations of the coefficients with a method know as invariant embedding. By means of a procedure proposed by authors, called method of convergence, two types ofmore » approximate solutions for the set of equations, namely complete and simple solutions, can be obtained. Although the simple solutions were initially proposed as auxiliary forms to solve higher rank equations, they turned out to be also useful for the estimation of the aforementioned coefficients. In previous reports, we have presented results obtained with the complete solutions. In this paper, we present results obtained with the simple solutions of the coefficients, which exhibit a good degree of fit with the experimental data. Both the model and the calculation method presented here can be generalized to other techniques that make use of different sorts of particle beams.« less
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mahdavi, Sahel; Maghsoudi, Yasser; Amani, Meisam
2017-07-01
Environmental conditions have considerable effects on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. Therefore, assessing these effects is important for obtaining accurate and reliable results. In this study, three series of RADARSAT-2 SAR images were evaluated. In each of these series, the sensor configuration was fixed, but the environmental conditions differed. The effects of variable environmental conditions were also investigated on co- and cross-polarized backscattering coefficients, Freeman-Durden scattering contributions, and the pedestal height in different classes of a forest area in Ottawa, Ontario. It was observed that the backscattering coefficient of wet snow was up to 2 dB more than that of dry snow. The absence of snow also caused a decrease of up to 3 dB in the surface scattering of ground and up to 5 dB in that of trees. In addition, the backscatter coefficients of ground vegetation, hardwood species, and softwood species were more similar at temperatures below 0°C than those at temperatures above 0°C. Moreover, the pedestal height was generally greater at temperatures above 0°C than at temperatures below 0°C. Finally, the highest class separability was observed when the temperature was at or above 0°C and there was no snow on the ground or trees.
McCormick, Matthew M.; Madsen, Ernest L.; Deaner, Meagan E.; Varghese, Tomy
2011-01-01
Absolute backscatter coefficients in tissue-mimicking phantoms were experimentally determined in the 5–50 MHz frequency range using a broadband technique. A focused broadband transducer from a commercial research system, the VisualSonics Vevo 770, was used with two tissue-mimicking phantoms. The phantoms differed regarding the thin layers covering their surfaces to prevent desiccation and regarding glass bead concentrations and diameter distributions. Ultrasound scanning of these phantoms was performed through the thin layer. To avoid signal saturation, the power spectra obtained from the backscattered radio frequency signals were calibrated by using the signal from a liquid planar reflector, a water-brominated hydrocarbon interface with acoustic impedance close to that of water. Experimental values of absolute backscatter coefficients were compared with those predicted by the Faran scattering model over the frequency range 5–50 MHz. The mean percent difference and standard deviation was 54% ± 45% for the phantom with a mean glass bead diameter of 5.40 μm and was 47% ± 28% for the phantom with 5.16 μm mean diameter beads. PMID:21877789
Noh, Youngmin; Müller, Detlef; Shin, Sung-Kyun; Shin, Dongho; Kim, Young J
2016-01-01
This study presents a method to retrieve vertically-resolved profiles of dust mass concentrations by analyzing Raman lidar signals of silicon dioxide (quartz) at 546nm. The observed particle plumes consisted of mixtures of East Asian dust with anthropogenic pollution. Our method for the first time allows for extracting the contribution of the aerosol component "pure dust" contained in the aerosol type "polluted dust". We also propose a method that uses OPAC (Optical Properties of Aerosols and Clouds) and the mass concentrations profiles of dust in order to derive profiles of backscatter coefficients of pure dust in mixed dust/pollution plumes. The mass concentration of silicon dioxide (quartz) in the atmosphere can be estimated from the backscatter coefficient of quartz. The mass concentration of dust is estimated by the weight percentage (38-77%) of mineral quartz in Asian dust. The retrieved dust mass concentrations are classified into water soluble, nucleation, accumulation, mineral-transported and coarse mode according to OPAC. The mass mixing ratio of 0.018, 0.033, 0.747, 0.130 and 0.072, respectively, is used. Dust extinction coefficients at 550nm were calculated by using OPAC and prescribed number concentrations for each of the 5 components. Dust backscatter coefficients were calculated from the dust extinction coefficients on the basis of a lidar ratio of 45±3sr at 532nm. We present results of quartz-Raman measurements carried out on the campus of the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (35.10°N, 126.53°E) on 15, 16, and 21 March 2010. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Measurement of tropospheric aerosol in São Paulo area using a new upgraded Raman LIDAR system
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Landulfo, Eduardo; Rodrigues, Patrícia F.; da Silva Lopes, Fábio Juliano; Bourayou, Riad
2012-11-01
Elastic backscatter LIDAR systems have been used to determine aerosol profile concentration in several areas such as weather, pollution and air quality monitoring. In order to determine the aerosol extinction and backscattering profiles, the Klett inversion method is largely used, but this method suffers from lack of information since there are two unknown variables to be determined using only one measured LIDAR signal, and assumption of the LIDAR ratio (the relation between the extinction and backscattering coefficients) is needed. When a Raman LIDAR system is used, the inelastic backscattering signal is affected by aerosol extinction but not by aerosol backscatter, which allows this LIDAR to uniquely determine extinction and backscattering coefficients without any assumptions or any collocated instruments. The MSP-LIDAR system, set-up in a highly dense suburban area in the city of São Paulo, has been upgraded to a Raman LIDAR, and in its actual 6-channel configuration allows it to monitor elastic backscatter at 355 and 532 nm together with nitrogen and water vapor Raman backscatters at 387nm and 608 nm and 408nm and 660 nm, respectively. Thus, the measurements of aerosol backscattering, extinction coefficients and water vapor mixing ratio in the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) are becoming available. The system will provide the important meteorological parameters such as Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and will be used for the study of aerosol variations in lower troposphere over the city of São Paulo, air quality monitoring and for estimation of humidity impact on the aerosol optical properties, without any a priori assumption. This study will present the first results obtained with this upgraded LIDAR system, demonstrating the high quality of obtained aerosol and water vapor data. For that purpose, we compared the data obtained with the new MSP-Raman LIDAR with a mobile Raman LIDAR collocated at the Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute in São Paulo and radiosonde data from Campo de Marte Airport, in São Paulo.
Backscattering from a randomly rough dielectric surface
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fung, Adrian K.; Li, Zongqian; Chen, K. S.
1992-01-01
A backscattering model for scattering from a randomly rough dielectric surface is developed based on an approximate solution of a pair of integral equations for the tangential surface fields. Both like and cross-polarized scattering coefficients are obtained. It is found that the like polarized scattering coefficients contain two types of terms: single scattering terms and multiple scattering terms. The single scattering terms in like polarized scattering are shown to reduce the first-order solutions derived from the small perturbation method when the roughness parameters satisfy the slightly rough conditions. When surface roughnesses are large but the surface slope is small, only a single scattering term corresponding to the standard Kirchhoff model is significant. If the surface slope is large, the multiple scattering term will also be significant. The cross-polarized backscattering coefficients satisfy reciprocity and contain only multiple scattering terms. The difference between vertical and horizontal scattering coefficients is found to increase with the dielectric constant and is generally smaller than that predicted by the first-order small perturbation model. Good agreements are obtained between this model and measurements from statistically known surfaces.
Validation Test Report for the BioCast Optical Forecast Model Version 1.0
2015-04-09
can generate such as: total absorption (a), backscattering (bb), chlorophyll (chl), sea surface temperature (SST), diver visibility, etc. The...optical backscattering coefficient BSP - Battle Space Profiler CHARTS - Compact Hydrographic Airborne Rapid Total Survey Chl - Chlorophyll EO
Identification of aerosol composition from multi-wavelength lidar measurements
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wood, S. A.
1984-01-01
This paper seeks to develop the potential of lidar for the identification of the chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols. Available numerical computations suggest that aerosols can be identified by the wavelength dependence of aerosol optical properties. Since lidar can derive the volume backscatter coefficient as a function of wavelength, a multi-wavelength lidar system may be able to provide valuable information on the composition of aerosols. This research theoretically investigates the volume backscatter coefficients for the aerosol classes, sea-salts, and sulfates, as a function of wavelength. The results show that these aerosol compositions can be characterized and identified by their backscatter wavelength dependence. A method to utilize multi-wavelength lidar measurements to discriminate between compositionally different thin aerosol layers is discussed.
The aCORN backscatter-suppressed beta spectrometer
Hassan, M. T.; Bateman, F.; Collett, B.; ...
2017-06-16
Backscatter of electrons from a beta detector, with incomplete energy deposition, can lead to undesirable effects in many types of experiments. We present and discuss the design and operation of a backscatter-suppressed beta spectrometer that was developed as part of a program to measure the electron–antineutrino correlation coefficient in neutron beta decay (aCORN). An array of backscatter veto detectors surrounds a plastic scintillator beta energy detector. The spectrometer contains an axial magnetic field gradient, so electrons are efficiently admitted but have a low probability for escaping back through the entrance after backscattering. Lastly, the design, construction, calibration, and performance ofmore » the spectrometer are discussed.« less
Remote Sensing Reflectance and Inherent Optical Properties in the Mid-mesohaline Chesapeake Bay
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tzortziou, Maria; Subramaniam, Ajit; Herman, Jay R.; Gallegos, Charles L.; Neal, Patrick J.; Harding, Lawrence W., Jr.
2006-01-01
We used an extensive set of bio-optical data and radiative transfer (RT) model simulations of radiation fields to investigate relationships between inherent optical properties and remotely sensed quantities in the optically complex, mid-mesohaline Chesapeake Bay waters. Field observations showed that the chlorophyll algorithms used by the MODIS (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) ocean color sensor (i.e. Chlor_a, chlor_MODIS, chlor_a_3 products) do not perform accurately in these Case 2 waters. This is because, when applied to waters with high concentrations of chlorophyll, all MODIS algorithms are based on empirical relationships between chlorophyll concentration and blue-green wavelength remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) ratios that do not account for the typically strong blue-wavelength absorption by non-covarying, dissolved and non-algal particulate components. Stronger correlation was observed between chlorophyll concentration and Rrs ratios in the red (i.e. Rrs(677)/Rrs(554)) where dissolved and non-algal particulate absorption become exponentially smaller. Regionally-specific algorithms that are based on the phytoplankton optical properties in the red wavelength region provide a better basis for satellite monitoring of phytoplankton blooms in these Case 2 waters. Good optical closure was obtained between independently measured Rrs spectra and the optical properties of backscattering, b(sub b), and absorption, a, over the wide range of in-water conditions observed in the Chesapeake Bay. Observed variability in the quantity f/Q (proportionality factor in the relationship between Rrs and the water inherent optical properties ratio b(sub b)/(a+b(sub b)) was consistent with RT model calculations for the specific measurement geometry and water bio-optical characteristics. Data and model results showed that f/Q values in these Case 2 coastal waters are not considerably different from those estimated in previous studies for Case 1 waters. Variation in surface backscattering significantly affected Rrs magnitude across the visible spectrum and was most strongly correlated (R(sup 2)=0.88) with observed variability in Rrs at 670 nm. Surface values of particulate backscattering were strongly correlated with non-algal particulate absorption, a(sub nap), in the blue wavelengths (R(sup 2)=0.83). These results, along with the measured values of backscattering fraction magnitude and non-algal particulate absorption spectral slope, suggest that suspended non-algal particles with high inorganic content are the major water constituents regulating b(sub b) variability in the mid-mesohaline Chesapeake Bay. Remote retrieval of surface b(sub b) and (a(sub nap), from Rrs(670) can be used in regionally-specific satellite algorithms to separate contribution by non-algal particles and dissolved organic matter to total light absorption in the blue, and monitor non-algal suspended particle concentration and distribution in these Case 2 waters.
Aerosol optical properties retrieved from the future space lidar mission ADM-aeolus
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Martinet, Pauline; Flament, Thomas; Dabas, Alain
2018-04-01
The ADM-Aeolus mission, to be launched by end of 2017, will enable the retrieval of aerosol optical properties (extinction and backscatter coefficients essentially) for different atmospheric conditions. A newly developed feature finder (FF) algorithm enabling the detection of aerosol and cloud targets in the atmospheric scene has been implemented. Retrievals of aerosol properties at a better horizontal resolution based on the feature finder groups have shown an improvement mainly on the backscatter coefficient compared to the common 90 km product.
Uncertainties and applications of satellite-derived coastal water quality products
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zheng, Guangming; DiGiacomo, Paul M.
2017-12-01
Recent and forthcoming launches of a plethora of ocean color radiometry sensors, coupled with increasingly adopted free and open data policies are expected to boost usage of satellite ocean color data and drive the demand to use these data in a quantitative and routine manner. Here we review factors that introduce uncertainties to various satellite-derived water quality products and recommend approaches to minimize the uncertainty of a specific product. We show that the regression relationships between remote-sensing reflectance and water turbidity (in terms of nephelometric units) established for different regions tend to converge and therefore it is plausible to develop a global satellite water turbidity product derived using a single algorithm. In contrast, solutions to derive suspended particulate matter concentration are much less generalizable; in one case it might be more accurate to estimate this parameter based on satellite-derived particulate backscattering coefficient, whereas in another the nonagal particulate absorption coefficient might be a better proxy. Regarding satellite-derived chlorophyll concentration, known to be subject to large uncertainties in coastal waters, studies summarized here clearly indicate that the accuracy of classical reflectance band-ratio algorithms depends largely on the contribution of phytoplankton to total light absorption coefficient as well as the degree of correlation between phytoplankton and the dominant nonalgal contributions. Our review also indicates that currently available satellite-derived water quality products are restricted to optically significant materials, whereas many users are interested in toxins, nutrients, pollutants, and pathogens. Presently, proxies or indicators for these constituents are inconsistently (and often incorrectly) developed and applied. Progress in this general direction will remain slow unless, (i) optical oceanographers and environmental scientists start collaborating more closely and make optical and environmental measurements in parallel, (ii) more efforts are devoted to identifying optical, ecological, and environmental forerunners of autochthonous water quality issues (e.g., onsite growth of pathogens), and, (iii) environmental processes associated with the source, transport, and transformation of allochthonous issues (e.g., transport of nutrients) are better understood. Accompanying these challenges, the need still exists to conduct fundamental research in satellite ocean color radiometry, including development of more robust atmospheric correction methods as well as inverse models for coastal regions where optical properties of both aerosols and hydrosols are complex.
Monitoring monthly surface water dynamics of Dongting Lake using Sentinel-1 data at 10 m.
Xing, Liwei; Tang, Xinming; Wang, Huabin; Fan, Wenfeng; Wang, Guanghui
2018-01-01
High temporal resolution water distribution maps are essential for surface water monitoring because surface water exhibits significant inner-annual variation. Therefore, high-frequency remote sensing data are needed for surface water mapping. Dongting Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in China, is famous for the seasonal fluctuations of its inundation extents in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. It is also greatly affected by the Three Gorges Project. In this study, we used Sentinel-1 data to generate surface water maps of Dongting Lake at 10 m resolution. First, we generated the Sentinel-1 time series backscattering coefficient for VH and VV polarizations at 10 m resolution by using a monthly composition method. Second, we generated the thresholds for mapping surface water at 10 m resolution with monthly frequencies using Sentinel-1 data. Then, we derived the monthly surface water distribution product of Dongting Lake in 2016, and finally, we analyzed the inner-annual surface water dynamics. The results showed that: (1) The thresholds were -21.56 and -15.82 dB for the backscattering coefficients for VH and VV, respectively, and the overall accuracy and Kappa coefficients were above 95.50% and 0.90, respectively, for the VH backscattering coefficient, and above 94.50% and 0.88, respectively, for the VV backscattering coefficient. The VV backscattering coefficient achieved lower accuracy due to the effect of the wind causing roughness on the surface of the water. (2) The maximum and minimum areas of surface water were 2040.33 km 2 in July, and 738.89 km 2 in December. The surface water area of Dongting Lake varied most significantly in April and August. The permanent water acreage in 2016 was 556.35 km 2 , accounting for 19.65% of the total area of Dongting Lake, and the acreage of seasonal water was 1525.21 km 2 . This study proposed a method to automatically generate monthly surface water at 10 m resolution, which may contribute to monitoring surface water in a timely manner.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Perry, M. J.; Lee, C.; Rainville, L.; Cetinic, I.; Yang, E. J.; Kang, S. H.
2016-02-01
In late summer 2014 during the Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ) Experiment, an international project sponsored by ONR, four Seagliders transited open water, through the marginal ice zone, and under ice-covered regions in the Beaufort Sea, penetrating as far as 100 km into the ice pack. The gliders navigated either by GPS in open water or, when under the ice, by acoustics from sound sources embedded in the MIZ autonomous observing array. The glider sensor suite included temperature, temperature microstructure, salinity, oxygen, chlorophyll fluorescence, optical backscatter, and multi-spectral downwelling irradiance. Cruises on the IBRV Araon operating in the open Beaufort Sea and on the R/V Ukpik and Norseman operating in continental shelf waters off Alaska's north slope allowed us to construct proxy libraries for converting chlorophyll fluorescence to chlorophyll concentration and optical backscatter to particulate organic carbon concentration. Water samples were collected for chlorophyll and particulate organic carbon analysis on the cruises and aligned with optical profiles of fluorescence and backscatter using sensors that were factory calibrated at the same time as the glider sensors. Fields of chlorophyll, particulate organic carbon, light, and primary productivity are constructed from the glider data. Productivity is modeled as a function of chlorophyll and light, using photosynthesis-light (PE) models with available PE parameters from Arctic measurements. During August the region under the ice was characterized by a deep chlorophyll maximum layer with low rates of production in overlying waters. A phytoplankton bloom developed in open water at the end of September, preceding the rapid reformation of ice, despite shorter days and reduce irradiation.
Subvisual Cirrus cloud properties derived from a FIRE IFO case study
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sassen, Kenneth; Griffin, M. K.; Dodd, G. C.
1990-01-01
From the central Wisconsin IFO field at Wausau, the Mobile Polarization Lidar and a surface radiation station from the Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory observed two very tenuous cirrus clouds on 21 October 1986. The clouds were present just below the height of the tropopause, between -60 to -70 C. The first cloud was not detected visually, and is classified as subvisual cirrus. The second, a relatively narrow cloud band that was probably the remnants of an aircraft contrail, can be termed zenith-subvisual since, although it was invisible in the zenith direction, it could be discerned when viewed at lower elevation angles and also due to strong solar forward-scattering and corona effects. The observations provide an opportunity to assess the threshold cloud optical thickness associated with cirrus cloud visibility. Ruby lidar backscattered signals were converted to isotropic volume backscatter coefficients by applying the pure-molecular scattering assumption just below the cloud base. The backscattering coefficient due to the cloud is then obtained and expressed in relation to the molecular backscattering coefficient in terms of the scattering ratio R. The linear depolarization ratio for the cloud is computed after removing the essentially parallel-polarized scattering contribution from air molecules. The values are also applied to determine the cloud optical thickness through the use of backscatter-to-extinction ratio, and the concentration of cloud particles using the backscattering gain, and the effective diameter of the particles obtained from the analysis of solar corona photographs. The sizes of the particles generating the corona are related to the angular separations between the centers of the red bands and the sun, yielding diameters of approximately 25 microns. The direct and diffuse components of shortwave radiation fluxes, measured by full hemispheric pyranometers, were used to compute the nadir optical thickness of the total atmosphere.
A model of the 0.4-GHz scatterometer. [used for agriculture soil moisture program
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wu, S. T.
1978-01-01
The 0.4 GHz aircraft scatterometer system used for the agricultural soil moisture estimation program is analyzed for the antenna pattern, the signal flow in the receiver data channels, and the errors in the signal outputs. The operational principal, system sensitivity, data handling, and resolution cell length requirements are also described. The backscattering characteristics of the agriculture scenes are contained in the form of the functional dependence of the backscattering coefficient on the incidence angle. The substantial gains of the cross-polarization term of the horizontal and vertical antennas have profound effects on the cross-polarized backscattered signals. If these signals are not corrected properly, large errors could result in the estimate of the cross-polarized backscattering coefficient. It is also necessary to correct the variations of the aircraft parameters during data processing to minimize the error in the 0 degree estimation. Recommendations are made to improve the overall performance of the scatterometer system.
Garra, Brian S; Locher, Melanie; Felker, Steven; Wear, Keith A
2009-01-01
Ultrasonic backscatter measurements from vertebral bodies (L3 and L4) in nine women were performed using a clinical ultrasonic imaging system. Measurements were made through the abdomen. The location of a vertebra was identified from the bright specular reflection from the vertebral anterior surface. Backscattered signals were gated to isolate signal emanating from the cancellous interiors of vertebrae. The spectral centroid shift of the backscattered signal, which has previously been shown to correlate highly with bone mineral density (BMD) in human calcaneus in vitro, was measured. BMD was also measured in the nine subjects' vertebrae using a clinical bone densitometer. The correlation coefficient between centroid shift and BMD was r = -0.61. The slope of the linear fit was -160 kHz / (g/cm(2)). The negative slope was expected because the attenuation coefficient (and therefore magnitude of the centroid downshift) is known from previous studies to increase with BMD. The centroid shift may be a useful parameter for characterizing bone in vivo.
Re-examining the effect of particle phase functions on the remote-sensing reflectance.
Xiong, Yuanheng; Zhang, Xiaodong; He, Shuangyan; Gray, Deric J
2017-08-20
Even though it is well known that both the magnitude and detailed angular shape of scattering (phase function, PF), particularly in the backward angles, affect the color of the ocean, the current remote-sensing reflectance (R rs ) models typically account for the effect of its magnitude only through the backscattering coefficient (b b ). Using 116 volume scattering function (VSF) measurements previously collected in three coastal waters around the U.S. and in the water of the North Atlantic Ocean, we re-examined the effect of particle PF on R rs in four scenarios. In each scenario, the magnitude of particle backscattering (i.e., b bp ) is known, but the knowledge on the angular shape of particle backscattering is assumed to increase from knowing nothing about the shape of particle PFs to partially knowing the particle backscattering ratio (B p ), the exact backscattering shape as defined by β˜ p (γ≥90°) (particle VSF normalized by the particle total scattering coefficient), and the exact backscattering shape as defined by the χ p factor (particle VSF normalized by the particle backscattering coefficient). At sun zenith angle=30°, the nadir-viewed R rs would vary up to 65%, 35%, 20%, and 10%, respectively, as the constraints on the shape of particle backscattering become increasingly stringent from scenarios 1 to 4. In all four scenarios, the R rs variations increase with both viewing and sun angles and are most prominent in the direction opposite the sun. Our results show a greater impact of the measured particle PFs on R rs than previously found, mainly because our VSF data show a much greater variability in B p , β˜ p (γ≥90°), and χ p than previously known. Among the uncertainties in R rs due to the particle PFs, about 97% can be explained by χ p , 90% by β˜ p (γ≥90°), and 27% by B p . The results indicate that the uncertainty in ocean color remote sensing can be significantly constrained by accounting for χ p of the VSFs.
C-band backscattering from corn canopies
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Daughtry, C. S. T.; Ranson, K. J.; Biehl, L. L.
1991-01-01
A frequency-modulatad continuous-wave C-band (4.8 GHz) scatterometer was mounted on an aerial lift truck, and backscatter coefficients of corn (Zea mays L.) were acquired as functions of polarizations, view angles, and row directions. As phytomass and green-leaf area index increased, the backscatter also increased. Near anthesis, when the canopies were fully developed, the major scattering elements were located in the upper 1 m of the 2.8 m tall canopy and little backscatter was measured below that level for view angles of 30 deg or greater. C-band backscatter data could provide information to monitor tillage operations at small view zenith angles and vegetation at large view zenith angles.
Scattering from a random layer of leaves in the physical optics limit
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lang, R. H.; Seker, S. S.; Le Vine, D. M.
1982-01-01
Backscatter of electromagnetic radiation from a layer of vegetation over flat lossy ground has been studied in collaborative research at the George Washingnton University and the Goddard Space Flight Center. In this work the vegetation is composed of leaves which are modeled by a random collection of lossy dielectric disks. Backscattering coefficients for the vegetation layer have been calculated in the case of disks whose diameter is large compared to wavelength. These backscattering coefficients are obtained in terms of the scattering amplitude of an individual disk by employing the distorted Born procedure. The scattering amplitude for a disk which is large compared to wavelength is then found by physical optic techniques. Computed results are interpreted in terms of dominant reflected and transmitted contributions from the disks and ground.
Radar backscattering properties of corn and soybeans at frequencies of 1.6, 4.75, and 13.3. GHz
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Paris, J. F.
1983-01-01
The NASA Johnson Space Center made an observational study of the radar-backscattering properties of corn and soybeans in commercial fields in a test site in Webster County, IA. Aircraft-based radar scatterometers measured the backscattering coefficient of the crops at three frequencies, 1.6 GHz (L-band), 4.75 GHz (C-band), and 13.3 GHz (Ku-band), at 10 sensor look-angles (5 to 50 degrees from the nadir in steps of 5 degrees), and with several polarization combinations. Among other findings, it was determined that: (1) row direction differences among fields affected significantly the radar-backscattering coefficient of the fields when the radar system used like-polarization at look-angles from 5 to 25 degrees; (2) row-direction differences had no effect on radar backscattering when the system used either cross-polarization or look-angles greater than 25 degrees regardless of the polarization; (3) wet surface-soil moisture conditions resulted in significantly poorer spectral separability of the two crops as compared to dry-soil conditions; and (4) on the dry-soil date, the best channel for separating corn from soybeans was the C-band cross-polarized measurement at a look-angle of 50 degrees.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kacenelenbogen, M.; Vaughan, M. A.; Redemann, J.; Hoff, R. M.; Rogers, R. R.; Ferrare, R. A.; Russell, P. B.; Hostetler, C. A.; Hair, J. W.; Holben, B. N.
2011-01-01
The Cloud Aerosol LIdar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP), on board the CALIPSO platform, has measured profiles of total attenuated backscatter coefficient (level 1 products) since June 2006. CALIOP s level 2 products, such as the aerosol backscatter and extinction coefficient profiles, are retrieved using a complex succession of automated algorithms. The goal of this study is to help identify potential shortcomings in the CALIOP version 2 level 2 aerosol extinction product and to illustrate some of the motivation for the changes that have been introduced in the next version of CALIOP data (version 3, released in June 2010). To help illustrate the potential factors contributing to the uncertainty of the CALIOP aerosol extinction retrieval, we focus on a one-day, multi-instrument, multiplatform comparison study during the CALIPSO and Twilight Zone (CATZ) validation campaign on 4 August 2007. On that day, we observe a consistency in the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) values recorded by four different instruments (i.e. spaceborne MODerate Imaging Spectroradiometer, MODIS: 0.67 and POLarization and Directionality of Earth s Reflectances, POLDER: 0.58, airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar, HSRL: 0.52 and ground-based AErosol RObotic NETwork, AERONET: 0.48 to 0.73) while CALIOP AOD is a factor of two lower (0.32 at 532 nm). This case study illustrates the following potential sources of uncertainty in the CALIOP AOD: (i) CALIOP s low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) leading to the misclassification and/or lack of aerosol layer identification, especially close to the Earth s surface; (ii) the cloud contamination of CALIOP version 2 aerosol backscatter and extinction profiles; (iii) potentially erroneous assumptions of the aerosol extinction-to-backscatter ratio (Sa) used in CALIOP s extinction retrievals; and (iv) calibration coefficient biases in the CALIOP daytime attenuated backscatter coefficient profiles. The use of version 3 CALIOP extinction retrieval for our case study seems to partially fix factor (i) although the aerosol retrieved by CALIOP is still somewhat lower than the profile measured by HSRL; the cloud contamination (ii) appears to be corrected; no particular change is apparent in the observation-based CALIOP Sa value (iii). Our case study also showed very little difference in version 2 and version 3 CALIOP attenuated backscatter coefficient profiles, illustrating a minor change in the calibration scheme (iv).
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Suresh, M.; Kiran Chand, T. R.; Fararoda, R.; Jha, C. S.; Dadhwal, V. K.
2014-11-01
Tropical forests contribute to approximately 40 % of the total carbon found in terrestrial biomass. In this context, forest/non-forest classification and estimation of forest above ground biomass over tropical regions are very important and relevant in understanding the contribution of tropical forests in global biogeochemical cycles, especially in terms of carbon pools and fluxes. Information on the spatio-temporal biomass distribution acts as a key input to Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation Plus (REDD+) action plans. This necessitates precise and reliable methods to estimate forest biomass and to reduce uncertainties in existing biomass quantification scenarios. The use of backscatter information from a host of allweather capable Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems during the recent past has demonstrated the potential of SAR data in forest above ground biomass estimation and forest / nonforest classification. In the present study, Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) / Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) data along with field inventory data have been used in forest above ground biomass estimation and forest / non-forest classification over Odisha state, India. The ALOSPALSAR 50 m spatial resolution orthorectified and radiometrically corrected HH/HV dual polarization data (digital numbers) for the year 2010 were converted to backscattering coefficient images (Schimada et al., 2009). The tree level measurements collected during field inventory (2009-'10) on Girth at Breast Height (GBH at 1.3 m above ground) and height of all individual trees at plot (plot size 0.1 ha) level were converted to biomass density using species specific allometric equations and wood densities. The field inventory based biomass estimations were empirically integrated with ALOS-PALSAR backscatter coefficients to derive spatial forest above ground biomass estimates for the study area. Further, The Support Vector Machines (SVM) based Radial Basis Function classification technique was employed to carry out binary (forest-non forest) classification using ALOSPALSAR HH and HV backscatter coefficient images and field inventory data. The textural Haralick's Grey Level Cooccurrence Matrix (GLCM) texture measures are determined on HV backscatter image for Odisha, for the year 2010. PALSAR HH, HV backscatter coefficient images, their difference (HHHV) and HV backscatter coefficient based eight textural parameters (Mean, Variance, Dissimilarity, Contrast, Angular second moment, Homogeneity, Correlation and Contrast) are used as input parameters for Support Vector Machines (SVM) tool. Ground based inputs for forest / non-forest were taken from field inventory data and high resolution Google maps. Results suggested significant relationship between HV backscatter coefficient and field based biomass (R2 = 0.508, p = 0.55) compared to HH with biomass values ranging from 5 to 365 t/ha. The spatial variability of biomass with reference to different forest types is in good agreement. The forest / nonforest classified map suggested a total forest cover of 50214 km2 with an overall accuracy of 92.54 %. The forest / non-forest information derived from the present study showed a good spatial agreement with the standard forest cover map of Forest Survey of India (FSI) and corresponding published area of 50575 km2. Results are discussed in the paper.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Xin; Wen, Hui; Shi, Jinsen; Bi, Jianrong; Huang, Zhongwei; Zhang, Beidou; Zhou, Tian; Fu, Kaiqi; Chen, Quanliang; Xin, Jinyuan
2018-02-01
Mineral dust aerosols (MDs) not only influence the climate by scattering and absorbing solar radiation but also modify cloud properties and change the ecosystem. From 3 April to 16 May 2014, a ground-based mobile laboratory was deployed to measure the optical and microphysical properties of MDs near dust source regions in Wuwei, Zhangye, and Dunhuang (in chronological order) along the Hexi Corridor over northwestern China. Throughout this dust campaign, the hourly averaged (±standard deviation) aerosol scattering coefficients (σsp, 550 nm) of the particulates with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) at these three sites were sequentially 101.5 ± 36.8, 182.2 ± 433.1, and 54.0 ± 32.0 Mm-1. Correspondingly, the absorption coefficients (σap, 637 nm) were 9.7 ± 6.1, 6.0 ± 4.6, and 2.3 ± 0.9 Mm-1; single-scattering albedos (ω, 637 nm) were 0.902 ± 0.025, 0.931 ± 0.037, and 0.949 ± 0.020; and scattering Ångström exponents (Åsp, 450-700 nm) of PM2.5 were 1.28 ± 0.27, 0.77 ± 0.51, and 0.52 ± 0.31. During a severe dust storm in Zhangye (i.e., from 23 to 25 April), the highest values of σsp2.5 ( ˜ 5074 Mm-1), backscattering coefficient (σbsp2.5, ˜ 522 Mm-1), and ω637 ( ˜ 0.993) and the lowest values of backscattering fraction (b2.5, ˜ 0.101) at 550 nm and Åsp2.5 ( ˜ -0.046) at 450-700 nm, with peak values of aerosol number size distribution (appearing at the particle diameter range of 1-3 µm), exhibited that the atmospheric aerosols were dominated by coarse-mode dust aerosols. It is hypothesized that the relatively higher values of mass scattering efficiency during floating dust episodes in Wuwei and Zhangye are attributed to the anthropogenic soil dust produced by agricultural cultivations.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bellacicco, Marco; Volpe, Gianluca; Colella, Simone; Pitarch, Jaime; Brando, Vittorio; Marullo, Salvatore; Santoleri, Rosalia
2016-04-01
Phytoplankton, heterotrophic bacteria and viruses contribute to the definition of the trophic regime of the oceans. While phytoplankton has been extensively studied from space, satellite studies of the autochthonous non-algal particles (NAP, i.e. bacteria and viruses) are relatively recent. Dedicated studies of the NAP distribution and dynamics can help to improve the understanding of marine ecosystem change, globally. Using the 18 years of Glob-Colour monthly satellite data, from the satellite particulate backscattering coefficient (bbp) the NAP global climatology was derived. High NAP values were found in productive regions like polar seas, the North Atlantic and the equatorial Pacific, as well as shelf regions affected by upwelling currents. In contrast, oligotrophic areas like the sub-tropical gyres displayed low NAP values. The annual and seasonal distribution as well as the temporal evolution will be discussed. In the future, improved understanding of the phytoplankton dynamics and physiology will benefit from accurate NAP calculations for different regions and seasons in relation to climate change studies.
Active microwave remote sensing of an anisotropic random medium layer
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lee, J. K.; Kong, J. A.
1985-01-01
A two-layer anisotropic random medium model has been developed to study the active remote sensing of the earth. The dyadic Green's function for a two-layer anisotropic medium is developed and used in conjunction with the first-order Born approximation to calculate the backscattering coefficients. It is shown that strong cross-polarization occurs in the single scattering process and is indispensable in the interpretation of radar measurements of sea ice at different frequencies, polarizations, and viewing angles. The effects of anisotropy on the angular responses of backscattering coefficients are also illustrated.
I Vivo Quantitative Ultrasound Imaging and Scatter Assessments.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lu, Zheng Feng
There is evidence that "instrument independent" measurements of ultrasonic scattering properties would provide useful diagnostic information that is not available with conventional ultrasound imaging. This dissertation is a continuing effort to test the above hypothesis and to incorporate quantitative ultrasound methods into clinical examinations for early detection of diffuse liver disease. A well-established reference phantom method was employed to construct quantitative ultrasound images of tissue in vivo. The method was verified by extensive phantom tests. A new method was developed to measure the effective attenuation coefficient of the body wall. The method relates the slope of the difference between the echo signal power spectrum from a uniform region distal to the body wall and the echo signal power spectrum from a reference phantom to the body wall attenuation. The accuracy obtained from phantom tests suggests further studies with animal experiments. Clinically, thirty-five healthy subjects and sixteen patients with diffuse liver disease were studied by these quantitative ultrasound methods. The average attenuation coefficient in normals agreed with previous investigators' results; in vivo backscatter coefficients agreed with the results from normals measured by O'Donnell. Strong discriminating power (p < 0.001) was found for both attenuation and backscatter coefficients between fatty livers and normals; a significant difference (p < 0.01) was observed in the backscatter coefficient but not in the attenuation coefficient between cirrhotic livers and normals. An in vivo animal model of steroid hepatopathy was used to investigate the system sensitivity in detecting early changes in canine liver resulting from corticosteroid administration. The average attenuation coefficient slope increased from 0.7 dB/cm/MHz in controls to 0.82 dB/cm/MHz (at 6 MHz) in treated animals on day 14 into the treatment, and the backscatter coefficient was 26times 10^{ -4}cm^{-1}sr^{-1} in controls compared with 74times 10^{-4}cm^{-1}sr^ {-1} (at 6 MHz) in treated animals. A simplified quantitative approach using video image signals was developed. Results derived both from the r.f. signal analysis and from the video signal analysis are sensitive to the changes in the liver in this animal model.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Mishchenko, Michael I.; Liu Li; Dlugach, Janna M.
2009-11-10
Several spectacular backscattering effects observed for particulate planetary surfaces have been interpreted in terms of the effect of weak localization (WL) of electromagnetic waves. However, the interference concept of WL explicitly relies on the notion of phase of an electromagnetic wave and is strictly applicable only when particles forming the surface are widely separated. Therefore, one needs a definitive quantitative proof of the WL nature of specific optical effects observed for densely packed particulate media. We use numerically exact computer solutions of the Maxwell equations to simulate electromagnetic scattering by realistic models consisting of large numbers of randomly positioned, denselymore » packed particles. By increasing the particle packing density from zero to approx40%, we track the onset and evolution of the full suite of backscattering optical effects predicted by the low-density theory of WL, including the brightness and polarization opposition effects (BOE and POE). We find that all manifestations of WL, except the circular polarization ratio and POE, are remarkably immune to packing-density effects. Even POE can survive packing densities typical of planetary regolith surfaces. Our numerical data coupled with the results of unique observations at near-backscattering geometries demonstrate that the BOE and POE detected simultaneously for high-albedo solar system objects are caused by the effect of WL.« less
The Coherent Backscattering Opposition Effect: Measurements at Very Small Phase Angles
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nelson, R.; Hapke, B.; Smythe, W.; Horn, L.; Herrera, P.; Gharakanian, V.
1993-01-01
This oral presentation explains that measurements of the opposition surge (the nonlinear increase in reflectance seen in particulate materials when observed at small phase angles) are the first ever made using the JPL long-arm goniometer, which permits very small phase angle measuremnets to be made.
Optical properties of Southern Hemisphere aerosols: Report of the joint CSIRO/NASA study
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gras, John L.; Platt, C. Martin; Huffaker, R. Milton; Jones, William D.; Kavaya, Michael J.; Gras, John L.
1988-01-01
This study was made in support of the LAWS and GLOBE programs, which aim to design a suitable Doppler lidar system for measuring global winds from a satellite. Observations were taken from 5 deg S to 45 deg S along and off the E and SE Australian coast, thus obtaining representative samples over a large latitude range. Observations were made between 0 and 6 km altitude of aerosol physical and chemical properties in situ from the CSIRO F-27 aircraft; of lidar backscatter coefficients at 10.6 micron wavelength from the F-27 aircraft; of lidar backscatter profiles at 0.694 microns at Sale, SE Australia; and of lidar backscatter profiles at 0.532 microns at Cowley Beach, NE Australia. Both calculations and observations in the free troposphere gave a backscatter coefficient of 1-2 x 10 to the -11/m/sr at 10.6 microns, although the accuracies of the instruments were marginal at this level. Equivalent figures were 2-8 x 10 to the -9/m/sr (aerosol) and 9 x 10 to the -9 to 2 x 10 to the -8/m/sr (lidar) at 0.694 microns wavelength at Sale; and 3.7 x 10 to the -9/m/sr (aerosol) and 10 to the -8 to 10 to the -7/m/sr (lidar) at 0.532 microns wavelength at Cowley Beach. The measured backscatter coefficients at 0.694 and 0.532 microns were consistently higher than the values calculated from aerosol size distributions by factors of typically 2 to 10.
A framework to quantify uncertainties of seafloor backscatter from swath mapping echosounders
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Malik, Mashkoor; Lurton, Xavier; Mayer, Larry
2018-06-01
Multibeam echosounders (MBES) have become a widely used acoustic remote sensing tool to map and study the seafloor, providing co-located bathymetry and seafloor backscatter. Although the uncertainty associated with MBES-derived bathymetric data has been studied extensively, the question of backscatter uncertainty has been addressed only minimally and hinders the quantitative use of MBES seafloor backscatter. This paper explores approaches to identifying uncertainty sources associated with MBES-derived backscatter measurements. The major sources of uncertainty are catalogued and the magnitudes of their relative contributions to the backscatter uncertainty budget are evaluated. These major uncertainty sources include seafloor insonified area (1-3 dB), absorption coefficient (up to > 6 dB), random fluctuations in echo level (5.5 dB for a Rayleigh distribution), and sonar calibration (device dependent). The magnitudes of these uncertainty sources vary based on how these effects are compensated for during data acquisition and processing. Various cases (no compensation, partial compensation and full compensation) for seafloor insonified area, transmission losses and random fluctuations were modeled to estimate their uncertainties in different scenarios. Uncertainty related to the seafloor insonified area can be reduced significantly by accounting for seafloor slope during backscatter processing while transmission losses can be constrained by collecting full water column absorption coefficient profiles (temperature and salinity profiles). To reduce random fluctuations to below 1 dB, at least 20 samples are recommended to be used while computing mean values. The estimation of uncertainty in backscatter measurements is constrained by the fact that not all instrumental components are characterized and documented sufficiently for commercially available MBES. Further involvement from manufacturers in providing this essential information is critically required.
A three-part geometric model to predict the radar backscatter from wheat, corn, and sorghum
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ulaby, F. T. (Principal Investigator); Eger, G. W., III; Kanemasu, E. T.
1982-01-01
A model to predict the radar backscattering coefficient from crops must include the geometry of the canopy. Radar and ground-truth data taken on wheat in 1979 indicate that the model must include contributions from the leaves, from the wheat head, and from the soil moisture. For sorghum and corn, radar and ground-truth data obtained in 1979 and 1980 support the necessity of a soil moisture term and a leaf water term. The Leaf Area Index (LAI) is an appropriate input for the leaf contribution to the radar response for wheat and sorghum, however the LAI generates less accurate values for the backscattering coefficient for corn. Also, the data for corn and sorghum illustrate the importance of the water contained in the stalks in estimating the radar response.
The characteristics simulation of FMCW laser backscattering signals
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Bohu; Song, Chengtian; Duan, Yabo
2018-04-01
A Monte Carlo simulation model of FMCW laser transmission in a smoke interference environment was established in this paper. The aerosol extinction coefficient and scattering coefficient changed dynamically in the simulation according to the smoke concentration variation, aerosol particle distributions and photon spatial positions. The simulation results showed that the smoke backscattering interference produced a number of amplitude peaks in the beat signal spectrum; the SNR of target echo signal to smoke interference was related to the transmitted laser wavelength and the aerosol particle size distribution; a better SNR could be obtained when the laser wavelength was in the range of 560-1660 nm. The characteristics of FMCW laser backscattering signals generated by simulation are consistent with the theoretical analysis. Therefore, this study was greatly helpful for improving the ability of identifying target and anti-interference in the further research.
Spectroradiometric monitoring for open outdoor culturing of algae and cyanobacteria.
Reichardt, Thomas A; Collins, Aaron M; McBride, Robert C; Behnke, Craig A; Timlin, Jerilyn A
2014-08-20
We assess the measurement of hyperspectral reflectance for outdoor monitoring of green algae and cyanobacteria cultures with a multichannel, fiber-coupled spectroradiometer. Reflectance data acquired over a 4-week period are interpreted via numerical inversion of a reflectance model, in which the above-water reflectance is expressed as a quadratic function of the single backscattering albedo, which is dependent on the absorption and backscatter coefficients. The absorption coefficient is treated as the sum of component spectra consisting of the cultured species (green algae or cyanobacteria), dissolved organic matter, and water (including the temperature dependence of the water absorption spectrum). The backscatter coefficient is approximated as the scaled Hilbert transform of the culture absorption spectrum with a wavelength-independent vertical offset. Additional terms in the reflectance model account for the pigment fluorescence features and the water-surface reflection of sunlight and skylight. For the green algae and cyanobacteria, the wavelength-independent vertical offset of the backscatter coefficient is found to scale linearly with daily dry weight measurements, providing the capability for a nonsampling measurement of biomass in outdoor ponds. Other fitting parameters in the reflectance model are compared with auxiliary measurements and physics-based calculations. The model-derived magnitudes of sunlight and skylight water-surface reflections compare favorably with Fresnel reflectance calculations, while the model-derived quantum efficiency of Chl-a fluorescence is found to be in agreement with literature values. Finally, the water temperatures derived from the reflectance model exhibit excellent agreement with thermocouple measurements during the morning hours but correspond to significantly elevated temperatures in the afternoon hours.
Remote sensing of particle dynamics: a two-component unmixing model in a western UK shelf sea.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mitchell, Catherine; Cunningham, Alex
2014-05-01
The relationship between the backscattering and absorption coefficients, in particular the backscattering to absorption ratio, is mediated by the type of particles present in the water column. By considering the optical signals to be driven by phytoplankton and suspended minerals, with a relatively constant influence from CDOM, radiative transfer modelling is used to propose a method for retrieving the optical contribution of phytoplankton and suspended minerals to the total absorption coefficient with mean percentage errors of below 5% for both components. These contributions can be converted to constituent concentrations if the appropriate specific inherent optical properties are known or can be determined from the maximum and minimum backscattering to absorption ratios of the data. Remotely sensed absorption and backscattering coefficients from eight years of MODIS data for the Irish Sea reveal maximum backscattering to absorption coefficient ratios over the winter (with an average for the region of 0.27), which then decrease to a minimum over the summer months (with an average of 0.06) before increasing again through to winter, indicating a change in the particles present in the water column. Application of the two-component unmixing model to this data showed seasonal cycles of both phytoplankton and suspended mineral concentrations which vary in both amplitude and periodicity depending on their location. For example, in the Bristol Channel the amplitude of the suspended mineral concentration throughout one cycle is approximately 75% greater than a yearly cycle in the eastern Irish Sea. These seasonal cycles give an insight into the complex dynamics of particles in the water column, indicating the suspension of sediment throughout the winter months and the loss of sediments from the surface layer over the summer during stratification. The relationship between the timing of the phytoplankton spring bloom and changes in the availability of light in the water column can be studied to gain an understanding into the phytoplankton phenology across the region.
Quantitative Ultrasound: Transition from the Laboratory to the Clinic
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hall, Timothy
2014-03-01
There is a long history of development and testing of quantitative methods in medical ultrasound. From the initial attempts to scan breasts with ultrasound in the early 1950's, there was a simultaneous attempt to classify tissue as benign or malignant based on the appearance of the echo signal on an oscilloscope. Since that time, there has been substantial improvement in the ultrasound systems used, the models to describe wave propagation in random media, the methods of signal detection theory, and the combination of those models and methods into parameter estimation techniques. One particularly useful measure in ultrasonics is the acoustic differential scattering cross section per unit volume in the special case of the 180° (as occurs in pulse-echo ultrasound imaging) which is known as the backscatter coefficient. The backscatter coefficient, and parameters derived from it, can be used to objectively measure quantities that are used clinically to subjectively describe ultrasound images. For example, the ``echogenicity'' (relative ultrasound image brightness) of the renal cortex is commonly compared to that of the liver. Investigating the possibility of liver disease, it is assumed the renal cortex echogenicity is normal. Investigating the kidney, it is assumed the liver echogenicity is normal. Objective measures of backscatter remove these assumptions. There is a 30-year history of accurate estimates of acoustic backscatter coefficients with laboratory systems. Twenty years ago that ability was extended to clinical imaging systems with array transducers. Recent studies involving multiple laboratories and a variety of clinical imaging systems has demonstrated system-independent estimates of acoustic backscatter coefficients in well-characterized media (agreement within about 1.5dB over about a 1-decade frequency range). Advancements that made this possible, transition of this and similar capabilities into medical practice and the prospects for quantitative image-based biomarkers will be discussed. This work was supported, in part, by NIH grants R01CA140271 and R01HD072077.
Multiangle lidar observations of the Atmosphere
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lalitkumar Prakash, Pawar; Choukiker, Yogesh Kumar; Raghunath, K.
2018-04-01
Atmospheric Lidars are used extensively to get aerosol parameters like backscatter coefficient, backscatter ratio etc. National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Gadanki (13°N, 79°E), India has a powerful lidar which has alt-azimuth capability. Inversion method is applied to data from observations of lidar system at different azimuth and elevation angles. Data Analysis is described and Observations in 2D and 3D format are discussed. Presence of Cloud and the variation of backscatter parameters are seen in an interesting manner.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Eddowes, M. H.; Mills, T. N.; Delpy, D. T.
1995-05-01
A Monte Carlo model of light backscattered from turbid media has been used to simulate the effects of weak localization in biological tissues. A validation technique is used that implies that for the scattering and absorption coefficients and for refractive index mismatches found in tissues, the Monte Carlo method is likely to provide more accurate results than the methods previously used. The model also has the ability to simulate the effects of various illumination profiles and other laboratory-imposed conditions. A curve-fitting routine has been developed that might be used to extract the optical coefficients from the angular intensity profiles seen in experiments on turbid biological tissues, data that could be obtained in vivo.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tratt, David M.; Menzies, Robert T.
1995-01-01
The evolution of the volcanic debris plume originating from the June 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo has been monitored since its genesis using a ground-based backscatter lidar facility sited at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Both absolute and relative pre- and post-Pinatubo backscatter observations are in accord with Mie scattering projections based on measured aerosol particle size distributions reported in the literature. The post-Pinatubo column-integrated backscatter coefficient peaked approximately 400 days after the eruption, and the observed upper boundary of the aerosol column subsided at a rate of approximately 200 m/mon.
Coherent Backscattering in the Cross-Polarized Channel
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mischenko, Michael I.; Mackowski, Daniel W.
2011-01-01
We analyze the asymptotic behavior of the cross-polarized enhancement factor in the framework of the standard low-packing-density theory of coherent backscattering by discrete random media composed of spherically symmetric particles. It is shown that if the particles are strongly absorbing or if the smallest optical dimension of the particulate medium (i.e., the optical thickness of a plane-parallel slab or the optical diameter of a spherically symmetric volume) approaches zero, then the cross-polarized enhancement factor tends to its upper-limit value 2. This theoretical prediction is illustrated using direct computer solutions of the Maxwell equations for spherical volumes of discrete random medium.
A scattering model for forested area
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Karam, M. A.; Fung, A. K.
1988-01-01
A forested area is modeled as a volume of randomly oriented and distributed disc-shaped, or needle-shaped leaves shading a distribution of branches modeled as randomly oriented finite-length, dielectric cylinders above an irregular soil surface. Since the radii of branches have a wide range of sizes, the model only requires the length of a branch to be large compared with its radius which may be any size relative to the incident wavelength. In addition, the model also assumes the thickness of a disc-shaped leaf or the radius of a needle-shaped leaf is much smaller than the electromagnetic wavelength. The scattering phase matrices for disc, needle, and cylinder are developed in terms of the scattering amplitudes of the corresponding fields which are computed by the forward scattering theorem. These quantities along with the Kirchoff scattering model for a randomly rough surface are used in the standard radiative transfer formulation to compute the backscattering coefficient. Numerical illustrations for the backscattering coefficient are given as a function of the shading factor, incidence angle, leaf orientation distribution, branch orientation distribution, and the number density of leaves. Also illustrated are the properties of the extinction coefficient as a function of leaf and branch orientation distributions. Comparisons are made with measured backscattering coefficients from forested areas reported in the literature.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Steffen, Konrad; Heinrichs, John
1994-01-01
Earth Remote-Sensing Satellite (ERS) 1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and Landsat thematic mapper (TM) images were acquired for the same area in the Beaufort Sea, April 16 and 18, 1992. The two image pairs were colocated to the same grid (25-m resolution), and a supervised ice type classification was performed on the TM images in order to classify ice free, nilas, gray ice, gray-white ice, thin first-year ice, medium and thick first-year ice, and old ice. Comparison of the collocated SAR pixels showed that ice-free areas can only be classified under calm wind conditions (less than 3 m/s) and for surface winds greater than 10 m/s based on the backscattering coefficient alone. This is true for pack ice regions during the cold months of the year where ice-free areas are spatially limited and where the capillary waves that cause SAR backscatter are dampened by entrained ice crystals. For nilas, two distinct backscatter classes were found at -17 dB and at -10 dB. The higher backscattering coefficient is attributed to the presence of frost flowers on light nilas. Gray and gray-white ice have a backscatter signature similar to first-year ice and therefore cannot be distinguished by SAR alone. First-year and old ice can be clearly separated based on their backscattering coefficient. The performance of the Geophysical Processor System ice classifier was tested against the Landsat derived ice products. It was found that smooth first-year ice and rough first-year ice were not significantly different in the backscatter domain. Ice concentration estimates based on ERS 1 C band SAR showed an error range of 5 to 8% for high ice concentration regions, mainly due to misclassified ice-free and smooth first-year ice areas. This error is expected to increase for areas of lower ice concentration. The combination of C band SAR and TM channels 2, 4, and 6 resulted in ice typing performance with an estimated accuracy of 90% for all seven ice classes.
Relating the radar backscattering coefficient to leaf-area index
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ulaby, F. T. (Principal Investigator); Allen, C.; Eger, G.; Kanemasu, E.
1983-01-01
The relationship between the radar backscattering coefficient of a vegetation canopy, sigma(0) sub can, and the canopy's leaf area index (LAI) is examined. The relationship is established through the development of a model for corn and sorghum and another for wheat. Both models are extensions of the cloud model of Attema and Ulaby (1978). Analysis of experimental data measured at 8.6, 13.0, 17.0, and 35.6 GHz indicates that most of the temporal variations of sigma(0) sub can can be accounted for through variations in green LAI alone, if the latter is greater than 0.5.
On the non-closure of particle backscattering coefficient in oligotrophic oceans.
Lee, ZhongPing; Huot, Yannick
2014-11-17
Many studies have consistently found that the particle backscattering coefficient (bbp) in oligotrophic oceans estimated from remote-sensing reflectance (Rrs) using semi-analytical algorithms is higher than that from in situ measurements. This overestimation can be as high as ~300% for some oligotrophic ocean regions. Various sources potentially responsible for this discrepancy are examined. Further, after applying an empirical algorithm to correct the impact from Raman scattering, it is found that bbp from analytical inversion of Rrs is in good agreement with that from in situ measurements, and that a closure is achieved.
Study of the effect of scattering from turbid water on the polarization of a laser beam
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Henderson, R. G.; Hovanlou, A. H.
1978-01-01
A Monte Carlo simulation method was used to determine the effect of scattering from turbid water on the polarization of a backscattered beam of laser light. The relationship between the polarization and the type and amount of suspended particulates in the water was investigated.
Lin, Junfang; Lee, Zhongping; Ondrusek, Michael; Liu, Xiaohan
2018-01-22
Absorption (a) and backscattering (bb) coefficients play a key role in determining the light field; they also serve as the link between remote sensing and concentrations of optically active water constituents. Here we present an updated scheme to derive hyperspectral a and bb with hyperspectral remote-sensing reflectance (Rrs) and diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd) as the inputs. Results show that the system works very well from clear open oceans to highly turbid inland waters, with an overall difference less than 25% between these retrievals and those from instrument measurements. This updated scheme advocates the measurement and generation of hyperspectral a and bb from hyperspectral Rrs and Kd, as an independent data source for cross-evaluation of in situ measurements of a and bb and for the development and/or evaluation of remote sensing algorithms for such optical properties.
Microwave inversion of leaf area and inclination angle distributions from backscattered data
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lang, R. H.; Saleh, H. A.
1985-01-01
The backscattering coefficient from a slab of thin randomly oriented dielectric disks over a flat lossy ground is used to reconstruct the inclination angle and area distributions of the disks. The disks are employed to model a leafy agricultural crop, such as soybeans, in the L-band microwave region of the spectrum. The distorted Born approximation, along with a thin disk approximation, is used to obtain a relationship between the horizontal-like polarized backscattering coefficient and the joint probability density of disk inclination angle and disk radius. Assuming large skin depth reduces the relationship to a linear Fredholm integral equation of the first kind. Due to the ill-posed nature of this equation, a Phillips-Twomey regularization method with a second difference smoothing condition is used to find the inversion. Results are obtained in the presence of 1 and 10 percent noise for both leaf inclination angle and leaf radius densities.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Baba, Justin S; Koju, Vijay; John, Dwayne O
2016-01-01
The modulation of the state of polarization of photons due to scatter generates associated geometric phase that is being investigated as a means for decreasing the degree of uncertainty in back-projecting the paths traversed by photons detected in backscattered geometry. In our previous work, we established that polarimetrically detected Berry phase correlates with the mean photon penetration depth of the backscattered photons collected for image formation. In this work, we report on the impact of state-of-linear-polarization (SOLP) filtering on both the magnitude and population distributions of image forming detected photons as a function of the absorption coefficient of the scatteringmore » sample. The results, based on Berry phase tracking implemented Polarized Monte Carlo Code, indicate that sample absorption plays a significant role in the mean depth attained by the image forming backscattered detected photons.« less
Retrieval of ice thickness from polarimetric SAR data
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kwok, R.; Yueh, S. H.; Nghiem, S. V.; Huynh, D. D.
1993-01-01
We describe a potential procedure for retrieving ice thickness from multi-frequency polarimetric SAR data for thin ice. This procedure includes first masking out the thicker ice types with a simple classifier and then deriving the thickness of the remaining pixels using a model-inversion technique. The technique used to derive ice thickness from polarimetric observations is provided by a numerical estimator or neural network. A three-layer perceptron implemented with the backpropagation algorithm is used in this investigation with several improved aspects for a faster convergence rate and a better accuracy of the neural network. These improvements include weight initialization, normalization of the output range, the selection of offset constant, and a heuristic learning algorithm. The performance of the neural network is demonstrated by using training data generated by a theoretical scattering model for sea ice matched to the database of interest. The training data are comprised of the polarimetric backscattering coefficients of thin ice and the corresponding input ice parameters to the scattering model. The retrieved ice thickness from the theoretical backscattering coefficients is compare with the input ice thickness to the scattering model to illustrate the accuracy of the inversion method. Results indicate that the network convergence rate and accuracy are higher when multi-frequency training sets are presented. In addition, the dominant backscattering coefficients in retrieving ice thickness are found by comparing the behavior of the network trained backscattering data at various incidence angels. After the neural network is trained with the theoretical backscattering data at various incidence anges, the interconnection weights between nodes are saved and applied to the experimental data to be investigated. In this paper, we illustrate the effectiveness of this technique using polarimetric SAR data collected by the JPL DC-8 radar over a sea ice scene.
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
L-band airborne synthetic aperture radar observations were made over California shrublands to better understand the effects by soil and vegetation parameters on backscatter. Temporal changes in radar backscattering coefficient (s0) of up to 3 dB were highly correlated to surface soil moisture but no...
Backscattering of electrons from solid targets
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dapor, Maurizio
1990-11-01
A simple equation is derived which describes the electron backscattering coefficient as a function of the target atomic number in the primary energy range 2-45 KeV. Such an equation, very useful for practical purposes, is in better agreement with the experimental data of Palluel and of Cosslett and Thomas than both the treatments of Everhart and of Archard.
Spectroradiometric monitoring for open outdoor culturing of algae and cyanobacteria
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Reichardt, Thomas A.; Collins, Aaron M.; McBride, Robert C.
We assess the measurement of hyperspectral reflectance for the outdoor monitoring of green algae and cyanobacteria cultures with a multi-channel, fiber-coupled spectroradiometer. Reflectance data acquired over a four-week period are interpreted via numerical inversion of a reflectance model, in which the above-water reflectance is expressed as a quadratic function of the single backscattering albedo, dependent on the absorption and backscatter coefficients. The absorption coefficient is treated as the sum of component spectra consisting of the cultured species (green algae or cyanobacteria), dissolved organic matter, and water (including the temperature dependence of the water absorption spectrum). The backscatter coefficient is approximatedmore » as the scaled Hilbert transform of the culture absorption spectrum with a wavelength-independent vertical offset. Additional terms in the reflectance model account for the pigment fluorescence features and the water surface reflection of sunlight and skylight. For both the green algae and cyanobacteria, the wavelength-independent vertical offset of the backscatter coefficient is found to scale linearly with daily dry weight measurements, providing the capability for a non-sampling measurement of biomass in outdoor ponds. Other fitting parameters in the reflectance model are compared to auxiliary measurements and physics-based calculations. The magnitudes of the sunlight and skylight water-surface contributions derived from the reflectance model compare favorably with Fresnel reflectance calculations, while the reflectance-derived quantum efficiency of Chl-a fluorescence is found to be in agreement with literature values. To conlclude, the water temperature derived from the reflectance model exhibits excellent agreement with thermocouple measurements during the morning hours and highlights significantly elevated temperatures in the afternoon hours.« less
Spectroradiometric monitoring for open outdoor culturing of algae and cyanobacteria
Reichardt, Thomas A.; Collins, Aaron M.; McBride, Robert C.; ...
2014-08-20
We assess the measurement of hyperspectral reflectance for the outdoor monitoring of green algae and cyanobacteria cultures with a multi-channel, fiber-coupled spectroradiometer. Reflectance data acquired over a four-week period are interpreted via numerical inversion of a reflectance model, in which the above-water reflectance is expressed as a quadratic function of the single backscattering albedo, dependent on the absorption and backscatter coefficients. The absorption coefficient is treated as the sum of component spectra consisting of the cultured species (green algae or cyanobacteria), dissolved organic matter, and water (including the temperature dependence of the water absorption spectrum). The backscatter coefficient is approximatedmore » as the scaled Hilbert transform of the culture absorption spectrum with a wavelength-independent vertical offset. Additional terms in the reflectance model account for the pigment fluorescence features and the water surface reflection of sunlight and skylight. For both the green algae and cyanobacteria, the wavelength-independent vertical offset of the backscatter coefficient is found to scale linearly with daily dry weight measurements, providing the capability for a non-sampling measurement of biomass in outdoor ponds. Other fitting parameters in the reflectance model are compared to auxiliary measurements and physics-based calculations. The magnitudes of the sunlight and skylight water-surface contributions derived from the reflectance model compare favorably with Fresnel reflectance calculations, while the reflectance-derived quantum efficiency of Chl-a fluorescence is found to be in agreement with literature values. To conlclude, the water temperature derived from the reflectance model exhibits excellent agreement with thermocouple measurements during the morning hours and highlights significantly elevated temperatures in the afternoon hours.« less
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Geisinger, Armin; Behrendt, Andreas; Wulfmeyer, Volker; Strohbach, Jens; Förstner, Jochen; Potthast, Roland
2017-12-01
A new backscatter lidar forward operator was developed which is based on the distinct calculation of the aerosols' backscatter and extinction properties. The forward operator was adapted to the COSMO-ART ash dispersion simulation of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010. While the particle number concentration was provided as a model output variable, the scattering properties of each individual particle type were determined by dedicated scattering calculations. Sensitivity studies were performed to estimate the uncertainties related to the assumed particle properties. Scattering calculations for several types of non-spherical particles required the usage of T-matrix routines. Due to the distinct calculation of the backscatter and extinction properties of the models' volcanic ash size classes, the sensitivity studies could be made for each size class individually, which is not the case for forward models based on a fixed lidar ratio. Finally, the forward-modeled lidar profiles have been compared to automated ceilometer lidar (ACL) measurements both qualitatively and quantitatively while the attenuated backscatter coefficient was chosen as a suitable physical quantity. As the ACL measurements were not calibrated automatically, their calibration had to be performed using satellite lidar and ground-based Raman lidar measurements. A slight overestimation of the model-predicted volcanic ash number density was observed. Major requirements for future data assimilation of data from ACL have been identified, namely, the availability of calibrated lidar measurement data, a scattering database for atmospheric aerosols, a better representation and coverage of aerosols by the ash dispersion model, and more investigation in backscatter lidar forward operators which calculate the backscatter coefficient directly for each individual aerosol type. The introduced forward operator offers the flexibility to be adapted to a multitude of model systems and measurement setups.
Rice monitoring with multi-temporal and dual-polarimetric TerraSAR-X data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Koppe, Wolfgang; Gnyp, Martin L.; Hütt, Christoph; Yao, Yinkun; Miao, Yuxin; Chen, Xinping; Bareth, Georg
2013-04-01
This study assesses the use of TerraSAR-X data for monitoring rice cultivation in the Sanjiang Plain in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. The main objective is the understanding of the coherent co-polarized X-band backscattering signature of rice at different phenological stages in order to retrieve growth status. For this, multi-temporal dual polarimetric TerraSAR-X High Resolution SpotLight data (HH/VV) as well as single polarized StripMap (VV) data were acquired over the test site. In conjunction with the satellite data acquisition, a ground truth field campaign was carried out. The backscattering coefficients at HH and VV of the observed fields were extracted on the different dates and analysed as a function of rice phenology to provide a physical interpretation for the co-polarized backscatter response in a temporal and spatial manner. Then, a correlation analysis was carried out between TerraSAR-X backscattering signal and rice biomass of stem, leaf and head to evaluate the relationship with different vertical layers within the rice vegetation. HH and VV signatures show two phases of backscatter increase, one at the beginning up to 46 days after transplanting and a second one from 80 days after transplanting onwards. The first increase is related to increasing double bounce reflection from the surface-stem interaction. Then, a decreasing trend of both polarizations can be observed due to signal attenuation by increasing leaf density. A second slight increase is observed during senescence. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship with different vertical layers at different phenological stages which prove the physical interpretation of X-band backscatter of rice. The seasonal backscatter coefficient showed that X-band is highly sensitive to changes in size, orientation and density of the dominant elements in the upper canopy.
Australian aerosol backscatter survey
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gras, John L.; Jones, William D.
1989-01-01
This paper describes measurements of the atmospheric backscatter coefficient in and around Australia during May and June 1986. One set of backscatter measurements was made with a CO2 lidar operating at 10.6 microns; the other set was obtained from calculations using measured aerosol parameters. Despite the two quite different data collection techniques, there is quite good agreement between the two methods. Backscatter values range from near 1 x 10 to the -8th/m per sr near the surface to 4 - 5 x 10 to the -11th/m per sr in the free troposphere at 5-7-km altitude. The values in the free troposphere are somewhat lower than those typically measured at the same height in the Northern Hemisphere.
LIDAR Remote Sensing of Particulate Matter Emissions from On-Road Vehicles
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Keislar, R. E.; Kuhns, H.; Mazzoleni, C.; Moosmuller, H.; Watson, J.
2002-12-01
DRI has developed a remote sensing method for on-road particulate matter emissions from gasoline-powered and diesel-powered vehicles called the Vehicle Emissions Remote Sensing System (VERSS). Remote sensing of gaseous pollutants in vehicle exhaust is a well-established, economical way to determine on-road emissions for thousands of vehicles per day. The VERSS adds a particulate matter channel to complement gaseous pollutant measurements. The VERSS uses 266-nm ultraviolet laser light to achieve greater sensitivity than visible light to sub-micrometer particles, where the greatest mass fraction has been reported. The VERSS system integrates the lidar channel with a commercial remote sensing device (RSD) for gaseous pollutants, and the RSD CO2 measurement can be used to estimate fuel-based particle mass emissions. We describe the interpretation and processing of lidar returns from field measurements taken by the combined VERSS during the Southern Nevada Air Quality Study (SNAQS), conducted in the Las Vegas area. With suitable assumptions regarding size distribution and particle composition, the lidar backscatter signal and the RSD yield three basic measurements of particulate matter in the exhaust plume. For each passing vehicle, these three channels are: 1) Columnar extinction in the infrared (IR at 3.9 micrometers) 2) Columnar extinction in the ultraviolet (UV at 266 nm) 3) Range-resolved backscatter at 266 nm (horizontal spatial resolution of 20-25 cm) The 3.9-micrometer channel is a good surrogate for absorption by elemental carbon (EC) in tailpipe emissions and has been utilized in previous studies. Opacity measurements at 266 nm provide optical extinction due to scattering from tailpipe organic carbon (OC) and EC emissions.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Su, Xiaoli; Luo, Zhicai; Zhou, Zebing
2018-06-01
Knowledge of backscatter change is important to accurately retrieve elevation change time series from satellite radar altimetry over continental ice sheets. Previously, backscatter coefficients generated in two cases, namely with and without accounting for backscatter gradient (BG), are used. However, the difference between backscatter time series obtained separately in these two cases and its impact on retrieving elevation change are not well known. Here we first compare the mean profiles of the Ku and Ka band backscatter over the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS), with results illustrating that the Ku-band backscatter is 3 ∼ 5 dB larger than that of the Ka band. We then conduct statistic analysis about time series of backscatter formed separately in the above two cases for both Ku and Ka bands over two regions in the GrIS. It is found that the standard deviation of backscatter time series becomes slightly smaller after removing the BG effect, which suggests that the method for the BG correction is effective. Furthermore, the impact on elevation change from backscatter change due to the BG effect is separately assessed for both Ku and Ka bands over the GrIS. We conclude that Ka band altimetry would benefit from a BG induced backscatter analysis (∼10% over region 2). This study may provide a reference to form backscatter time series towards refining elevation change time series from satellite radar altimetry over ice sheets using repeat-track analysis.
Polarimetric scattering from layered media with multiple species of scatterers
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nghiem, S. V.; Kwok, R.; Yueh, S. H.; Kong, J. A.; Hsu, C. C.; Tassoudji, M. A.; Shin, R. T.
1995-01-01
Geophysical media are usually heterogeneous and contain multiple species of scatterers. In this paper a model is presented to calculate effective permittivities and polarimetric backscattering coefficients of multispecies-layered media. The same physical description is consistently used in the derivation of both permittivities and scattering coefficients. The strong permittivity fluctuation theory is extended to account for the multiple species of scatterers with a general ellipsoidal shape whose orientations are randomly distributed. Under the distorted Born approximation, polarimetric scattering coefficients are obtained. These calculations are applicable to the special cases of spheroidal and spherical scatterers. The model is used to study effects of scatterer shapes and multispecies mixtures on polarimetric signatures of heterogeneous media. The multispecies model accounts for moisture content in scattering media such as snowpack in an ice sheet. The results indicate a high sensitivity of backscatter to moisture with a stronger dependence for drier snow and ice grain size is important to the backscatter. For frost-covered saline ice, model results for bare ice are compared with measured data at C band and then the frost flower formation is simulated with a layer of fanlike ice crystals including brine infiltration over a rough interface. The results with the frost cover suggest a significant increase in scattering coefficients and a polarimetric signature closer to isotropic characteristics compared to the thin saline ice case.
A comparative study of inelastic scattering models at energy levels ranging from 0.5 keV to 10 keV
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hu, Chia-Yu; Lin, Chun-Hung
2017-03-01
Six models, including a single-scattering model, four hybrid models, and one dielectric function model, were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations for aluminum and copper at incident beam energies ranging from 0.5 keV to 10 keV. The inelastic mean free path, mean energy loss per unit path length, and backscattering coefficients obtained by these models are compared and discussed to understand the merits of the various models. ANOVA (analysis of variance) statistical models were used to quantify the effects of inelastic cross section and energy loss models on the basis of the simulated results deviation from the experimental data for the inelastic mean free path, the mean energy loss per unit path length, and the backscattering coefficient, as well as their correlations. This work in this study is believed to be the first application of ANOVA models towards evaluating inelastic electron beam scattering models. This approach is an improvement over the traditional approach which involves only visual estimation of the difference between the experimental data and simulated results. The data suggests that the optimization of the effective electron number per atom, binding energy, and cut-off energy of an inelastic model for different materials at different beam energies is more important than the selection of inelastic models for Monte Carlo electron scattering simulation. During the simulations, parameters in the equations should be tuned according to different materials for different beam energies rather than merely employing default parameters for an arbitrary material. Energy loss models and cross-section formulas are not the main factors influencing energy loss. Comparison of the deviation of the simulated results from the experimental data shows a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between the backscattering coefficient and energy loss per unit path length. The inclusion of backscattering electrons generated by both primary and secondary electrons for backscattering coefficient simulation is recommended for elements with high atomic numbers. In hybrid models, introducing the inner shell ionization model improves the accuracy of simulated results.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Loisel, H.; Nicolas, J.-M.; Merien, D.; Claustre, H.; Sciandra, A.; Becu, G.; Deschamps, P.-Y.
Since the success of the first ocean color instrument, the Coastal Zone Color Sen- sor (CZCS), the interpretation of ocean color in terms of phytoplankton pigment (the chlorophyll, Chl) is now well recognized. The chlorophyll data, as detected from space, are now currently used to constraint oceanic biological models. New gener- ation of biological models now integrate explicitly 2 or more species of plankton, as well as dissolved organic and particulate matter, DOC and POC, respectively. The as- sessment of such information from the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor and inverse modeling will be discussed. In the frame of the POMME (Programme Océan Multidisciplinaire Méso-Echelle) project we will present the seasonal variability of the absorption, a, the backscattering, bb, and the scattering, b, coefficients as retrieved from SeaWiFS observations over the POMME area. These optical parameters will be compared with in situ measurements made during winter, spring and summer 2001, and biological information derived from these optical properties retrieved at different wavelengths will be presented.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Parracino, Stefano; Richetta, Maria; Gelfusa, Michela; Malizia, Andrea; Bellecci, Carlo; De Leo, Leonardo; Perrimezzi, Carlo; Fin, Alessandro; Forin, Marco; Giappicucci, Francesca; Grion, Massimo; Marchese, Giuseppe; Gaudio, Pasquale
2016-10-01
Urban air pollution causes deleterious effects on human health and the environment. To meet stringent standards imposed by the European Commission, advanced measurement methods are required. Remote sensing techniques, such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR), can be a valuable option for evaluating particulate matter (PM), emitted by vehicles in urban traffic, with high sensitivity and in shorter time intervals. Since air quality problems persist not only in large urban areas, a measuring campaign was specifically performed in a suburban area of Crotone, Italy, using both a compact LiDAR system and conventional instruments for real-time vehicle emissions monitoring along a congested road. First results reported in this paper show a strong dependence between variations of LiDAR backscattering signals and traffic-related air pollution levels. Moreover, time-resolved LiDAR data averaged in limited regions, directly above conventional monitoring stations at the border of an intersection, were found to be linearly correlated to the PM concentration levels with a correlation coefficient between 0.75 and 0.84.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Le, Chengfeng; Hu, Chuanmin; English, David; Cannizzaro, Jennifer; Chen, Zhiqiang; Kovach, Charles; Anastasiou, Christopher J.; Zhao, Jun; Carder, Kendall L.
2013-01-01
Inherent and apparent optical properties (IOPs and AOPs) of Tampa Bay (Florida, USA) were measured during fourteen cruises between February 1998 and October 2010 to understand how these properties relate to one another and what controls light absorption and diffuse attenuation in this moderately sized (˜1000 km2), shallow estuary (average depth ˜4 m). The IOPs and AOPs included: 1) absorption coefficients of three optically significant constituents: phytoplankton pigments, detrital particles, and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM); 2) particulate backscattering coefficients; 3) chlorophyll-a concentrations; 4) above-water remote sensing reflectance; 5) downwelling diffuse attenuation coefficients (Kd) at eight wavelengths and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Results showed substantial variability in all IOPs and AOPs in both space and time, with most IOPs spanning more than two orders of magnitude and showing strong co-variations. Of all four bay segments, Old Tampa Bay showed unique optical characteristics. During the wet season, the magnitude of blue-green-light absorption was dominated by CDOM, while during the dry season all three constituents contributed significantly. However, the variability in Kd (PAR, 490 nm, 555 nm) was driven mainly by the variability of detrital particles and phytoplankton as opposed to CDOM. This observation explained, at least to first order, why a nutrient reduction management strategy used by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program since the 1990s led to improved water clarity in most of Tampa Bay. The findings of this study provided the optical basis to fine tune existing or develop new algorithms to estimate the various optical water quality parameters from space.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mckinna, Lachlan I. W.; Werdell, P. Jeremy; Fearns, Peter R. C.; Weeks, Scarla J.; Reichstetter, Martina; Franz, Bryan A.; Shea, Donald M.; Feldman, Gene C.
2015-01-01
A semianalytical ocean color inversion algorithm was developed for improving retrievals of inherent optical properties (IOPs) in optically shallow waters. In clear, geometrically shallow waters, light reflected off the seafloor can contribute to the water-leaving radiance signal. This can have a confounding effect on ocean color algorithms developed for optically deep waters, leading to an overestimation of IOPs. The algorithm described here, the Shallow Water Inversion Model (SWIM), uses pre-existing knowledge of bathymetry and benthic substrate brightness to account for optically shallow effects. SWIM was incorporated into the NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group's L2GEN code and tested in waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aqua time series (2002-2013). SWIM-derived values of the total non-water absorption coefficient at 443 nm, at(443), the particulate backscattering coefficient at 443 nm, bbp(443), and the diffuse attenuation coefficient at 488 nm, Kd(488), were compared with values derived using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties algorithm (GIOP) and the Quasi-Analytical Algorithm (QAA). The results indicated that in clear, optically shallow waters SWIM-derived values of at(443), bbp(443), and Kd(443) were realistically lower than values derived using GIOP and QAA, in agreement with radiative transfer modeling. This signified that the benthic reflectance correction was performing as expected. However, in more optically complex waters, SWIM had difficulty converging to a solution, a likely consequence of internal IOP parameterizations. Whilst a comprehensive study of the SWIM algorithm's behavior was conducted, further work is needed to validate the algorithm using in situ data.
Advances in atmospheric temperature profile measurements using high spectral resolution lidar
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Razenkov, Ilya I.; Eloranta, Edwin W.
2018-04-01
This paper reports the atmospheric temperature profile measurements using a University of Wisconsin-Madison High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) and describes improvements in the instrument performance. HSRL discriminates between Mie and Rayleigh backscattering [1]. Thermal motion of molecules broadens the spectrum of the transmitted laser light due to Doppler effect. The HSRL exploits this property to allow the absolute calibration of the lidar and measurements of the aerosol volume backscatter coefficient. Two iodine absorption filters with different line widths are used to resolve temperature sensitive changes in Rayleigh backscattering for atmospheric temperature profile measurements.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vasil'ev, B. I.; Mannoun, Oussama
2007-05-01
The aerosol backscattering coefficient βπ in a surface atmospheric layer is calculated at the emission lines of NH3 and CO2 lasers (9-13.5 μm). It is shown that the coefficients βπ at the emission lines of an NH3 laser (11-13.5 μm) are comparable with the coefficients βπ at the emission lines of a CO2 laser near 10.6 μm. The dependence of βπ on the humidity and type of aerosols is studied. It is also shown that the coefficient βπ in a surface atmospheric layer at the lasing of an NH3 laser varies from 10-10 to 7×10-9 cm-1 sr-1. The lidar aerosol ratio is calculated as a function of the mean aerosol radius. It is found that this ratio is independent of the particle size for aerosol particles of radius exceeding 40 μm for the 11.7-μm aP(4,0) line of the ammonia laser.
Optical properties of size fractions of suspended particulate matter in littoral waters of Québec
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mohammadpour, Gholamreza; Gagné, Jean-Pierre; Larouche, Pierre; Montes-Hugo, Martin A.
2017-11-01
Mass-specific absorption (ai∗(λ)) and scattering (bi∗(λ)) coefficients were derived for four size fractions (i = 0.2-0.4, 0.4-0.7, 0.7-10, and > 10 µm, λ = wavelength in nm) of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and with samples obtained from surface waters (i.e., 0-2 m depth) of the Saint Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord (SLE-SF) during June of 2013. For the visible-near-infrared spectral range (i.e., λ = 400-710 nm), mass-specific absorption coefficients of total SPM (i.e., particulates > 0.2 µm) (hereafter aSPM∗) had low values (e.g., < 0.01 m2 g-1 at λ = 440 nm) in areas of the lower estuary dominated by particle assemblages with relatively large mean grain size and high particulate organic carbon and chlorophyll a per unit of mass of SPM. Conversely, largest aSPM∗ values (i.e., > 0.05 m2 g-1 at λ = 440 nm) corresponded with locations of the upper estuary and SF where particulates were mineral-rich and/or their mean diameter was relatively small. The variability of two optical proxies (the spectral slope of particulate beam attenuation coefficient and the mass-specific particulate absorption coefficient, hereafter γ and Svis, respectively) with respect to changes in particle size distribution (PSD) and chemical composition was also examined. The slope of the PSD was correlated with bi∗(550) (Spearman rank correlation coefficient ρs up to 0.37) and ai∗(440) estimates (ρs up to 0.32) in a comparable way. Conversely, the contribution of particulate inorganic matter to total mass of SPM (FSPMPIM) had a stronger correlation with ai∗ coefficients at a wavelength of 440 nm (ρs up to 0.50). The magnitude of γ was positively related to FSPMi or the contribution of size fraction i to the total mass of SPM (ρs up to 0.53 for i = 0.2-0.4 µm). Also, the relation between γ and FSPMPIM variability was secondary (ρs = -0.34, P > 0.05). Lastly, the magnitude of Svis was inversely correlated with aSPM∗(440) (ρs = -0.55, P = 0.04) and FSPMPIM (ρs = -0.62, P = 0.018) in sampling locations with a larger marine influence (i.e., lower estuary).
Tribological Analysis of Copper-Coated Graphite Particle-Reinforced A359 Al/5 wt.% SiC Composites
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lin, C. B.; Wang, T. C.; Chang, Z. C.; Chu, H. Y.
2013-01-01
Copper-coated graphite particles can be mass-produced by the cementation process using simple equipment. Graphite particulates that were coated with electroless copper and 5 wt.% SiC particulates were introduced into an aluminum alloy by compocasting to make A359 Al/5 wt.% SiC(p) composite that contained 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt.% graphite particulate composite. The effects of SiC particles, quantity of graphite particles, normal loading, sliding speed and wear debris on the coefficient of friction, and the wear rate were investigated. The results thus obtained indicate that the wear properties were improved by adding small amounts of SiC and graphite particles into the A359 Al alloy. The coefficient of friction of the A359 Al/5 wt.% SiC(p) composite that contained 6.0 wt.% graphite particulates was reduced to 0.246 and the amount of graphite film that was released on the worn surface increased with the graphite particulate content. The coefficient of friction and the wear rate were insensitive to the variation in the sliding speed and normal loading.
Near-Bottom Turbulence and Sediment Resuspension Induced by Nonlinear Internal Waves
2011-09-30
boundary layer (BBL) turbulence and particulate resuspension leading to benthic nepheloid layer ( BNL ) formation. OBJECTIVES The specific...identify mechanisms for the capturing of nearbed particles by the BBL-turbulence and their transport/deposition into BNLs . • Analyze field...resuspended particle distributions under NLIWs, a reliable proxy of BNLs , can be used to quantify the transmission or backscatter of optical/acoustic
Estimation of Physical Parameters of a Multilayered Multi-Scale Vegetated Surface
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hosni, I.; Bennaceur Farah, L.; Naceur, M. S.; Farah, I. R.
2016-06-01
Soil moisture is important to enable the growth of vegetation in the way that it also conditions the development of plant population. Additionally, its assessment is important in hydrology and agronomy, and is a warning parameter for desertification. Furthermore, the soil moisture content affects exchanges with the atmosphere via the energy balance at the soil surface; it is significant due to its impact on soil evaporation and transpiration. Therefore, it conditions the energy transfer between Earth and atmosphere. Many remote sensing methods were tested. For the soil moisture; the first methods relied on the optical domain (short wavelengths). Obviously, due to atmospheric effects and the presence of clouds and vegetation cover, this approach is doomed to fail in most cases. Therefore, the presence of vegetation canopy complicates the retrieval of soil moisture because the canopy contains moisture of its own. This paper presents a synergistic methodology of SAR and optical remote sensing data, and it's for simulation of statistical parameters of soil from C-band radar measurements. Vegetation coverage, which can be easily estimated from optical data, was combined in the backscattering model. The total backscattering was divided into the amount attributed to areas covered with vegetation and that attributed to areas of bare soil. Backscattering coefficients were simulated using the established backscattering model. A two-dimensional multiscale SPM model has been employed to investigate the problem of electromagnetic scattering from an underlying soil. The water cloud model (WCM) is used to account for the effect of vegetation water content on radar backscatter data, whereof to eliminate the impact of vegetation layer and isolate the contributions of vegetation scattering and absorption from the total backscattering coefficient.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Beilina, L.; Cristofol, M.; Li, S.; Yamamoto, M.
2018-01-01
We consider an inverse problem of reconstructing two spatially varying coefficients in an acoustic equation of hyperbolic type using interior data of solutions with suitable choices of initial condition. Using a Carleman estimate, we prove Lipschitz stability estimates which ensure unique reconstruction of both coefficients. Our theoretical results are justified by numerical studies on the reconstruction of two unknown coefficients using noisy backscattered data.
Active and passive microwave measurements of soil moisture in FIFE
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wang, J. R.; Gogineni, S. P.; Ampe, J.
1992-01-01
During the intensive field campaigns of the First International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP) Field Experiment (FIFE) in May-October of 1987, several nearly simultaneous measurements were made with low-altitude flights of the L-band radiometer and C- and X-band scatterometers over two transects in the Konza Prairie Natural Research Area, some 8 km south of Manhattan, Kansas. These measurements showed that although the scatterometers were sensitive to soil moisture variations in most regions under the flight path, the L-band radiometer lost most of its sensitivity in regions unburned for many years. The correlation coefficient derived from the regression between the radar backscattering coefficient and the soil moisture was found to improve with the increase in antenna incidence angle. This is attributed to a steeper falloff of the backscattering coefficient as a function of local incidence at angles near nadir than at angles greater than 30 deg.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kohl, R. H.; Flaherty, M. I.; Partin, R. L.
1977-01-01
The optical properties of a wide variety of atmospheric dispersions were studied using a 0.9-micron lidar system which included a GaAs laser stack transmitter emitting a horizontally polarized beam of 4 milliradians vertical divergence and 1.5 milliradians horizontal divergence. A principal means for assessing optical properties was the polarization ratio, that is, the backscattered radiation power perpendicular to the transmitter beam divided by the backscattered radiation power parallel to the beam polarization. The ratio of the backscattered fraction to the attenuation coefficient was also determined. Data on the dispersion properties of black carbon smoke, road dust, fog, fair-weather cumulus clouds, snow and rain were obtained; the adverse effects of sunlight-induced background noise on the readings is also discussed.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Civale, John; Ter Haar, Gail; Rivens, Ian; Bamber, Jeff
2005-09-01
Currently, the intensity to be used in our clinical HIFU treatments is calculated from the acoustic path lengths in different tissues measured on diagnostic ultrasound images of the patient in the treatment position, and published values of ultrasound attenuation coefficients. This yields an approximate value for the acoustic power at the transducer required to give a stipulated focal intensity in situ. Estimation methods for the actual acoustic attenuation have been investigated in large parts of the tissue path overlying the target volume from the backscattered ultrasound signal for each patient (backscatter attenuation estimation: BAE). Several methods have been investigated. The backscattered echo information acquired from an Acuson scanner has been used to compute the diffraction-corrected attenuation coefficient at each frequency using two methods: a substitution method and an inverse diffraction filtering process. A homogeneous sponge phantom was used to validate the techniques. The use of BAE to determine the correct HIFU exposure parameters for lesioning has been tested in ex vivo liver. HIFU lesions created with a 1.7-MHz therapy transducer have been studied using a semiautomated image processing technique. The reproducibility of lesion size for given in situ intensities determined using BAE and empirical techniques has been compared.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gallegos, S. C.; Gould, R. W.; Arnone, R. A.; Teague, W. J.; Mitchell, D. A.; Ko, D.
2005-05-01
The continental shelf of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico between 87.5 W and 88.5 W is an ideal place to study coastal processes. In this region, the shelf slopes gently down to depths of 100 m, and then increases rapidly to depths greater than a mile. The Naval Research Laboratory at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi is currently undertaking an intensive measurement and modeling program to determine the cross-shelf exchange processes and their relation to the optical parameters of this area. In this study, we report our efforts to quantify the variability of the spectral backscattering coefficient derived from SeaWiFS imagery via empirical orthogonal functions. We compare the most relevant modes with the spatial distribution of Eddy Kinetic Energy (EKE) computed by the Inter Americas Seas (IAS) model and in-situ measurements by acoustic Doppler current profilers deployed between May 2004 and May 2005. The results indicate that most of the backscattering variability is contained in areas north of 29.2N which coincides with the edge of the continental shelf (100 m depth). Sporadic increases in backscattering are observed as far south as 29.0 N and to the east of 88.1W. These increases can be explained by fluctuations in surface EKE.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Guerrero, Massimo; Di Federico, Vittorio
2018-03-01
The use of acoustic techniques has become common for estimating suspended sediment in water environments. An emitted beam propagates into water producing backscatter and attenuation, which depend on scattering particles concentration and size distribution. Unfortunately, the actual particles size distribution (PSD) may largely affect the accuracy of concentration quantification through the unknown coefficients of backscattering strength, ks2, and normalized attenuation, ζs. This issue was partially solved by applying the multi-frequency approach. Despite this possibility, a relevant scientific and practical question remains regarding the possibility of using acoustic methods to investigate poorly sorted sediment in the spectrum ranging from clay to fine sand. The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of combining the measurement of sound attenuation and backscatter to determine ζs for the suspended particles and the corresponding concentration. The proposed method is moderately dependent from actual PSD, thus relaxing the need of frequent calibrations to account for changes in ks2 and ζs coefficients. Laboratory tests were conducted under controlled conditions to validate this measurement technique. With respect to existing approaches, the developed method more accurately estimates the concentration of suspended particles ranging from clay to fine sand and, at the same time, gives an indication on their actual PSD.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cutten, D. R.; Spinhirne, J. D.; Menzies, R. T.; Bowdle, D. A.; Srivastava, V.; Pueschel, R. F.; Clarke, A. D.; Rothermel, J.
1998-01-01
Aerosol backscatter coefficient data were examined from two nights near Japan and Hawaii undertaken during NASA's Global Backscatter Experiment (GLOBE) in May-June 1990. During each of these two nights the aircraft traversed different altitudes within a region of the atmosphere defined by the same set of latitude and longitude coordinates. This provided an ideal opportunity to allow flight level focused continuous wave (CW) lidar backscatter measured at 9.11-micron wavelength and modeled aerosol backscatter from two aerosol optical counters to be compared with pulsed lidar aerosol backscatter data at 1.06- and 9.25-micron wavelengths. The best agreement between all sensors was found in the altitude region below 7 km, where backscatter values were moderately high at all three wavelengths. Above this altitude the pulsed lidar backscatter data at 1.06- and 9.25-micron wavelengths were higher than the flight level data obtained from the CW lidar or derived from the optical counters, suggesting sample volume effects were responsible for this. Aerosol microphysics analysis of data near Japan revealed a strong sea-salt aerosol plume extending upward from the marine boundary layer. On the basis of sample volume differences, it was found that large particles were of different composition compared with the small particles for low backscatter conditions.
Development of an infrared analyzer following the
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1976-01-01
A radar calibration subsystem for measuring the radar backscattering characteristics of an imaged terrain is described. To achieve the required accuracy for the backscattering coefficient measurement (about 2 dB with 80 percent confidence), the space hardware design includes a means of monitoring the state parameters of the radar. For example, the transmitter output power is sampled and a replica of its output waveform is circulated through the receiver. These are recorded digitally and are used on the ground to determine such radar parameters as the transmitter power and the receiver gain. This part of the data is needed by the ground processor to measure the terrain backscattering characteristics.
Electromagnetic Scattering by Spheroidal Volumes of Discrete Random Medium
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dlugach, Janna M.; Mishchenko, Michael I.
2017-01-01
We use the superposition T-matrix method to compare the far-field scattering matrices generated by spheroidal and spherical volumes of discrete random medium having the same volume and populated by identical spherical particles. Our results fully confirm the robustness of the previously identified coherent and diffuse scattering regimes and associated optical phenomena exhibited by spherical particulate volumes and support their explanation in terms of the interference phenomenon coupled with the order-of-scattering expansion of the far-field Foldy equations. We also show that increasing non-sphericity of particulate volumes causes discernible (albeit less pronounced) optical effects in forward and backscattering directions and explain them in terms of the same interference/multiple-scattering phenomenon.
Near-Bottom Turbulence and Sediment Resuspension Induced by Nonlinear Internal Waves
2012-09-30
boundary layer (BBL) turbulence and particulate resuspension leading to benthic nepheloid layer ( BNL ) formation. OBJECTIVES The specific objectives...capturing of nearbed particles by the BBL-turbulence and their transport/deposition into BNLs . • Analyze field observations from the New Jersey shelf to...generated resuspended particle distributions under NLIWs, a reliable proxy of BNLs , can be used to quantify the transmission or backscatter of optical
Near-Bottom Turbulence and Sediment Resuspension Induced by Nonlinear Internal Waves
2014-09-30
boundary layer (BBL) turbulence and particulate resuspension leading to benthic nepheloid layer ( BNL ) formation. OBJECTIVES The specific objectives...identify mechanisms for the capturing of near-bed particles by the BBL-turbulence and their transport/deposition into BNLs . • Analyze field...distributions under NLIWs, a reliable proxy of BNLs , can be used to quantify the transmission or backscatter of optical/acoustic signals of importance to
Estimating labile particulate iron concentrations in coastal waters from remote sensing data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
McGaraghan, Anna R.; Kudela, Raphael M.
2012-02-01
Owing to the difficulties inherent in measuring trace metals and the importance of iron as a limiting nutrient for biological systems, the ability to monitor particulate iron concentration remotely is desirable. This study examines the relationship between labile particulate iron, described here as weak acid leachable particulate iron or total dissolvable iron, and easily obtained bio-optical measurements. We develop a bio-optical proxy that can be used to estimate large-scale patterns of labile iron concentrations in surface waters, and we extend this by including other environmental variables in a multiple linear regression statistical model. By utilizing a ratio of optical backscatter and fluorescence obtained by satellite, we identify patterns in iron concentrations confirmed by traditional shipboard sampling. This basic relationship is improved with the addition of other environmental parameters in the statistical linear regression model. The optical proxy detects known temporal and spatial trends in average surface iron concentrations in Monterey Bay. The proxy is robust in that similar performance was obtained using two independent particulate iron data sets, but it exhibits weaker correlations than the full statistical model. This proxy will be a valuable tool for oceanographers seeking to monitor iron concentrations in coastal regions and allows for better understanding of the variability of labile particulate iron in surface waters to complement direct measurement of leachable particulate or total dissolvable iron.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Phillips, Stephen Robert; Costa, Maycira
2017-12-01
The use of standard ocean colour reflectance based algorithms to derive surface chlorophyll may have limited applicability for optically dynamic coastal waters due to the pre-defined coefficients based on global datasets. Reflectance based algorithms adjusted to regional optical water characteristics are a promising alternative. A class-based definition of optically diverse coastal waters was investigated as a first step towards the development of temporal and spatial constrained reflectance based algorithms for optically variable coastal waters. A large set of bio-optical data were collected as part of five research cruises and bi-weekly trips aboard a ship of opportunity in the west coast of Canada, to assess the spatial and temporal variability of above-water reflectance in this contrasted coastal environment. To accomplish this, in situ biophysical and optical measurements were collected in conjunction with above-water hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) at 145 stations. The concentrations of measured biophysical data varied considerably; chlorophyll a (Chla) (mean = 1.64, range: 0.10-7.20 μg l-1), total suspended matter (TSM) (3.09, 0.82-20.69 mg l-1), and absorption by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) (acdom(443 nm)) (0.525, 0.007-3.072 m-1), thus representing the spatio-temporal variability of the Salish Sea. Optically, a similar large range was also found; particulate scattering (bp(650 nm)) (1.316, 0.250-7.450 m-1), particulate backscattering (bbp(650 nm)) (0.022, 0.005-0.097 m-1), total beam attenuation coefficient (ct(650)) (1.675, 0.371-9.537 m-1) and particulate absorption coefficient (ap(650 nm)) (0.345, 0.048-2.020 m-1). An empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis revealed that Rrs variability was highly correlated to bp (r = 0.90), bbp (r = 0.82) and concentration of TSM (r = 0.80), which highlighted the dominant role of water turbidity in this region. Hierarchical clustering analysis was applied to the normalized Rrs spectra to define optical water classes. Class 1 was defined by the highest Rrs values, particularly above 570 nm, indicating more turbid waters; Class 2 was dominated by high Chla and TSM concentrations, which is shown by high Rrs at 570 nm as well as fluorescence and absorption peaks; Class 3 shows strong fluorescence signatures accompanied by low TSM influence; and Class 4 is most representative of clear waters with a less defined absorption peak around 440 nm. By understanding the bio-optical factors which control the variability of the Rrs spectra this study aims to develop a sub-regional characterization of this coastal region aiming to improve bio-optical algorithms in this complex coastal area.
Zeeshan, Muhammad; Kim Oanh, N T
2014-03-01
Correlation between satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) and ground monitoring particulate matter (PM) depends on the meteorology that determines PM optical properties, its dispersion, accumulation and vertical distribution. This study presents a novel approach to analyze PM-AOD relationship considering the totality of meteorological factors expressed as synoptic patterns. Meteorological observations at 07:00 Bangkok time from 9 regional meteorological stations, in dry seasons (November-April) of 11 years (2000-2010), were used to categorize governing meteorology over Central Thailand into four categories representing the typical observed synoptic patterns. The MANOVA analysis showed that these patterns were statistically different. PM10 recorded at 22 air quality stations in Bangkok Metropolitan Region were examined which showed the highest levels for the days belonging to pattern 1, followed by pattern 4, both with presence of a high pressure ridge, while the minimum for pattern 2 when thermal lows dominated. Lidar aerosol backscatter profiles recorded at Pimai station were used as indicator of PM vertical distribution that showed similarity within each pattern. R(2) between MODIS and Sun photometer AODs at Pimai was above 0.8. Correlation coefficients (R) between MODIS AOD and corresponding 1h PM10 for clear sky days (cloudiness ≤ 3/10) were examined for each pattern in comparison with lump case. Significant improvements were observed for pattern 1, average R across 22 stations was 0.46 for Terra and 0.38 for Aqua AOD compared to lump case with R of 0.34 and 0.31, respectively. Comparable improvement was also observed for pattern 4. For pattern 2, R values were significantly reduced which may be caused by the deeper mixing layers and varying vertical profiles with overall low values of Lidar backscatter coefficients. Improved R values in pattern 1 and 4, which had highest PM10 in BMR, suggested a better potential of using MODIS AOD for PM10 monitoring with synoptic pattern classification. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Light backscattering efficiency and related properties of some phytoplankters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ahn, Yu-Hwan; Bricaud, Annick; Morel, André
1992-11-01
By using a set-up that combines an integrating sphere with a spectroradiometer LI-1800 UW, the backscattering properties of nine different phytoplankters grown in culture have been determined experimentally for the wavelengths domain ν = 400 up to 850 nm. Simultaneously, the absorption and attenuation properties, as well as the size distribution function, have been measured. This set of measurements allowed the spectral values of refractive index, and subsequently the volume scattering functions (VSF) of the cells, to be derived, by operating a scattering model previously developed for spherical and homogeneous cells. The backscattering properties, measured within a restricted angular domain (approximately between 132 and 174°), have been compared to theoretical predictions. Although there appear some discrepancies between experimental and predicted values (probably due to experimental errors as well as deviations of actual cells from computational hypotheses), the overall agreement is good; in particular the observed interspecific variations of backscattering values, as well as the backscattering spectral variation typical of each species, are well accounted for by theory. Using the computed VSF, the measured backscattering properties can be converted (assuming spherical and homogeneous cells) into efficiency factors for backscattering ( overlineQbb) . Thhe spectral behavior of overlineQbb appears to be radically different from that for total scattering overlineQb. For small cells, overlineQ (λ) is practically constant over the spectrum, whereas overlineQb(λ) varies approximately according to a power law (λ -2). As the cell size increases, overlineQbb conversely, becomes increasingly featured, whilst overlineQb becomes spectrally flat. The chlorophyll-specific backscattering coefficients ( b b∗ appear highly variable and span nearly two orders of magnitude. The chlorophyll-specific absorption and scattering coefficients, a ∗ and b ∗, are mainly ruled by the interspecific variations in cellssize ( D) and intracellular pigment concentration ( Ci) (actually by the variations of the product DCi). Though b b∗ is involved in the modelling of the diffuse reflectance of waters, the impact of its actual variation is greatly limited because typical b b∗ values, even at their maximum (10 -3 m 2 mg -1), are very low. This result confirms that living algae have a negligible influence on the backscattering process by oceanic waters; other particles (bacteria, detritus, etc.) associated with algae are mainly responsible for this process.
Verification studies of Seasat-A satellite scatterometer /SASS/ measurements
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Halberstam, I.
1981-01-01
Two comparisons between Seasat-A satellite scatterometer (SASS) data and surface truth, obtained from the Gulf of Alaska Seasat Experiment and the Joint Air-Sea Interaction program, have been made to determine the behavior of SASS and its algorithms. The performance of SASS was first evaluated irrespective of the algorithms employed to convert the SASS data to geophysical parameters, which was done by separating the backscatter measurements into small bins of incidence and azimuth angles and polarity and regression against wind speed measurements. The algorithms were then tested by comparing their predicted slopes and y intercepts with those derived from the regressions, and by comparing each SASS backscatter measurement with the backscatter derived from the algorithms, and the given wind velocity from the observations. It was shown that SASS was insensitive to winds at high incidence angles for horizontal polarizations. Fairly high correlations were found between backscatter and wind speeds. The algorithms functioned well at mid-ranges of incidence angle and backscattering coefficient.
Circularly polarized measurements of radar backscatter from terrain
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wilson, E. A.; Brunfeldt, D. R.; Ulaby, F. T.; Holtzman, J. C.
1980-02-01
This report documents the design changes to the University of Kansas MAS 8-18/35 scatterometer system required to incorporate a circular polarization capability and a subsequent backscatter measurement program. The modifications enable the MAS 8-18/35 system to acquire both linear (HH, HV, VV) and circular (RR, RL, LL) radar backscatter data over its entire operating range of 8-18 GHz and 35 GHz. The measurement program described herein consisted of measurements of the backscatter coefficient, as a function of the angle of incidence (0-80) at selected frequencies in the 8-18 GHz range using circular polarization. Targets studied included coniferous and deciduous trees, wet and dry asphalt and concrete and bare and plowed ground at various moisture conditions. Coniferous and deciduous tree measurements were taken in both August and November so that seasonal changes could be observed.
Modeling Surface Roughness to Estimate Surface Moisture Using Radarsat-2 Quad Polarimetric SAR Data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nurtyawan, R.; Saepuloh, A.; Budiharto, A.; Wikantika, K.
2016-08-01
Microwave backscattering from the earth's surface depends on several parameters such as surface roughness and dielectric constant of surface materials. The two parameters related to water content and porosity are crucial for estimating soil moisture. The soil moisture is an important parameter for ecological study and also a factor to maintain energy balance of land surface and atmosphere. Direct roughness measurements to a large area require extra time and cost. Heterogeneity roughness scale for some applications such as hydrology, climate, and ecology is a problem which could lead to inaccuracies of modeling. In this study, we modeled surface roughness using Radasat-2 quad Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PolSAR) data. The statistical approaches to field roughness measurements were used to generate an appropriate roughness model. This modeling uses a physical SAR approach to predicts radar backscattering coefficient in the parameter of radar configuration (wavelength, polarization, and incidence angle) and soil parameters (surface roughness and dielectric constant). Surface roughness value is calculated using a modified Campbell and Shepard model in 1996. The modification was applied by incorporating the backscattering coefficient (σ°) of quad polarization HH, HV and VV. To obtain empirical surface roughness model from SAR backscattering intensity, we used forty-five sample points from field roughness measurements. We selected paddy field in Indramayu district, West Java, Indonesia as the study area. This area was selected due to intensive decreasing of rice productivity in the Northern Coast region of West Java. Third degree polynomial is the most suitable data fitting with coefficient of determination R2 and RMSE are about 0.82 and 1.18 cm, respectively. Therefore, this model is used as basis to generate the map of surface roughness.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Geiss, Alexander; Marksteiner, Uwe; Lux, Oliver; Lemmerz, Christian; Reitebuch, Oliver; Kanitz, Thomas; Straume-Lindner, Anne Grete
2018-04-01
By the end of 2017, the European Space Agency (ESA) will launch the Atmospheric laser Doppler instrument (ALADIN), a direct detection Doppler wind lidar operating at 355 nm. An important tool for the validation and optimization of ALADIN's hardware and data processors for wind retrievals with real atmospheric signals is the ALADIN airborne demonstrator A2D. In order to be able to validate and test aerosol retrieval algorithms from ALADIN, an algorithm for the retrieval of atmospheric backscatter and extinction profiles from A2D is necessary. The A2D is utilizing a direct detection scheme by using a dual Fabry-Pérot interferometer to measure molecular Rayleigh signals and a Fizeau interferometer to measure aerosol Mie returns. Signals are captured by accumulation charge coupled devices (ACCD). These specifications make different steps in the signal preprocessing necessary. In this paper, the required steps to retrieve aerosol optical products, i. e. particle backscatter coefficient βp, particle extinction coefficient αp and lidar ratio Sp from A2D raw signals are described.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lolli, Simone; Welton, Ellsworth J.; Campbell, James R.; Eloranta, Edwin; Holben, Brent N.; Chew, Boon Ning; Salinas, Santo V.
2014-01-01
From August 2012 to February 2013 a High Resolution Spectral Lidar (HSRL; 532 nm) was deployed at that National University of Singapore near a NASA Micro Pulse Lidar NETwork (MPLNET; 527 nm) site. A primary objective of the MPLNET lidar project is the production and dissemination of reliable Level 1 measurements and Level 2 retrieval products. This paper characterizes and quantifies error in Level 2 aerosol optical property retrievals conducted through inversion techniques that derive backscattering and extinction coefficients from MPLNET elastic single-wavelength datasets. MPLNET Level 2 retrievals for aerosol optical depth and extinction/backscatter coefficient profiles are compared with corresponding HSRL datasets, for which the instrument collects direct measurements of each using a unique optical configuration that segregates aerosol and cloud backscattered signal from molecular signal. The intercomparison is performed, and error matrices reported, for lower (0-5km) and the upper (>5km) troposphere, respectively, to distinguish uncertainties observed within and above the MPLNET instrument optical overlap regime.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Wei; Rood, Mark J.; Carrico, Christian M.; Covert, David S.; Quinn, Patricia K.; Bates, Timothy S.
2007-05-01
Optical and hygroscopic properties of submicrometer diameter aerosol particles were measured on board the NOAA R/V Ronald H. Brown as part of the NEAQS-ITCT field campaign. The campaign occurred along the northeast coast of North America during the summer of 2004. A scanning relative humidity (RH) nephelometry system (humidograph) measured total light scattering and backscattering coefficients (σsp and σbsp, respectively) at three wavelengths (λs) and RH = 26% and while RH was scanned between 40% and 85%. These measurements were combined with aerosol light absorption and composition measurements to describe σsp, σbsp, single scattering albedo (ω), Ångström exponent (å), and hemispheric backscatter fraction (b) at a low reference RH of 26 ± 4% and the aerosol's hygroscopic properties based on its optical response up to 85% RH. Humidogram curve structure was dominated by hygroscopic growth without hysteresis (76% frequency). Dependence of the aerosol's σsp values with changes in RH, fσsp(RH, 26), was observed to decrease with increasing mass fraction of particulate organic matter (POM, FO). Statistical analyses indicated that increasing FO resulted in a less hygroscopic aerosol, while increasing molar equivalence ratio (ER) resulted in lower hysteresis factors based on the aerosols' optical responses at a 0.95 confidence level. ω showed little RH dependence while å and b decreased with increasing RH values. Values for å(λ1, λ2), b, and fσsp(82, 26) increased with increasing λ values. Sensitivities of top of the atmosphere aerosol radiative forcing to changes in ω, b, and σsp with RH were also estimated.
a Brief Climatology of Cirrus LIDAR Ratios Measured by High Spectral Resolution LIDAR
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kuehn, R.; Holz, R.; Hair, J. W.; Vaughan, M. A.; Eloranta, E. W.
2015-12-01
Our ability to detect and probe the vertical extent of cirrus was hugely improved with the launch of the NASA-CNES CALIPSO mission in April 2006. However, our skill at retrieving the optical properties of the cirrus detected by the CALIPSO lidar is not yet commensurate with our detection abilities. As with any new observing system, CALIPSO faces challenges and uncertainties in the retrieval of the geophysical parameters from its fundamental measurements. Specifically, extinction and optical depth retrievals for elastic backscatter lidars like CALIPSO typically rely on a priori assumptions about layer-mean extinction-to-backscatter ratios (AKA lidar ratios), which can vary regionally and for which uncertainties are high. To improve CALIPSO optical properties retrievals, we show High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) measurements acquired with systems from the University of Wisconsin and NASA Langley. HSRLs can directly determine ice cloud extinction and lidar ratio by separately measuring the molecular and particulate components of the total backscattered signal, thus largely eliminating many of the uncertainties inherent in elastic backscatter retrievals. These measurements were acquired during the SEAC4RS (Huntsville, AL, USA and Singapore), and FRAPPE/DISCOVER-AQ 2014 (BAO tower near Boulder, CO, USA) field campaigns, and an intensive operations period in Hampton, VA, USA.
Optical characterization of an eddy-induced diatom bloom west of the island of Hawaii
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nencioli, F.; Chang, G.; Twardowski, M.; Dickey, T. D.
2009-08-01
Optical properties are used to characterize the biogeochemistry of cyclonic eddy Opal in the lee of Hawaii. The eddy featured an intense diatom bloom. Our results show that the ratio of chlorophyll concentration to particulate beam attenuation coefficient, [chl]/cp, is not a good indicator of the changes in particle composition through the water column. The ratio is controlled primarily by the variation in chlorophyll concentration per cell with depth (photoadaptation), so that its values increase throughout the Deep Chlorophyll Maximum Layer (DCML). Below the DCML, high values of [chl]/cp suggest that remineralization might be another important controlling factor. On the other hand, the backscattering ratio (particle backscattering to particle scattering ratio, b~bp) clearly indicates a shift from a small phytoplankton to a diatom dominated community. Below an upper layer characterized by constant values, the b~bp ratio showed a rapid decrease to a broad minimum within the DCML. The higher values below the DCML are consistent with enhanced remineralization below the eddy-induced bloom. The DCML was characterized by a layer of "healthy" diatoms underlying a layer of "senescent" diatoms. These two layers are characterized by similar optical properties, indicating some possible limitations in using optical measurements to fully characterize the composition of suspended material in the water column. An inverse relationship between b~bp and [chl]/cp, also reported by others, is observed as deep as the DCML. There, [chl]/cp increases whereas b~bp remains similar to values found in the empty frustule layer. This is a further indication that [chl]/cp might not be a good alternative to the backscattering ratio for investigating changes in particle composition with depth in Case I waters.
Gluing for Raman lidar systems using the lamp mapping technique.
Walker, Monique; Venable, Demetrius; Whiteman, David N
2014-12-20
In the context of combined analog and photon counting (PC) data acquisition in a Lidar system, glue coefficients are defined as constants used for converting an analog signal into a virtual PC signal. The coefficients are typically calculated using Lidar profile data taken under clear, nighttime conditions since, in the presence of clouds or high solar background, it is difficult to obtain accurate glue coefficients from Lidar backscattered data. Here we introduce a new method in which we use the lamp mapping technique (LMT) to determine glue coefficients in a manner that does not require atmospheric profiles to be acquired and permits accurate glue coefficients to be calculated when adequate Lidar profile data are not available. The LMT involves scanning a halogen lamp over the aperture of a Lidar receiver telescope such that the optical efficiency of the entire detection system is characterized. The studies shown here involve two Raman lidar systems; the first from Howard University and the second from NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. The glue coefficients determined using the LMT and the Lidar backscattered method agreed within 1.2% for the water vapor channel and within 2.5% for the nitrogen channel for both Lidar systems. We believe this to be the first instance of the use of laboratory techniques for determining the glue coefficients for Lidar data analysis.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lee, Zhong-Ping; Carder, Kendall L.
2001-01-01
A multi-band analytical (MBA) algorithm is developed to retrieve absorption and backscattering coefficients for optically deep waters, which can be applied to data from past and current satellite sensors, as well as data from hyperspectral sensors. This MBA algorithm applies a remote-sensing reflectance model derived from the Radiative Transfer Equation, and values of absorption and backscattering coefficients are analytically calculated from values of remote-sensing reflectance. There are only limited empirical relationships involved in the algorithm, which implies that this MBA algorithm could be applied to a wide dynamic range of waters. Applying the algorithm to a simulated non-"Case 1" data set, which has no relation to the development of the algorithm, the percentage error for the total absorption coefficient at 440 nm a (sub 440) is approximately 12% for a range of 0.012 - 2.1 per meter (approximately 6% for a (sub 440) less than approximately 0.3 per meter), while a traditional band-ratio approach returns a percentage error of approximately 30%. Applying it to a field data set ranging from 0.025 to 2.0 per meter, the result for a (sub 440) is very close to that using a full spectrum optimization technique (9.6% difference). Compared to the optimization approach, the MBA algorithm cuts the computation time dramatically with only a small sacrifice in accuracy, making it suitable for processing large data sets such as satellite images. Significant improvements over empirical algorithms have also been achieved in retrieving the optical properties of optically deep waters.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Whitlock, C. H.; Suttles, J. T.; Lecroy, S. R.
1985-01-01
Tabular values of phase function, Legendre polynominal coefficients, 180 deg backscatter, and extinction cross section are given for eight wavelengths in the atmospheric windows between 0.4 and 2.2 microns. Also included are single scattering albedo, asymmetry factor, and refractive indices. These values are based on Mie theory calculations for the standard rediation atmospheres (continental, maritime, urban, unperturbed stratospheric, volcanic, upper atmospheric, soot, oceanic, dust, and water-soluble) assest measured volcanic aerosols at several time intervals following the El Chichon eruption. Comparisons of extinction to 180 deg backscatter for different aerosol models are presented and related to lidar data.
Monostatic lidar/radar invisibility using coated spheres.
Zhai, Peng-Wang; You, Yu; Kattawar, George W; Yang, Ping
2008-02-04
The Lorenz-Mie theory is revisited to explicitly include materials whose permeability is different from unity. The expansion coefficients of the scattered field are given for light scattering by both homogeneous and coated spheres. It is shown that the backscatter is exactly zero if the impedance of the spherical particles is equal to the intrinsic impedance of the surrounding medium. If spherical particles are sufficiently large, the zero backscatter can be explained as impedance matching using the asymptotic expression for the radar backscattering cross section. In the case of a coated sphere, the shell can be regarded as a cloak if the product of the thickness and the imaginary part of the refractive index of the outer shell is large.
Backscatter and extinction measurements in cloud and drizzle at CO2 laser wavelengths
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jennings, S. G.
1986-01-01
The backscatter and extinction of laboratory generated cloud and drizzle sized water drops were measured at carbon dioxide laser wavelengths (predominately at lambda = 10.591 micrometers). Two distinctly different drop size regimes were studied: one which covers the range normally encompassed by natural cloud droplets and the other representative of mist or drizzle sized drops. The derivation and verification of the relation between extinction and backscatter at carbon dioxide laser wavelengths should allow the determination of large cloud drop and drizzle extinction coefficient solely from a lidar return signal without requiring knowledge of the drop size distribution. This result will also apply to precipitation sized drops so long as they are spherical.
Retrieval of Aerosol Parameters from Continuous H24 Lidar-Ceilometer Measurements
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dionisi, D.; Barnaba, F.; Costabile, F.; Di Liberto, L.; Gobbi, G. P.; Wille, H.
2016-06-01
Ceilometer technology is increasingly applied to the monitoring and the characterization of tropospheric aerosols. In this work, a method to estimate some key aerosol parameters (extinction coefficient, surface area concentration and volume concentration) from ceilometer measurements is presented. A numerical model has been set up to derive a mean functional relationships between backscatter and the above mentioned parameters based on a large set of simulated aerosol optical properties. A good agreement was found between the modeled backscatter and extinction coefficients and the ones measured by the EARLINET Raman lidars. The developed methodology has then been applied to the measurements acquired by a prototype Polarization Lidar-Ceilometer (PLC). This PLC instrument was developed within the EC- LIFE+ project "DIAPASON" as an upgrade of the commercial, single-channel Jenoptik CHM15k system. The PLC run continuously (h24) close to Rome (Italy) for a whole year (2013-2014). Retrievals of the aerosol backscatter coefficient at 1064 nm and of the relevant aerosol properties were performed using the proposed methodology. This information, coupled to some key aerosol type identification made possible by the depolarization channel, allowed a year-round characterization of the aerosol field at this site. Examples are given to show how this technology coupled to appropriate data inversion methods is potentially useful in the operational monitoring of parameters of air quality and meteorological interest.
Wagner, Wolfgang; Pathe, Carsten; Doubkova, Marcela; Sabel, Daniel; Bartsch, Annett; Hasenauer, Stefan; Blöschl, Günter; Scipal, Klaus; Martínez-Fernández, José; Löw, Alexander
2008-01-01
The high spatio-temporal variability of soil moisture is the result of atmospheric forcing and redistribution processes related to terrain, soil, and vegetation characteristics. Despite this high variability, many field studies have shown that in the temporal domain soil moisture measured at specific locations is correlated to the mean soil moisture content over an area. Since the measurements taken by Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instruments are very sensitive to soil moisture it is hypothesized that the temporally stable soil moisture patterns are reflected in the radar backscatter measurements. To verify this hypothesis 73 Wide Swath (WS) images have been acquired by the ENVISAT Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) over the REMEDHUS soil moisture network located in the Duero basin, Spain. It is found that a time-invariant linear relationship is well suited for relating local scale (pixel) and regional scale (50 km) backscatter. The observed linear model coefficients can be estimated by considering the scattering properties of the terrain and vegetation and the soil moisture scaling properties. For both linear model coefficients, the relative error between observed and modelled values is less than 5 % and the coefficient of determination (R2) is 86 %. The results are of relevance for interpreting and downscaling coarse resolution soil moisture data retrieved from active (METOP ASCAT) and passive (SMOS, AMSR-E) instruments. PMID:27879759
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yan, Qiushuang; Zhang, Jie; Fan, Chenqing; Wang, Jing; Meng, Junmin
2018-01-01
The collocated normalized radar backscattering cross-section measurements from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Ku-band precipitation radar (KuPR) and the winds from the moored buoys are used to study the effect of different sea-surface slope probability density functions (PDFs), including the Gaussian PDF, the Gram-Charlier PDF, and the Liu PDF, on the geometrical optics (GO) model predictions of the radar backscatter at low incidence angles (0 deg to 18 deg) at different sea states. First, the peakedness coefficient in the Liu distribution is determined using the collocations at the normal incidence angle, and the results indicate that the peakedness coefficient is a nonlinear function of the wind speed. Then, the performance of the modified Liu distribution, i.e., Liu distribution using the obtained peakedness coefficient estimate; the Gaussian distribution; and the Gram-Charlier distribution is analyzed. The results show that the GO model predictions with the modified Liu distribution agree best with the KuPR measurements, followed by the predictions with the Gaussian distribution, while the predictions with the Gram-Charlier distribution have larger differences as the total or the slick filtered, not the radar filtered, probability density is included in the distribution. The best-performing distribution changes with incidence angle and changes with wind speed.
Near Bottom Turbulence and Sediment Resuspension Induced by Nonlinear Internal Waves
2013-09-30
boundary layer (BBL) turbulence and particulate resuspension leading to benthic nepheloid layer ( BNL ) formation. OBJECTIVES The specific...capturing of nearbed particles by the BBL-turbulence and their transport/deposition into BNLs . • Analyze field observations from the New Jersey shelf to...distributions under NLIWs, a reliable proxy of BNLs , can be used to quantify the transmission or backscatter of optical/acoustic signals of importance to
Measure of Backscatter for small particles of atmosphere by lasers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Abud, Mariam M.
2018-05-01
It developed a program for the atmosphere to study the backscattering for contents gas and molecules, aerosol, fog, clouds and rain droplets. By using Rayleigh, Mie and geometric scattering. The aim of research, using different types of lasers from various optical region, is to calculate differential cross scatter section and backscatter of atmosphere component in one layer from height 10-2000m. 180° is backscattering angle using ISA standard sea level condition P=1013.25 (kpa) at t0=15 ° C.and then calculated the density of molecules and water vapor molecules represented D in kg/m3. Results reflected index consist of the large value of the real part and imaginary m=1.463-0.028i.this research diff. scatter cross section of different component of atmosphere layer decreased vs. wavelengths. The purpose of lider research to find backscatter from UV to IR laser within the optical range in the atmosphere and measurement of excitation and analysis of backscatter signals. Recently, the atmosphere of Iraq has become full of dust and pollution, so by knowing the differential cross scatter section and backscatter of atmosphere. Relation between total Rayleigh scatter coefficient & type of particles include fog and clouds, aerosols and water droplets (-0.01, 0.025,- 0.005) m-1/sr-1.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pandolfi, M.; Martucci, G.; Querol, X.; Alastuey, A.; Wilsenack, F.; Frey, S.; O'Dowd, C. D.; Dall'Osto, M.
2013-05-01
Continuous measurements of surface mixed layer (SML), decoupled residual/convective layer (DRCL) and aerosol backscatter coefficient were performed within the Barcelona (Spain) boundary layer from September to October 2010 (30 days) in the framework of the SAPUSS (Solving Aerosol Problems by Using Synergistic Strategies) field campaign. Two near-infrared ceilometers (Jenoptik CHM15K), vertically and horizontally probing (only vertical profiles are herein discussed), were deployed. Ceilometer-based DRCLs (1761 ± 363 m a.g.l.) averaged over the campaign duration were twice as high as the mean SML (904 ± 273 m a.g.l.). Both DRCL and SML showed a marked SML diurnal cycle. Ceilometer data were compared with potential temperature profiles measured by daily radiosounding (twice a day, midnight and midday) to interpret the boundary layer structure in the coastal urban area of Barcelona. The overall agreement (R2 = 0.80) between the ceilometer-retrieved and radiosounding-based SML heights (h) revealed overestimation of the SML by the ceilometer (Δh=145 ± 145 m). After separating the data in accordance with different atmospheric scenarios, the lowest SML (736 ± 183 m) and DRCL (1573 ± 428 m) were recorded during warm North African (NAF) advected air mass. By contrast, higher SML and DRCL were observed during stagnant Regional (REG) (911 ± 234 m and 1769 ± 314 m, respectively) and cold Atlantic (ATL) (965 ± 222 m and 1878 ± 290 m, respectively) air masses. In addition to being the lowest, the SML during the NAF scenario frequently showed a flat upper boundary throughout the day possibly because of the strong winds from the Mediterranean Sea limiting the midday SML convective growth. The mean backscatter coefficients were calculated at two selected heights representative of middle and top SML portions, i.e. β500 = 0.59 ± 0.45 Mm-1 sr-1 and β800 = 0.87 ± 0.68 Mm-1 sr-1 at 500 m and 800 m a.g.l., respectively. The highest backscatter coefficients were observed during NAF (β500 = 0.77 ± 0.57 Mm-1 sr-1) when compared with ATL (β500 = 0.51 ± 0.44 Mm-1 sr-1) and REG (β500 = 0.64 ± 0.39 Mm-1 sr-1). The relationship between the vertical change in backscatter coefficient and atmospheric stability (∂θ/∂z) was investigated in the first 3000 m a.g.l., aiming to study how the unstable, stable or neutral atmospheric conditions of the atmosphere alter the distribution of aerosol backscatter with height over Barcelona. A positive correlation between unstable conditions and enhanced backscatter and vice versa was found.
High Spectral Resolution Lidar Measurements of Multiple Scattering
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Eloranta, E. W.; Piironen, P.
1996-01-01
The University of Wisconsin High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) provides unambiguous measurements of backscatter cross section, backscatter phase function, depolarization, and optical depth. This is accomplished by dividing the lidar return into separate particulate and molecular contributions. The molecular return is then used as a calibration target. We have modified the HSRL to use an I2 molecular absorption filter to separate aerosol and molecular signals. This allows measurement in dense clouds. Useful profiles extend above the cloud base until the two way optical depth reaches values between 5 and 6; beyond this, photon counting errors become large. In order to observe multiple scattering, the HSRL includes a channel which records the combined aerosol and molecular lidar return simultaneously with the spectrometer channel measurements of optical properties. This paper describes HSRL multiple scattering measurements from both water and ice clouds. These include signal strengths and depolarizations as a function of receiver field of view. All observations include profiles of extinction and backscatter cross sections. Measurements are also compared to predictions of a multiple scattering model based on small angle approximations.
An analytical model for light backscattering by coccoliths and coccospheres of Emiliania huxleyi.
Fournier, Georges; Neukermans, Griet
2017-06-26
We present an analytical model for light backscattering by coccoliths and coccolithophores of the marine calcifying phytoplankter Emiliania huxleyi. The model is based on the separation of the effects of diffraction, refraction, and reflection on scattering, a valid assumption for particle sizes typical of coccoliths and coccolithophores. Our model results match closely with results from an exact scattering code that uses complex particle geometry and our model also mimics well abrupt transitions in scattering magnitude. Finally, we apply our model to predict changes in the spectral backscattering coefficient during an Emiliania huxleyi bloom with results that closely match in situ measurements. Because our model captures the key features that control the light backscattering process, it can be generalized to coccoliths and coccolithophores of different morphologies which can be obtained from size-calibrated electron microphotographs. Matlab codes of this model are provided as supplementary material.
Hamad, Samera Hussein; Schauer, James Jay; Shafer, Martin Merrill; Abed Al-Raheem, Esam; Satar, Hyder
2012-01-01
The distribution of dissolved and particulate forms of 49 elements was investigated along transect of the Tigris River (one of the major rivers of the world) within Baghdad city and in its major tributary (Diyala River) from 11 to 28 July 2011. SF-ICP-MS was used to measure total and filterable elements at 17 locations along the Tigris River transect, two samples from the Diyala River, and in one sample from the confluence of the two rivers. The calculated particulate forms were used to determine the particle-partition coefficients of the metals. No major changes in the elements concentrations down the river transect. Dissolved phases dominated the physical speciation of many metals (e.g., As, Mo, and Pt) in the Tigris River, while Al, Fe, Pb, Th, and Ti were exhibiting high particulate fractions, with a trend of particle partition coefficients of [Ti(40) > Th(35) > Fe(15) > Al(13) > Pb(4.5)] ∗ 106 L/kg. Particulate forms of all metals exhibited high concentrations in the Diyala River, though the partition coefficients were low due to high TSS (~270 mg/L). A comparison of Tigris with the major rivers of the world showed that Tigris quality in Baghdad is comparable to Seine River quality in Paris. PMID:23304083
Effect of species structure and dielectric constant on C-band forest backscatter
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lang, R. H.; Landry, R.; Kilic, O.; Chauhan, N.; Khadr, N.; Leckie, D.
1993-01-01
A joint experiment between Canadian and USA research teams was conducted early in Oct. 1992 to determine the effect of species structure and dielectric variations on forest backscatter. Two stands, one red pine and one jack pine, in the Petawawa National Forestry Institute (PNFI) were utilized for the experiment. Extensive tree architecture measurements had been taken by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) several months earlier by employing a Total Station surveying instrument which provides detailed information on branch structure. A second part of the experiment consisted of cutting down several trees and using dielectric probes to measure branch and needle permittivity values at both sites. The dielectric and the tree geometry data were used in the George Washington University (GWU) Vegetation Model to determine the C band backscattering coefficients of the individual stands for VV polarization. The model results show that backscatter at C band comes mainly from the needles and small branches and the upper portion of the trunks acts only as an attenuator. A discussion of variation of backscatter with specie structure and how dielectric variations in needles for both species may affect the total backscatter returns is provided.
PCBs, PCDD/Fs and PAHs in dissolved, suspended and settling particulate matrixes from the Baltic Sea
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Naef, C.; Broman, D.; Zebuehr, Y.
The occurrence and dynamics of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are discussed on the basis of results from samples taken at pristine coastal and off shore locations in the Baltic Sea. The sampling techniques used were high volume cross flow filtration and sediment traps for suspended and settling particulate matter, respectively, and polyurethane foam adsorbents for the compounds associated with the apparently dissolved fractions. All samples were Soxhlet extracted with toluene and separated on a HPLC system followed by quantification on GS/MS. The importance of parameters such as concentrations of particulate lipids, particulatemore » organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon, etc. for the distribution of the compounds between the suspended and settling particulate matrixes and the dissolved phase in the water are discussed. In situ determined particulate organic carbon-water partition coefficients as well as predicted dissolved organic carbon-water partition coefficients and approximations of the average ``truly`` dissolved concentrations are presented. The particulate and dissolved concentrations in the mixed surface layer are discussed in perspective to the particulate flux of PCBs, PCDD/Fs and PAHs.« less
Electromagnetic Scattering by Fully Ordered and Quasi-Random Rigid Particulate Samples
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mishchenko, Michael I.; Dlugach, Janna M.; Mackowski, Daniel W.
2016-01-01
In this paper we have analyzed circumstances under which a rigid particulate sample can behave optically as a true discrete random medium consisting of particles randomly moving relative to each other during measurement. To this end, we applied the numerically exact superposition T-matrix method to model far-field scattering characteristics of fully ordered and quasi-randomly arranged rigid multiparticle groups in fixed and random orientations. We have shown that, in and of itself, averaging optical observables over movements of a rigid sample as a whole is insufficient unless it is combined with a quasi-random arrangement of the constituent particles in the sample. Otherwise, certain scattering effects typical of discrete random media (including some manifestations of coherent backscattering) may not be accurately replicated.
Respirable particulate monitoring with remote sensors. (Public health ecology: Air pollution)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Severs, R. K.
1974-01-01
The feasibility of monitoring atmospheric aerosols in the respirable range from air or space platforms was studied. Secondary reflectance targets were located in the industrial area and near Galveston Bay. Multichannel remote sensor data were utilized to calculate the aerosol extinction coefficient and thus determine the aerosol size distribution. Houston Texas air sampling network high volume data were utilized to generate computer isopleth maps of suspended particulates and to establish the mass loading of the atmosphere. In addition, a five channel nephelometer and a multistage particulate air sampler were used to collect data. The extinction coefficient determined from remote sensor data proved more representative of wide areal phenomena than that calculated from on site measurements. It was also demonstrated that a significant reduction in the standard deviation of the extinction coefficient could be achieved by reducing the bandwidths used in remote sensor.
Towards Snowpack Characterization using C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Park, J.; Forman, B. A.
2017-12-01
Sentinel 1A and 1B, operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), carries a C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensor that can be used to monitor terrestrial snow properties. This study explores the relationship between terrestrial snow-covered area, snow depth, and snow water equivalent with Sentinel 1 backscatter observations in order to better characterize snow mass. Ground-based observations collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Cooperative Remote Sensing Science and Technology Center (NOAA-CREST) in Caribou, Maine in the United States are also used in the comparative analysis. Sentinel 1 Ground Range Detected (GRD) imagery with Interferometric Wide swath (IW) were preprocessed through a series of steps accounting for thermal noise, sensor orbit, radiometric calibration, speckle filtering, and terrain correction using ESA's Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP) software package, which is an open-source module written in Python. Comparisons of dual-polarized backscatter coefficients (i.e., σVV and σVH) with in-situ measurements of snow depth and SWE suggest that cross-polarized backscatter observations exhibit a modest correlation between both snow depth and SWE. In the case of the snow-covered area, a multi-temporal change detection method was used. Results using Sentinel 1 yield similar spatial patterns as when using hyperspectral observations collected by the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). These preliminary results suggest the potential application of Sentinel 1A/1B backscatter coefficients towards improved discrimination of snow cover, snow depth, and SWE. One goal of this research is to eventually merge C-band SAR backscatter observations with other snow information (e.g., passive microwave brightness temperatures) as part of a multi-sensor snow assimilation framework.
Backscattering Measurement From a Single Microdroplet
Lee, Jungwoo; Chang, Jin Ho; Jeong, Jong Seob; Lee, Changyang; Teh, Shia-Yen; Lee, Abraham; Shung, K. Kirk
2011-01-01
Backscattering measurements for acoustically trapped lipid droplets were undertaken by employing a P[VDF-TrFE] broadband transducer of f-number = 1, with a bandwidth of 112%. The wide bandwidth allowed the transmission of the 45 MHz trapping signal and the 15 MHz sensing signal using the same transducer. Tone bursts at 45 MHz were first transmitted by the transducer to hold a single droplet at the focus (or the center of the trap) and separate it from its neighboring droplets by translating the transducer perpendicularly to the beam axis. Subsequently, 15 MHz probing pulses were sent to the trapped droplet and the backscattered RF echo signal received by the same transducer. The measured beam width at 15 MHz was measured to be 120 μm. The integrated backscatter (IB) coefficient of an individual droplet was determined within the 6-dB bandwidth of the transmit pulse by normalizing the power spectrum of the RF signal to the reference spectrum obtained from a flat reflector. The mean IB coefficient for droplets with a 64 μm average diameter (denoted as cluster A) was −107 dB, whereas it was −93 dB for 90-μm droplets (cluster B). The standard deviation was 0.9 dB for each cluster. The experimental values were then compared with those computed with the T-matrix method and a good agreement was found: the difference was as small as 1 dB for both clusters. These results suggest that this approach might be useful as a means for measuring ultrasonic backscattering from a single microparticle, and illustrate the potential of acoustic sensing for cell sorting. PMID:21507767
Coherent Backscattering by Particulate Planetary Media of Nonspherical Particles
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Muinonen, Karri; Penttila, Antti; Wilkman, Olli; Videen, Gorden
2014-11-01
The so-called radiative-transfer coherent-backscattering method (RT-CB) has been put forward as a practical Monte Carlo method to compute multiple scattering in discrete random media mimicking planetary regoliths (K. Muinonen, Waves in Random Media 14, p. 365, 2004). In RT-CB, the interaction between the discrete scatterers takes place in the far-field approximation and the wave propagation faces exponential extinction. There is a significant constraint in the RT-CB method: it has to be assumed that the form of the scattering matrix is that of the spherical particle. We aim to extend the RT-CB method to nonspherical single particles showing significant depolarization characteristics. First, ensemble-averaged single-scattering albedos and phase matrices of nonspherical particles are matched using a phenomenological radiative-transfer model within a microscopic volume element. Second, the phenomenologial single-particle model is incorporated into the Monte Carlo RT-CB method. In the ray tracing, the electromagnetic phases within the microscopic volume elements are omitted as having negligible lengths, whereas the phases are duly accounted for in the paths between two or more microscopic volume elements. We assess the computational feasibility of the extended RT-CB method and show preliminary results for particulate media mimicking planetary regoliths. The present work can be utilized in the interpretation of astronomical observations of asteroids and other planetary objects. In particular, the work sheds light on the depolarization characteristics of planetary regoliths at small phase angles near opposition. The research has been partially funded by the ERC Advanced Grant No 320773 entitled “Scattering and Absorption of Electromagnetic Waves in Particulate Media” (SAEMPL), by the Academy of Finland (contract 257966), NASA Outer Planets Research Program (contract NNX10AP93G), and NASA Lunar Advanced Science and Exploration Research Program (contract NNX11AB25G).
Scanning elastic lidar observations of aerosol transport in New York City
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Diaz, Adrian; Dominguez, Victor; Dobryansky, Selma; Wu, Yonghua; Arend, Mark; Vladutescu, Daniela Viviana; Gross, Barry; Moshary, Fred
2018-04-01
In this study, spatial distribution of aerosols in New York City is observed using a scanning eyesafe 532 nm elastic-backscatter micro-pulse lidar system. Observations show dynamics of the boundary layer and inhomogeneous distribution and transport of aerosols. The data acquired are complemented with simultaneous measurements of particulate matter and wind speed and direction. Furthermore, the system observations are validated by comparing them with a colocated multi-wavelength lidar.
Medalie, Laura; Chalmers, Ann T.; Kiah, Richard G.; Copans, Benjamin
2014-01-01
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, investigated the use of acoustic backscatter to estimate concentrations of suspended sediment and total phosphorus at the Barton River near Coventry, Vermont. The hypothesis was that acoustic backscatter—the reflection of sound waves off objects back to the source from which they came—measured by an acoustic Doppler profiler (ADP) and recorded as ancillary data for the calculation of discharge, also could be used to generate a continuous concentration record of suspended sediment and phosphorus at the streamgage, thereby deriving added value from the instrument. Suspended-sediment and phosphorus concentrations are of particular interest in Vermont, where impairment of surface waters by suspended sediments and phosphorus is a major concern. Regression models for estimating suspended-sediment concentrations (SSCs) and total phosphorus concentrations evaluated several independent variables: measured backscatter (MB), water-corrected backscatter (WCB), sediment-corrected backscatter (SCB), discharge, fluid-absorption coefficient, sediment-driven acoustic attenuation coefficient, and discharge hysteresis. The best regression equations for estimating SSC used backscatter as the predictor, reflecting the direct relation between acoustic backscatter and SSC. Backscatter was a better predictor of SSC than discharge in part because hysteresis between SSC and backscatter was less than for SSC and discharge. All three backscatter variables—MB, WCB, and SCB—performed equally as predictors of SSC and phosphorus concentrations at the Barton River site. The similar abilities to predict SSC among backscatter terms may partially be attributed to the low values and narrow range of the sediment-driven acoustic attenuation in the Barton River. The regression based on SCB was selected for estimating SSC because it removes potential bias caused by attenuation and temperature fluctuations. The best regression model for estimating phosphorus concentrations included terms for discharge and discharge hysteresis. The finding that discharge hysteresis was a significant predictor of phosphorus concentrations might be related to preferential sorption of phosphorus to fine-grained sediments, which have been found to be particularly sensitive to hysteresis. Regression models designed to estimate phosphorus concentrations had less predictive power than the models for SSCs. Data from the Barton River did not fully support one of the study’s hypotheses—that backscatter is mostly caused by sands, and attenuation is mostly caused by fines. Sands, fines, and total SSCs in the Barton River all related better to backscatter than to sediment-driven acoustic attenuation. The weak relation between SSC and sediment-driven acoustic attenuation may be related to the low values and narrow range of SSCs and sediment attenuations observed at Barton River. A weak relation between SSC and sediment-driven acoustic attenuation also suggests that the diameters of the fine-sized suspended sediments in the Barton River may be predominantly greater than 20 micrometers (μm). Long-term changes in the particle-size distribution (PSD) were not observed in Barton River; however, some degree of within-storm changes in sediment source and possibly PSD were inferred from the hysteresis between SSC and SCB.
Aerosol profiling using the ceilometer network of the German Meteorological Service
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Flentje, H.; Heese, B.; Reichardt, J.; Thomas, W.
2010-08-01
The German Meteorological Service (DWD) operates about 52 lidar ceilometers within its synoptic observations network, covering Germany. These affordable low-power lidar systems provide spatially and temporally high resolved aerosol backscatter profiles which can operationally provide quasi 3-D distributions of particle backscatter intensity. Intentionally designed for cloud height detection, recent significant improvements allow following the development of the boundary layer and to detect denser particle plumes in the free tropospere like volcanic ash, Saharan dust or fire smoke. Thus the network builds a powerful aerosol plume alerting and tracking system. If auxiliary aerosol information is available, the particle backscatter coefficient, the extinction coefficient and even particle mass concentrations may be estimated, with however large uncertainties. Therefore, large synergistic benefit is achieved if the ceilometers are linked to existing lidar networks like EARLINET or integrated into WMO's envisioined Global Aerosol Lidar Observation Network GALION. To this end, we demonstrate the potential and limitations of ceilometer networks by means of three representative aerosol episodes over Europe, namely Sahara dust, Mediterranean fire smoke and, more detailed, the Icelandic Eyjafjoll volcano eruption from mid April 2010 onwards. The DWD (Jenoptik CHM15k) lidar ceilometer network tracked the Eyjafjoll ash layers over Germany and roughly estimated peak extinction coefficients and mass concentrations on 17 April of 4-6(± 2) 10-4 m-1 and 500-750(± 300) μg/m-3, respectively, based on co-located aerosol optical depth, nephelometer (scattering coefficient) and particle mass concentration measurements. Though large, the uncertainties are small enough to let the network suit for example as aviation advisory tool, indicating whether the legal flight ban threshold of presently 2 mg/m3 is imminent to be exceeded.
Estimation of black carbon content for biomass burning aerosols from multi-channel Raman lidar data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Talianu, Camelia; Marmureanu, Luminita; Nicolae, Doina
2015-04-01
Biomass burning due to natural processes (forest fires) or anthropical activities (agriculture, thermal power stations, domestic heating) is an important source of aerosols with a high content of carbon components (black carbon and organic carbon). Multi-channel Raman lidars provide information on the spectral dependence of the backscatter and extinction coefficients, embedding information on the black carbon content. Aerosols with a high content of black carbon have large extinction coefficients and small backscatter coefficients (strong absorption), while aerosols with high content of organic carbon have large backscatter coefficients (weak absorption). This paper presents a method based on radiative calculations to estimate the black carbon content of biomass burning aerosols from 3b+2a+1d lidar signals. Data is collected at Magurele, Romania, at the cross-road of air masses coming from Ukraine, Russia and Greece, where burning events are frequent during both cold and hot seasons. Aerosols are transported in the free troposphere, generally in the 2-4 km altitude range, and reaches the lidar location after 2-3 days. Optical data are collected between 2011-2012 by a multi-channel Raman lidar and follows the quality assurance program of EARLINET. Radiative calculations are made with libRadTran, an open source radiative model developed by ESA. Validation of the retrievals is made by comparison to a co-located C-ToF Aerosol Mass Spectrometer. Keywords: Lidar, aerosols, biomass burning, radiative model, black carbon Acknowledgment: This work has been supported by grants of the Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research, Programme for Research- Space Technology and Advanced Research - STAR, project no. 39/2012 - SIAFIM, and by Romanian Partnerships in priority areas PNII implemented with MEN-UEFISCDI support, project no. 309/2014 - MOBBE
Continuous atmospheric boundary layer observations in the coastal urban area of Barcelona, Spain
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pandolfi, M.; Martucci, G.; Querol, X.; Alastuey, A.; Wilsenack, F.; Frey, S.; O'Dowd, C. D.; Dall'Osto, M.
2013-01-01
Continuous measurements of Surface Mixed Layer (SML), Decoupled Residual/Convective Layer (DRCL) and aerosol backscatter coefficient were performed within the Barcelona (NE Spain) boundary layer from September to October 2010 (30 days) in the framework of the SAPUSS (Solving Aerosol Problems Using Synergistic Strategies) field campaign. Two near-infrared ceilometers (Jenoptik CHM15K) vertically and horizontally-probing (only vertical profiles are discussed) were deployed during SAPUSS and compared with potential temperature profiles measured by daily radiosounding (midnight and midday) to interpret the boundary layer structure in the urban area of Barcelona. Ceilometer-based DRCL (1761±363 m a.g.l.) averaged over the campaign duration were twice as high as the mean SML (904±273 m a.g.l.) with a marked SML diurnal cycle. The overall agreement between the ceilometer-retrieved and radiosounding-based SML heights (R2=0.8) revealed overestimation of the SML by the ceilometer (Δh=145±145 m). After separating the data in accordance with different atmospheric scenarios, the lowest SML (736±183 m) and DRCL (1573±428 m) were recorded during warm North African (NAF) advected air mass. By contrast, higher SML and DRCL were observed during stagnant regional (REG) (911±234 m and 1769±314 m, respectively) and cold Atlantic (ATL) (965±222 m and 1878±290 m, respectively) air masses. The SML during the NAF scenario frequently showed a flat upper boundary throughout the day because of strong winds from the Mediterranean Sea that limit the midday SML convective growth observed during ATL and REG scenarios. The mean backscatter coefficients were calculated at two selected heights as representative of middle and top SML portions, i.e. β500=0.59±0.45 M m-1 sr-1 and β800=0.87±0.68 M m-1 sr-1 at 500 m and 800 m a.g.l., respectively. The highest backscatter coefficients were observed during NAF (β500=0.77±0.57 M m-1 sr-1) when compared with ATL (β500= 0.51±0.44 M m-1 sr-1) and REG (β500= 0.64±0.39 M m-1 sr-1). The relationship between the vertical change in backscatter coefficient and atmospheric stability (∂θ/∂z) was investigated in the first 3000 m a.g.l., demonstrating a positive correlation between unstable conditions and enhanced backscatter and vice versa.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dlugach, Janna M.; Mishchenko, Michael I.; Liu, Li; Mackowski, Daniel W.
2011-01-01
Direct computer simulations of electromagnetic scattering by discrete random media have become an active area of research. In this progress review, we summarize and analyze our main results obtained by means of numerically exact computer solutions of the macroscopic Maxwell equations. We consider finite scattering volumes with size parameters in the range, composed of varying numbers of randomly distributed particles with different refractive indices. The main objective of our analysis is to examine whether all backscattering effects predicted by the low-density theory of coherent backscattering (CB) also take place in the case of densely packed media. Based on our extensive numerical data we arrive at the following conclusions: (i) all backscattering effects predicted by the asymptotic theory of CB can also take place in the case of densely packed media; (ii) in the case of very large particle packing density, scattering characteristics of discrete random media can exhibit behavior not predicted by the low-density theories of CB and radiative transfer; (iii) increasing the absorptivity of the constituent particles can either enhance or suppress typical manifestations of CB depending on the particle packing density and the real part of the refractive index. Our numerical data strongly suggest that spectacular backscattering effects identified in laboratory experiments and observed for a class of high-albedo Solar System objects are caused by CB.
Accurate estimation of sigma(exp 0) using AIRSAR data
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Holecz, Francesco; Rignot, Eric
1995-01-01
During recent years signature analysis, classification, and modeling of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data as well as estimation of geophysical parameters from SAR data have received a great deal of interest. An important requirement for the quantitative use of SAR data is the accurate estimation of the backscattering coefficient sigma(exp 0). In terrain with relief variations radar signals are distorted due to the projection of the scene topography into the slant range-Doppler plane. The effect of these variations is to change the physical size of the scattering area, leading to errors in the radar backscatter values and incidence angle. For this reason the local incidence angle, derived from sensor position and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data must always be considered. Especially in the airborne case, the antenna gain pattern can be an additional source of radiometric error, because the radar look angle is not known precisely as a result of the the aircraft motions and the local surface topography. Consequently, radiometric distortions due to the antenna gain pattern must also be corrected for each resolution cell, by taking into account aircraft displacements (position and attitude) and position of the backscatter element, defined by the DEM data. In this paper, a method to derive an accurate estimation of the backscattering coefficient using NASA/JPL AIRSAR data is presented. The results are evaluated in terms of geometric accuracy, radiometric variations of sigma(exp 0), and precision of the estimated forest biomass.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Soreide, David C.; Bogue, Rodney K.; Ehernberger, L. J.; Hannon, Stephen M.; Bowdle, David A.
2000-01-01
The purpose of the ACLAIM program is ultimately to establish the viability of light detection and ranging (lidar) as a forward-looking sensor for turbulence. The goals of this flight test are to: 1) demonstrate that the ACLAIM lidar system operates reliably in a flight test environment, 2) measure the performance of the lidar as a function of the aerosol backscatter coefficient (beta), 3) use the lidar system to measure atmospheric turbulence and compare these measurements to onboard gust measurements, and 4) make measurements of the aerosol backscatter coefficient, its probability distribution and spatial distribution. The scope of this paper is to briefly describe the ACLAIM system and present examples of ACLAIM operation in flight, including comparisons with independent measurements of wind gusts, gust-induced normal acceleration, and the derived eddy dissipation rate.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Michaelides, R. J.; Hayes, A. G.; Mastrogiuseppe, M.; Zebker, H. A.; Farr, T. G.; Malaska, M. J.; Poggiali, V.; Mullen, J. P.
2016-05-01
We use repeat synthetic aperture radar (SAR) observations and complementary altimetry passes acquired by the Cassini spacecraft to study the scattering properties of Titan's empty lake basins. The best-fit coefficients from fitting SAR data to a quasi-specular plus diffuse backscatter model suggest that the bright basin floors have a higher dielectric constant, but similar facet-scale rms surface facet slopes, to surrounding terrain. Waveform analysis of altimetry returns reveals that nadir backscatter returns from basin floors are greater than nadir backscatter returns from basin surroundings and have narrower pulse widths. This suggests that floor deposits are structurally distinct from their surroundings, consistent with the interpretation that some of these basins may be filled with evaporitic and/or sedimentary deposits. Basin floor deposits also express a larger diffuse component to their backscatter, which is likely due to variations in subsurface structure or an increase in roughness at the wavelength scale (Hayes, A.G. et al. [2008]. Geophys. Res. Lett. 35, 9). We generate a high-resolution altimetry radargram of the T30 altimetry pass over an empty lake basin, with which we place geometric constraints on the basin's slopes, rim heights, and depth. Finally, the importance of these backscatter observations and geometric measurements for basin formation mechanisms is briefly discussed.
COSMO-SkyMed Image Investigation of Snow Features in Alpine Environment
Paloscia, Simonetta; Pettinato, Simone; Santi, Emanuele; Valt, Mauro
2017-01-01
In this work, X band images acquired by COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) on alpine environment have been analyzed for investigating snow characteristics and their effect on backscattering variations. Preliminary results confirmed the capability of simultaneous optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images (Landsat-8 and CSK) in separating snow/no-snow areas and in detecting wet snow. The sensitivity of backscattering to snow depth has not always been confirmed, depending on snow characteristics related to the season. A model based on Dense Media Radiative Transfer theory (DMRT-QMS) was applied for simulating the backscattering response on the X band from snow cover in different conditions of grain size, snow density and depth. By using DMRT-QMS and snow in-situ data collected on Cordevole basin in Italian Alps, the effect of grain size and snow density, beside snow depth and snow water equivalent, was pointed out, showing that the snow features affect the backscatter in different and sometimes opposite ways. Experimental values of backscattering were correctly simulated by using this model and selected intervals of ground parameters. The relationship between simulated and measured backscattering for the entire dataset shows slope >0.9, determination coefficient, R2 = 0.77, and root mean square error, RMSE = 1.1 dB, with p-value <0.05. PMID:28054962
Tropospheric temperature measurements using a rotational raman lidar
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lee, Robert Benjamin, III
Using the Hampton University (HU) Mie and Raman lidar, tropospheric temperature profiles were inferred from lidar measurements of anti-Stokes rotational Raman (RR) backscattered laser light from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen molecules. The molecules were excited by 354.7 nanometer (nm) laser light emitted by the HU lidar. Averaged over 60-minute intervals, RR backscattered signals were detected in narrow 353.35 nm and 354.20 nm spectral bands with full-widths-at-half-maxima (FWHM) of 0.3 nm. During the special April 19-30, 2012, Ground-Based Remote Atmospheric Sounding Program (GRASP) campaign, the lidar temperature calibration coefficients were empirically derived using linear least squares and second order polynomial analyses of the lidar backscattered RR signals and of reference temperature profiles, obtained from radiosondes. The GRASP radiosondes were launched within 400 meters of the HU lidar site. Lidar derived temperature profiles were obtained at altitudes from the surface to over 18 kilometers (km) at night, and up to 5 km during the day. Using coefficients generated from least squares analyses, nighttime profiles were found to agree with profiles from reference radiosonde measurements within 3 K, at altitudes between 4 km and 9 km. Coefficients generated from the second order analyses yielded profiles which agreed with the reference profiles within 1 K uncertainty level in the 4 km to 10 km altitude region. Using profiles from GRASP radiosondes, the spatial and temporal homogeneities of the atmosphere, over HU, were estimated at the 1.5 K level within a 10 km radius of HU, and for observational periods approaching 3 hours. Theoretical calibration coefficients were derived from the optical and physical properties of the HU RR lidar and from the spectroscopic properties of atmospheric molecular nitrogen and oxygen. The theoretical coefficients along with lidar measurements of sky background radiances were used to evaluate the temporal stability of the empirically derived temperature profiles from the RR lidar measurements. The evaluations revealed systematic drifts in the coefficients. Frequent reference radiosonde temperature profiles should be used to correct for the drifts in the coefficients. For the first time, the cause of the coefficient drifts has been identified as the differences in the aging of the spectral responses of the HU lidar detector pairs. For the first time, the use of lidar sky background measurements was demonstrated as a useful technique to correct for the coefficient drift. This research should advance the derivations of lidar temperature calibration coefficients which can be used for long observational periods of temperature fields without the need for frequent lidar calibrations using radiosondes.
CALIOP near-real-time backscatter products compared to EARLINET data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Grigas, T.; Hervo, M.; Gimmestad, G.; Forrister, H.; Schneider, P.; Preißler, J.; Tarrason, L.; O'Dowd, C.
2015-11-01
The expedited near-real-time Level 1.5 Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) version 3 products were evaluated against data from the ground-based European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET). The statistical framework and results of the three-year evaluation of 48 CALIOP overpasses with ground tracks within a 100 km distance from operating EARLINET stations are presented and include analysis for the following CALIOP classifications of aerosol type: dust, polluted dust, clean marine, clean continental, polluted continental, mixed and/or smoke/biomass burning. For the complete data set comprising both the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and the free troposphere (FT) data, the correlation coefficient (R) was 0.86. When the analysis was conducted separately for the PBL and FT, the correlation coefficients were R = 0.6 and R = 0.85, respectively. From analysis of selected specific cases, it was initially thought that the presence of FT layers, with high attenuated backscatter, led to poor agreement of the PBL backscatter profiles between the CALIOP and EARLINET and prompted a further analysis to filter out such cases; however, removal of these layers did not improve the agreement as R reduced marginally from R = 0.86 to R = 0.84 for the combined PBL and FT analysis, increased marginally from R = 0.6 up to R = 0.65 for the PBL on its own, and decreased marginally from R = 0.85 to R = 0.79 for the FT analysis on its own. This suggests considerable variability, across the data set, in the spatial distribution of the aerosol over spatial scales of 100 km or less around some EARLINET stations rather than influence from elevated FT layers. For specific aerosol types, the correlation coefficient between CALIOP backscatter profiles and the EARLINET data ranged from R = 0.37 for polluted continental aerosol in the PBL to R = 0.57 for dust in the FT.
Aerosol and Cloud Interaction Observed From High Spectral Resolution Lidar Data
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Su, Wenying; Schuster, Gregory L.; Loeb, Norman G.; Rogers, Raymond R.; Ferrare, Richard A.; Hostetler, Chris A.; Hair, Johnathan W.; Obland, Michael D.
2008-01-01
Recent studies utilizing satellite retrievals have shown a strong correlation between aerosol optical depth (AOD) and cloud cover. However, these retrievals from passive sensors are subject to many limitations, including cloud adjacency (or 3D) effects, possible cloud contamination, uncertainty in the AOD retrieval. Some of these limitations do not exist in High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) observations; for instance, HSRL observations are not a ected by cloud adjacency effects, are less prone to cloud contamination, and offer accurate aerosol property measurements (backscatter coefficient, extinction coefficient, lidar ratio, backscatter Angstrom exponent,and aerosol optical depth) at a neospatial resolution (less than 100 m) in the vicinity of clouds. Hence, the HSRL provides an important dataset for studying aerosol and cloud interaction. In this study, we statistically analyze aircraft-based HSRL profiles according to their distance from the nearest cloud, assuring that all profile comparisons are subject to the same large-scale meteorological conditions. Our results indicate that AODs from HSRL are about 17% higher in the proximity of clouds (approximately 100 m) than far away from clouds (4.5 km), which is much smaller than the reported cloud 3D effect on AOD retrievals. The backscatter and extinction coefficients also systematically increase in the vicinity of clouds, which can be explained by aerosol swelling in the high relative humidity (RH) environment and/or aerosol growth through in cloud processing (albeit not conclusively). On the other hand, we do not observe a systematic trend in lidar ratio; we hypothesize that this is caused by the opposite effects of aerosol swelling and aerosol in-cloud processing on the lidar ratio. Finally, the observed backscatter Angstrom exponent (BAE) does not show a consistent trend because of the complicated relationship between BAE and RH. We demonstrate that BAE should not be used as a surrogate for Angstrom exponent, especially at high RH.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Cliff, W. C.; Huffaker, R. M.; Dahm, W. K.; Thomson, J. A. L.; Lawrence, T. R.; Krause, M. C.; Wilson, D. J. (Inventor)
1976-01-01
A system for remotely measuring vertical and horizontal winds present in discrete volumes of air at selected locations above the ground is described. A laser beam is optically focused in range by a telescope, and the output beam is conically scanned at an angle about a vertical axis. The backscatter, or reflected light, from the ambient particulates in a volume of air, the focal volume, is detected for shifts in wavelength, and from these, horizontal and vertical wind components are computed.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Düsing, Sebastian; Wehner, Birgit; Seifert, Patric; Ansmann, Albert; Baars, Holger; Ditas, Florian; Henning, Silvia; Ma, Nan; Poulain, Laurent; Siebert, Holger; Wiedensohler, Alfred; Macke, Andreas
2018-01-01
This paper examines the representativeness of ground-based in situ measurements for the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and conducts a closure study between airborne in situ and ground-based lidar measurements up to an altitude of 2300 m. The related measurements were carried out in a field campaign within the framework of the High-Definition Clouds and Precipitation for Advancing Climate Prediction (HD(CP)2) Observational Prototype Experiment (HOPE) in September 2013 in a rural background area of central Europe.The helicopter-borne probe ACTOS (Airborne Cloud and Turbulence Observation System) provided measurements of the aerosol particle number size distribution (PNSD), the aerosol particle number concentration (PNC), the number concentration of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN-NC), and meteorological atmospheric parameters (e.g., temperature and relative humidity). These measurements were supported by the ground-based 3+2 wavelength polarization lidar system PollyXT, which provided profiles of the particle backscatter coefficient (σbsc) for three wavelengths (355, 532, and 1064 nm). Particle extinction coefficient (σext) profiles were obtained by using a fixed backscatter-to-extinction ratio (also lidar ratio, LR). A new approach was used to determine profiles of CCN-NC for continental aerosol. The results of this new approach were consistent with the airborne in situ measurements within the uncertainties.In terms of representativeness, the PNSD measurements on the ground showed a good agreement with the measurements provided with ACTOS for lower altitudes. The ground-based measurements of PNC and CCN-NC are representative of the PBL when the PBL is well mixed. Locally isolated new particle formation events on the ground or at the top of the PBL led to vertical variability in the cases presented here and ground-based measurements are not entirely representative of the PBL. Based on Mie theory (Mie, 1908), optical aerosol properties under ambient conditions for different altitudes were determined using the airborne in situ measurements and were compared with the lidar measurements. The investigation of the optical properties shows that on average the airborne-based particle light backscatter coefficient is 50.1 % smaller for 1064 nm, 27.4 % smaller for 532 nm, and 29.5 % smaller for 355 nm than the measurements of the lidar system. These results are quite promising, since in situ measurement-based Mie calculations of the particle light backscattering are scarce and the modeling is quite challenging. In contrast, for the particle light extinction coefficient we found a good agreement. The airborne-based particle light extinction coefficient was just 8.2 % larger for 532 nm and 3 % smaller for 355 nm, for an assumed LR of 55 sr. The particle light extinction coefficient for 1064 nm was derived with a LR of 30 sr. For this wavelength, the airborne-based particle light extinction coefficient is 5.2 % smaller than the lidar measurements. For the first time, the lidar ratio of 30 sr for 1064 nm was determined on the basis of in situ measurements and the LR of 55 sr for 355 and 532 nm wavelength was reproduced for European continental aerosol on the basis of this comparison. Lidar observations and the in situ based aerosol optical properties agree within the uncertainties. However, our observations indicate that a determination of the PNSD for a large size range is important for a reliable modeling of aerosol particle backscattering.
Polarization lidar for atmospheric monitoring
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Qiaojun; Wu, Chengxuan; Yuk Sun Cheng, Andrew; Wang, Zhangjun; Meng, Xiangqian; Chen, Chao; Li, Xianxin; Liu, Xingtao; Zhang, Hao; Zong, Fangyi
2018-04-01
Aerosol plays an important role in global climate and weather changes. Polarization lidar captures parallel and perpendicular signals from atmosphere to research aerosols. The lidar system we used has three emission wavelengths and could obtain the atmospheric aerosol extinction coefficient, backscattering coefficient and depolarization ratio. In this paper, the design of the lidar is described. The methods of data acquisition and inversion are given. Some recent results are presented.
Long-term variability of aerosol optical properties and radiative effects in Northern Finland
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lihavainen, Heikki; Hyvärinen, Antti; Asmi, Eija; Hatakka, Juha; Viisanen, Yrjö
2017-04-01
We introduce long term dataset of aerosol scattering and absorption properties and combined aerosol optical properties measured in Pallas Atmosphere-Ecosystem Supersite in Norhern Finland. The station is located 170 km north of the Arctic Circle. The station is affected by both pristine Arctic air masses as well as long transported air pollution from northern Europe. We studied the optical properties of aerosols and their radiative effects in continental and marine air masses, including seasonal cycles and long-term trends. The average (median) scattering coefficient, backscattering fraction, absorption coefficient and single scattering albedo at the wavelength of 550 nm were 7.9 (4.4) 1/Mm, 0.13 (0.12), 0.74 (0.35) 1/Mm and 0.92 (0.93), respectively. We observed clear seasonal cycles in these variables, the scattering coefficient having high values during summer and low in fall, and absorption coefficient having high values during winter and low in fall. We found that the high values of the absorption coefficient and low values of the single scattering albedo were related to continental air masses from lower latitudes. These aerosols can induce an additional effect on the surface albedo and melting of snow. We observed the signal of the Arctic haze in marine (northern) air masses during March and April. The haze increased the value of the absorption coefficient by almost 80% and that of the scattering coefficient by about 50% compared with the annual-average values. We did not observe any long-term trend in the scattering coefficient, while our analysis showed a clear decreasing trend in the backscattering fraction and scattering Ångström exponent during winter. We also observed clear relationship with temperature and aerosol scattering coefficient. We will present also how these different features affects to aerosol direct radiative forcing.
The 48-inch lidar aerosol measurements taken at the Langley Research Center
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Woods, David C.; Osborn, M. T.; Winker, D. M.; Decoursey, R. J.; Youngbluth, Otto, Jr.
1994-01-01
This report presents lidar data taken between July 1991 and December 1992 using a ground-based 48-inch lidar instrument at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Seventy lidar profiles (approximately one per week) were obtained during this period, which began less than 1 month after the eruption of the Mount Pinatubo volcano in the Philippines. Plots of backscattering ratio as a function of altitude are presented for each data set along with tables containing numerical values of the backscattering ratio and backscattering coefficient versus altitude. The enhanced aerosol backscattering seen in the profiles highlights the influence of the Mount Pinatubo eruption on the stratospheric aerosol loading over Hampton. The long-term record of the profiles gives a picture of the evolution of the aerosol cloud, which reached maximum loading approximately 8 months after the eruption and then started to decrease gradually. NASA RP-1209 discusses 48-inch lidar aerosol measurements taken at the Langley Research Center from May 1974 to December 1987.
Monte Carlo study of backscattering of. beta. rays from various monoatomic slabs
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Pandey, L. N.; Rustgi, M. L.
1989-07-01
A Monte Carlo study of the backscattering coefficients and backscatteringintensity of ..beta.. rays from /sup 204/ Tl and /sup 90/ Y sources from slabs of Al,Cu, Sn, Tb, and Pb of different thicknesses is carried out. The results forangles of incidence 0/degree/, 30/degree/, 45/degree/, and 60/degree/ and absorber thicknesses of 3,5, 10, 15, 30, and 50 mg/cm/sup 2/ for /sup 204/ Tl ..beta.. rays and thicknesses of3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 150, and 190 mg/cm/sup 2/ for /sup 90/ Y ..beta.. rays aregiven in tabular form. On using normalization factors good agreement with themeasurements of Sharma and Singh ismore » obtained. A phenomenological attempt toinvestigate a relationship between the backscatter intensity and atomic number/ital Z/ of the backscatterer indicates that the backscattered intensity is alinear function of ln /ital Z/(/ital Z/+1). A partial theoretical justification forthis relationship is given.« less
Characterization of trabecular bone using the backscattered spectral centroid shift.
Wear, Keith A
2003-04-01
Ultrasonic attenuation in bone in vivo is generally measured using a through-transmission method at the calcaneus. Although attenuation in calcaneus has been demonstrated to be a useful predictor for osteoporotic fracture risk, measurements at other clinically important sites, such as hip and spine, could potentially contain additional useful diagnostic information. Through-transmission measurements may not be feasible at these sites due to complex bone shapes and the increased amount of intervening soft tissue. Centroid shift from the backscattered signal is an index of attenuation slope and has been used previously to characterize soft tissues. In this paper, centroid shift from signals backscattered from 30 trabecular bone samples in vitro were measured. Attenuation slope also was measured using a through-transmission method. The correlation coefficient between centroid shift and attenuation slope was -0.71. The 95% confidence interval was (-0.86, -0.47). These results suggest that the backscattered spectral centroid shift may contain useful diagnostic information potentially applicable to hip and spine.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Whiteman, David N.; Abshire, James B. (Technical Monitor)
2002-01-01
In a companion paper, the temperature dependence of Raman scattering and its influence on the Raman water vapor signal and the lidar equations was examined. New forms of the lidar equation were developed to account for this temperature sensitivity. Here we use those results to derive the temperature dependent forms of the equations for the aerosol scattering ratio, aerosol backscatter coefficient, extinction to backscatter ratio and water vapor mixing ratio. Pertinent analysis examples are presented to illustrate each calculation.
A feasibility study for a remote laser water turbidity meter
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hickman, G. D.; Ghovanlou, A. H.; Friedman, E. J.; Gault, C. S.; Hogg, J. E.
1974-01-01
A technique to remotely determine the attenuation coefficient (alpha) of the water was investigated. The backscatter energy (theta = 180 deg) of a pulse laser (lambda = 440 - 660 nm) was found directly related to the water turbidity. The greatest sensitivity was found to exist at 440 nm. For waters whose turbidity was adjusted using Chesapeake Bay sediment, the sensitivity in determining alpha at 440 nm was found to be approximately 5 - 10%. A correlation was also found to exist between the water depth (time) at which the peak backscatter occurs and alpha.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Werner, Charles L.; Wegmueller, Urs; Small, David L.; Rosen, Paul A.
1994-01-01
Terrain slopes, which can be measured with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry either from a height map or from the interferometric phase gradient, were used to calculate the local incidence angle and the correct pixel area. Both are required for correct thematic interpretation of SAR data. The interferometric correlation depends on the pixel area projected on a plane perpendicular to the look vector and requires correction for slope effects. Methods for normalization of the backscatter and interferometric correlation for ERS-1 SAR are presented.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Genina, E A; Bashkatov, A N; Tuchin, V V
One of the lines of development of modern medicine is theranostics consisting in simultaneous diagnosis and laser treatment with the use of multifunctional agents such as fluorescent indocyanine green that has photodynamic and photothermal properties. Diffusion of indocyanine green dissolved in water and aqueous solutions of alcohols (glycerol, propylene glycol and ethanol) into the dermis is studied by using backscattering spectroscopy. The coefficients of the dye diffusion into the dermis are obtained for the first time by using these solvents. (laser biophotonics)
Oil film thickness measurement using airborne laser-induced water Raman backscatter
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hoge, F. E.; Swift, R. N.
1980-01-01
The use of laser-induced water Raman backscatter for remote thin oil film detection and thickness measurement is reported here for the first time. A 337.1-nm nitrogen laser was used to excite the 3400-cm-1 OH stretch band of natural ocean water beneath the oil slick from an altitude of 150 m. The signal strength of the 381-nm water Raman backscatter was always observed to depress when the oil was encountered and then return to its original undepressed value after complete aircraft traversal of the floating slick. After removal of background and oil fluorescence contributions, the ratio of the depressed-to-undepressed airborne water Raman signal intensities, together with laboratory measured oil extinction coefficients, is used to calculate the oil film thickness.
Criteria of backscattering in chiral one-way photonic crystals
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cheng, Pi-Ju; Chang, Shu-Wei
2016-03-01
Optical isolators are important devices in photonic circuits. To reduce the unwanted reflection in a robust manner, several setups have been realized using nonreciprocal schemes. In this study, we show that the propagating modes in a strongly-guided chiral photonic crystal (no breaking of the reciprocity) are not backscattering-immune even though they are indeed insensitive to many types of scatters. Without the protection from the nonreciprocity, the backscattering occurs under certain circumstances. We present a perturbative method to calculate the backscattering of chiral photonic crystals in the presence of chiral/achiral scatters. The model is, essentially, a simplified analogy to the first-order Born approximation. Under reasonable assumptions based on the behaviors of chiral photonic modes, we obtained the expression of reflection coefficients which provides criteria for the prominent backscattering in such chiral structures. Numerical examinations using the finite-element method were also performed and the results agree well with the theoretical prediction. From both our theory and numerical calculations, we find that the amount of backscattering critically depends on the symmetry of scatter cross sections. Strong reflection takes place when the azimuthal Fourier components of scatter cross sections have an order l of 2. Chiral scatters without these Fourier components would not efficiently reflect the chiral photonic modes. In addition, for these chiral propagating modes, disturbances at the most significant parts of field profiles do not necessarily result in the most effective backscattering. The observation also reveals what types of scatters or defects should be avoided in one-way applications of chiral structures in order to minimize the backscattering.
CALIPSO Observations of Transatlantic Dust: Vertical Stratification and Effect of Clouds
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Yang, Weidong; Marshak, Alexander; Varnai, Tamas; Kalashnikova, Olga V.; Kostinski, Alexander B.
2014-01-01
We use CALIOP nighttime measurements of lidar backscatter, color and depolarization ratios, as well as particulate retrievals during the summer of 2007 to study transatlantic dust properties downwind of Saharan sources, and to examine the influence of nearby clouds on dust. Our analysis suggests that (1) under clear skies, while lidar backscatter and color ratio do not change much with altitude and longitude in the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), depolarization ratio increases with altitude and decreases westward in the SAL (2) the vertical lapse rate of dust depolarization ratio, introduced here, increases within SAL as plumes move westward (3) nearby clouds barely affect the backscatter and color ratio of dust volumes within SAL but not so below SAL. Moreover, the presence of nearby clouds tends to decrease the depolarization of dust volumes within SAL. Finally, (4) the odds of CALIOP finding dust below SAL next to clouds are about of those far away from clouds. This feature, together with an apparent increase in depolarization ratio near clouds, indicates that particles in some dust volumes loose asphericity in the humid air near clouds, and cannot be identified by CALIPSO as dust.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lee, Zhongping; Hu, Chuanmin; Shang, Shaoling; Du, Keping; Lewis, Marlon; Arnone, Robert; Brewin, Robert
2013-09-01
Penetration of solar radiation in the ocean is determined by the attenuation coefficient (Kd(λ)). Following radiative transfer theory, Kd is a function of angular distribution of incident light and water's absorption and backscattering coefficients. Because these optical products are now generated routinely from satellite measurements, it is logical to evolve the empirical Kd to a semianalytical Kd that is not only spectrally flexible, but also the sun-angle effect is accounted for explicitly. Here, the semianalytical model developed in Lee et al. (2005b) is revised to account for the shift of phase function between molecular and particulate scattering from the short to long wavelengths. Further, using field data collected independently from oligotrophic ocean to coastal waters covering >99% of the Kd range for the global oceans, the semianalytically derived Kd was evaluated and found to agree with measured data within ˜7-26%. The updated processing system was applied to MODIS measurements to reveal the penetration of UVA-visible radiation in the global oceans, where an empirical procedure to correct Raman effect was also included. The results indicated that the penetration of the blue-green radiation for most oceanic waters is ˜30-40% deeper than the commonly used euphotic zone depth; and confirmed that at a depth of 50-70 m there is still ˜10% of the surface UVA radiation (at 360 nm) in most oligotrophic waters. The results suggest a necessity to modify or expand the light attenuation product from satellite ocean-color measurements in order to be more applicable for studies of ocean physics and biogeochemistry.
Colloidal mode of transport in the Potomac River watershed
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Maher, I.L.; Foster, G.D.
1995-12-31
Similarly to the particulate phase the colloidal phase may play an important role in the organic contaminant transport downstream the river. The colloidal phase consisting of microparticles and micromolecules which are small enough to be mobile and large enough to attract pollutants can absorb nonpolar organic compounds similarly as do soil and sediment particles. To test the hypothesis three river water samples have been analyzed for PAH content in the dissolved, the colloidal, and the particulate phase. The first sample was collected at the Blue Ridge province of Potomac River watershed, at Point of Rocks, the second one in themore » Pidmont province, at Riverbend Park, and the third sample at Coastal Plane, at Dyke Marsh (Belle Heven marina). In the laboratory environment each water sample was prefiltered to separate the particulate phase form the dissolved and colloidal phase. One part of the prefiltered water sample was ultrafiltered to separate colloids while the second part of the water was Goulden extracted. The separated colloidal phase was liquid-liquid extracted (LLE) while filters containing the suspended solids were Soxhlet extracted. The extracts of the particulate phase, the colloidal phase, and the dissolved plus colloidal phase were analyzed for selected PAHs via GC/MS. It is planned that concentrations of selected PAHs in three phases will be used for calculations of the partition coefficients, the colloid/dissolved partition coefficient and the particle/dissolved partition coefficient. Both partition coefficients will be compared to define the significance of organic contaminant transport by aquatic colloids.« less
The dose from Compton backscatter screening.
Rez, Peter; Metzger, Robert L; Mossman, Kenneth L
2011-04-01
Systems based on the detection of Compton backscattered X rays have been deployed for screening personnel for weapons and explosives. Similar principles are used for screening vehicles at border-crossing points. Based on well-established scattering cross sections and absorption coefficients in conjunction with reasonable estimates of the image contrast and resolution, the entrance skin dose and the dose at a depth of 1 cm can be calculated. The effective dose can be estimated using the same conversion coefficients as used to convert exposure measurements to the effective dose. It is shown that the effective dose is highly dependent on image resolution (i.e. pixel size).The effective doses for personnel screening systems are unlikely to be in compliance with the American National Standards Institute standard NS 43.17 unless the pixel sizes are >4 mm. Nevertheless, calculated effective doses are well below doses associated with health effects.
Properties of the Water Column and Bottom Derived from AVIRIS Data
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lee, Zhong-Ping; Carder, Kendall L.; Chen, F. Robert; Peacock, Thomas G.
2001-01-01
Using AVIRIS data as an example, we show in this study that the optical properties of the water column and bottom of a large, shallow area can be adequately retrieved using a model-driven optimization technique. The simultaneously derived properties include bottom depth, bottom albedo, and water absorption and backscattering coefficients, which in turn could be used to derive concentrations of chlorophyll, dissolved organic matter, and suspended sediments. The derived bottom depths were compared with a bathymetry chart and a boat survey and were found to agree very well. Also, the derived bottom-albedo image shows clear spatial patterns, with end members consistent with sand and seagrass. The image of absorption and backscattering coefficients indicates that the water is quite horizontally mixed. These results suggest that the model and approach used work very well for the retrieval of sub-surface properties of shallow-water environments even for rather turbid environments like Tampa Bay, Florida.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Thiry, Olivier; Winckelmans, Grégoire
2016-02-01
In the large-eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent flows, models are used to account for the subgrid-scale (SGS) stress. We here consider LES with "truncation filtering only" (i.e., that due to the LES grid), thus without regular explicit filtering added. The SGS stress tensor is then composed of two terms: the cross term that accounts for interactions between resolved scales and unresolved scales, and the Reynolds term that accounts for interactions between unresolved scales. Both terms provide forward- (dissipation) and backward (production, also called backscatter) energy transfer. Purely dissipative, eddy-viscosity type, SGS models are widely used: Smagorinsky-type models, or more advanced multiscale-type models. Dynamic versions have also been developed, where the model coefficient is determined using a dynamic procedure. Being dissipative by nature, those models do not provide backscatter. Even when using the dynamic version with local averaging, one typically uses clipping to forbid negative values of the model coefficient and hence ensure the stability of the simulation; hence removing the backscatter produced by the dynamic procedure. More advanced SGS model are thus desirable, and that better conform to the physics of the true SGS stress, while remaining stable. We here investigate, in decaying homogeneous isotropic turbulence, and using a de-aliased pseudo-spectral method, the behavior of the cross term and of the Reynolds term: in terms of dissipation spectra, and in terms of probability density function (pdf) of dissipation in physical space: positive and negative (backscatter). We then develop a new mixed model that better accounts for the physics of the SGS stress and for the backscatter. It has a cross term part which is built using a scale-similarity argument, further combined with a correction for Galilean invariance using a pseudo-Leonard term: this is the term that also does backscatter. It also has an eddy-viscosity multiscale model part that accounts for all the remaining phenomena (also for the incompleteness of the cross term model), that is dynamic and that adjusts the overall dissipation. The model is tested, both a priori and a posteriori, and is compared to the direct numerical simulation and to the exact SGS terms, also in time. The model is seen to provide accurate energy spectra, also in comparison to the dynamic Smagorinsky model. It also provides significant backscatter (although four times less than the real SGS stress), while remaining stable.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ma, Wei-Ming
1997-06-01
An analytical two-flow model is derived from the radiative transfer equation to simulate the distribution of irradiance in coastal waters with a wind-roughed surface and bottom reflectance. The model utilizes unique boundary conditions, including the surface slope of the downwelling and upwelling irradiance as well as the influence of wind and bottom reflectance on simulated surface reflectance. The developed model provides a simple mathematical concept for understanding the irradiant light flux and associated processes in coastal or fresh water as well as turbid estuarine waters. The model is applied to data from the Banana River and coastal Atlantic Ocean water off the east coast of central Florida, USA. The two-flow irradiance model is capable of simulating realistic above-surface reflectance signatures under wind-roughened air-water surface given realistic input parameters including a specular flux conversion coefficient, absorption coefficient, backscattering coefficient, atmospheric visibility, bottom reflectance, and water depth. The root-mean-squared error of the calculated above-surface reflectances is approximately 3% in the Banana River and is less than 15% in coastal Atlantic Ocean off the east of Florida. Result of the subsurface reflectance sensitivity analysis indicates that the specular conversion coefficient is the most sensitive parameter in the model, followed by the beam attenuation coefficient, absorption coefficient, water depth, backscattering coefficient, specular irradiance, diffuse irradiance, bottom reflectance, and wind speed. On the other hand, result of the above-surface reflectance sensitivity analysis indicates that the wind speed is the most important parameter, followed by bottom reflectance, attenuation coefficient, water depth, conversion coefficient, specular irradiance, downwelling irradiance, absorption coefficient, and backscattering coefficient. Model results depend on the accuracy of these parameters to a large degree and more important the water depth and value of the bottom reflectance. The results of this work indicates little change of subsurface or in-water reflectances, due to variations of wind speed and observation angle. Simulations of the wind effect on the total downwelling irradiance from the two- flow model indicates that the total downwelling irradiance just below a wind-roughened water surface increases to about 1% of the total downwelling irradiance on a calm water surface when the sun is near zenith and increases to about 3% when the sun is near the horizon. This analytically based model, solved or developed utilizing the unique boundary conditions, can be applied to remote sensing of oceanic upper mixed layer dynamics, plant canopies, primary production, and shallow water environments with different bottom type reflectances. Future applications may include determining effects of sediment resuspension of bottom sediments in the bottom boundary layer on remotely sensed data.
Robust diffraction correction method for high-frequency ultrasonic tissue characterization
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Raju, Balasundar
2004-05-01
The computation of quantitative ultrasonic parameters such as the attenuation or backscatter coefficient requires compensation for diffraction effects. In this work a simple and accurate diffraction correction method for skin characterization requiring only a single focal zone is developed. The advantage of this method is that the transducer need not be mechanically repositioned to collect data from several focal zones, thereby reducing the time of imaging and preventing motion artifacts. Data were first collected under controlled conditions from skin of volunteers using a high-frequency system (center frequency=33 MHz, BW=28 MHz) at 19 focal zones through axial translation. Using these data, mean backscatter power spectra were computed as a function of the distance between the transducer and the tissue, which then served as empirical diffraction correction curves for subsequent data. The method was demonstrated on patients patch-tested for contact dermatitis. The computed attenuation coefficient slope was significantly (p<0.05) lower at the affected site (0.13+/-0.02 dB/mm/MHz) compared to nearby normal skin (0.2+/-0.05 dB/mm/MHz). The mean backscatter level was also significantly lower at the affected site (6.7+/-2.1 in arbitrary units) compared to normal skin (11.3+/-3.2). These results show diffraction corrected ultrasonic parameters can differentiate normal from affected skin tissues.
Apostolopoulos, K N; Deligianni, D D
2008-02-01
An experimental model which can simulate physical changes that occur during aging was developed in order to evaluate the effects of change of mineral content and microstructure on ultrasonic properties of bovine cancellous bone. Timed immersion in hydrochloric acid was used to selectively alter the mineral content. Scanning electron microscopy and histological staining of the acid-treated trabeculae demonstrated a heterogeneous structure consisting of a mineralized core and a demineralized layer. The presence of organic matrix contributed very little to normalized broadband ultrasound attenuation (nBUA) and speed of sound. All three ultrasonic parameters, speed of sound, nBUA and backscatter coefficient, were sensitive to changes in apparent density of bovine cancellous bone. A two-component model utilizing a combination of two autocorrelation functions (a densely populated model and a spherical distribution) was used to approximate the backscatter coefficient. The predicted attenuation due to scattering constituted a significant part of the measured total attenuation (due to both scattering and absorption mechanisms) for bovine cancellous bone. Linear regression, performed between trabecular thickness values and estimated from the model correlation lengths, showed significant linear correlation, with R(2)=0.81 before and R(2)=0.80 after demineralization. The accuracy of estimation was found to increase with trabecular thickness.
LIDAR detection of forest fire smoke above Sofia
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Grigorov, Ivan; Deleva, Atanaska; Stoyanov, Dimitar; Kolev, Nikolay; Kolarov, Georgi
2015-01-01
The distribution of aerosol load in the atmosphere due to two forest fires near Sofia (the capital city of Bulgaria) was studied using two aerosol lidars which operated at 510.6 nm and 1064 nm. Experimental data is presented as 2D-heatmaps of the evolution of attenuated backscatter coefficient profiles and mean profile of the aerosol backscatter coefficient, calculated for each lidar observation. Backscatter related Angstrom exponent was used as a criterion in particle size estimation of detected smoke layers. Calculated minimal values at altitudes where the aerosol layer was observed corresponded to predominant fraction of coarse aerosol. Dust-transport forecast maps and calculations of backward trajectories were employed to make conclusions about aerosol's origin. They confirmed the local transport of smoke aerosol over the city and lidar station. DREAM forecast maps predicted neither cloud cover, nor Saharan load in the air above Sofia on the days of measurements. The results of lidar observations are discussed in conjunction with meteorological situation, aiming to better explain the reason for the observed aerosol stratification. The data of regular radio sounding of the atmosphere showed a characteristic behavior with small differences of the values between the air temperature and dew-point temperature profiles at aerosol smoke layer altitude. So the resulting stratification revealed the existence of atmospheric layers with aerosol trapping properties.
Effects of fatty infiltration in human livers on the backscattered statistics of ultrasound imaging.
Wan, Yung-Liang; Tai, Dar-In; Ma, Hsiang-Yang; Chiang, Bing-Hao; Chen, Chin-Kuo; Tsui, Po-Hsiang
2015-06-01
Ultrasound imaging has been widely applied to screen fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is a condition where large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate in liver cells, thereby altering the arrangement of scatterers and the corresponding backscattered statistics. In this study, we used ultrasound Nakagami imaging to explore the effects of fatty infiltration in human livers on the statistical distribution of backscattered signals. A total of 107 patients volunteered to participate in the experiments. The livers were scanned using a clinical ultrasound scanner to obtain the raw backscattered signals for ultrasound B-mode and Nakagami imaging. Clinical scores of fatty liver disease for each patient were determined according to a well-accepted sonographic scoring system. The results showed that the Nakagami image can visualize the local backscattering properties of liver tissues. The Nakagami parameter increased from 0.62 ± 0.11 to 1.02 ± 0.07 as the fatty liver disease stage increased from normal to severe, indicating that the backscattered statistics vary from pre-Rayleigh to Rayleigh distributions. A significant positive correlation (correlation coefficient ρ = 0.84; probability value (p value) < 0.0001) exists between the degree of fatty infiltration and the Nakagami parameter, suggesting that ultrasound Nakagami imaging has potentials in future applications in fatty liver disease diagnosis. © IMechE 2015.
Lidar data assimilation for improved analyses of volcanic aerosol events
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lange, Anne Caroline; Elbern, Hendrik
2014-05-01
Observations of hazardous events with release of aerosols are hardly analyzable by today's data assimilation algorithms, without producing an attenuating bias. Skillful forecasts of unexpected aerosol events are essential for human health and to prevent an exposure of infirm persons and aircraft with possibly catastrophic outcome. Typical cases include mineral dust outbreaks, mostly from large desert regions, wild fires, and sea salt uplifts, while the focus aims for volcanic eruptions. In general, numerical chemistry and aerosol transport models cannot simulate such events without manual adjustments. The concept of data assimilation is able to correct the analysis, as long it is operationally implemented in the model system. Though, the tangent-linear approximation, which describes a substantial precondition for today's cutting edge data assimilation algorithms, is not valid during unexpected aerosol events. As part of the European COPERNICUS (earth observation) project MACC II and the national ESKP (Earth System Knowledge Platform) initiative, we developed a module that enables the assimilation of aerosol lidar observations, even during unforeseeable incidences of extreme emissions of particulate matter. Thereby, the influence of the background information has to be reduced adequately. Advanced lidar instruments comprise on the one hand the aspect of radiative transfer within the atmosphere and on the other hand they can deliver a detailed quantification of the detected aerosols. For the assimilation of maximal exploited lidar data, an appropriate lidar observation operator is constructed, compatible with the EURAD-IM (European Air Pollution and Dispersion - Inverse Model) system. The observation operator is able to map the modeled chemical and physical state on lidar attenuated backscatter, transmission, aerosol optical depth, as well as on the extinction and backscatter coefficients. Further, it has the ability to process the observed discrepancies with lidar data in a variational data assimilation algorithm. The implemented method is tested by the assimilation of CALIPSO attenuated backscatter data that were taken during the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in April 2010. It turned out that the implemented module is fully capable to integrate unexpected aerosol events in an automatic way into reasonable analyses. The estimations of the aerosol mass concentrations showed promising properties for the application of observations that are taken by lidar systems with both, higher and lower sophistication than CALIOP.
Microwave dielectric properties of boreal forest trees
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Xu, G.; Ahern, F.; Brown, J.
1993-01-01
The knowledge of vegetation dielectric behavior is important in studying the scattering properties of the vegetation canopy and radar backscatter modelling. Until now, a limited number of studies have been published on the dielectric properties in the boreal forest context. This paper presents the results of the dielectric constant as a function of depth in the trunks of two common boreal forest species: black spruce and trembling aspen, obtained from field measurements. The microwave penetration depth for the two species is estimated at C, L, and P bands and used to derive the equivalent dielectric constant for the trunk as a whole. The backscatter modelling is carried out in the case of black spruce and the results are compared with the JPL AIRSAR data. The sensitivity of the backscatter coefficient to the dielectric constant is also examined.
Soil moisture retrieval by active/passive microwave remote sensing data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wu, Shengli; Yang, Lijuan
2012-09-01
This study develops a new algorithm for estimating bare surface soil moisture using combined active / passive microwave remote sensing on the basis of TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission). Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission was jointly launched by NASA and NASDA in 1997, whose main task was to observe the precipitation of the area in 40 ° N-40 ° S. It was equipped with active microwave radar sensors (PR) and passive sensor microwave imager (TMI). To accurately estimate bare surface soil moisture, precipitation radar (PR) and microwave imager (TMI) are simultaneously used for observation. According to the frequency and incident angle setting of PR and TMI, we first need to establish a database which includes a large range of surface conditions; and then we use Advanced Integral Equation Model (AIEM) to calculate the backscattering coefficient and emissivity. Meanwhile, under the accuracy of resolution, we use a simplified theoretical model (GO model) and the semi-empirical physical model (Qp Model) to redescribe the process of scattering and radiation. There are quite a lot of parameters effecting backscattering coefficient and emissivity, including soil moisture, surface root mean square height, correlation length, and the correlation function etc. Radar backscattering is strongly affected by the surface roughness, which includes the surface root mean square roughness height, surface correlation length and the correlation function we use. And emissivity is differently affected by the root mean square slope under different polarizations. In general, emissivity decreases with the root mean square slope increases in V polarization, and increases with the root mean square slope increases in H polarization. For the GO model, we found that the backscattering coefficient is only related to the root mean square slope and soil moisture when the incident angle is fixed. And for Qp Model, through the analysis, we found that there is a quite good relationship between Qpparameter and root mean square slope. So here, root mean square slope is a parameter that both models shared. Because of its big influence to backscattering and emissivity, we need to throw it out during the process of the combination of GO model and Qp model. The result we obtain from the combined model is the Fresnel reflection coefficient in the normal direction gama(0). It has a good relationship with the soil dielectric constant. In Dobson Model, there is a detailed description about Fresnel reflection coefficient and soil moisture. With the help of Dobson model and gama(0) that we have obtained, we can get the soil moisture that we want. The backscattering coefficient and emissivity data used in combined model is from TRMM/PR, TMI; with this data, we can obtain gama(0); further, we get the soil moisture by the relationship of the two parameters-- gama(0) and soil moisture. To validate the accuracy of the retrieval soil moisture, there is an experiment conducted in Tibet. The soil moisture data which is used to validate the retrieval algorithm is from GAME-Tibet IOP98 Soil Moisture and Temperature Measuring System (SMTMS). There are 9 observing sites in SMTMS to validate soil moisture. Meanwhile, we use the SMTMS soil moisture data obtained by Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) to do the validation. And the result shows the comparison of retrieval and measured results is very good. Through the analysis, we can see that the retrieval and measured results in D66 is nearly close; and in MS3608, the measured result is a little higher than retrieval result; in MS3637, the retrieval result is a little higher than measured result. According to the analysis of the simulation results, we found that this combined active and passive approach to retrieve the soil moisture improves the retrieval accuracy.
The SASS scattering coefficient algorithm. [Seasat-A Satellite Scatterometer
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bracalente, E. M.; Grantham, W. L.; Boggs, D. H.; Sweet, J. L.
1980-01-01
This paper describes the algorithms used to convert engineering unit data obtained from the Seasat-A satellite scatterometer (SASS) to radar scattering coefficients and associated supporting parameters. A description is given of the instrument receiver and related processing used by the scatterometer to measure signal power backscattered from the earth's surface. The applicable radar equation used for determining scattering coefficient is derived. Sample results of SASS data processed through current algorithm development facility (ADF) scattering coefficient algorithms are presented which include scattering coefficient values for both water and land surfaces. Scattering coefficient signatures for these two surface types are seen to have distinctly different characteristics. Scattering coefficient measurements of the Amazon rain forest indicate the usefulness of this type of data as a stable calibration reference target.
Time-frequency analysis of backscattered signals from diffuse radar targets
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kenny, O. P.; Boashash, B.
1993-06-01
The need for analysis of time-varying signals has led to the formulation of a class of joint time-frequency distributions (TFDs). One of these TFDs, the Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD), has useful properties which can be applied to radar imaging. The authors discuss time-frequency representation of the backscattered signal from a diffuse radar target. It is then shown that for point scatterers which are statistically dependent or for which the reflectivity coefficient has a nonzero mean value, reconstruction using time of flight positron emission tomography on time-frequency images is effective for estimating the scattering function of the target.
Processing and Analysis of Multibeam Sonar Data and Images near the Yellow River Estuary
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tang, Q.
2017-12-01
Yellow River Estuary is a typical high-suspended particulate matter estuary in the world. A lot of sediments from Yellow River and other substances produced by human activity cause high-concentration suspended matter and depositional system in the estuary and adjacent water area. Multibeam echo sounder (MBES) was developed in the 1970s, and it not only provided high-precision bathymetric data, but also provided seabed backscatter strength data and water column data with high temporal and spatial resolution. Here, based on high-precision sonar data of the seabed and water column collected by SeaBat7125 MBES system near the Yellow River Estuary, we use advanced data and image processing methods to generate seabed sonar images and water suspended particulate matter acoustic images. By analyzing these data and images, we get a lot of details of the seabed and whole water column features, and we also acquire their shape, size and basic physical characteristics of suspended particulate matters in the experiment area near the Yellow River Estuary. This study shows great potential for monitoring suspended particulate matter use MBES, and the research results will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of sediment transportation, evolution of river trough and shoal in Yellow River Estuary.
Clark, R.N.; Lucey, P.G.
1984-01-01
The spectral properties of water ice-partitioning mixtures are studied for the purpose of deriving the ice and particulate abundances from remotely obtained spectra (particulates referring to non-icy materials in the form of grains). Reflectance levels and ice absorption band depths are a complex function of the single scattering albedo of the particulates embedded in the ice. The ice absorption band depths are related to the mean optical path length of photons in ice through Beers law, Fresnel reflection from the ice-crystal faces on the surface, and ice absorption coefficient as a function of wavelength. Laboratory spectra of many ice- particulate mixtures are studied with high-, medium-, and low-albedo particulates.-from Authors
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Rothermel, Jeffry; Chambers, Diana M.; Jarzembski, Maurice A.; Srivastava, Vandana; Bowdle, David A.; Jones, William D.
1996-01-01
Two continuous-wave(CW)focused C02 Doppler lidars (9.1 and 10.6 micrometers) were developed for airborne in situ aerosol backscatter measurements. The complex path of reliably calibrating these systems, with different signal processors, for accurate derivation of atmospheric backscatter coefficients is documented. Lidar calibration for absolute backscatter measurement for both lidars is based on range response over the lidar sample volume, not solely at focus. Both lidars were calibrated with a new technique using well-characterized aerosols as radiometric standard targets and related to conventional hard-target calibration. A digital signal processor (DSP), a surface acoustic and spectrum analyzer and manually tuned spectrum analyzer signal analyzers were used. The DSP signals were analyzed with an innovative method of correcting for systematic noise fluctuation; the noise statistics exhibit the chi-square distribution predicted by theory. System parametric studies and detailed calibration improved the accuracy of conversion from the measured signal-to-noise ratio to absolute backscatter. The minimum backscatter sensitivity is approximately 3 x 10(exp -12)/m/sr at 9.1 micrometers and approximately 9 x 10(exp -12)/m/sr at 10.6 micrometers. Sample measurements are shown for a flight over the remote Pacific Ocean in 1990 as part of the NASA Global Backscatter Experiment (GLOBE) survey missions, the first time to our knowledge that 9.1-10.6 micrometer lidar intercomparisons were made. Measurements at 9.1 micrometers, a potential wavelength for space-based lidar remote-sensing applications, are to our knowledge the first based on the rare isotope C-12 O(2)-18 gas.
Sun, Guodong; Qin, Laian; Hou, Zaihong; Jing, Xu; He, Feng; Tan, Fengfu; Zhang, Silong
2018-03-19
In this paper, a new prototypical Scheimpflug lidar capable of detecting the aerosol extinction coefficient and vertical atmospheric transmittance at 1 km above the ground is described. The lidar system operates at 532 nm and can be used to detect aerosol extinction coefficients throughout an entire day. Then, the vertical atmospheric transmittance can be determined from the extinction coefficients with the equation of numerical integration in this area. CCD flat fielding of the image data is used to mitigate the effects of pixel sensitivity variation. An efficient method of two-dimensional wavelet transform according to a local threshold value has been proposed to reduce the Gaussian white noise in the lidar signal. Furthermore, a new iteration method of backscattering ratio based on genetic algorithm is presented to calculate the aerosol extinction coefficient and vertical atmospheric transmittance. Some simulations are performed to reduce the different levels of noise in the simulated signal in order to test the precision of the de-noising method and inversion algorithm. The simulation result shows that the root-mean-square errors of extinction coefficients are all less than 0.02 km -1 , and that the relative errors of the atmospheric transmittance between the model and inversion data are below 0.56% for all cases. The feasibility of the instrument and the inversion algorithm have also been verified by an optical experiment. The average relative errors of aerosol extinction coefficients between the Scheimpflug lidar and the conventional backscattering elastic lidar are 3.54% and 2.79% in the full overlap heights of two time points, respectively. This work opens up new possibilities of using a small-scale Scheimpflug lidar system for the remote sensing of atmospheric aerosols.
Holbrook, B.V.; Hrabik, T.R.; Branstrator, D.K.; Yule, D.L.; Stockwell, J.D.
2006-01-01
Hydroacoustics can be used to assess zooplankton populations, however, backscatter must be scaled to be biologically meaningful. In this study, we used a general model to correlate site-specific hydroacoustic backscatter with zooplankton dry weight biomass estimated from net tows. The relationship between zooplankton dry weight and backscatter was significant (p < 0.001) and explained 76% of the variability in the dry weight data. We applied this regression to hydroacoustic data collected monthly in 2003 and 2004 at two shoals in the Apostle Island Region of Lake Superior. After applying the regression model to convert hydroacoustic backscatter to zooplankton dry weight biomass, we used geostatistics to analyze the mean and variance, and ordinary kriging to create spatial zooplankton distribution maps. The mean zooplankton dry weight biomass estimates from plankton net tows and hydroacoustics were not significantly different (p = 0.19) but the hydroacoustic data had a significantly lower coefficient of variation (p < 0.001). The maps of zooplankton distribution illustrated spatial trends in zooplankton dry weight biomass that were not discernable from the overall means.
Simulating return signals of a spaceborne high-spectral resolution lidar channel at 532 nm
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xiao, Yu; Binglong, Chen; Min, Min; Xingying, Zhang; Lilin, Yao; Yiming, Zhao; Lidong, Wang; Fu, Wang; Xiaobo, Deng
2018-06-01
High spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) system employs a narrow spectral filter to separate the particulate (cloud/aerosol) and molecular scattering components in lidar return signals, which improves the quality of the retrieved cloud/aerosol optical properties. To better develop a future spaceborne HSRL system, a novel simulation technique was developed to simulate spaceborne HSRL return signals at 532 nm using the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) cloud/aerosol extinction coefficients product and numerical weather prediction data. For validating simulated data, a mathematical particulate extinction coefficient retrieval method for spaceborne HSRL return signals is described here. We compare particulate extinction coefficient profiles from the CALIPSO operational product with simulated spaceborne HSRL data. Further uncertainty analysis shows that relative uncertainties are acceptable for retrieving the optical properties of cloud and aerosol. The final results demonstrate that they agree well with each other. It indicates that the return signals of the spaceborne HSRL molecular channel at 532 nm will be suitable for developing operational algorithms supporting a future spaceborne HSRL system.
Peng, Feng; Effler, Steve W
2012-05-01
The relationship between the particulate scattering coefficient (b(p)) and the concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM), as represented by the mass-specific scattering coefficient of particulates (b(p)*=b(p)/SPM), depends on particle size distribution (PSD). This dependence is quantified for minerogenic particle populations in this paper through calculations of b(p)* for common minerals as idealized populations (monodispersed spheres); contemporaneous measurements of b(p), SPM, and light-scattering attributes of mineral particles with scanning electron microscopy interfaced with automated image and x-ray analyses (SAX), for a connected stream-reservoir system where minerogenic particles dominate b(p); and estimates of b(p) and its size dependency (through SAX results-driven Mie theory calculations), particle volume concentration, and b(p)*. Modest changes in minerogenic PSDs are shown to result in substantial variations in b(p)*. Good closure of the SAX-based estimates of b(p) and particle volume concentration with bulk measurements is demonstrated. Converging relationships between b(p)* and particle size, developed from three approaches, were well described by power law expressions.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Craig, J. D.; Strutton, P. G.; Evans, W.
2008-12-01
A database of chlorophyll fluorescence, particulate backscatter and beam attenuation was constructed from 17 cruises spanning the equatorial Pacific between August 2005 and February 2008. These optical measurements serve at least two important purposes. First, they can be used to document changes in phytoplankton abundance and physiology in a globally significant ecosystem. Second, they represent an important validation database for satellite observations that form the core of emerging primary productivity models. The data consist of CTD profiles from the surface to 1000m at least every degree of latitude between 8N and 8S, from near the Galapagos to beyond the date line. The optical data were calibrated with in situ samples of chlorophyll and particulate organic carbon (POC) from 4 of the 17 cruises. Chlorophyll concentration was derived from a multiple linear regression of chlorophyll fluorescence, time of day and depth, to account for photoinhibition of the fluorescence signal near the surface during the day. POC was derived from both particulate backscatter and beam attenuation. The optical data were then used to produce maps and latitude-depth sections of chlorophyll and POC for cruises where no in situ samples exist. In the eastern and central equatorial Pacific, phytoplankton chlorophyll to carbon ratios decreased by 30 to 50 percent during the weak El Nino conditions of 2006-2007. This change was due mostly to a decrease in chlorophyll, while POC remained relatively constant. In the western Pacific, the decrease in chl:C was absent, but an increase occurred in early 2008 when the system recovered from El Nino. Changes in chl:C, mostly indicative of photoadaptation, were also observed with depth and latitude as upwelled waters from the equator move poleward. Satellite-based maps of chlorophyll, phytoplankton C and chl:C were also produced and compared with the in situ optical measurements, with mostly good agreement.
Snow Cover Mapping and Ice Avalanche Monitoring from the Satellite Data of the Sentinels
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, S.; Yang, B.; Zhou, Y.; Wang, F.; Zhang, R.; Zhao, Q.
2018-04-01
In order to monitor ice avalanches efficiently under disaster emergency conditions, a snow cover mapping method based on the satellite data of the Sentinels is proposed, in which the coherence and backscattering coefficient image of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data (Sentinel-1) is combined with the atmospheric correction result of multispectral data (Sentinel-2). The coherence image of the Sentinel-1 data could be segmented by a certain threshold to map snow cover, with the water bodies extracted from the backscattering coefficient image and removed from the coherence segment result. A snow confidence map from Sentinel-2 was used to map the snow cover, in which the confidence values of the snow cover were relatively high. The method can make full use of the acquired SAR image and multispectral image under emergency conditions, and the application potential of Sentinel data in the field of snow cover mapping is exploited. The monitoring frequency can be ensured because the areas obscured by thick clouds are remedied in the monitoring results. The Kappa coefficient of the monitoring results is 0.946, and the data processing time is less than 2 h, which meet the requirements of disaster emergency monitoring.
Herman, Benjamin R; Gross, Barry; Moshary, Fred; Ahmed, Samir
2008-04-01
We investigate the assessment of uncertainty in the inference of aerosol size distributions from backscatter and extinction measurements that can be obtained from a modern elastic/Raman lidar system with a Nd:YAG laser transmitter. To calculate the uncertainty, an analytic formula for the correlated probability density function (PDF) describing the error for an optical coefficient ratio is derived based on a normally distributed fractional error in the optical coefficients. Assuming a monomodal lognormal particle size distribution of spherical, homogeneous particles with a known index of refraction, we compare the assessment of uncertainty using a more conventional forward Monte Carlo method with that obtained from a Bayesian posterior PDF assuming a uniform prior PDF and show that substantial differences between the two methods exist. In addition, we use the posterior PDF formalism, which was extended to include an unknown refractive index, to find credible sets for a variety of optical measurement scenarios. We find the uncertainty is greatly reduced with the addition of suitable extinction measurements in contrast to the inclusion of extra backscatter coefficients, which we show to have a minimal effect and strengthens similar observations based on numerical regularization methods.
King, Randy L; Liu, Yunbo; Maruvada, Subha; Herman, Bruce A; Wear, Keith A; Harris, Gerald R
2011-07-01
A tissue-mimicking material (TMM) for the acoustic and thermal characterization of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) devices has been developed. The material is a high-temperature hydrogel matrix (gellan gum) combined with different sizes of aluminum oxide particles and other chemicals. The ultrasonic properties (attenuation coefficient, speed of sound, acoustical impedance, and the thermal conductivity and diffusivity) were characterized as a function of temperature from 20 to 70°C. The backscatter coefficient and nonlinearity parameter B/A were measured at room temperature. Importantly, the attenuation coefficient has essentially linear frequency dependence, as is the case for most mammalian tissues at 37°C. The mean value is 0.64f(0.95) dB·cm(-1) at 20°C, based on measurements from 2 to 8 MHz. Most of the other relevant physical parameters are also close to the reported values, although backscatter signals are low compared with typical human soft tissues. Repeatable and consistent temperature elevations of 40°C were produced under 20-s HIFU exposures in the TMM. This TMM is appropriate for developing standardized dosimetry techniques, validating numerical models, and determining the safety and efficacy of HIFU devices.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Burton, S. P.; Ferrare, R. A.; Hostetler, C. A.; Hair, J. W.; Kittaka, C.; Vaughn, M. A.; Remer, L. A.
2010-01-01
We derive aerosol extinction profiles from airborne and space-based lidar backscatter signals by constraining the retrieval with column aerosol optical thickness (AOT), with no need to rely on assumptions about aerosol type or lidar ratio. The backscatter data were acquired by the NASA Langley Research Center airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) and by the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) instrument on the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite. The HSRL also simultaneously measures aerosol extinction coefficients independently using the high spectral resolution lidar technique, thereby providing an ideal data set for evaluating the retrieval. We retrieve aerosol extinction profiles from both HSRL and CALIOP attenuated backscatter data constrained with HSRL, Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer column AOT. The resulting profiles are compared with the aerosol extinction measured by HSRL. Retrievals are limited to cases where the column aerosol thickness is greater than 0.2 over land and 0.15 over water. In the case of large AOT, the results using the Aqua MODIS constraint over water are poorer than Aqua MODIS over land or Terra MODIS. The poorer results relate to an apparent bias in Aqua MODIS AOT over water observed in August 2007. This apparent bias is still under investigation. Finally, aerosol extinction coefficients are derived from CALIPSO backscatter data using AOT from Aqua MODIS for 28 profiles over land and 9 over water. They agree with coincident measurements by the airborne HSRL to within +/-0.016/km +/- 20% for at least two-thirds of land points and within +/-0.028/km +/- 20% for at least two-thirds of ocean points.
Second Harmonic Generation Confocal Microscopy of Collagen Type I from Rat Tendon Cryosections
Theodossiou, Theodossis A.; Thrasivoulou, Christopher; Ekwobi, Chidi; Becker, David L.
2006-01-01
We performed second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging of collagen in rat-tendon cryosections, using femtosecond laser scanning confocal microscopy, both in backscattering and transmission geometries. SHG transmission images of collagen fibers were spatially resolved due to a coherent, directional SHG component. This effect was enhanced with the use of an index-matching fluid (ni = 1.52). The average SHG intensity oscillated with wavelength in the backscattered geometry (isotropic SHG component), whereas the spectral profile was consistent with quasi-phase-matching conditions in transmission geometry (forward propagating, coherent SHG component) around 440 nm (λp = 880 nm). Collagen type I from bovine Achilles tendon was imaged for SHG in the backscattered geometry and its first-order effective nonlinear coefficient was determined (\\documentclass[10pt]{article} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\pagestyle{empty} \\oddsidemargin -1.0in \\begin{document} \\begin{equation*}{\\vert}d_{{\\mathrm{eff}}}{\\vert}\\approx 0.085({\\pm}0.025){\\times}10^{-12}{\\mathrm{mV}}^{-1}\\end{equation*}\\end{document}) by comparison to samples of inorganic materials with known effective nonlinear coefficients (LiNbO3 and LiIO3). The SHG spectral response of collagen type I from bovine Achilles tendon matched that of the rat-tendon cryosections in backscattered geometry. Collagen types I, II, and VI powders (nonfibrous) did not show any detectable SHG, indicating a lack of noncentrosymmetric crystalline structure at the molecular level. The various stages of collagen thermal denaturation were investigated in rat-tendon cryosections using SHG and bright-field imaging. Thermal denaturation resulted in the gradual destruction of the SHG signal. PMID:17130233
Geier, Manfred; Arienti, Marco
2014-07-19
Increasing interest in polarimetric characterization of atmospheric aerosols has led to the development of complete sample-measuring (Mueller) polarimeters that are capable of measuring the entire backscattering phase matrix of a probed volume. The Mueller polarimeters consist of several moving parts, which limit measurement rates and complicate data analysis. In this paper, we present the concept of a less complex polarization lidar setup for detection of preferential orientation of atmospheric particulates. On the basis of theoretical considerations of data inversion stability and propagation of measurement uncertainties, an optimum optical configuration is established for two modes of operation (with either a linearmore » or a circular polarized incident laser beam). We discovered that the conceptualized setup falls in the category of incomplete sample-measuring polarimeters and uses four detection channels for simultaneous measurement of the backscattered light. Likewise, the expected performance characteristics are discussed through an example of a typical aerosol with a small fraction of particles oriented in a preferred direction. As a result, the theoretical analysis suggests that achievable accuracies in backscatter cross-sections and depolarization ratios are similar to those with conventional two-channel configurations, while in addition preferential orientation can be detected with the proposed four-channel system for a wide range of conditions.« less
Modeling and measurement of microwave emission and backscattering from bare soil surfaces
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Saatchi, S.; Wegmuller, U.
1992-01-01
A multifrequency ground-based radiometer-scatterometer system working at frequencies between 3.0 GHz and 11.0 GHz has been used to study the effect of soil moisture and roughness on microwave emission and backscattering. The freezing and thawing effect of the soil surface and the changes of the surface roughness due to rain and erosion are reported. To analyze the combined active and passive data, a scattering model based on physical optics approximation for the low frequency and geometrical optics approximation for high frequency has been developed. The model is used to calculate the bistatic scattering coefficients from the surface. By considering the conservation of energy, the result has been integrated over a hemisphere above the surface to calculate the emissivity. The backscattering and emission model has been coupled with the observed data in order to extract soil moisture and surface roughness.
COSMO-SkyMed potentiality to identify crop-specific behavior and monitor phenological parameters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Guarini, Rocchina; Segalini, Federica; Mastronardi, Giovanni; Notarnicola, Claudia; Vuolo, Francesco; Dini, Luigi
2014-10-01
This work aims at investigating the capability of COSMO-SkyMed® (CSK®) constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system to monitor the Leaf Area Index (LAI) of different crops. The experiment was conducted in the Marchfeld Region, an agricultural Austrian area, and focused on five crop species: sugar beet, soybean, potato, pea and corn. A linear regression analysis was carried out to assess the sensitivity of CSK® backscattering coefficients to crops changes base on LAI values. CSK® backscattering coefficients were averaged at a field scale (<σ°dB>) and were compared to the DEIMOS-1 derived values of estimated LAI. LAI were as well averaged over the corresponding fields (
Estimation of PM2.5 and PM10 using ground-based AOD measurements during KORUS-AQ campaign
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Koo, J. H.; Kim, J.; Kim, S.; Go, S.; Lee, S.; Lee, H.; Mok, J.; Hong, J.; Lee, J.; Eck, T. F.; Holben, B. N.
2017-12-01
During the KORUS-AQ campaign (2 May - 12 June, 2016), aerosol optical depth (AOD) was obtained at multiple channels using various ground-based instruments at Yonsei University, Seoul: AERONET sunphotometer, SKYNET skyradiometer, Brewer spectrophotometer, and multi-filter rotating shadowband radiometer (MFRSR). At the same location, planetary boundary layer (PBL) height and vertical profile of backscattering coefficients also can be obtained based on the celiometer measurements. Using celiometer products and various AODs, we try to estimate the amount of particular matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and validate with in-situ surface PM2.5 and PM10 measurements from AIRKOREA network. Direct comparison between PM2.5 and AOD reveals that the ultraviolet(UV) channel AOD has better correlations, due to the higher sensitivity of short wavelength to the fine-mode particle. In contrast, PM10 shows the highest correlation with the near-infrared(NIR) AOD. Next, we extract the boundary-layer portion of AOD using either PBL height or vertical profile of backscattering coefficients to compare with PM2.5 and PM10. Both results enhance the correlation, but consideration of weighting factor calculated from backscattering coefficients shows larger contribution to the correlation increase. Finally, we performed the multiple linear regression to estimate PM2.5 and PM10 using AODs. Consideration of meteorology (temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity) can enhance the correlation and also O3 and NO2 consideration highly contributes to the high correlation. This finding implies the importance to consider the ambient condition of secondary aerosol formation related to the PM2.5 variation. Multiple regression model finally finds the correlation 0.7-0.8, and diminishes the wavelength-dependent correlation patterns.
Sensitivity of the Lidar ratio to changes in size distribution and index of refraction
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Evans, B. T. N.
1986-01-01
In order to invert lidar signals to obtain reliable extinction coefficients, sigma, a relationship between sigma and the backscatter coefficient, beta, must be given. These two coefficients are linearly related if the complex index of refraction, m, particle shape size distribution, N, does not change along the path illuminated by the laser beam. This, however, is generally not the case. An extensive Mie computation of the lidar ratio R = beta/sigma and the sensitivity of R to the changes in a parametric space defined by N and m were examined.
Estimating wheat growth with radar vegetation indices
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
In this study, we computed the Radar Vegetation Index (RVI) using observations made with a ground based multi-frequency polarimetric scatterometer system over an entire wheat growth period. The temporal variations of the backscattering coefficients for L-, C-, and X-band, RVI, vegetation water conte...
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stamnes, S.; Hostetler, C. A.; Ferrare, R. A.; Hair, J. W.; Burton, S. P.; Liu, X.; Hu, Y.; Stamnes, K. H.; Chowdhary, J.; Brian, C.
2017-12-01
The SABOR (Ship-Aircraft Bio-Optical Research) campaign was conducted during the summer of 2014, in the Atlantic Ocean, over the Chesapeake Bay and the eastern coastal region of the United States. The NASA GISS Research Scanning Polarimeter, a multi-angle, multi-spectral polarimeter measured the upwelling polarized radiances from a B200 aircraft. We present results from the new "MAPP" algorithm for RSP that is based on optimal estimation and that can retrieve simultaneous aerosol microphysical properties (including effective radius, single-scattering albedo, and real refractive index) and ocean color products using accurate radiative transfer and Mie calculations. The algorithm was applied to data collected during SABOR to retrieve aerosol microphysics and ocean products for all Aerosols-Above-Ocean (AAO) scenes. The RSP MAPP products are compared against collocated aerosol extinction and backscatter profiles collected by the NASA LaRC airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL-1), including lidar depth profiles of the ocean diffuse attenuation coefficient and the hemispherical backscatter coefficient.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tsai, Shih-Chin; Lee, Chuan-Pin; Tsai, Tsuey-Lin; Yu, Yueh-Chung
2017-10-01
The characterization of radionuclide diffusion behavior is necessary for performance assessment of granite as a geological barrier for high-level radioactive waste disposal. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), a novel nuclear ion-beam technique, was selected in this study because it is suitable for analyzing the concentration gradients of heavy elements in a well-defined matrix and allows measuring diffusion coefficients on a micrometer scale. In this study Cs was selected to represent Cs-135 (a key radionuclide in high-level waste) diffusion in granite. The Cs energy spectrum and concentration deep profile were analyzed and the diffusion coefficient of Cs in granite for three different locations were determined, which were 2.06 × 10-19m2 s-1, 3.58 × 10-19m2 s-1, and 7.19 × 10-19m2 s-1-19m2 s-19m2 s-1, respectively, which were of a similiar order of magnitude. Results from other studies are also compared and discussed in this paper.
Typical tropospheric aerosol backscatter profiles for Southern Ireland: The Cork Raman lidar
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
McAuliffe, Michael A. P.; Ruth, Albert A.
2013-02-01
A Raman lidar instrument (UCLID) was established at the University College Cork as part of the European lidar network EARLINET. Raman backscatter coefficients, extinction coefficients and lidar ratios were measured within the period 28/08/2010 and 24/04/2011. Typical atmospheric scenarios over Southern Ireland in terms of the aerosol load in the planetary boundary layer are outlined. The lidar ratios found are typical for marine atmospheric condition (lidar ratio ca. 20-25 sr). The height of the planetary boundary layer is below 1000 m and therefore low in comparison to heights found at other lidar sites in Europe. On the 21st of April a large aerosol load was detected, which was assigned to a Saharan dust event based on HYSPLIT trajectories and DREAM forecasts along with the lidar ratio (70 sr) for the period concerned. The dust was found at two heights, pure dust at 2.5 km and dust mixing with pollution from 0.7 to 1.8 km with a lidar ratio of 40-50 sr.
Stamnes, S; Hostetler, C; Ferrare, R; Burton, S; Liu, X; Hair, J; Hu, Y; Wasilewski, A; Martin, W; van Diedenhoven, B; Chowdhary, J; Cetinić, I; Berg, L K; Stamnes, K; Cairns, B
2018-04-01
We present an optimal-estimation-based retrieval framework, the microphysical aerosol properties from polarimetry (MAPP) algorithm, designed for simultaneous retrieval of aerosol microphysical properties and ocean color bio-optical parameters using multi-angular total and polarized radiances. Polarimetric measurements from the airborne NASA Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) were inverted by MAPP to produce atmosphere and ocean products. The RSP MAPP results are compared with co-incident lidar measurements made by the NASA High-Spectral-Resolution Lidar HSRL-1 and HSRL-2 instruments. Comparisons are made of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 355 and 532 nm, lidar column-averaged measurements of the aerosol lidar ratio and Ångstrøm exponent, and lidar ocean measurements of the particulate hemispherical backscatter coefficient and the diffuse attenuation coefficient. The measurements were collected during the 2012 Two-Column Aerosol Project (TCAP) campaign and the 2014 Ship-Aircraft Bio-Optical Research (SABOR) campaign. For the SABOR campaign, 73% RSP MAPP retrievals fall within ±0.04 AOD at 532 nm as measured by HSRL-1, with an R value of 0.933 and root-mean-square deviation of 0.0372. For the TCAP campaign, 53% of RSP MAPP retrievals are within 0.04 AOD as measured by HSRL-2, with an R value of 0.927 and root-mean-square deviation of 0.0673. Comparisons with HSRL-2 AOD at 355 nm during TCAP result in an R value of 0.959 and a root-mean-square deviation of 0.0694. The RSP retrievals using the MAPP optimal estimation framework represent a key milestone on the path to a combined lidar + polarimeter retrieval using both HSRL and RSP measurements.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Stamnes, S.; Hostetler, C.; Ferrare, R.
We present an optimal estimation based retrieval framework, the Microphysical Aerosol Properties from Polarimetry (MAPP) algorithm, designed for simultaneous retrieval of aerosol microphysical properties and ocean color bio-optical parameters using multi-angular polarized radiances. Polarimetric measurements from the airborne NASA Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) were inverted by MAPP to produce atmosphere and ocean products. The RSP MAPP results are compared with co-incident lidar measurements made by the NASA High Spectral Resolution Lidar HSRL-1 and HSRL-2 instruments. Comparisons are made of the aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 355, 532, and 1064 nm, lidar column-averaged measurements of the aerosol lidar ratio and Ã…ngstrømmore » exponent, and lidar ocean measurements of the particulate hemispherical backscatter coefficient and the diffuse attenuation coefficient. The measurements were collected during the 2012 Two-Column Aerosol Project (TCAP) campaign and the 2014 Ship-Aircraft Bio- Optical Research (SABOR) campaign. For the SABOR campaign, 71% RSP MAPP retrievals fall within 0.04 AOD at 532 nm as measured by HSRL-1, with an R value of 0.925 and root-mean-square deviation of 0.04. For the TCAP campaign, 55% of RSP MAPP retrievals are within 0.04 AOD as measured by HSRL-2, with an R value of 0.925 and root-mean-square deviation of 0.07. Comparisons with HSRL-2 AOD at 355 nm during TCAP result in an R value of 0.96 and a root-mean-square deviation of also 0.07. The RSP retrievals using the MAPP optimal estimation framework represent a key milestone on the path to a combined lidar+polarimeter retrieval using both HSRL and RSP measurements.« less
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cazorla, Alberto; Andrés Casquero-Vera, Juan; Román, Roberto; Guerrero-Rascado, Juan Luis; Toledano, Carlos; Cachorro, Victoria E.; Orza, José Antonio G.; Cancillo, María Luisa; Serrano, Antonio; Titos, Gloria; Pandolfi, Marco; Alastuey, Andres; Hanrieder, Natalie; Alados-Arboledas, Lucas
2017-10-01
The interest in the use of ceilometers for optical aerosol characterization has increased in the last few years. They operate continuously almost unattended and are also much less expensive than lidars; hence, they can be distributed in dense networks over large areas. However, due to the low signal-to-noise ratio it is not always possible to obtain particle backscatter coefficient profiles, and the vast number of data generated require an automated and unsupervised method that ensures the quality of the profiles inversions. In this work we describe a method that uses aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements from the AERONET network that it is applied for the calibration and automated quality assurance of inversion of ceilometer profiles. The method is compared with independent inversions obtained by co-located multiwavelength lidar measurements. A difference smaller than 15 % in backscatter is found between both instruments. This method is continuously and automatically applied to the Iberian Ceilometer Network (ICENET) and a case example during an unusually intense dust outbreak affecting the Iberian Peninsula between 20 and 24 February 2016 is shown. Results reveal that it is possible to obtain quantitative optical aerosol properties (particle backscatter coefficient) and discriminate the quality of these retrievals with ceilometers over large areas. This information has a great potential for alert systems and model assimilation and evaluation.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Papoutsa, C.; Kouhartsiouk, D.; Themistocleous, K.; Christoforou, M.; Hadjimitsis, D. G.
2016-10-01
This paper examines how radar and optical imagery combined can be employed for the study of land degradation. A case study was conducted in the Randi Forest, Cyprus, a known overgrazed area for the past 70 years. Satellite optical imagery was used for the calculation of the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the time period between December 2015 to July 2016 and C-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery was used to derive correlative changes in backscatter intensity (σ0). The results are indicative of the overgrazing in the area with the temporal and spatial variations of grazing defined. Both the NDVI and the σ0 values demonstrate sudden shifts in vegetation cover following the start of the grazing period with the greatest shifts being evident in close proximity to the location of farms. NDVI and backscatter coefficient correlation was measured at 0.7 and 0.8 for the months of February and April respectively. Shifts in NDVI value by 0.1 correspond to a shift in σ0 by 4 db. VH cross-polarization showed greater sensitivity to changes in vegetation than VV. The paper also examines the capability of C-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar to measure changes in plant structure and vegetation fraction as the result of grazing. Depending on grazing intensity, backscatter coefficient varies according to vegetation density.
CALIPSO Observations of Stratospheric Aerosols: A Preliminary Assessment
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Thomason, Larry W.; Pitts, Michael C.; Winker, David M.
2007-01-01
We have examined the 532-nm aerosol backscatter coefficient measurements by the Cloud- Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) for their use in the observation of stratospheric aerosol. CALIPSO makes observations that span from 82 S to 82 N each day and, for each profile, backscatter coefficient values reported up to approx. 40 km. The possibility of using CALIPSO for stratospheric aerosol observations is demonstrated by the clear observation of the 20 May 2006 eruption of Montserrat in the earliest CALIPSO data in early June as well as by observations showing the 7 October 2006 eruption of Tavurvur (Rabaul). However, the very low aerosol loading within the stratosphere makes routine observations of the stratospheric aerosol far more difficult than relatively dense volcanic plumes. Nonetheless, we found that averaging a complete days worth of nighttime only data into 5-deg latitude by 1-km vertical bins reveals a stratospheric aerosol data centered near an altitude of 20 km, the clean wintertime polar vortices, and a small maximum in the lower tropical stratosphere. However, the derived values are clearly too small and often negative in much of the stratosphere. The data can be significantly improved by increasing the measured backscatter (molecular and aerosol) by approximately 5% suggesting that the current method of calibrating to a pure molecular atmosphere at 30 km is most likely the source of the low values.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Di Girolamo, Paolo; Bhawar, Rohini; Summa, Donato; Di Iorio, Tatiana; Demoz, Belay B.
2009-03-01
The Raman lidar system BASIL was deployed in Achern (Supersite R, Lat: 48.64° N, Long: 8.06° E, Elev.: 140 m) in the frame of the Convective and Orographically-induced Precipitation Study. On 20 July 2007 a frontal zone passed over the COPS region, with a Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) imbedded in it. BASIL was operated continuously during this day, providing measurements of temperature, water vapour, particle backscattering coefficient at 355, 532 and 1064 nm, particle extinction coefficient at 355 and 532 nm and particle depolarization at 355 and 532 nm. The thunderstorm approaching determined the lowering of the anvil clouds, which is clearly visible in the lidar data. A cloud deck is present at 2 km, which represents a mid-level outflow from the thunderstorm/MCS. The mid-level outflow spits out hydrometeor-debris (mostly virga) and it is recycled back into it. The MCS modified the environment at 1.6-2.5 km levels directly (outflow) and the lower levels through the virga/precipitation. Wave structures were observed in the particle backscatter data. The wave activity seems to be a reflection of the shear that is produced by the MCS and the inflow environmental wind. Measurements in terms of particle backscatter and water vapour mixing ratio are discussed to illustrate the above phenomena.
Anisotropy of the apparent frequency dependence of backscatter in formalin fixed human myocardium.
Hall, C S; Verdonk, E D; Wickline, S A; Perez, J E; Miller, J G
1997-01-01
Measurements of the frequency dependence of ultrasonic backscatter are presented for specific angles of insonification for regions of infarcted and noninfarcted human myocardium. A 5-MHz transducer was used to insonify cylindrical cores taken from 7 noninfarcted regions and 12 infarcted regions of the left ventricular free wall of 6 formalin-fixed human hearts explanted because of ischemic cardiomyopathy. The dependence of apparent (uncompensated for diffraction effects and attenuation) backscatter on frequency was approximated by a power-law dependence, magnitude of B(f)2 = afn. Under ideal conditions in a lossless medium, the effect of not compensating for the effects of diffraction and attenuation leads to the value of n to be 2.0 for Rayleigh scatterers while the frequency dependence of the fully compensated backscatter coefficient would be f4. The value of n was determined over the frequency range, 3-7 MHz. Both nonifarcted and infarcted myocardium exhibited anisotropy of the frequency dependence of backscatter, with maxima occurring at angles that were perpendicular to the predominant myofiber direction and minima when parallel to the fibers. Perpendicular insonification yielded results for n of 1.8 +/- 0.1 for noninfarcted myocardium and 1.2 +/- 0.1 for infarcted myocardium while parallel insonification yielded results of 0.4 +/- 0.1 for noninfarcted and 0.0 +/- 0.1 for infarcted myocardium. The functional form of the angle-dependent backscatter is similar for both noninfarcted and infarcted myocardium, although the frequency dependence is clearly different for both tissue states for all angles of insonification. The results of this study indicate that the anisotropy of the frequency dependence of backscatter may play a significant role in ultrasonic imaging and is an important consideration for ultrasonic tissue characterization in myocardium.
Air pollution: Household soiling and consumer welfare losses
Watson, W.D.; Jaksch, J.A.
1982-01-01
This paper uses demand and supply functions for cleanliness to estimate household benefits from reduced particulate matter soiling. A demand curve for household cleanliness is estimated, based upon the assumption that households prefer more cleanliness to less. Empirical coefficients, related to particulate pollution levels, for shifting the cleanliness supply curve, are taken from available studies. Consumer welfare gains, aggregated across 123 SMSAs, from achieving the Federal primary particulate standard, are estimated to range from $0.9 to $3.2 million per year (1971 dollars). ?? 1982.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhang, Xiaodong; Moore, Michael E.; Lee, Kyung-Min; Lukosi, Eric D.; Hayward, Jason P.
2016-07-01
Undoped lithium-6 enriched glasses coated with pure cerium (99.9%) with a gold protection layer on top were heated at three different temperatures (500, 550, and 600 °C) for varied durations (1, 2, and 4 h). Diffusion profiles of cerium in such glasses were obtained with the conventional Rutherford backscattering technique. Through fitting the diffusion profiles with the thin-film solution of Fick's second law, diffusion coefficients of cerium with different annealing temperatures and durations were solved. Then, the activation energy of cerium for the diffusion process in the studied glasses was found to be 114 kJ/mol with the Arrhenius equation.
A noncoherent model for microwave emissions and backscattering from the sea surface
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wu, S. T.; Fung, A. K.
1973-01-01
The two-scale (small irregularities superimposed upon large undulations) scattering theory proposed by Semyonov was extended and used to compute microwave apparent temperature and the backscattering cross section from ocean surfaces. The effect of the small irregularities upon the scattering characteristics of the large undulations is included by modifying the Fresnel reflection coefficients; whereas the effect of the large undulations upon those of the small irregularities is taken into account by averaging over the surface normals of the large undulations. The same set of surface parameters is employed for a given wind speed to predict both the scattering and the emission characteristics at both polarizations.
Quantifying Uncertainties in the Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Particulate Reinforced Composites
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mital, Subodh K.; Murthy, Pappu L. N.
1999-01-01
The present paper reports results from a computational simulation of probabilistic particulate reinforced composite behavior. The approach consists use of simplified micromechanics of particulate reinforced composites together with a Fast Probability Integration (FPI) technique. Sample results are presented for a Al/SiC(sub p)(silicon carbide particles in aluminum matrix) composite. The probability density functions for composite moduli, thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivities along with their sensitivity factors are computed. The effect of different assumed distributions and the effect of reducing scatter in constituent properties on the thermal expansion coefficient are also evaluated. The variations in the constituent properties that directly effect these composite properties are accounted for by assumed probabilistic distributions. The results show that the present technique provides valuable information about the scatter in composite properties and sensitivity factors, which are useful to test or design engineers.
Spring Blooms Observed with Biochemical Profiling Floats from a Chemical and Biological Perspective
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Plant, J. N.; Johnson, K. S.; Sakamoto, C.; Jannasch, H. W.; Coletti, L. J.; Elrod, V.
2015-12-01
Recently there has been renewed interest in the mechanisms which control the seasonal increases in plankton biomass (spring blooms). Changes in physical and chemical forcing (light, wind, heat and nutrients) may increase the specific growth rate of phytoplankton. These changes may also shift the predator - prey relationships within the food web structure, which can alter the balance between plankton growth and loss rates. Biogeochemical profiling floats provide a means to observe the seasonal evolution of spring blooms from a physical, chemical and biological perspective in near real time. Floats equipped with optical sensors to measure nitrate, oxygen, chlorophyll fluorescence, and optical backscatter now have a presence in many ocean regions including the North Pacific, Subarctic Pacific, North Atlantic, South Atlantic and the Southern Ocean. Data from these regions are used to compare and contrast the evolution of spring blooms. The evolution of the bloom is examined using both chemical (oxygen, nitrate) and biooptical (phytoplankton from chlorophyll fluorescence and particulate organic carbon from optical backscatter) sensors under vastly different environmental conditions.
Exploring the piezoelectric performance of PZT particulate-epoxy composites loaded in shear
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Van Loock, F.; Deutz, D. B.; van der Zwaag, S.; Groen, W. A.
2016-08-01
The active and passive piezoelectric response of lead zirconium titanate (PZT)-epoxy particulate composites loaded in shear is studied using analytical models, a finite element model and by experiments. The response is compared to that of the same composites when loaded in simple tension. Analogously to bulk PZT, particulate PZT-polymer composites loaded in shear show higher piezoelectric charge coefficient (d 15) and energy density figure of merit (FOM15) values compared to simple tension (d 33) and (FOM33). This outcome demonstrates the as-yet barely explored potential of piezoelectric particulate composites for optimal strain energy harvesting when activated in shear.
Backscattering analysis of high frequency ultrasonic imaging for ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cummins, Thomas; Akiyama, Takahiro; Lee, Changyang; Martin, Sue E.; Shung, K. Kirk
2017-03-01
A new ultrasound-guided breast biopsy technique is proposed. The technique utilizes conventional ultrasound guidance coupled with a high frequency embedded ultrasound array located within the biopsy needle to improve the accuracy in breast cancer diagnosis.1 The array within the needle is intended to be used to detect micro- calcifications indicative of early breast cancers such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Backscattering analysis has the potential to characterize tissues to improve localization of lesions. This paper describes initial results of the application of backscattering analysis of breast biopsy tissue specimens and shows the usefulness of high frequency ultrasound for the new biopsy related technique. Ultrasound echoes of ex-vivo breast biopsy tissue specimens were acquired by using a single-element transducer with a bandwidth from 41 MHz to 88 MHz utilizing a UBM methodology, and the backscattering coefficients were calculated. These values as well as B-mode image data were mapped in 2D and matched with each pathology image for the identification of tissue type for the comparison to the pathology images corresponding to each plane. Microcalcifications were significantly distinguished from normal tissue. Adenocarcinoma was also successfully differentiated from adipose tissue. These results indicate that backscattering analysis is able to quantitatively distinguish tissues into normal and abnormal, which should help radiologists locate abnormal areas during the proposed ultrasound-guided breast biopsy with high frequency ultrasound.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Misra, Amit; Tripathi, S. N.; Kaul, D. S.; Welton, Ellsworth J.
2012-01-01
The level 2 aerosol backscatter and extinction profiles from the NASA Micropulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) at Kanpur, India, have been studied from May 2009 to September 2010. Monthly averaged extinction profiles from MPLNET shows high extinction values near the surface during October March. Higher extinction values at altitudes of 24 km are observed from April to June, a period marked by frequent dust episodes. Version 3 level 2 Cloud Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) aerosol profile products have been compared with corresponding data from MPLNET over Kanpur for the above-mentioned period. Out of the available backscatter profiles, the16 profiles used in this study have time differences less than 3 h and distances less than 130 km. Among these profiles, four cases show good comparison above 400 m with R2 greater than 0.7. Comparison with AERONET data shows that the aerosol type is properly identified by the CALIOP algorithm. Cloud contamination is a possible source of error in the remaining cases of poor comparison. Another source of error is the improper backscatter-to-extinction ratio, which further affects the accuracy of extinction coefficient retrieval.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Omar, Artur; Benmakhlouf, Hamza; Marteinsdottir, Maria; Bujila, Robert; Nowik, Patrik; Andreo, Pedro
2014-03-01
Complex interventional and diagnostic x-ray angiographic (XA) procedures may yield patient skin doses exceeding the threshold for radiation induced skin injuries. Skin dose is conventionally determined by converting the incident air kerma free-in-air into entrance surface air kerma, a process that requires the use of backscatter factors. Subsequently, the entrance surface air kerma is converted into skin kerma using mass energy-absorption coefficient ratios tissue-to-air, which for the photon energies used in XA is identical to the skin dose. The purpose of this work was to investigate how the cranial bone affects backscatter factors for the dosimetry of interventional neuroradiology procedures. The PENELOPE Monte Carlo system was used to calculate backscatter factors at the entrance surface of a spherical and a cubic water phantom that includes a cranial bone layer. The simulations were performed for different clinical x-ray spectra, field sizes, and thicknesses of the bone layer. The results show a reduction of up to 15% when a cranial bone layer is included in the simulations, compared with conventional backscatter factors calculated for a homogeneous water phantom. The reduction increases for thicker bone layers, softer incident beam qualities, and larger field sizes, indicating that, due to the increased photoelectric crosssection of cranial bone compared to water, the bone layer acts primarily as an absorber of low-energy photons. For neurointerventional radiology procedures, backscatter factors calculated at the entrance surface of a water phantom containing a cranial bone layer increase the accuracy of the skin dose determination.
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
This paper investigates the feasibility of using an airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to validate spaceborne SAR data. This is directed at soil moisture sensing and the recently launched Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite. The value of this approach is related to the fact that vicar...
Finnish Meteorological Institute Doppler Lidar
Ewan OConnor
2015-03-27
This doppler lidar system provides co-polar and cross polar attenuated backscatter coefficients,signal strength, and doppler velocities in the cloud and in the boundary level, including uncertainties for all parameters. Using the doppler beam swinging DBS technique, and Vertical Azimuthal Display (VAD) this system also provides vertical profiles of horizontal winds.
The decomposition of remote sensing reflectance (RSR) spectra into absorption, scattering and backscattering coefficients, and scattering phase function is an important issue for estimating water quality (WQ) components. For Case 1 waters RSR decomposition can be easily accompli...
Combined active and passive microwave remote sensing of vegetated surfaces at l-band
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
In previous work the distorted Born approximation (DBA) of volume scattering was combined with the numerical solutions of Maxwell equations (NMM3D) for a rough surface to calculate the radar backscattering coefficient for the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission. The model results were valida...
A New GaAs Laser Radar for Atmospheric Measurements
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Brown, R. T.; Stoliar, A. P.
1973-01-01
A special GaAs lidar using fiber coupled diode lasers was constructed for the purpose of measuring the extinction coefficient distribution within a large atmospheric volume at a rate compatible with atmospheric kinematics. The technique is based on taking backscatter signature ratios over spatial increments after the returns are normalized by pulse integration. Essential aspects of the lidar design are beam pulse power, repetition rate, detection system dynamic range and decay linearity. It was necessary to preclude the possibility of eye hazard under any operating conditions, including directly viewing the emitting aperture at close distance with a night-adapted eye. The electronic signal processing and control circuits were built to allow versatile operations. Extinction coefficient measurements were made in fog and clouds using a low-power laboratory version of the lidar, demonstrating feasibility. Data are presented showing range squared corrected backscatter profiles converted to extinction coefficient profiles, temporal signal fluctuations, and solar induced background noise. These results aided in the design of the lidar which is described. Functional tests of this lidar and the implications relevant to the design of a prototype model are discussed. This work was jointly sponsored by Sperry Rand Corporation under its Independent Research and Development program; the Air Force Avionics Laboratory, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio; and the Naval Ammunition Depot, Crane, Indiana.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chowdhary, Jacek; Cairns, Brian; Waquet, Fabien; Knobelspiesse, Kirk; Ottaviani, Matteo; Redemann, Jens; Travis, Larry; Mishchenko, Michael
2012-01-01
For remote sensing of aerosol over the ocean, there is a contribution from light scattered underwater. The brightness and spectrum of this light depends on the biomass content of the ocean, such that variations in the color of the ocean can be observed even from space. Rayleigh scattering by pure sea water, and Rayleigh-Gans type scattering by plankton, causes this light to be polarized with a distinctive angular distribution. To study the contribution of this underwater light polarization to multiangle, multispectral observations of polarized reflectance over ocean, we previously developed a hydrosol model for use in underwater light scattering computations that produces realistic variations of the ocean color and the underwater light polarization signature of pure sea water. In this work we review this hydrosol model, include a correction for the spectrum of the particulate scattering coefficient and backscattering efficiency, and discuss its sensitivity to variations in colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and in the scattering function of marine particulates. We then apply this model to measurements of total and polarized reflectance that were acquired over open ocean during the MILAGRO field campaign by the airborne Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP). Analyses show that our hydrosol model faithfully reproduces the water-leaving contributions to RSP reflectance, and that the sensitivity of these contributions to Chlorophyll a concentration [Chl] in the ocean varies with the azimuth, height, and wavelength of observations. We also show that the impact of variations in CDOM on the polarized reflectance observed by the RSP at low altitude is comparable to or much less than the standard error of this reflectance whereas their effects in total reflectance may be substantial (i.e. up to >30%). Finally, we extend our study of polarized reflectance variations with [Chl] and CDOM to include results for simulated spaceborne observations.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Rondeau-Genesse, G.; Trudel, M.; Leconte, R.
2014-12-01
Coupling C-Band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data to a multilayer snow model is a step in better understanding the temporal evolution of the radar backscattering coefficient during snowmelt. The watershed used for this study is the Nechako River Basin, located in the Rocky Mountains of British-Columbia (Canada). This basin has a snowpack of several meters in depth and part of its water is diverted to the Kemano hydropower system, managed by Rio-Tinto Alcan. Eighteen RADARSAT-2 ScanSAR Wide archive images were acquired in VV/VH polarization for the winter of 2011-2012, under different snow conditions. They are interpreted along with CROCUS, a multilayer physically-based snow model developed by Météo-France. This model discretizes the snowpack into 50 layers, which makes it possible to monitor various characteristics, such as liquid water content (LWC), throughout the season. CROCUS is used to model three specific locations of the Nechako River Basin. Results vary from one site to another, but in general there is a good agreement between the modeled LWC of the first layer of the snowpack and the backscattering coefficient of the RADARSAT-2 images, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.80 and more. The radar images themselves were processed using an updated version of Nagler's methodology, which consists of subtracting an image in wet snow conditions to one in dry snow conditions, as wet snow can then be identified using a soft threshold centered around -3 dB. A second filter was used in order to differentiate dry snow and bare soil. That filter combines a VH/VV ratio threshold and an altitude criterion. The ensuing maps show a good agreement with the MODIS snow-covered area, which is already obtained daily over the Nechako River Basin, but with additional information on the location of wet snow and without sensibility to cloud cover. As a next step, the outputs of CROCUS will be used in Mätzler's Microwave Emission Model of Layered Snowpacks (MEMLS) to simulate the backscattering coefficient at different locations in the basin.
The effects of soil moisture and plant morphology on the radar backscatter from vegetation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ulaby, F. T.; Bush, T. F.; Batlivala, P. P.; Cihlar, J.
1974-01-01
The results of experimental studies on the backscattering properties of corn, milo, soybeans and alfalfa are presented. The measurements were made during the summer of 1973 over the 8 to 18 GHz frequency band. The data indicate that soil moisture estimation is best accomplished at incidence angles near nadir with lower frequencies, while crop discrimination is best accomplished using two frequencies at incidence angles ranging from 30 deg to 65 deg. It is also shown that temporal plant morphology variations can cause extreme variations in the values of the scattering coefficients. These morphological changes can be caused by growth, heavy rain and in the case of alfalfa, harvesting.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
van Tiggelen, B. A.; Skipetrov, S. E.; Page, J. H.
2017-05-01
Previous work has established that the localized regime of wave transport in open media is characterized by a position-dependent diffusion coefficient. In this work we study how the concept of position-dependent diffusion affects the delay time, the transverse confinement, the coherent backscattering, and the time reversal of waves. Definitions of energy transport velocity of localized waves are proposed. We start with a phenomenological model of radiative transfer and then present a novel perturbational approach based on the self-consistent theory of localization. The latter allows us to obtain results relevant for realistic experiments in disordered quasi-1D wave guides and 3D slabs.
The leaf-shape effect on electromagnetic scattering from vegetated media
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Karam, M. A.; Fung, A. K.; Blanchard, A. J.; Shen, G. X.
1988-01-01
Using the generalized Rayleigh Gans approximation along with the radiative transfer method, a bistatic backscattering model for a layer of randomly oriented, elliptic-shaped leaves is formulated. Following a similar procedure the bistatic scattering model for a layer of needle-shaped leaves is also developed to simulate coniferous vegetation. The differences between the scattering characteristics of the deciduous and coniferous leaves are illustrated numerically for different orientation and incidence angles. It is found that both like and cross polarizations are needed to differentiate the difference in scattering due to the shapes of the scatterers. The calculated backscattering coefficients are compared with measured values from artificial canopies with circular-shaped leaves.
A New Approach for Checking and Complementing CALIPSO Lidar Calibration
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Josset, Damien B.; Vaughan, Mark A.; Hu, Yongxiang; Avery, Melody A.; Powell, Kathleen A.; Hunt, William H.; Winker, David M.; Pelon, Jacques; Trepte, Charles R.; Lucker, Patricia L.;
2010-01-01
We have been studying the backscatter ratio of the two CALIPSO wavelengths for 3 different targets. We are showing the ratio of integrate attenuated backscatter coefficient for cirrus clouds, ocean surface and liquid. Water clouds for one month of nightime data (left:July,right:December), Only opaque cirrus classified as randomly oriented ice[1] are used. For ocean and water clouds, only the clearest shots, determined by a threshold on integrated attenuated backscatter are used. Two things can be immediately observed: 1. A similar trend (black dotted line) is visible using all targets, the color ratio shows a tendency to be higher north and lower south for those two months. 2. The water clouds average value is around 15% lower than ocean surface and cirrus clouds. This is due to the different multiple scattering at 532 nm and 1064 nm [2] which strongly impact the water cloud retrieval. Conclusion: Different targets can be used to improve CALIPSO 1064 nm calibration accuracy. All of them show the signature of an instrumental calibration shift. Multiple scattering introduce a bias in liquid water cloud signal but it still compares very well with all other methods and should not be overlooked. The effect of multiple scattering in liquid and ice clouds will be the subject of future research. If there really is a sampling issue. Combining all methods to increase the sampling, mapping the calibration coefficient or trying to reach an orbit per orbit calibration seems an appropriate way.
Numerical simulations of electromagnetic scattering by Solar system objects
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dlugach, Janna M.
2016-11-01
Having been profoundly stimulated by the seminal work of Viktor V. Sobolev, I have been involved in multi-decadal research in the fields of radiative transfer, electromagnetic scattering by morphologically complex particles and particulate media, and planetary remote sensing. Much of this research has been done in close collaboration with other "descendants" of Academician Sobolev. This tutorial paper gives a representative overview of the results of extensive numerical simulations (in the vast majority carried out in collaboration with Michael Mishchenko) used to analyze remote-sensing observations of Solar system objects and based on highly accurate methods of the radiative transfer theory and direct computer solvers of the Maxwell equations. Using the atmosphere of Jupiter as a proving ground and performing T-matrix and radiative-transfer calculations helps demonstrate the strong effect of aerosol-particle shapes on the accuracy of remote-sensing retrievals. I then discuss the application of the T-matrix method, a numerically exact solution of the vector radiative transfer equation, and the theory of coherent backscattering to an analysis of polarimetric radar observations of Saturn's rings. Numerical modeling performed by using the superposition T-matrix method in application to cometary dust in the form of aggregates serves to reproduce the results of polarimetric observations of the distant comet C/2010 S1. On the basis of direct computer solutions of the Maxwell equations, it is demonstrated that all backscattering effects predicted by the low-density theories of radiative transfer and coherent backscattering can also be identified for media with volume packing densities typically encountered in natural and artificial environments. This result implies that spectacular opposition effects observed for some high-albedo atmoshereless Solar system bodies can be attributed to coherent backscattering of sunlight by regolith layers composed of microscopic particles.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Spindler, N.; Polychronaki, A.; Notarnicola, C.
2013-12-01
Grasslands cover nearly one quarter of the earth's surface. They are not only a habitat for a diversity of species and therefore an important focus in the Natura 2000 framework but also a crucial factor in the scope of food security and the associated crop estimation as a forage base. Since both topics are strongly linked they are addressed in this study with two main objectives using weather independent satellite data. Initially, we aimed to understand the backscatter mechanism of COSMO-SkyMed X-band dual pol using two different incidence angles for selected Natura conservation sites. In a second step, we then related the backscatter coefficients to a MODIS LAI product. Results indicated a separation potential for different Natura 2000 grasslands types with a difference of 2dB. The associated backscatter signal with the LAI data demonstrated a good correlation values for natural grasslands using low incidence angles.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Batanov, G. M.; Borzosekov, V. D.; Vasilkov, D. G.
Reflection and backscattering of high-power (400 kW) gyrotron radiation creating and heating plasma at the second harmonic of the electronic cyclotron frequency in the L-2M stellarator have been investigated experimentally. The effect of the displacement of the gyroresonance region from the axis of the plasma column under doubling of the plasma density on the processes of reflection and backscattering of microwave radiation has been examined. A near doubling of short-wavelength (k{sub ⊥} ≈ 30 cm{sup –1}) turbulent density fluctuations squared is observed. The change in the energy confinement time under variations of plasma parameters and characteristics of short-wavelength turbulence ismore » discussed. A discrepancy between the measured values of the reflection coefficient from the electron cyclotron resonance heating region and predictions of the one-dimensional model is revealed.« less
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Geiß, Alexander; Wiegner, Matthias
2014-05-01
The knowledge of the spatiotemporal distribution of atmospheric aerosols and its optical characterization is essential for the understanding of the radiation budget, air quality, and climate. For this purpose, lidar is an excellent system as it is an active remote sensing technique. As multi-wavelength research lidars with depolarization channels are quite complex and cost-expensive, increasing attention is paid to so-called ceilometers. They are simple one-wavelength backscatter lidars with low pulse energy for eye-safe operation. As maintenance costs are low and continuous and unattended measurements can be performed, they are suitable for long-term aerosol monitoring in a network. However, the signal-to-noise ratio is low, and the signals are not calibrated. The only optical property that can be derived from a ceilometer is the particle backscatter coefficient, but even this quantity requires a calibration of the signals. With four years of measurements from a Jenoptik ceilometer CHM15k-x, we developed two methods for an absolute calibration on this system. This advantage of our approach is that only a few days with favorable meteorological conditions are required where Rayleigh-calibration and comparison with our research lidar is possible to estimate the lidar constant. This method enables us to derive the particle backscatter coefficient at 1064 nm, and we retrieved for the first time profiles in near real-time within an accuracy of 10 %. If an appropriate lidar ratio is assumed the aerosol optical depth of e.g. the mixing layer can be determined with an accuracy depending on the accuracy of the lidar ratio estimate. Even for 'simple' applications, e.g. assessment of the mixing layer height, cloud detection, detection of elevated aerosol layers, the particle backscatter coefficient has significant advantages over the measured (uncalibrated) attenuated backscatter. The possibility of continuous operation under nearly any meteorological condition with temporal resolution in the order of 30 seconds makes it also possible to apply time-height-tracking methods for detecting mixing layer heights. The combination of methods for edge detection (e.g. wavelet covariance transform, gradient method, variance method) and edge tracking techniques is used to increase the reliability of the layer detection and attribution. Thus, a feature mask of aerosols and clouds can be derived. Four years of measurements constitute an excellent basis for a climatology including a homogeneous time series of mixing layer heights, aerosol layers and cloud base heights of the troposphere. With a low overlap region of 180 m of the Jenoptik CHM15k-x even very narrow mixing layers, typical for winter conditions, can be considered.
Application of the Kano-Hamilton multiangle inversion method in clear atmospheres
Mariana Adam; Vladimir A. Kovalev; Cyle Wold; Jenny Newton; Markus Pahlow; Wei M. Hao; Marc B. Parlange
2007-01-01
An improved measurement methodology and a data-processing technique for multiangle data obtained with an elastic scanning lidar in clear atmospheres are introduced. Azimuthal and slope scans are combined to reduce the atmospheric heterogeneity. Vertical profiles of optical depth and intercept (proportional to the logarithm of the backscatter coefficient) are determined...
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hu, Chuanmin; Lee, Zhongping; Muller-Karger, Frank E.; Carder, Kendall L.
2003-05-01
A spectra-matching optimization algorithm, designed for hyperspectral sensors, has been implemented to process SeaWiFS-derived multi-spectral water-leaving radiance data. The algorithm has been tested over Southwest Florida coastal waters. The total spectral absorption and backscattering coefficients can be well partitioned with the inversion algorithm, resulting in RMS errors generally less than 5% in the modeled spectra. For extremely turbid waters that come from either river runoff or sediment resuspension, the RMS error is in the range of 5-15%. The bio-optical parameters derived in this optically complex environment agree well with those obtained in situ. Further, the ability to separate backscattering (a proxy for turbidity) from the satellite signal makes it possible to trace water movement patterns, as indicated by the total absorption imagery. The derived patterns agree with those from concurrent surface drifters. For waters where CDOM overwhelmingly dominates the optical signal, however, the procedure tends to regard CDOM as the sole source of absorption, implying the need for better atmospheric correction and for adjustment of some model coefficients for this particular region.
[Comparison of atmospheric particulate matter and aerosol optical depth in Beijing City].
Lin, Hai-Feng; Xin, Jin-Yuan; Zhang, Wen-Yu; Wang, Yue-Si; Liu, Zi-Rui; Chen, Chuan-Lei
2013-03-01
The pollution of particulate matter was serious in Beijing City from the synchronous observation of particulate matter mass concentration and aerosol optical characteristics in 2009. The annual mean concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were (65 +/- 14) microg x m(-3) and (117 +/- 31) microg x m(-3), respectively, which exceeded the national ambient air quality annual standards to be implemented in 2016. There were 35% and 26% days of 2009 that the daily standards were exceeded. There was a significant correlation between fine particulate (PM2.5) and inhalable particle (PM10), with a correlation coefficient (R) of approximately 0.90 (P < 0.001). PM10 contained a large percentage of PM2.5, with an annual percentage of about 61%. The percentage became much higher from spring to winter, while the correlation between PM2.5 and PM10 became much stronger. The annual mean of AOD (500 nm) and Angstrom exponent were (0.55 +/- 0.1) and (1.12 +/- 0.08), respectively. There were significant correlations between PM2.5, PM10 and AOD in the four seasons and the whole year, and the correlation coefficients were greater than or equal to 0.50. Furthermore, the correlation functions and coefficients had seasonal variations. The correlations were more significant in summer and autumn than in spring and winter. The annual correlation could cover up the seasonal systematic differences. The correlations between AOD revised by Mixed Layer Height and PM2.5 PM10 revised by Relative Humidity became stronger, and the exponential correlations were superior to the linear correlations.
Lee, Tae Kyu; Sandison, George A
2003-01-21
Electron backscattering has been incorporated into the energy-dependent electron loss (EL) model and the resulting algorithm is applied to predict dose deposition in slab heterogeneous media. This algorithm utilizes a reflection coefficient from the interface that is computed on the basis of Goudsmit-Saunderson theory and an average energy for the backscattered electrons based on Everhart's theory. Predictions of dose deposition in slab heterogeneous media are compared to the Monte Carlo based dose planning method (DPM) and a numerical discrete ordinates method (DOM). The slab media studied comprised water/Pb, water/Al, water/bone, water/bone/water, and water/lung/water, and incident electron beam energies of 10 MeV and 18 MeV. The predicted dose enhancement due to backscattering is accurate to within 3% of dose maximum even for lead as the backscattering medium. Dose discrepancies at large depths beyond the interface were as high as 5% of dose maximum and we speculate that this error may be attributed to the EL model assuming a Gaussian energy distribution for the electrons at depth. The computational cost is low compared to Monte Carlo simulations making the EL model attractive as a fast dose engine for dose optimization algorithms. The predictive power of the algorithm demonstrates that the small angle scattering restriction on the EL model can be overcome while retaining dose calculation accuracy and requiring only one free variable, chi, in the algorithm to be determined in advance of calculation.
The energy-dependent electron loss model: backscattering and application to heterogeneous slab media
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lee, Tae Kyu; Sandison, George A.
2003-01-01
Electron backscattering has been incorporated into the energy-dependent electron loss (EL) model and the resulting algorithm is applied to predict dose deposition in slab heterogeneous media. This algorithm utilizes a reflection coefficient from the interface that is computed on the basis of Goudsmit-Saunderson theory and an average energy for the backscattered electrons based on Everhart's theory. Predictions of dose deposition in slab heterogeneous media are compared to the Monte Carlo based dose planning method (DPM) and a numerical discrete ordinates method (DOM). The slab media studied comprised water/Pb, water/Al, water/bone, water/bone/water, and water/lung/water, and incident electron beam energies of 10 MeV and 18 MeV. The predicted dose enhancement due to backscattering is accurate to within 3% of dose maximum even for lead as the backscattering medium. Dose discrepancies at large depths beyond the interface were as high as 5% of dose maximum and we speculate that this error may be attributed to the EL model assuming a Gaussian energy distribution for the electrons at depth. The computational cost is low compared to Monte Carlo simulations making the EL model attractive as a fast dose engine for dose optimization algorithms. The predictive power of the algorithm demonstrates that the small angle scattering restriction on the EL model can be overcome while retaining dose calculation accuracy and requiring only one free variable, χ, in the algorithm to be determined in advance of calculation.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ahmed, Samir; El-Habashi, Ahmed
2016-10-01
Effective detection and tracking of Karenia brevis Harmful Algal Blooms (KB HAB) that frequently plague the coasts and beaches of the West Florida Shelf (WFS) is important because of their negative impacts on ecology. They pose threats to fisheries, human health, and directly affect tourism and local economies. Detection and tracking capabilities are needed for use with the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) satellite, so that HABs monitoring capabilities, which previously relied on imagery from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Aqua, can be extended to VIIRS. Unfortunately, VIIRS, unlike its predecessor MODIS-A, does not have a 678 nm channel to detect chlorophyll fluorescence, which is used in the normalized fluorescence height (nFLH) algorithm, or in the Red Band Difference (RBD) algorithm. Both these techniques have demonstrated that the remote sensing reflectance signal from the MODIS-A fluorescence band (Rrs 678 nm) helps in effectively detecting and tracking KB HABs in the WFS. To overcome the lack of a fluorescence channel on VIIRS, the approach described here, bypasses the need for measurements at 678nm, and permits extension of KB HABs satellite monitoring to VIIRS. The essence of the approach is the application of a standard multiband neural network (NN) inversion algorithm, previously developed and reported by us, that takes VIIRS Rrs measurements at the 486, 551 and 671nm bands as inputs, and produces as output the related Inherent Optical Properties (IOPs), namely: absorption coefficients of phytoplankton (aph443) dissolved organic matter (ag) and non-algal particulates (adm) as well as the particulate backscatter coefficient, (bbp) all at 443nm. We next need to relate aph443 in the VIIRS NN retrieved image to equivalent KB HABs concentrations. To do this, we apply additional constraints, defined by (i) low backscatter manifested as a maximum Rrs551 value and (ii) a minimum [Chla] threshold (and hence an equivalent minimum aph443min value) that are both known to be associated with KB HABs in the WFS. These two constraining filter processes are applied sequentially to the VIIRS NN retrieved aph443 image. First an image is made of retrieved VIIRS Rrs551. A mask is then made of all pixels with Rrs551≥ Rrs551max, the maximum value known to be compatible with the existence KB HABs. This is applied, as a filter to the VIIRS NN retrieved aph443 image to exclude pixels with Rrs551≥ Rrs551max. The residual image will then only show aph443 values that comply with Rrs551≤ Rrs551max. Then, in a second filter process, all values of aph443 ≤ aph443min are eliminated. The residual image will now only show aph443 values that are compatible with both criteria for KB HABs, and are therefore representative of KB HABs. It will be shown that when both these filter condition are applied to VIIRS NN aph443 retrievals, they can be used to effectively delineate and quantify KB HABs in the WFS. The KB HABs retrieved in this manner also show good correlations with in-situ KB HABs measurements as well as with nFLH retrievals and other techniques to which the same filtering criteria have been applied, confirming the viability of the approach.
Uusikivi, Jari; Vähätalo, Anssi V.; Granskog, Mats A.; Sommaruga, Ruben
2010-01-01
In the Baltic Sea ice, the spectral absorption coefficients for particulate matter (PM) were about two times higher at ultraviolet wavelengths than at photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) wavelengths. PM absorption spectra included significant absorption by mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) between 320 and 345 nm. In the surface ice layer, the concentration of MAAs (1.37 μg L−1) was similar to that of chlorophyll a, resulting in a MAAs-to-chlorophyll a ratio as high as 0.65. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) intensity and the ratio of UVR to PAR had a strong relationship with MAAs concentration (R2 = 0.97, n = 3) in the ice. In the surface ice layer, PM and especially MAAs dominated the absorption (absorption coefficient at 325 nm: 0.73 m−1). In the columnar ice layers, colored dissolved organic matter was the most significant absorber in the UVR (< 380 nm) (absorption coefficient at 325 nm: 1.5 m−1). Our measurements and modeling of UVR and PAR in Baltic Sea ice show that organic matter, both particulate and dissolved, influences the optical properties of sea ice and strongly modifies the UVR exposure of biological communities in and under snow-free sea ice. PMID:20585592
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Young, Joseph Swyler
This thesis investigates the utility of lidar ceilometers, a type of aerosol lidar, in improving the understanding of meteorology and air quality in persistent wintertime stable boundary layers, or cold-air pools, that form in urbanized valley and basin topography. This thesis reviews the scientific literature to survey the present knowledge of persistent cold-air pools, the operating principles of lidar ceilometers, and their demonstrated utility in meteorological investigations. Lidar ceilometer data from the Persistent Cold-Air Pool Study (PCAPS) are then used with meteorological and air quality data from other in situ and remote sensing equipment to investigate cold-air pools that formed in Utah's Salt Lake Valley during the winter of 2010-2011. The lidar ceilometer is shown to accurately measure aerosol layer depth and aerosol loading, when compared to visual observations. A linear relationship is found between low-level lidar backscatter and surface particulate measurements. Convective boundary layer lidar analysis techniques applied to cold-air pool ceilometer profiles can detect useful layer characteristics. Fine-scale waves are observed and analyzed within the aerosol layer, with emphasis on Kelvin-Helmholz waves. Ceilometer aerosol backscatter profiles are analyzed to quantify and describe mixing processes in persistent cold-air pools. Overlays of other remote and in-situ observations are combined with ceilometer particle backscatter to describe specific events during PCAPS. This analysis describes the relationship between the aerosol layer and the valley inversion as well as interactions with large-scale meteorology. The ceilometer observations of hydrometers are used to quantify cloudiness and precipitation during the project, observing that 50% of hours when a PCAP was present had clouds or precipitation below 5 km above ground level (AGL). Then, combining an objective technique for determining hourly aerosol layer depths and correcting this subjectively during periods with low clouds or precipitation, a time series of aerosol depths was obtained. The mean depth of the surface-based aerosol layer during PCAP events was 1861 m MSL with a standard deviation of 135 m. The aerosol layer depth, given the approximate 1300 m altitude of the valley floor, is thus about 550 m, about 46% of the basin depth. The aerosol layer is present during much of the winter and is removed only during strong or prolonged precipitation periods or when surface winds are strong. Nocturnal fogs that formed near the end of high-stability PCAP episodes had a limited effect on aerosol layer depth. Aerosol layer depth was relatively invariant during the winter and during the persistent cold-air pools, while PM10 concentrations at the valley floor varied with bulk atmospheric stability associated primarily with passage of large-scale high- and low-pressure weather systems. PM10 concentrations also increased with cold-air pool duration. Mean aerosol loading in the surface-based aerosol layer, as determined from ceilometer backscatter coefficients, showed weaker variations than those of surface PM10 concentrations, suggesting that ineffective vertical mixing and aerosol layering are present in the cold-air pools. This is supported by higher time-resolution backscatter data, and it distinguishes the persistent cold-air pools from well-mixed convective boundary layers where ground-based air pollution concentrations are closely related to time-dependent convective boundary layer/aerosol depths. These results are discussed along with recommendations for future explorations of the ceilometer and cold-air pool topics.
Characterization of vegetation by microwave and optical remote sensing
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Daughtry, C. S. T. (Principal Investigator); Ranson, K. J.; Biehl, L. L.
1986-01-01
Two series of carefully controlled experiments were conducted. First, plots of important crops (corn, soybeans, and sorghum), prairie grasses (big bluestem, switchgrass, tal fescue, orchardgrass, bromegrass), and forage legumes (alfalfa, red clover, and crown vetch) were manipulated to produce wide ranges of phytomass, leaf area index, and canopy architecture. Second, coniferous forest canopies were simulated using small balsam fir trees grown in large pots of soil and arranged systematically on a large (5 m) platform. Rotating the platform produced many new canopies for frequency and spatial averaging of the backscatter signal. In both series of experiments, backscatter of 5.0 GHz (C-Band) was measured as a function of view angle and polarization. Biophysical measurements included leaf area index, fresh and dry phytomass, water content of canopy elements, canopy height, and soil roughness and moisture content. For a subset of the above plots, additional measurements were acquired to exercise microwave backscatter models. These measurements included size and shape of leaves, stems, and fruit and the probability density function of leaf and stem angles. The relationships of the backscattering coefficients and the biophysical properties of the canopies were evaluated using statistical correlations, analysis of variance, and regression analysis. Results from the corn density and balsam fir experiments are discussed and analyses of data from the other experiments are summarized.
Combined Atmospheric and Ocean Profiling from an Airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hair, Johnathan; Hostetler, Chris; Hu, Yongxiang; Behrenfeld, Michael; Butler, Carolyn; Harper, David; Hare, Rich; Berkoff, Timothy; Cook, Antony; Collins, James; Stockley, Nicole; Twardowski, Michael; Cetinić, Ivona; Ferrare, Richard; Mack, Terry
2016-06-01
First of its kind combined atmospheric and ocean profile data were collected by the recently upgraded NASA Langley Research Center's (LaRC) High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL-1) during the 17 July - 7 August 2014 Ship-Aircraft Bio-Optical Research Experiment (SABOR). This mission sampled over a region that covered the Gulf of Maine, open-ocean near Bermuda, and coastal waters from Virginia to Rhode Island. The HSRL-1 and the Research Scanning Polarimeter from NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies collected data onboard the NASA LaRC King Air aircraft and flight operations were closely coordinated with the Research Vessel Endeavor that made in situ ocean optical measurements. The lidar measurements provided profiles of atmospheric backscatter and particulate depolarization at 532nm, 1064nm, and extinction (532nm) from approximately 9km altitude. In addition, for the first time HSRL seawater backscatter, depolarization, and diffuse attenuation data at 532nm were collected and compared to both the ship measurements and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (NASA MODIS-Aqua) satellite ocean retrievals.
A Model for Backscattering from Quasi Periodic Corn Canopies at L-Band
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lang, R.; Utku, C.; Zhao, Q.; O'Neill, P.
2010-01-01
In this study, a model for backscattering at L-band from a corn canopy is proposed. The canopy consists of a quasi-periodic distribution of stalks and a random distribution of leaves. The Distorted Born Approximation (DBA) is employed to calculate the single scattered return from the corn field. The new feature of the method is that the coherence of the stalks in the row direction is incorporated in the model in a systematic fashion. Since the wavelength is on the order of the distance between corn stalks in a row, grating lobe behavior is observed at certain azimuth angles of incidence. The results are compared with experimental values measured in Huntsville, Alabama in 1998. The mean field and the effective dielectric constant of the canopy are obtained by using the Foldy approximation. The stalks are placed in the effective medium in a two dimensional lattice to simulate the row structure of a corn field. In order to mimic a real corn field, a quasi-periodic stalk distribution is assumed where the stalks are given small random perturbations about their lattice locations. Corn leaves are also embedded in the effective medium and the backscattered field from the stalks and the leaves is computed. The backscattering coefficient is calculated and averaged over successive stalk position perturbations. It is assumed that soil erosion has smoothed the soil sufficiently so that it can be assumed flat. Corn field backscatter data was collected from cornfields during the Huntsville 98 experimental campaign held at Alabama A&M University Research Station, Huntsville, Alabama in 1998 using the NASA/GW truck mounted radar. Extensive ground truth data was collected. This included soil moisture measurements and corn plant architectural data to be used in the model. In particular, the distances between the stalks in a single row have been measured. The L-band radar backscatter data was collected for both H and V polarizations and for look angles of 15o and 45o over a two week period under varying soil moisture conditions. These measured backscattering values will be compared with the model backscattering values and a discussion of the results will be presented.
Progress in radar snow research. [Brookings, South Dakota
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stiles, W. H.; Ulaby, F. T.; Fung, A. K.; Aslam, A.
1981-01-01
Multifrequency measurements of the radar backscatter from snow-covered terrain were made at several sites in Brookings, South Dakota, during the month of March of 1979. The data are used to examine the response of the scattering coefficient to the following parameters: (1) snow surface roughness, (2) snow liquid water content, and (3) snow water equivalent. The results indicate that the scattering coefficient is insensitive to snow surface roughness if the snow is drv. For wet snow, however, surface roughness can have a strong influence on the magnitude of the scattering coefficient. These observations confirm the results predicted by a theoretical model that describes the snow as a volume of Rayleig scatterers, bounded by a Gaussian random surface. In addition, empirical models were developed to relate the scattering coefficient to snow liquid water content and the dependence of the scattering coefficient on water equivalent was evaluated for both wet and dry snow conditions.
Enhancement effects in polarimetric radar returns: Phase difference statistics
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lang, R. H.; Khadr, N.
1993-01-01
The probability density functions (pdfs) of the co- and cross-polarized phase differences are derived for backscatter from vegetation using the coherent and incoherent scattering theories. Unlike previous derivations, no assumptions or observations other than the applicability of the Central Limit Theorem (CLT), the low fractional volume of the medium, the reciprocity of the scatterers, and the azimuthal symmetry of the scatterer's orientation statistics are employed. Everything else follows logically via the mathematics. The difference between the coherent theory and the incoherent theory is referred to as the backscatter enhancement effect. The influence of this enhancement effect on the phase difference pdfs is examined and found to be important under combined conditions of scatterer anisotropy and appropriate reflection coefficient values.
Scattering from randomly oriented circular discs with application to vegetation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Karam, M. A.; Fung, A. K.
1984-01-01
A vegetation layer is modeled by a collection of randomly oriented circular discs over a half space. The backscattering coefficient from such a half space is computed using the radiative transfer theory. It is shown that significantly different results are obtained from this theory as compared with some earlier investigations using the same modeling approach but with restricted disc orientations. In particular, the backscattered cross polarized returns cannot have a fast increasing angular trend which is inconsistent with measurements. By setting the appropriate angle of orientation to zero the theory reduces to previously published results. Comparisons are shown with measurements taken from milo, corn and wheat and good agreements are obtained for both polarized and cross polarized returns.
Scattering from randomly oriented circular discs with application to vegetation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Karam, M. A.; Fung, A. K.
1983-01-01
A vegetation layer is modeled by a collection of randomly oriented circular discs over a half space. The backscattering coefficient from such a half space is computed using the radiative transfer theory. It is shown that significantly different results are obtained from this theory as compared with some earlier investigations using the same modeling approach but with restricted disc orientations. In particular, the backscattered cross-polarized returns cannot have a fast increasing angular trend which is inconsistent with measurements. By setting the appropriate angle of orientation to zero the theory reduces to previously published results. Comparisons are shown with measurements taken from milo, corn and wheat and good agreements are obtained for both polarized and cross-polarized returns.
Precipitation scavenging of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in the great lakes region
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Murray, Michael W.; Andren, Anders W.
Ten precipitation events were sampled in the fall of 1986 in Madison, WI and analyzed for individual congener and total polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels in both the dissolved and particulate phases. Total PCB concentrations were generally at the lower end of ranges recently reported for precipitation. Operationally defined dissolved and particulate phase congener distribution patterns for the two events of highest concentration were qualitatively similar to gas-phase and particle-bound patterns for northern Wisconsin air samples. Higher than predicted dissolved-phase concentrations may indicate non-equilibrium processes during scavenging and/or sample processing, the presence of colloids and micro-particulates, and/or more efficient gas-phase transfer to hydrometeors with organic coatings. Observed organic carbon-normalized distribution coefficients increased slightly with increasing octanol-water partition coefficient, giving the relationship log Koc = 0.22 log Kow + 4.64. The data indicate that a third organic-rich colloidal phase could be influencing partitioning, and could explain the higher than expected apparent gas scavenging efficiency for PCBs from the atmosphere. Precipitation-weighted mean fluxes of PCBs in the dissolved and particulate phases were 1.2 and 1.4 μg m -2 year -1, respectively, indicating that precipitation remains a significant source of PCBs to the upper Great Lakes.
Kolgotin, Alexei; Müller, Detlef; Chemyakin, Eduard; Romanov, Anton
2016-12-01
Multiwavelength Raman/high spectral resolution lidars that measure backscatter coefficients at 355, 532, and 1064 nm and extinction coefficients at 355 and 532 nm can be used for the retrieval of particle microphysical parameters, such as effective and mean radius, number, surface-area and volume concentrations, and complex refractive index, from inversion algorithms. In this study, we carry out a correlation analysis in order to investigate the degree of dependence that may exist between the optical data taken with lidar and the underlying microphysical parameters. We also investigate if the correlation properties identified in our study can be used as a priori or a posteriori constraints for our inversion scheme so that the inversion results can be improved. We made the simplifying assumption of error-free optical data in order to find out what correlations exist in the best case situation. Clearly, for practical applications, erroneous data need to be considered too. On the basis of simulations with synthetic optical data, we find the following results, which hold true for arbitrary particle size distributions, i.e., regardless of the modality or the shape of the size distribution function: surface-area concentrations and extinction coefficients are linearly correlated with a correlation coefficient above 0.99. We also find a correlation coefficient above 0.99 for the extinction coefficient versus (1) the ratio of the volume concentration to effective radius and (2) the product of the number concentration times the sum of the squares of the mean radius and standard deviation of the investigated particle size distributions. Besides that, we find that for particles of any mode fraction of the particle size distribution, the complex refractive index is uniquely defined by extinction- and backscatter-related Ångström exponents, lidar ratios at two wavelengths, and an effective radius.
Dang, Feng; Wan, Chunlei; Park, Nam-Hee; Tsuruta, Kazuki; Seo, Won-Seon; Koumoto, Kunihito
2013-11-13
Self-assembled particulate films with a uniform structure over a large area were prepared from La-SrTiO3 nanocubes for thermoelectric applications. UV irradiation was used to assist the formation of particulate film for decomposition of the organic phase in situ to obtain a mechanically robust structure at high temperature. The thermoelectric properties of the particulate film were measured after calcination at 1000 °C under a reductive atmosphere (Ar/H2 = 60/40). A Seebeck coefficient of S = -239 ± 24 μV/K, electrical conductivity of σ = 160 ± 5 S/cm, and thermal conductivity of κ ≈ 1.5 W/mK were obtained for a self-assembled particulate film (La: 5%) corresponding to a ZT value of 0.2 at room temperature, which exceeded that of a La-SrTiO3 single crystal with similar composition.
Backscatter factors and mass energy-absorption coefficient ratios for diagnostic radiology dosimetry
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Benmakhlouf, Hamza; Bouchard, Hugo; Fransson, Annette; Andreo, Pedro
2011-11-01
Backscatter factors, B, and mass energy-absorption coefficient ratios, (μen/ρ)w, air, for the determination of the surface dose in diagnostic radiology were calculated using Monte Carlo simulations. The main purpose was to extend the range of available data to qualities used in modern x-ray techniques, particularly for interventional radiology. A comprehensive database for mono-energetic photons between 4 and 150 keV and different field sizes was created for a 15 cm thick water phantom. Backscattered spectra were calculated with the PENELOPE Monte Carlo system, scoring track-length fluence differential in energy with negligible statistical uncertainty; using the Monte Carlo computed spectra, B factors and (μen/ρ)w, air were then calculated numerically for each energy. Weighted averaging procedures were subsequently used to convolve incident clinical spectra with mono-energetic data. The method was benchmarked against full Monte Carlo calculations of incident clinical spectra obtaining differences within 0.3-0.6%. The technique used enables the calculation of B and (μen/ρ)w, air for any incident spectrum without further time-consuming Monte Carlo simulations. The adequacy of the extended dosimetry data to a broader range of clinical qualities than those currently available, while keeping consistency with existing data, was confirmed through detailed comparisons. Mono-energetic and spectra-averaged values were compared with published data, including those in ICRU Report 74 and IAEA TRS-457, finding average differences of 0.6%. Results are provided in comprehensive tables appropriated for clinical use. Additional qualities can easily be calculated using a designed GUI interface in conjunction with software to generate incident photon spectra.
Quantitative retrieval of aerosol optical properties by means of ceilometers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wiegner, Matthias; Gasteiger, Josef; Geiß, Alexander
2016-04-01
In the last few years extended networks of ceilometers have been established by several national weather services. Based on improvements of the hardware performance of these single-wavelength backscatter lidars and their 24/7 availability they are increasingly used to monitor mixing layer heights and to derive profiles of the particle backscatter profile. As a consequence they are used for a wide range of applications including the dispersion of volcanic ash plumes, validation of chemistry transport models and air quality studies. In this context the development of automated schemes to detect aerosol layers and to identify the mixing layer are essential, in particular as the latter is often used as a proxy for air quality. Of equal importance is the calibration of ceilometer signals as a pre-requisite to derive quantitative optical properties. Recently, it has been emphasized that the majority of ceilometers are influenced by water vapor absorption as they operate in the spectral range of 905 - 910 nm. If this effect is ignored, errors of the aerosol backscatter coefficient can be as large as 50%, depending on the atmospheric water vapor content and the emitted wavelength spectrum. As a consequence, any other derived quantity, e.g. the extinction coefficient or mass concentration, would suffer from a significant uncertainty in addition to the inherent errors of the inversion of the lidar equation itself. This can be crucial when ceilometer derived profiles shall be used to validate transport models. In this presentation, the methodology proposed by Wiegner and Gasteiger (2015) to correct for water vapor absorption is introduced and discussed.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhu, Shupeng; Horne, Jeremy R.; Montoya-Aguilera, Julia; Hinks, Mallory L.; Nizkorodov, Sergey A.; Dabdub, Donald
2018-03-01
Ammonium salts such as ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate constitute an important fraction of the total fine particulate matter (PM2.5) mass. While the conversion of inorganic gases into particulate-phase sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium is now well understood, there is considerable uncertainty over interactions between gas-phase ammonia and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). Observations have confirmed that ammonia can react with carbonyl compounds in SOA, forming nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOCs). This chemistry consumes gas-phase NH3 and may therefore affect the amount of ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate in particulate matter (PM) as well as particle acidity. In order to investigate the importance of such reactions, a first-order loss rate for ammonia onto SOA was implemented into the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model based on the ammonia uptake coefficients reported in the literature. Simulations over the continental US were performed for the winter and summer of 2011 with a range of uptake coefficients (10-3-10-5). Simulation results indicate that a significant reduction in gas-phase ammonia may be possible due to its uptake onto SOA; domain-averaged ammonia concentrations decrease by 31.3 % in the winter and 67.0 % in the summer with the highest uptake coefficient (10-3). As a result, the concentration of particulate matter is also significantly affected, with a distinct spatial pattern over different seasons. PM concentrations decreased during the winter, largely due to the reduction in ammonium nitrate concentrations. On the other hand, PM concentrations increased during the summer due to increased biogenic SOA (BIOSOA) production resulting from enhanced acid-catalyzed uptake of isoprene-derived epoxides. Since ammonia emissions are expected to increase in the future, it is important to include NH3 + SOA chemistry in air quality models.
Coherent backscattering of light by complex random media of spherical scatterers: numerical solution
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Muinonen, Karri
2004-07-01
Novel Monte Carlo techniques are described for the computation of reflection coefficient matrices for multiple scattering of light in plane-parallel random media of spherical scatterers. The present multiple scattering theory is composed of coherent backscattering and radiative transfer. In the radiative transfer part, the Stokes parameters of light escaping from the medium are updated at each scattering process in predefined angles of emergence. The scattering directions at each process are randomized using probability densities for the polar and azimuthal scattering angles: the former angle is generated using the single-scattering phase function, whereafter the latter follows from Kepler's equation. For spherical scatterers in the Rayleigh regime, randomization proceeds semi-analytically whereas, beyond that regime, cubic spline presentation of the scattering matrix is used for numerical computations. In the coherent backscattering part, the reciprocity of electromagnetic waves in the backscattering direction allows the renormalization of the reversely propagating waves, whereafter the scattering characteristics are computed in other directions. High orders of scattering (~10 000) can be treated because of the peculiar polarization characteristics of the reverse wave: after a number of scatterings, the polarization state of the reverse wave becomes independent of that of the incident wave, that is, it becomes fully dictated by the scatterings at the end of the reverse path. The coherent backscattering part depends on the single-scattering albedo in a non-monotonous way, the most pronounced signatures showing up for absorbing scatterers. The numerical results compare favourably to the literature results for nonabsorbing spherical scatterers both in and beyond the Rayleigh regime.
Hager, Stephen W.
1994-01-01
Particulate matter was collected at Rio Vista, California, in two study periods; the first, from January 3 to May 26, 1983; the second from October 31, 1983 to November 29, 1984. Concentrations of suspended particulate matter were measured gravimetrically on silver membrane filters. The pooled standard deviation on replicated samples was 1.4 mg/L, giving a coefficient of variation of 5.7 percent. Concentrations of particulate carbon and nitrogen were measured during a Perkin-Elmer model 240C elemental analyzer to combust material collected on glass fiber filters. Refrigeration of samples prior to filtration was shown to be a likely influence on precision of duplicate analyses. Median deviations between duplicates for carbon were 5.4 percent during the first study period and 8.9 percent during the second. For nitrogen, median deviations were 4.9 percent and 7.2 percent, respectively. This report presents the data for concentrations of suspended particulate material, the duplicate analyses for particulate carbon and nitrogen, and the volumes of sample filtered for the particulate carbon and nitrogen analyses for both studies. Not all samples collected during the second study have been analyzed for particulate carbon and nitrogen.
Irradiance attenuation coefficient in a stratified ocean - A local property of the medium
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gordon, H. R.
1980-01-01
The influence of optically important constituents of water on the absorption (a) and scattering (b) coefficients and the backscattering probability is considered, with emphasis placed on measuring the volume scattering function (B/theta/). Two stratification models are examined; one in which the phase function (B(theta)/b) is depth independent and only b/c is allowed to vary with optical depth, and the other in which both b/c and the phase function depend on depth. The results demonstrate that Gordon's (1977) technique of estimating a and b is applicable without change to a stratified ocean.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Law, P. H.; Burkholder, R. J.; Pathak, P. H.
1988-01-01
The electromagnetic fields (EM) backscatter from a 3-dimensional perfectly conducting S-shaped open-ended cavity with a planar interior termination is analyzed when it is illuminated by an external plane wave. The analysis is based on a self-consistent multiple scattering method which accounts for the multiple wave interactions between the open end and the interior termination. The scattering matrices which described the reflection and transmission coefficients of the waveguide modes reflected and transmitted at each junction between the different waveguide sections, as well at the scattering from the edges at the open end are found via asymptotic high frequency methods such as the geometrical and physical theories of diffraction used in conjunction with the equivalent current method. The numerical results for an S-shaped inlet cavity are compared with the backscatter from a straight inlet cavity; the backscattered patterns are different because the curvature of an S-shaped inlet cavity redistributes the energy reflected from the interior termination in a way that is different from a straight inlet cavity.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kavaya, Michael J.; Henderson, Sammy W.; Frehlich, R. G.
1991-01-01
The performance and calibration of a focused, continuous wave, coherent detection CO2 lidar operated for the measurement of atmospheric backscatter coefficient, B(m), was examined. This instrument functions by transmitting infrared (10 micron) light into the atmosphere and collecting the light which is scattered in the rearward direction. Two distinct modes of operation were considered. In volume mode, the scattered light energy from many aerosols is detected simultaneously, whereas in the single particle mode (SPM), the scattered light energy from a single aerosol is detected. The analysis considered possible sources of error for each of these two cases, and also considered the conditions where each technique would have superior performance. The analysis showed that, within reasonable assumptions, the value of B(m) could be accurately measured by either the VM or the SPM method. The understanding of the theory developed during the analysis was also applied to a pulsed CO2 lidar. Preliminary results of field testing of a solid state 2 micron lidar using a CW oscillator is included.
Lidar measurements of wildfire smoke aerosols in the atmosphere above Sofia, Bulgaria
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Peshev, Zahary Y.; Deleva, Atanaska D.; Dreischuh, Tanja N.; Stoyanov, Dimitar V.
2016-01-01
Presented are results of lidar measurements and characterization of wildfire caused smoke aerosols observed in the atmosphere above the city of Sofia, Bulgaria, related to two local wildfires raging in forest areas near the city. A lidar systems based on a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser operated at 532 nm and 1064 nm is used in the smoke aerosol observations. It belongs to the Sofia LIDAR Station (at Laser Radars Laboratory, Institute of Electronics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences), being a part of the European Aerosol Lidar Network. Optical, dynamical, microphysical, and geometrical properties and parameters of the observed smoke aerosol particles and layers are displayed and analyzed, such as: range/height-resolved profiles of the aerosol backscatter coefficient; integral aerosol backscattering; sets of colormaps displaying time series of the height distribution of the aerosol density; topologic, geometric, and volumetric properties of the smoke aerosol layers; time-averaged height profiles of backscatter-related Ångström exponent (BAE). Obtained results of retrieving and profiling smoke aerosols are commented in their relations to available meteorological and air-mass-transport forecasting and modelling data.
Specific absorption and backscatter coefficient signatures in southeastern Atlantic coastal waters
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bostater, Charles R., Jr.
1998-12-01
Measurements of natural water samples in the field and laboratory of hyperspectral signatures of total absorption and reflectance were obtained using long pathlength absorption systems (50 cm pathlength). Water was sampled in Indian River Lagoon, Banana River and Port Canaveral, Florida. Stations were also occupied in near coastal waters out to the edge of the Gulf Stream in the vicinity of Kennedy Space Center, Florida and estuarine waters along Port Royal Sound and along the Beaufort River tidal area in South Carolina. The measurements were utilized to calculate natural water specific absorption, total backscatter and specific backscatter optical signatures. The resulting optical cross section signatures suggest different models are needed for the different water types and that the common linear model may only appropriate for coastal and oceanic water types. Mean particle size estimates based on the optical cross section, suggest as expected, that particle size of oceanic particles are smaller than more turbid water types. The data discussed and presented are necessary for remote sensing applications of sensors as well as for development and inversion of remote sensing algorithms.
Liquid Aluminum: Atomic diffusion and viscosity from ab initio molecular dynamics
Jakse, Noel; Pasturel, Alain
2013-01-01
We present a study of dynamic properties of liquid aluminum using density-functional theory within the local-density (LDA) and generalized gradient (GGA) approximations. We determine the temperature dependence of the self-diffusion coefficient as well the viscosity using direct methods. Comparisons with experimental data favor the LDA approximation to compute dynamic properties of liquid aluminum. We show that the GGA approximation induce more important backscattering effects due to an enhancement of the icosahedral short range order (ISRO) that impact directly dynamic properties like the self-diffusion coefficient. All these results are then used to test the Stokes-Einstein relation and the universal scaling law relating the diffusion coefficient and the excess entropy of a liquid. PMID:24190311
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Diaz, Adrian; Dominguez, Victor; Campmier, Mark; Wu, Yonghua; Arend, Mark; Vladutescu, Daniela Viviana; Gross, Barry; Moshary, Fred
2017-08-01
In this study, multiple remote sensing and in-situ measurements are combined in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the aerosol distribution in New York City. Measurement of the horizontal distribution of aerosols is performed using a scanning eye-safe elastic-backscatter micro-pulse lidar. Vertical distribution of aerosols is measured with a co-located ceilometer. Furthermore, our analysis also includes in-situ measurements of particulate matter and wind speed and direction. These observations combined show boundary layer dynamics as well as transport and inhomogeneous spatial distribution of aerosols, which are of importance for air quality monitoring.
Petlevich, Walter J.; Sverdrup, Edward F.
1978-01-01
A Doppler radar flowmeter comprises a transceiver which produces an audio frequency output related to the Doppler shift in frequency between radio waves backscattered from particulate matter carried in a fluid and the radiated radio waves. A variable gain amplifier and low pass filter are provided for amplifying and filtering the transceiver output. A frequency counter having a variable triggering level is also provided to determine the magnitude of the Doppler shift. A calibration method is disclosed wherein the amplifier gain and frequency counter trigger level are adjusted to achieve plateaus in the output of the frequency counter and thereby allow calibration without the necessity of being able to visually observe the flow.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ghovanlou, A. H.; Gupta, J. N.; Henderson, R. G.
1977-01-01
The development of quantitative analytical procedures for relating scattered signals, measured by a remote sensor, was considered. The applications of a Monte Carlo simulation model for radiative transfer in turbid water are discussed. The model is designed to calculate the characteristics of the backscattered signal from an illuminated body of water as a function of the turbidity level, and the spectral properties of the suspended particulates. The optical properties of the environmental waters, necessary for model applications, were derived from available experimental data and/or calculated from Mie formalism. Results of applications of the model are presented.
Azeez, Ali Basheer; Mohammed, Kahtan S; Abdullah, Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri; Hussin, Kamarudin; Sandu, Andrei Victor; Razak, Rafiza Abdul
2013-10-23
Samples of concrete contain various waste materials, such as iron particulates, steel balls of used ball bearings and slags from steel industry were assessed for their anti-radiation attenuation coefficient properties. The attenuation measurements were performed using gamma spectrometer of NaI (Tl) detector. The utilized radiation sources comprised 137 Cs and ⁶⁰Co radioactive elements with photon energies of 0.662 MeV for 137 Cs and two energy levels of 1.17 and 1.33 MeV for the ⁶⁰Co. Likewise the mean free paths for the tested samples were obtained. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of the waste loading rates and the particulate dispersive manner within the concrete matrix on the attenuation coefficients. The maximum linear attenuation coefficient (μ) was attained for concrete incorporates iron filling wastes of 30 wt %. They were of 1.12 ± 1.31×10 -3 for 137 Cs and 0.92 ± 1.57 × 10 -3 for ⁶⁰Co. Substantial improvement in attenuation performance by 20%-25% was achieved for concrete samples incorporate iron fillings as opposed to that of steel ball samples at different (5%-30%) loading rates. The steel balls and the steel slags gave much inferior values. The microstructure, concrete-metal composite density, the homogeneity and particulate dispersion were examined and evaluated using different metallographic, microscopic and measurement facilities.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Matsunaga, Takeshi; Ueno, Takashi; Amano, Hikaru; Tkatchenko, Y.; Kovalyov, A.; Watanabe, Miki; Onuma, Yoshikazu
1998-12-01
The distribution of Chernobyl-derived radionuclides in river and lake water bodies at 6-40 km from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was studied. Current levels of radionuclides (Cesium-137, Strontium-90, Plutonium, Americium and Curium isotopes) in water bodies and their relation to the ground contamination are presented. The investigation of the radionuclide composition of aqueous and ground contamination revealed that radionuclides on suspended solids (particulate form) originate mainly from the erosion of the contaminated surface soil layer in the zone. Apparent distribution ratios between particulate and dissolved forms are compared to known distribution coefficients.
Molecular dynamics of lipid bilayers studied by incoherent quasi-elastic neutron scattering
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
König, S.; Pfeiffer, W.; Bayerl, T.; Richter, D.; Sackmann, E.
1992-08-01
Molecular motions in highly oriented multilayers of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine were studied as a function of temperature and hydration using incoherent quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS). The short range diffusive motions of the lipid molecules and the chain/headgroup dynamics were evaluated : 1) by measurement of the dependence of the elastic incoherent structure factor (EISF), the line-width Γ and the dynamic structure factors on the scattering vector Q for two orientations of the sample. The orientations were chosen such that the scattering vecto Q was either predominantly perpendicular or parallel to the membrane normal ; 2) by comparing data from protonated and chain deuterated lipids and 3) by the use of instruments of different energy resolution (i.e. time-of-flight and backscattering spectrometers exploring time regimes of 10^{-13} s to 10^{-11} s and 10^{-11} s to 10^{-9} s respectively). In the fluid phase the time-of-flight spectra revealed a restricted isotropic in-plane and out-of-plane diffusion of the hydrocarbon chain and headgroup protons. The mean displacements range from ≈ 0.6 Å for methylene protons near the glycerol backbone to 7 Å for protons near the chain ends. These values are obtained for a water content of 23 wt%. The values are somewhat increased at 30wt% of water. Measurements of the temperature variation of the EISF and the line-width Γ revealed a remarkably high degree of chain dynamics in the gel (L{β '})-phase. The total elastic intensity as observed with the backscattering instrument showed that L{α}-L{β '}-phase transition is only well expressed at Q-values around 1 Å^{-1}, while the number and mobility of the chain defects characterized at Q≈ 2 Å^{-1} (possibly gtg-kinks) increase continuously between 2 °C and 70 °C. In the time regime explored by the backscattering instrument, motions of the whole lipid molecules are also seen. It was interpreted in terms of a superposition of local in-plane and out-of-plane diffusion and lateral diffusional jumps between adjacent sites as predicted by the free volume model. For a sample containing 12 wt% of water at 60 °C the diffusion coefficient for the out-of-plane motion is D^{allel}=6× 10^{-6} cm2/s with an amplitude of 2.25 Å. In-plane the diffusion coefficients range from D_{min}^{perp}=1.5× 10^{-7} cm2/s to D_{max}^{perp}=6× 10^{-6} cm2/s. The lateral diffusion coefficient is D_lat=9.7× 10^{-8} cm2/s in reasonable agreement with FRAP measurements. The strong increase of the lateral mobility with increasing water content yielded an exponential law for the variation of the diffusion coefficient with excess area per lipid (i.e. hydration) in agreement with the free volume model. The out-of-plane motion is characterized by an amplitude of about 0.5 Å in the time-of-flight time regime and of 2-3 Å in the backscattering time regime. The origin of this discrepancy could be the thermally excited membrane undulations since their relaxation times of ≈ 3× 10^{-9} s (obtained in a separate spin-echo study) agree roughly with the reciprocal line-width of 2.5× 10^{-9} s for the backscattering instrument at Qto 0. The time-of-flight result of 0.5 Å can be attributed to a dynamic surface roughness.
Biogeochemical sensor performance in the SOCCOM profiling float array
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Johnson, Kenneth S.; Plant, Joshua N.; Coletti, Luke J.; Jannasch, Hans W.; Sakamoto, Carole M.; Riser, Stephen C.; Swift, Dana D.; Williams, Nancy L.; Boss, Emmanuel; Haëntjens, Nils; Talley, Lynne D.; Sarmiento, Jorge L.
2017-08-01
The Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) program has begun deploying a large array of biogeochemical sensors on profiling floats in the Southern Ocean. As of February 2016, 86 floats have been deployed. Here the focus is on 56 floats with quality-controlled and adjusted data that have been in the water at least 6 months. The floats carry oxygen, nitrate, pH, chlorophyll fluorescence, and optical backscatter sensors. The raw data generated by these sensors can suffer from inaccurate initial calibrations and from sensor drift over time. Procedures to correct the data are defined. The initial accuracy of the adjusted concentrations is assessed by comparing the corrected data to laboratory measurements made on samples collected by a hydrographic cast with a rosette sampler at the float deployment station. The long-term accuracy of the corrected data is compared to the GLODAPv2 data set whenever a float made a profile within 20 km of a GLODAPv2 station. Based on these assessments, the fleet average oxygen data are accurate to 1 ± 1%, nitrate to within 0.5 ± 0.5 µmol kg-1, and pH to 0.005 ± 0.007, where the error limit is 1 standard deviation of the fleet data. The bio-optical measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence and optical backscatter are used to estimate chlorophyll a and particulate organic carbon concentration. The particulate organic carbon concentrations inferred from optical backscatter appear accurate to with 35 mg C m-3 or 20%, whichever is larger. Factors affecting the accuracy of the estimated chlorophyll a concentrations are evaluated.
Microwave remote sensing of snowpacks
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stiles, W. H.; Ulaby, F. T.
1980-01-01
The interaction mechanisms responsible for the microwave backscattering and emission behavior of snow were investigated, and models were developed relating the backscattering coefficient (sigma) and apparent temperature (T) to the physical parameters of the snowpack. The microwave responses to snow wetness, snow water equivalent, snow surface roughness, and to diurnal variations were investigated. Snow wetness was shown to have an increasing effect with increasing frequency and angle of incidence for both active and passive cases. Increasing snow wetness was observed to decrease the magnitude sigma and increase T. Snow water equivalent was also observed to exhibit a significant influence sigma and T. Snow surface configuration (roughness) was observed to be significant only for wet snow surface conditions. Diurnal variations were as large as 15 dB for sigma at 35 GHz and 120 K for T at 37 GHz. Simple models for sigma and T of a snowpack scene were developed in terms of the most significant ground-truth parameters. The coefficients for these models were then evaluated; the fits to the sigma and T measurements were generally good. Finally, areas of needed additional observations were outlined and experiments were specified to further the understanding of the microwave-snowpack interaction mechanisms.
Muller, Detlef; Hostetler, Chris A.; Ferrare, R. A.; ...
2014-10-10
Here, we present measurements acquired by the world's first airborne 3 backscatter (β) + 2 extinction (α) High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL-2). HSRL-2 measures particle backscatter coefficients at 355, 532, and 1064 nm, and particle extinction coefficients at 355 and 532 nm. The instrument has been developed by the NASA Langley Research Center. The instrument was operated during Phase 1 of the Department of Energy (DOE) Two-Column Aerosol Project (TCAP) in July 2012. We observed pollution outflow from the northeastern coast of the US out over the western Atlantic Ocean. Lidar ratios were 50–60 sr at 355 nm and 60–70more » sr at 532 nm. Extinction-related Ångström exponents were on average 1.2–1.7, indicating comparably small particles. Our novel automated, unsupervised data inversion algorithm retrieved particle effective radii of approximately 0.2 μm, which is in agreement with the large Angstrom exponents. We find good agreement with particle size parameters obtained from coincident in situ measurements carried out with the DOE Gulfstream-1 aircraft.« less
Nonradiative transport of atomic excitation in Na vapor
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zajonc, Arthur G.; Phelps, A. V.
1981-05-01
Measurements are reported which show the effect of nonradiative losses at a gas-window interface on the backscattered fluorescence intensity for Na vapor at frequencies in the vicinity of the resonance lines near 589 nm. The Na 3P12,32 states are excited with a low-intensity single-mode tunable dye laser at high Na densities and the frequency integral of the backscattered fluorescence intensity in the D1 and D2 lines is measured. As the laser is tuned through resonance, the loss of atomic excitation to the window appears as a sharp decrease in the frequency-integrated fluorescence intensity. For example, at 7×1020 atoms m-3 the fluorescence intensity decreases by a factor of 4 in a frequency interval of 4 GHz. Measured absolute fluorescence intensities versus laser frequency are compared with predictions made using the theory of Hummer and Kunasz which includes both radiative and nonradiative transport processes. The agreement between theory and experiment is remarkably good when one considers that the theory contains only one unknown coefficient, i.e., the reflection coefficient for excited atoms at the windows. In our case the excited atoms are assumed to be completely destroyed at the window.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Betbeder, Julie; Fieuzal, Remy; Philippets, Yannick; Ferro-Famil, Laurent; Baup, Frederic
2016-04-01
This paper aims to evaluate the contribution of multitemporal polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for winter wheat and rapeseed crops parameters [height, leaf area index, and dry biomass (DB)] estimation, during their whole vegetation cycles in comparison to backscattering coefficients and optical data. Angular sensitivities and dynamics of polarimetric indicators were also analyzed following the growth stages of these two common crop types using, in total, 14 radar images (Radarsat-2), 16 optical images (Formosat-2, Spot-4/5), and numerous ground data. The results of this study show the importance of correcting the angular effect on SAR signals especially for copolarized signals and polarimetric indicators associated to single-bounce scattering mechanisms. The analysis of the temporal dynamic of polarimetric indicators has shown their high potential to detect crop growth changes. Moreover, this study shows the high interest of using SAR parameters (backscattering coefficients and polarimetric indicators) for crop parameters estimation during the whole vegetation cycle instead of optical vegetation index. They particularly revealed their high potential for rapeseed height and DB monitoring [i.e., Shannon entropy polarimetry (r2=0.70) and radar vegetation index (r2=0.80), respectively].
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Truong-Loi, My-Linh; Saatchi, Sassan; Jaruwatanadilok, Sermsak
2012-01-01
A semi-empirical algorithm for the retrieval of soil moisture, root mean square (RMS) height and biomass from polarimetric SAR data is explained and analyzed in this paper. The algorithm is a simplification of the distorted Born model. It takes into account the physical scattering phenomenon and has three major components: volume, double-bounce and surface. This simplified model uses the three backscattering coefficients ( sigma HH, sigma HV and sigma vv) at low-frequency (P-band). The inversion process uses the Levenberg-Marquardt non-linear least-squares method to estimate the structural parameters. The estimation process is entirely explained in this paper, from initialization of the unknowns to retrievals. A sensitivity analysis is also done where the initial values in the inversion process are varying randomly. The results show that the inversion process is not really sensitive to initial values and a major part of the retrievals has a root-mean-square error lower than 5% for soil moisture, 24 Mg/ha for biomass and 0.49 cm for roughness, considering a soil moisture of 40%, roughness equal to 3cm and biomass varying from 0 to 500 Mg/ha with a mean of 161 Mg/ha
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lee, Zhongping; Carder, Kendall L.; Chen, Robert F.; Peacock, Thomas G.
2001-06-01
Using Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data as an example, we show in this study that the properties of the water column and bottom of a large, shallow area can be adequately retrieved using a model-driven optimization technique. The simultaneously derived properties include bottom depth, bottom albedo, and water absorption and backscattering coefficients, which in turn could be used to derive concentrations of chlorophyll, dissolved organic matter, and suspended sediments in the water column. The derived bottom depths were compared with a bathymetry chart and a boat survey and were found to agree very well. Also, the derived bottom albedo image shows clear spatial patterns, with end-members consistent with sand and seagrass. The image of absorption and backscattering coefficients indicates that the water is quite horizontally mixed. Without bottom corrections, chlorophyll a retrievals were ˜50 mg m-3, while the retrievals after bottom corrections were tenfold less, approximating real values. These results suggest that the model and approach used work very well for the retrieval of subsurface properties of shallow-water environments even for rather turbid environments like Tampa Bay, Florida.
Atmospheric Temperature Profile Measurements Using Mobile High Spectral Resolution Lidar
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Razenkov, Ilya I.; Eloranta, Edwin W.
2016-06-01
The High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) designed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discriminates between Mie and Rayleigh backscattering [1]. It exploits the Doppler effect caused by thermal motion of molecules, which broadens the spectrum of the transmitted laser light. That allows for absolute calibration of the lidar and measurements of the aerosol volume backscatter coefficient. Two iodine absorption filters with different absorption line widths (a regular iodine vapor filter and Argon buffered iodine filter) allow for atmospheric temperature profile measurements. The sensitivity of the measured signal-to-air temperature ratio is around 0.14%/K. The instrument uses a shared telescope transmitter-receiver design and operates in eyesafe mode (the product of laser average power and telescope aperture equals 0.1 Wm2 at 532 nm).
Nondestructive Method For Measuring The Scattering Coefficient Of Bulk Material
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Groenhuis, R. A. J.; ten Bosch, J. J.
1981-05-01
During demineralization and remineralization of dental enamel its structure changes resulting in a change of the absorption and scattering coefficients of the enamel. By measuring these coefficients during demineralization and remineralization these processes can be monitored in a non-destructive way. For this purpose an experimental arrangement was made: a fibre illuminates a spot on the sample with monochromatic light with a wave-length between 400 nm and 700 nm; a photomultiplier measures the luminance of the light back-scattered by the sample as a function of the distance from the measuring snot to the spot of illumination. In a Monte Carlo-model this luminance is simulated using the same geometry given the scattering and absorption coefficients in a sample. Then the scattering and absorption coefficients in the sample are determined by selecting the theoretical curve fitting the experimental one. Scattering coefficients below 10 mm-1 and absorption coefficients obtained with this method on calibration samples correspond well with those obtained with another method. Scattering coefficients above 10 mm-1 (paper samples) were measured ton low. This perhaps is caused by the anisotropic structure of paper sheets. The method is very suitable to measure the scattering and absorption coefficients of bulk materials.
Stochastic inversion of ocean color data using the cross-entropy method.
Salama, Mhd Suhyb; Shen, Fang
2010-01-18
Improving the inversion of ocean color data is an ever continuing effort to increase the accuracy of derived inherent optical properties. In this paper we present a stochastic inversion algorithm to derive inherent optical properties from ocean color, ship and space borne data. The inversion algorithm is based on the cross-entropy method where sets of inherent optical properties are generated and converged to the optimal set using iterative process. The algorithm is validated against four data sets: simulated, noisy simulated in-situ measured and satellite match-up data sets. Statistical analysis of validation results is based on model-II regression using five goodness-of-fit indicators; only R2 and root mean square of error (RMSE) are mentioned hereafter. Accurate values of total absorption coefficient are derived with R2 > 0.91 and RMSE, of log transformed data, less than 0.55. Reliable values of the total backscattering coefficient are also obtained with R2 > 0.7 (after removing outliers) and RMSE < 0.37. The developed algorithm has the ability to derive reliable results from noisy data with R2 above 0.96 for the total absorption and above 0.84 for the backscattering coefficients. The algorithm is self contained and easy to implement and modify to derive the variability of chlorophyll-a absorption that may correspond to different phytoplankton species. It gives consistently accurate results and is therefore worth considering for ocean color global products.
Coherent scattering of a spherical wave from an irregular surface. [antenna pattern effects
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fung, A. K.
1983-01-01
The scattering of a spherical wave from a rough surface using the Kirchhoff approximation is considered. An expression representing the measured coherent scattering coefficient is derived. It is shown that the sphericity of the wavefront and the antenna pattern can become an important factor in the interpretation of ground-based measurements. The condition under which the coherent scattering-coefficient expression reduces to that corresponding to a plane wave incidence is given. The condition under which the result reduces to the standard image solution is also derived. In general, the consideration of antenna pattern and sphericity is unimportant unless the surface-height standard deviation is small, i.e., unless the coherent scattering component is significant. An application of the derived coherent backscattering coefficient together with the existing incoherent scattering coefficient to interpret measurements from concrete and asphalt surfaces is shown.
Acoustic characterization of Thiel liver for magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound treatment.
Karakitsios, Ioannis; Joy, Joyce; Mihcin, Senay; Melzer, Andreas
2017-04-01
The purpose of this work was to measure the essential acoustic parameters, i.e., acoustic impedance, reflection coefficient, attenuation coefficient, of Thiel embalmed human and animal liver. The Thiel embalmed tissue can be a promising, pre-clinical model to study liver treatment with Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS). Using a single-element transducer and the contact pulse-echo method, the acoustic parameters, i.e., acoustic impedance, reflection coefficient and attenuation coefficient of Thiel embalmed human and animal liver were measured. The Thiel embalmed livers had higher impedance, similar reflection and lower attenuation compared to the fresh tissue. Embalming liver with Thiel fluid affects its acoustic properties. During MRgFUS sonication of a Thiel organ, more focused ultrasound (FUS) will be backscattered by the organ, and higher acoustic powers are required to reach coagulation levels (temperatures >56 °C).
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Buxmann, Joelle; Adam, Mariana; Ordonez, Carlos; Tilbee, Marie; Smyth, Tim; Claxton, Bernard; Sugier, Jacqueline; Agnew, Paul
2015-04-01
Saharan desert dust lifted by convection over the hot desert surface can reach high altitudes and be transported over great distances. In the UK, Saharan dust episodes occur several times a year, usually during the spring. Dust lifted by cyclonic circulation is often blown into the Atlantic and transported to the UK. This can result in a rapid degradation of air quality due to the increase in the levels of particulate matter (PM). The ability to model the transport and deposition of dust remains an important challenge in order to characterize different pollution events. We present a comparison of observed Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) with modelled AOD from the Met Office Air Quality Unified Model (AQUM), performed for two dust events in March 2014 (at 380nm, 440nm, 870nm and 1020nm). The observations are derived from five sun photometers located in the southern UK at Exeter, Cardington, Bayfordbury, Chilbolton, and Plymouth. Correlations are investigated between model column integrated PM2.5 and PM10, and observed fine and coarse mode AOD from AERONET. Vertical profiles of attenuated backscatter and extinction from the Jenoptik Nimbus ceilometers part of the Met Office Laser Cloud Base Recorder (LCBR) network are investigated as well (see also session AS3.17/GI2.2 Lidar and Applications). The Met Office air quality model AQUM is an on-line meteorology, chemistry and aerosol modelling system. It runs at a resolution of 12km over a domain covering the UK and north-western Europe. Atmospheric composition modelling employs two-way coupling between aerosol and chemistry evolution, with explicit modelling of sulphate, nitrate, black carbon, organic carbon, biomass burning and wind-blown mineral dust aerosol components. Both the model and observations show an increase in AOD during the first period from 12 -13 March 2014. For example AOD levels of up to 0.52 for the 380nm channel were recorded by the sun photometer in Exeter. This is relatively high compared to average February 2014 values of 0.07 for 380nm. These high AOD values are attributed to poor surface air quality and elevated Saharan dust levels over much of the UK and Europe. The presence of particles above the boundary layer were observed in the vertical profiles of the attenuated backscatter signal from the LCBR in Exeter. During the evening periods of both days, the Angstrom Exponent (AE) decreased. This effect can be attributed to larger particles, with larger optical depth, indicating dust particles - in agreement with the model predictions of dust. An increase in AOD from below 0.2 at 440nm up to ~0.8 was observed at all sun photometer sites for the second period analyzed starting on 29. March. The AQUM forecasts an AOD of up to 1 at 440nm across the UK, i.e. 20% higher than the observations. The correlations of modelled PM10 with total AOD, PM2.5 with fine mode AOD and PM10-PM2.5 with coarse mode AOD, show an over-estimation of the fine mode particles. The vertical profiles of the LCBR of backscatter and extinction coefficients, plus a comparison of the integrated extinction coefficient, give further insight into the model performance.
Quantitative ultrasound imaging for monitoring in situ high-intensity focused ultrasound exposure.
Ghoshal, Goutam; Kemmerer, Jeremy P; Karunakaran, Chandra; Abuhabsah, Rami; Miller, Rita J; Sarwate, Sandhya; Oelze, Michael L
2014-10-01
Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) imaging is hypothesized to map temperature elevations induced in tissue with high spatial and temporal resolution. To test this hypothesis, QUS techniques were examined to monitor high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) exposure of tissue. In situ experiments were conducted on mammary adenocarcinoma tumors grown in rats and lesions were formed using a HIFU system. A thermocouple was inserted into the tumor to provide estimates of temperature at one location. Backscattered time-domain waveforms from the tissue during exposure were recorded using a clinical ultrasonic imaging system. Backscatter coefficients were estimated using a reference phantom technique. Two parameters were estimated from the backscatter coefficient (effective scatterer diameter (ESD) and effective acoustic concentration (EAC). The changes in the average parameters in the regions corresponding to the HIFU focus over time were correlated to the temperature readings from the thermocouple. The changes in the EAC parameter were consistently correlated to temperature during both heating and cooling of the tumors. The changes in the ESD did not have a consistent trend with temperature. The mean ESD and EAC before exposure were 120 ± 16 μm and 32 ± 3 dB/cm3, respectively, and changed to 144 ± 9 μm and 51 ± 7 dB/cm3, respectively, just before the last HIFU pulse was delivered to the tissue. After the tissue cooled down to 37 °C, the mean ESD and EAC were 126 ± 8 μm and 35 ± 4 dB/cm3, respectively. Peak temperature in the range of 50-60 °C was recorded by a thermocouple placed just behind the tumor. These results suggest that QUS techniques have the potential to be used for non-invasive monitoring of HIFU exposure. © The Author(s) 2014.
Aerosol Abundances and Optical Characteristics in the Pacific Basin Free Troposphere
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pueschel, R. F.; Livingston, J. M.; Ferry, G. V.; deFelice, T. E.
1994-01-01
During NASA's Global Backscatter Experiment (GLOBE) mission flights in November 1989 and May 1990, a DC-8 research aircraft probed the Pacific Basin free troposphere for about 90 flight hours in each month between +72 and -62 degrees latitude, +130 and -120 degrees longitude, and up to 39,000 feet pressure altitudes. Aerosols were sampled continuously in situ by optical particle counters to measure concentration and particle size, and during 48 10-min intervals during each mission by wire impactors for concentration, size, composition, phase and shape analyses. The optical particle counters cover a particle diameter range between 0.3 and 20 microns; wire impactors extend the range down to 0.03 microns. Results of particle number, size, shape, together with the assumption of a refractive index corresponding to (NH4)2SO4 to account for the prevalence of aerosol sulfur, were utilized in a Mie algorithm to calculate aerosol extinction and backscatter for a range of wavelengths (0.385 less than lambda less than 10.64 microns). Computations for 22 randomly selected size distributions yield coefficients of extinction E(0.525) = (2.03 +/- 1.20) x 10(exp -4) km(exp -1) and backscatter beta(0.525) = (6.45 +/- 3.49) x 10(exp -6) km(exp -1) sr(exp -1) in the visible, and E(10.64) = (8.13 +/- 6.47) x 10(exp -6) km(exp -1) and beta(10.64) = (9.98 +/- 10.69) x 10(exp -8) km(exp -1) sr(exp -1) in the infrared, respectively. Large particles (D greater than 0.3 microns) contribute two-thirds to the total extinction in the visible (lambda = 0.525 microns), and almost 100% in the infrared (lambda = 10.64 microns). These results have been used to define an IR optical aerosol climatology of the Pacific Basin free troposphere, from which it follows that the infrared backscatter coefficient at lambda = 9.25 microns wavelength fluctuates between 5.0 x 10(exp -10) and 2.0 x 10(exp -7) km(exp -1) sr(exp -1) with a modal value 2.0 x 10(exp -8) km(exp -1) sr(exp -1).
Optical Characterization of an Eddy-induced Diatom Bloom West of the Island of Hawaii
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nencioli, F.; Chang, G.; Twardowski, M.; Dickey, T. D.
2010-01-01
Optical properties were collected along a transect across cyclonic eddy Opal in the lee of Hawaii during the E-Flux III field experiment (10-27 March 2005). The eddy was characterized by an intense doming of isopycnal surfaces, and by an enhanced Deep Chlorophyll Maximum Layer (DCML) within its core. The phytoplankton bloom was diatom dominated, evidencing an eddy-induced shift in ecological community. Four distinct regions were identified throughout the water column at Opal's core: a surface mixed layer dominated by small phytoplankton; a layer dominated by "senescent" diatoms between the bottom of the upper mixed layer and the DCML; the DCML; and a deep layer characterized by decreasing phytoplankton activity. We focused on two parameters, the ratio of chlorophyll concentration to particulate beam attenuation coefficient, [chl]/cp, and the backscattering ratio (the particle backscattering to particle scattering ratio), b~bp, and tested their sensitivity to the changes in particle composition observed through the water column at the eddy center. Our results show that [chl]/cp is not a good indicator. Despite the shift in ecological community, the ratio remains controlled primarily by the variation in chlorophyll concentration per cell with depth (photoadaptation), so that its values increase throughout the DCML. Steeper increase of [chl]/cp below the DCML suggest that remineralization might be another important controlling factor. On the other hand, b~bp clearly indicates a shift from a small phytoplankton to a diatom dominated community. Below an upper layer characterized by constant values, the b~bp showed a rapid decrease to a broad minimum within the DCML. The higher values below the DCML are consistent with enhanced remineralization below the eddy-induced bloom. Both the "senescent" and the "healthy" diatom layers are characterized by similar optical properties, indicating some possible limitations in using optical measurements to fully characterize the composition of suspended material in the water column. The inverse relationship between b~bp, reported by others for Case II waters, is observed neither for the background conditions, nor in the presence of the eddy-induced diatom bloom. Between the two parameters, only the backscattering ratio showed the potential to be a successful indicator for changes in particle composition in Case I waters.
Atmospheric aerosols: Their Optical Properties and Effects (supplement)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1976-01-01
A digest of technical papers is presented. Topics include aerosol size distribution from spectral attenuation with scattering measurements; comparison of extinction and backscattering coefficients for measured and analytic stratospheric aerosol size distributions; using hybrid methods to solve problems in radiative transfer and in multiple scattering; blue moon phenomena; absorption refractive index of aerosols in the Denver pollution cloud; a two dimensional stratospheric model of the dispersion of aerosols from the Fuego volcanic eruption; the variation of the aerosol volume to light scattering coefficient; spectrophone in situ measurements of the absorption of visible light by aerosols; a reassessment of the Krakatoa volcanic turbidity, and multiple scattering in the sky radiance.
Label-free hyperspectral dark-field microscopy for quantitative scatter imaging
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cheney, Philip; McClatchy, David; Kanick, Stephen; Lemaillet, Paul; Allen, David; Samarov, Daniel; Pogue, Brian; Hwang, Jeeseong
2017-03-01
A hyperspectral dark-field microscope has been developed for imaging spatially distributed diffuse reflectance spectra from light-scattering samples. In this report, quantitative scatter spectroscopy is demonstrated with a uniform scattering phantom, namely a solution of polystyrene microspheres. A Monte Carlo-based inverse model was used to calculate the reduced scattering coefficients of samples of different microsphere concentrations from wavelength-dependent backscattered signal measured by the dark-field microscope. The results are compared to the measurement results from a NIST double-integrating sphere system for validation. Ongoing efforts involve quantitative mapping of scattering and absorption coefficients in samples with spatially heterogeneous optical properties.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Korchemkina, E. N.; Latushkin, A. A.; Lee, M. E.
2017-11-01
The methods of determination of concentration and scattering by suspended particles in seawater are compared. The methods considered include gravimetric measurements of the mass concentration of suspended matter, empirical and analytical calculations based on measurements of the light beam attenuation coefficient (BAC) in 4 spectral bands, calculation of backscattering by particles using satellite measurements in the visible spectral range. The data were obtained in two cruises of the R/V "Professor Vodyanitsky" in the deep-water part of the Black Sea in July and October 2016., Spatial distribution of scattering by marine particles according to satellite data is in good agreement with the contact measurements.
Azeez, Ali Basheer; Mohammed, Kahtan S.; Abdullah, Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri; Hussin, Kamarudin; Sandu, Andrei Victor; Razak, Rafiza Abdul
2013-01-01
Samples of concrete contain various waste materials, such as iron particulates, steel balls of used ball bearings and slags from steel industry were assessed for their anti-radiation attenuation coefficient properties. The attenuation measurements were performed using gamma spectrometer of NaI (Tl) detector. The utilized radiation sources comprised 137Cs and 60Co radioactive elements with photon energies of 0.662 MeV for 137Cs and two energy levels of 1.17 and 1.33 MeV for the 60Co. Likewise the mean free paths for the tested samples were obtained. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of the waste loading rates and the particulate dispersive manner within the concrete matrix on the attenuation coefficients. The maximum linear attenuation coefficient (μ) was attained for concrete incorporates iron filling wastes of 30 wt %. They were of 1.12 ± 1.31×10−3 for 137Cs and 0.92 ± 1.57 × 10−3 for 60Co. Substantial improvement in attenuation performance by 20%–25% was achieved for concrete samples incorporate iron fillings as opposed to that of steel ball samples at different (5%–30%) loading rates. The steel balls and the steel slags gave much inferior values. The microstructure, concrete-metal composite density, the homogeneity and particulate dispersion were examined and evaluated using different metallographic, microscopic and measurement facilities. PMID:28788363
Cappa, Christopher D.; Kolesar, Katheryn R.; Zhang, Xiaolu; ...
2016-05-27
Here, measurements of the optical properties (absorption, scattering and extinction) of PM 1, PM 2.5 and PM 10 made at two sites around Sacramento, CA, during the June 2010 Carbonaceous Aerosols and Radiative Effects Study (CARES) are reported. These observations are used to establish relationships between various intensive optical properties and to derive information about the dependence of the optical properties on photochemical aging and sources. Supermicron particles contributed substantially to the total light scattering at both sites, about 50 % on average. A strong, linear relationship is observed between the scattering Ångström exponent for PM 10 and the fraction of themore » scattering that is contributed by submicron particles ( f sca, PM 1 ) at both sites and with similar slopes and intercepts (for a given pair of wavelengths), suggesting that the derived relationship may be generally applicable for understanding variations in particle size distributions from remote sensing measurements. At the more urban T0 site, the f sca, PM 1 increased with photochemical age, whereas at the downwind, more rural T1 site the f sca, PM 1 decreased slightly with photochemical age. This difference in behavior reflects differences in transport, local production and local emission of supermicron particles between the sites. Light absorption is dominated by submicron particles, but there is some absorption by supermicron particles (~15 % of the total). The supermicron absorption derives from a combination of black carbon that has penetrated into the supermicron mode and from dust, and there is a clear increase in the mass absorption coefficient of just the supermicron particles with increasing average particle size. The mass scattering coefficient (MSC) for the supermicron particles was directly observed to vary inversely with the average particle size, demonstrating that MSC cannot always be treated as a constant in estimating mass concentrations from scattering measurements, or vice versa. The total particle backscatter fraction exhibited some dependence upon the relative abundance of sub- versus supermicron particles; however this was modulated by variations in the median size of particles within a given size range; variations in the submicron size distribution had a particularly large influence on the observed backscatter efficiency and an approximate method to account for this variability is introduced. The relationship between the absorption and scattering Ångström exponents is examined and used to update a previously suggested particle classification scheme. Differences in composition led to differences in the sensitivity of PM 2.5 to heating in a thermodenuder to the average particle size, with more extensive evaporation (observed as a larger decrease in the PM 2.5 extinction coefficient) corresponding to smaller particles; i.e., submicron particles were generally more susceptible to heating than the supermicron particles. The influence of heating on the particle hygroscopicity varied with the effective particle size, with larger changes observed when the PM 2.5 distribution was dominated by smaller particles.« less
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Cappa, Christopher D.; Kolesar, Katheryn R.; Zhang, Xiaolu
2016-01-01
Measurements of the optical properties (absorption, scattering and extinction) of PM 1, PM 2.5 and PM 10 made at two sites around Sacramento, CA, during the June 2010 Carbonaceous Aerosols and Radiative Effects Study (CARES) are reported. These observations are used to establish relationships between various intensive optical properties and to derive information about the dependence of the optical properties on photochemical aging and sources. Supermicron particles contributed substantially to the total light scattering at both sites, about 50 % on average. A strong, linear relationship is observed between the scattering Ångström exponent for PM 10 and the fraction of the scatteringmore » that is contributed by submicron particles ( f sca, PM 1 ) at both sites and with similar slopes and intercepts (for a given pair of wavelengths), suggesting that the derived relationship may be generally applicable for understanding variations in particle size distributions from remote sensing measurements. At the more urban T0 site, the f sca, PM 1 increased with photochemical age, whereas at the downwind, more rural T1 site the f sca, PM 1 decreased slightly with photochemical age. This difference in behavior reflects differences in transport, local production and local emission of supermicron particles between the sites. Light absorption is dominated by submicron particles, but there is some absorption by supermicron particles (~15 % of the total). The supermicron absorption derives from a combination of black carbon that has penetrated into the supermicron mode and from dust, and there is a clear increase in the mass absorption coefficient of just the supermicron particles with increasing average particle size. The mass scattering coefficient (MSC) for the supermicron particles was directly observed to vary inversely with the average particle size, demonstrating that MSC cannot always be treated as a constant in estimating mass concentrations from scattering measurements, or vice versa. The total particle backscatter fraction exhibited some dependence upon the relative abundance of sub- versus supermicron particles; however this was modulated by variations in the median size of particles within a given size range; variations in the submicron size distribution had a particularly large influence on the observed backscatter efficiency and an approximate method to account for this variability is introduced. The relationship between the absorption and scattering Ångström exponents is examined and used to update a previously suggested particle classification scheme. Differences in composition led to differences in the sensitivity of PM 2.5 to heating in a thermodenuder to the average particle size, with more extensive evaporation (observed as a larger decrease in the PM 2.5 extinction coefficient) corresponding to smaller particles; i.e., submicron particles were generally more susceptible to heating than the supermicron particles. The influence of heating on the particle hygroscopicity varied with the effective particle size, with larger changes observed when the PM 2.5 distribution was dominated by smaller particles.« less
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Cappa, Christopher D.; Kolesar, Katheryn R.; Zhang, Xiaolu
Here, measurements of the optical properties (absorption, scattering and extinction) of PM 1, PM 2.5 and PM 10 made at two sites around Sacramento, CA, during the June 2010 Carbonaceous Aerosols and Radiative Effects Study (CARES) are reported. These observations are used to establish relationships between various intensive optical properties and to derive information about the dependence of the optical properties on photochemical aging and sources. Supermicron particles contributed substantially to the total light scattering at both sites, about 50 % on average. A strong, linear relationship is observed between the scattering Ångström exponent for PM 10 and the fraction of themore » scattering that is contributed by submicron particles ( f sca, PM 1 ) at both sites and with similar slopes and intercepts (for a given pair of wavelengths), suggesting that the derived relationship may be generally applicable for understanding variations in particle size distributions from remote sensing measurements. At the more urban T0 site, the f sca, PM 1 increased with photochemical age, whereas at the downwind, more rural T1 site the f sca, PM 1 decreased slightly with photochemical age. This difference in behavior reflects differences in transport, local production and local emission of supermicron particles between the sites. Light absorption is dominated by submicron particles, but there is some absorption by supermicron particles (~15 % of the total). The supermicron absorption derives from a combination of black carbon that has penetrated into the supermicron mode and from dust, and there is a clear increase in the mass absorption coefficient of just the supermicron particles with increasing average particle size. The mass scattering coefficient (MSC) for the supermicron particles was directly observed to vary inversely with the average particle size, demonstrating that MSC cannot always be treated as a constant in estimating mass concentrations from scattering measurements, or vice versa. The total particle backscatter fraction exhibited some dependence upon the relative abundance of sub- versus supermicron particles; however this was modulated by variations in the median size of particles within a given size range; variations in the submicron size distribution had a particularly large influence on the observed backscatter efficiency and an approximate method to account for this variability is introduced. The relationship between the absorption and scattering Ångström exponents is examined and used to update a previously suggested particle classification scheme. Differences in composition led to differences in the sensitivity of PM 2.5 to heating in a thermodenuder to the average particle size, with more extensive evaporation (observed as a larger decrease in the PM 2.5 extinction coefficient) corresponding to smaller particles; i.e., submicron particles were generally more susceptible to heating than the supermicron particles. The influence of heating on the particle hygroscopicity varied with the effective particle size, with larger changes observed when the PM 2.5 distribution was dominated by smaller particles.« less
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cappa, Christopher D.; Kolesar, Katheryn R.; Zhang, Xiaolu; Atkinson, Dean B.; Pekour, Mikhail S.; Zaveri, Rahul A.; Zelenyuk, Alla; Zhang, Qi
2016-05-01
Measurements of the optical properties (absorption, scattering and extinction) of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 made at two sites around Sacramento, CA, during the June 2010 Carbonaceous Aerosols and Radiative Effects Study (CARES) are reported. These observations are used to establish relationships between various intensive optical properties and to derive information about the dependence of the optical properties on photochemical aging and sources. Supermicron particles contributed substantially to the total light scattering at both sites, about 50 % on average. A strong, linear relationship is observed between the scattering Ångström exponent for PM10 and the fraction of the scattering that is contributed by submicron particles (fsca, PM
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Doxaran, D.; Ehn, J.; Belanger, S.; Matsuoka, A.; Hooker, S.; Babin, M.
2012-01-01
Climate change significantly impacts Arctic shelf regions in terms of air temperature, ultraviolet radiation, melting of sea ice, precipitation, thawing of permafrost and coastal erosion. Direct consequences have been observed on the increasing Arctic river flow and a large amount of organic carbon sequestered in soils at high latitudes since the last glacial maximum can be expected to be delivered to the Arctic Ocean during the coming decade. Monitoring the fluxes and fate of this terrigenous organic carbon is problematic in such sparsely populated regions unless remote sensing techniques can be developed and proved to be operational. The main objective of this study is to develop an ocean colour algorithm to operationally monitor dynamics of suspended particulate matter (SPM) on the Mackenzie River continental shelf (Canadian Arctic Ocean) using satellite imagery. The water optical properties are documented across the study area and related to concentrations of SPM and particulate organic carbon (POC). Robust SPM and POC : SPM proxies are identified, such as the light backscattering and attenuation coefficients, and relationships are established between these optical and biogeochemical parameters. Following a semi-analytical approach, a regional SPM quantification relationship is obtained for the inversion of the water reflectance signal into SPM concentration. This relationship is reproduced based on independent field optical measurements. It is successfully applied to a selection of MODIS satellite data which allow estimating fluxes at the river mouth and monitoring the extension and dynamics of the Mackenzie River surface plume in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Good agreement is obtained with field observations representative of the whole water column in the river delta zone where terrigenous SPM is mainly constrained (out of short periods of maximum river outflow). Most of the seaward export of SPM is observed to occur within the west side of the river mouth. Future work will require the validation of the developed SPM regional algorithm based on match-ups with field measurements, then the routine application to ocean colour satellite data in order to better estimate the fluxes and fate of SPM and POC delivered by the Mackenzie River to the Arctic Ocean.
He-Ne and CW CO2 laser long-path systems for gas detection
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Grant, W. B.
1986-01-01
This paper describes the design and testing of a laboratory prototype dual He-Ne laser system for the detection of methane leaks from underground pipelines and solid-waste landfill sites using differential absorption of radiation backscattered from topographic targets. A laboratory-prototype dual CW carbon dioxide laser system also using topographic backscatter is discussed, and measurement results for methanol are given. With both systems, it was observed that the time-varying differential absorption signal was useful in indicating the presence of a gas coming from a nearby source. Limitations to measurement sensitivity, especially the role of speckle and atmospheric turbulence, are described. The speckle results for hard targets are contrasted with those from atmospheric aerosols. The appendix gives appropriate laser lines and values of absorption coefficients for the hydrazine fuel gases.
Model of lidar range-Doppler signatures of solid rocket fuel plumes
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bankman, Isaac N.; Giles, John W.; Chan, Stephen C.; Reed, Robert A.
2004-09-01
The analysis of particles produced by solid rocket motor fuels relates to two types of studies: the effect of these particles on the Earth's ozone layer, and the dynamic flight behavior of solid fuel boosters used by the NASA Space Shuttle. Since laser backscatter depends on the particle size and concentration, a lidar system can be used to analyze the particle distributions inside a solid rocket plume in flight. We present an analytical model that simulates the lidar returns from solid rocket plumes including effects of beam profile, spot size, polarization and sensing geometry. The backscatter and extinction coefficients of alumina particles are computed with the T-matrix method that can address non-spherical particles. The outputs of the model include time-resolved return pulses and range-Doppler signatures. Presented examples illustrate the effects of sensing geometry.
Measurement and calibration of differential Mueller matrix of distributed targets
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sarabandi, Kamal; Oh, Yisok; Ulaby, Fawwaz T.
1992-01-01
A rigorous method for calibrating polarimetric backscatter measurements of distributed targets is presented. By characterizing the radar distortions over the entire mainlobe of the antenna, the differential Mueller matrix is derived from the measured scattering matrices with a high degree of accuracy. It is shown that the radar distortions can be determined by measuring the polarimetric response of a metallic sphere over the main lobe of the antenna. Comparison of results obtained with the new algorithm with the results derived from the old calibration method show that the discrepancy between the two methods is less than 1 dB for the backscattering coefficients. The discrepancy is more drastic for the phase-difference statistics, indicating that removal of the radar distortions from the cross products of the scattering matrix elements cannot be accomplished with the traditional calibration methods.
The radar cross section of dielectric disks
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Levine, D. M.
1982-01-01
A solution is presented for the backscatter (nonstatic) radar cross section of dielectric disks of arbitrary shape, thickness and dielectric constant. The result is obtained by employing a Kirchhoff type approximation to obtain the fields inside the disk. The internal fields induce polarization and conduction currents from which the scattered fields and the radar cross section can be computed. The solution for the radar cross section obtained in this manner is shown to agree with known results in the special cases of normal incidence, thin disks and perfect conductivity. The solution can also be written as a product of the reflection coefficient of an identically oriented slab times the physical optics solution for the backscatter cross section of a perfectly conducting disk of the same shape. This result follows directly from the Kirchhoff type approximation without additional assumptions.
Turner, Andrew; Mawji, Edward
2005-05-01
The lipid-like, amphiphilic solvent, n-octanol, has been used to determine a hydrophobic fraction of dissolved and particulate trace metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in contaminated rivers. In a sample from the River Clyde, southwest Scotland, octanol-solubility was detected for all dissolved metals except Co, with conditional octanol-water partition coefficients, D(ow), ranging from about 0.2 (Al and Cu) to 1.25 (Pb). In a sample taken from the River Mersey, northwest England, octanol-solubility was detected for dissolved Al and Pb, but only after sample aliquots had been spiked with individual ionic metal standards and equilibrated. Spiking of the River Clyde sample revealed competition among different metals for hydrophobic ligands. Metal displacement from hydrophobic complexes was generally most significant following the addition of ionic Al or Pb, although the addition of either of these metals had little effect on the octanol-solubility of the other. In both river water samples hydrophobic metals were detected on the suspended particles retained by filtration following their extraction in n-octanol. In general, particulate Cu and Zn (up to 40%) were most available, and Al, Co and Pb most resistant (<1%) to octanol extraction. Distribution coefficients defining the concentration ratio of octanol-soluble particle-bound metal to octanol-soluble dissolved metal were in the range 10(3.3)-10(5.3)mlg(-1). The presence of hydrophobic dissolved and particulate metal species has implications for our understanding of the biogeochemical behaviour of metals in aquatic environments. Specifically, such species are predicted to exhibit characteristics of non-polar organic contaminants, including the potential to penetrate the lipid bilayer. Current strategies for assessing the bioavailability and toxicity of dissolved and particulate trace metals in natural waters may, therefore, require revision.
Heat transfer phenomena during thermal processing of liquid particulate mixtures-A review.
Singh, Anubhav Pratap; Singh, Anika; Ramaswamy, Hosahalli S
2017-05-03
During the past few decades, food industry has explored various novel thermal and non-thermal processing technologies to minimize the associated high-quality loss involved in conventional thermal processing. Among these are the novel agitation systems that permit forced convention in canned particulate fluids to improve heat transfer, reduce process time, and minimize heat damage to processed products. These include traditional rotary agitation systems involving end-over-end, axial, or biaxial rotation of cans and the more recent reciprocating (lateral) agitation. The invention of thermal processing systems with induced container agitation has made heat transfer studies more difficult due to problems in tracking the particle temperatures due to their dynamic motion during processing and complexities resulting from the effects of forced convection currents within the container. This has prompted active research on modeling and characterization of heat transfer phenomena in such systems. This review brings to perspective, the current status on thermal processing of particulate foods, within the constraints of lethality requirements from safety view point, and discusses available techniques of data collection, heat transfer coefficient evaluation, and the critical processing parameters that affect these heat transfer coefficients, especially under agitation processing conditions.
Classification of kidney and liver tissue using ultrasound backscatter data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Aalamifar, Fereshteh; Rivaz, Hassan; Cerrolaza, Juan J.; Jago, James; Safdar, Nabile; Boctor, Emad M.; Linguraru, Marius G.
2015-03-01
Ultrasound (US) tissue characterization provides valuable information for the initialization of automatic segmentation algorithms, and can further provide complementary information for diagnosis of pathologies. US tissue characterization is challenging due to the presence of various types of image artifacts and dependence on the sonographer's skills. One way of overcoming this challenge is by characterizing images based on the distribution of the backscatter data derived from the interaction between US waves and tissue. The goal of this work is to classify liver versus kidney tissue in 3D volumetric US data using the distribution of backscatter US data recovered from end-user displayed Bmode image available in clinical systems. To this end, we first propose the computation of a large set of features based on the homodyned-K distribution of the speckle as well as the correlation coefficients between small patches in 3D images. We then utilize the random forests framework to select the most important features for classification. Experiments on in-vivo 3D US data from nine pediatric patients with hydronephrosis showed an average accuracy of 94% for the classification of liver and kidney tissues showing a good potential of this work to assist in the classification and segmentation of abdominal soft tissue.
A Study of Solar Flare Effects on Mid and High Latitude Radio Wave Propagation using SuperDARN.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ruohoniemi, J. M.; Chakraborty, S.; Baker, J. B.
2017-12-01
Over the Horizon (OTH) communication is strongly dependent on the state of the ionosphere, which is sensitive to solar X-ray flares. The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN), whose working principle is dependent on trans-ionospheric radio communication, uses HF radio waves to remotely sense the ionosphere. The backscatter returns from the terrestrial surface (also known as ground-scatter) transit the ionosphere four times and simulate the operation of an HF communications link. SuperDARN backscatter signal properties are altered (strongly attenuated and changes apparent phase) during a sudden ionospheric disturbance following a solar flare, commonly known as Short-Wave Fadeout or SWF. During an SWF the number of SuperDARN backscatter echoes drops suddenly (≈1 min) and sharply, often to near zero, and recovers within 30 minutes to an hour. In this study HF propagation data (SuperDARN backscatter) obtained during SWF events are analyzed for the purpose of validating and improving the performance of HF absorption models, such as, Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) D-region Absorption model (DRAP) and CCMC physics based AbbyNormal model. We will also present preliminary results from a physics based model for the mid and high latitude ionospheric response to flare-driven space weather anomalies, which can be used to estimate different physical parameters of the ionosphere such as electron density, collision frequency, absorption coefficients, response time of D-region etc.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Goswami, B.; Kalita, M.
2014-11-01
The objective of the study is to measure backscattered power of bare soil and vegetation covered soil using X-band scatterometer system with full polarization and various angles during monsoon season and relate backscattered power to the density of vegetation over soil. The measurement was conducted at an experimental field located in the campus of Assam Engineering College, Guwahati, India. The soil sample consists of Silt and Clay in higher proportions as compared to Sand. The scatterometer system consists of dual-polarimetric square horn antennas, Power meter, Klystron, coaxial cables, isolator and waveguide detector. The polarization of the horn antennas as well as the look angle can be changed in the set-up. The backscattering coefficients were calculated by applying a radar equation for the measured values at incident angles between 30° and 60° for full polarization (HH, VV, HV, VH), respectively, and compared with vegetation cover over soil for each scatterometer measurement simultaneously. The VH polarization and 60° look angle are found to be the most suitable combination of configuration of an X-band scatterometer for distinguishing the land cover targets such as bare soil and vegetation covered soil. From the analysis of the results, polarimetric scatterometer data appear to be promising to distinguish the land cover types such as bare soil and soil completely covered by vegetation. The results of this study will help the scientists working in the field of active microwave remote sensing.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kokkalis, Panos; Papayannis, Alex; Tsaknakis, George; Mamouri, RodElise; Argyrouli, Athina
2013-04-01
Aerosols play an important role in earth's atmospheric radiation balance, which is enhanced in areas where dust is mostly present (e.g. the Mediterranean region), as in the case of the city of Athens. The focus of this paper is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the seasonal variability of optical and geometrical properties, as well as the mass concentration of Saharan dust over the city of Athens, Greece, for a 10-years time period: 2002-2012 based on the laser remote sensing (lidar) technique. More specifically, the aerosol optical properties concern the extinction and the backscatter coefficient, as well as the lidar ratio, while the geometrical properties concern the dust layer thickness and center of mass. The calculations of the aerosol extinction coefficient and of the so-called lidar ratio (defined as the ratio of the aerosol extinction coefficient over the aerosol backscatter coefficient) are made by using the Raman lidar technique, only under cloud-free conditions. The calculation of the dust mass concentration was retrieved by a applying a conversion factor (the so-called dust extinction cross section; mean value of the order of 0.64 m2g-1) and by combining sun photometric measurements and modeled dust loading values. Our data analysis was based on monthly-mean values, and only in time periods under cloud-free conditions and for lidar signals with signal to noise ratios (SNR) greater than 1.5 under dusty conditions. The mean value of the lidar ratio at 355 nm was found to be 62±20sr, while the mean dust mass concentration was of the order of 240 μgm-3. The data analyzed were obtained by systematic aerosol lidar measurements performed by the EOLE Raman lidar system of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), in the frame of the European Aerosol Research Lidar network (EARLINET). EOLE is able to provide the vertical profiles of the aerosol backscatter (at 355, 532, 1064 nm) and extinction coefficients (at 355 and 532 nm), as well as the water vapor mixing ratio, from about 700 m up to 10000 m, with high temporal (< 5 min.) and spatial (7.5 m) resolution. Acknowledgements: This research has been co-financed by the European Union (European Social Fund - ESF) and Greek national funds through the Operational Program "Education and Lifelong Learning" of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) - Research Funding Program: Heracleitus II - Investing in knowledge society through the European Social Fund. This research was also financially supported by ITARS (www.itars.net), European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013): People, ITN Marie Curie Actions Programme (2012-2016) under grant agreement no 289923.
Particulate Matter Resuspension in Mississippi Bight Evaluated with CONCORDE's Synthesis Model
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
O'Brien, S. J.; Quas, L. M.; Miles, T. N.; Pan, C.; Cambazoglu, M. K.; Soto Ramos, I. M.; Greer, A. T.; Church, I.; Wiggert, J. D.
2017-12-01
The CONsortium for oil spill exposure pathways in COastal River-Dominated Ecosystems (CONCORDE) was established to investigate the complex fine-scale biological, chemical and physical interactions in a marine system controlled by pulsed-river plume dynamics. During CONCORDE's spring 2016 field campaign, the In Situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System (ISIIS) on the R/V Point Sur and the Scanfish on the R/V Pelican comprehensively characterized the physical and biological structure in the region. Increased suspended particulate matter was observed by the ISIIS, with concentrations at depth sufficient to completely occlude the in situ images of planktonic organisms. Data was also collected on the continental shelf during the spring cruise by the RU31 glider in the proximity of the Mississippi River Delta, east of the ISIIS / Scanfish transects. Backscatter and salinity observed by the Scanfish and glider showed elevated suspended particulate matter and increased salinity, suggesting a linkage to shoreward advection from the continental shelf of oceanic waters that are sufficiently energetic to drive sediment resuspension. As part of the CONCORDE research effort, a four-dimensional biogeochemical/lower trophic level synthesis model for Mississippi Sound and Bight has been developed, based on the Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) Modeling System. This study utilizes CONCORDE's synthesis model to investigate the physical forcing mechanisms affecting the increased suspended particulate matter concentration observed in the Mississippi Bight during spring 2016, and advection pathways between estuarine and shelf waters in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The results show that episodic, advection-driven resuspension is a critical aspect controlling suspended sediment distributions in Mississippi Bight, which has implications for observed spatio-temporal patterns of planktonic species.
Liang, Xiao; Liao, Chunyu; Soupir, Michelle L; Jarboe, Laura R; Thompson, Michael L; Dixon, Philip M
2017-01-01
E. coli bacteria move in streams freely in a planktonic state or attached to suspended particulates. Attachment is a dynamic process, and the fraction of attached microorganisms is thought to be affected by both bacterial characteristics and particulate properties. In this study, we investigated how the properties of cell surfaces and stream particulates influence attachment. Attachment assays were conducted for 77 E. coli strains and three model particulates (ferrihydrite, Ca-montmorillonite, or corn stover) under environmentally relevant conditions. Surface area, particle size distribution, and total carbon content were determined for each type of particulate. Among the three particulates, attachment fractions to corn stover were significantly larger than the attachments to 2-line ferrihydrite (p-value = 0.0036) and Ca-montmorillonite (p-value = 0.022). Furthermore, attachment to Ca-montmorillonite and corn stover was successfully modeled by a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) using cell characteristics as predictor variables. The natural logarithm of the net charge on the bacterial surface had a significant, positive, and linear impact on the attachment of E. coli bacteria to Ca-montmorillonite (p-value = 0.013), but it did not significantly impact the attachment to corn stover (p-value = 0.36). The large diversities in cell characteristics among 77 E. coli strains, particulate properties, and attachment fractions clearly demonstrated the inadequacy of using a static parameter or linear coefficient to predict the attachment behavior of E. coli in stream water quality models.
Earlinet single calculus chain: new products overview
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
D'Amico, Giuseppe; Mattis, Ina; Binietoglou, Ioannis; Baars, Holger; Mona, Lucia; Amato, Francesco; Kokkalis, Panos; Rodríguez-Gómez, Alejandro; Soupiona, Ourania; Kalliopi-Artemis, Voudouri
2018-04-01
The Single Calculus Chain (SCC) is an automatic and flexible tool to analyze raw lidar data using EARLINET quality assured retrieval algorithms. It has been already demonstrated the SCC can retrieve reliable aerosol backscatter and extinction coefficient profiles for different lidar systems. In this paper we provide an overview of new SCC products like particle linear depolarization ratio, cloud masking, aerosol layering allowing relevant improvements in the atmospheric aerosol characterization.
Earlinet validation of CATS L2 product
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Proestakis, Emmanouil; Amiridis, Vassilis; Kottas, Michael; Marinou, Eleni; Binietoglou, Ioannis; Ansmann, Albert; Wandinger, Ulla; Yorks, John; Nowottnick, Edward; Makhmudov, Abduvosit; Papayannis, Alexandros; Pietruczuk, Aleksander; Gialitaki, Anna; Apituley, Arnoud; Muñoz-Porcar, Constantino; Bortoli, Daniele; Dionisi, Davide; Althausen, Dietrich; Mamali, Dimitra; Balis, Dimitris; Nicolae, Doina; Tetoni, Eleni; Luigi Liberti, Gian; Baars, Holger; Stachlewska, Iwona S.; Voudouri, Kalliopi-Artemis; Mona, Lucia; Mylonaki, Maria; Rita Perrone, Maria; João Costa, Maria; Sicard, Michael; Papagiannopoulos, Nikolaos; Siomos, Nikolaos; Burlizzi, Pasquale; Engelmann, Ronny; Abdullaev, Sabur F.; Hofer, Julian; Pappalardo, Gelsomina
2018-04-01
The Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) onboard the International Space Station (ISS), is a lidar system providing vertically resolved aerosol and cloud profiles since February 2015. In this study, the CATS aerosol product is validated against the aerosol profiles provided by the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET). This validation activity is based on collocated CATS-EARLINET measurements and the comparison of the particle backscatter coefficient at 1064nm.
The Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO): Sensor and Data Processing Overview
2010-01-20
backscattering coefficients, and others. Several of these software modules will be developed within the Automated Processing System (APS), a data... Automated Processing System (APS) NRL developed APS, which processes satellite data into ocean color data products. APS is a collection of methods...used for ocean color processing which provide the tools for the automated processing of satellite imagery [1]. These tools are in the process of
Innovative Techniques for High-Resolution Imaging and Precision Tracking
1990-04-20
field-of-view ladar. 6 The bipath method employs two separate single-ended ladar systems to measure both the backscattering and extinction coefficients... Transmissometer measurements are very important not only for determining the overall accuracy of the proposed system but also for assessing its performance under...the maximum path length difference between the target elements. The necessary laser power can be deduced from the system resolution requirement. The
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Whiteman, D.N.; Veselovskii, I.; Kolgotin, A.; Korenskii, M.; Andrews, E.
2008-01-01
The feasibility of using a multi-wavelength Mie-Raman lidar based on a tripled Nd:YAG laser for profiling aerosol physical parameters in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) under varying conditions of relative humidity (RH) is studied. The lidar quantifies three aerosol backscattering and two extinction coefficients and from these optical data the particle parameters such as concentration, size and complex refractive index are retrieved through inversion with regularization. The column-integrated, lidar-derived parameters are compared with results from the AERONET sun photometer. The lidar and sun photometer agree well in the characterization of the fine mode parameters, however the lidar shows less sensitivity to coarse mode. The lidar results reveal a strong dependence of particle properties on RH. The height regions with enhanced RH are characterized by an increase of backscattering and extinction coefficient and a decrease in the Angstrom exponent coinciding with an increase in the particle size. We present data selection techniques useful for selecting cases that can support the calculation of hygroscopic growth parameters using lidar. Hygroscopic growth factors calculated using these techniques agree with expectations despite the lack of co-located radiosonde data. Despite this limitation, the results demonstrate the potential of multi-wavelength Raman lidar technique for study of aerosol humidification process.
Dupouy, Cécile; Neveux, Jacques; Ouillon, Sylvain; Frouin, Robert; Murakami, Hiroshi; Hochard, Sébastien; Dirberg, Guillaume
2010-01-01
The retrieval of chlorophyll-a concentration from remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) data was tested with the NASA OC4v4 algorithm on the inner New Caledonian lagoon (Case 2) and adjacent open ocean (Case 1) waters. The input to OC4v4 was Rrs measured in situ or modeled from water's inherent optical properties (2001-2007). At open ocean stations, backscattering and absorption coefficients were correlated with chlorophyll (R(2)=0.31-0.51, respectively), in agreement with models for Case 1 waters. Taking spectrofluorometric measurement as reference, the OC4v4 model leads to an average underestimation of 33% of the chlorophyll concentration. For the lagoon waters, OC4v4 performed inadequately because the backscattering coefficient, highly correlated with turbidity and suspended matter (R(2)=0.98), was poorly correlated to chlorophyll (R(2)=0.42). The OC4v4 performance was better in deep lagoon waters for stations with a TDT index (Tchla x depth/turbidity) higher than 19 mg m(-2) NTU(-1) (R(2)=0.974, bias=10.2%). Global Imager Rrs provided a good estimate of Tchla (R(2)=0.79, N=28) in the deeper part of the lagoon. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Crowther, M.A.; Moskowitz, P.D.
1981-07-01
Sample analyses and detailed documentation are presented for a Reference Material System (RMS) to estimate health and environmental risks of different material cycles and energy systems. Data inputs described include: end-use material demands, efficiency coefficients, environmental emission coefficients, fuel demand coefficients, labor productivity estimates, and occupational health and safety coefficients. Application of this model permits analysts to estimate fuel use (e.g., Btu), occupational risk (e.g., fatalities), and environmental emissions (e.g., sulfur oxide) for specific material trajectories or complete energy systems. Model uncertainty is quantitatively defined by presenting a range of estimates for each data input. Systematic uncertainty not quantified relatesmore » to the boundaries chosen for analysis and reference system specification. Although the RMS can be used to analyze material system impacts for many different energy technologies, it was specifically used to examine the health and environmental risks of producing the following four types of photovoltaic devices: silicon n/p single-crystal cells produced by a Czochralski process; silicon metal/insulator/semiconductor (MIS) cells produced by a ribbon-growing process; cadmium sulfide/copper sulfide backwall cells produced by a spray deposition process; and gallium arsenide cells with 500X concentrator produced by a modified Czochralski process. Emission coefficients for particulates, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide; solid waste; total suspended solids in water; and, where applicable, air and solid waste residuals for arsenic, cadmium, gallium, and silicon are examined and presented. Where data are available the coefficients for particulates, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides include both process and on-site fuel-burning emissions.« less
Green, Rebecca E.; Bower, Amy S.; Lugo-Fernández, Alexis
2014-01-01
Profiling floats equipped with bio-optical sensors well complement ship-based and satellite ocean color measurements by providing highly-resolved time-series data on the vertical structure of biogeochemical processes in oceanic waters. This is the first study to employ an autonomous profiling (APEX) float in the Gulf of Mexico for measuring spatiotemporal variability in bio-optics and hydrography. During the 17-month deployment (July 2011 to December 2012), the float mission collected profiles of temperature, salinity, chlorophyll fluorescence, particulate backscattering (bbp), and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) fluorescence from the ocean surface to a depth of 1,500 m. Biogeochemical variability was characterized by distinct depth trends and local “hot spots”, including impacts from mesoscale processes associated with each of the water masses sampled, from ambient deep waters over the Florida Plain, into the Loop Current, up the Florida Canyon, and eventually into the Florida Straits. A deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) occurred between 30 and 120 m, with the DCM depth significantly related to the unique density layer ρ = 1023.6 (R2 = 0.62). Particulate backscattering, bbp, demonstrated multiple peaks throughout the water column, including from phytoplankton, deep scattering layers, and resuspension. The bio-optical relationship developed between bbp and chlorophyll (R2 = 0.49) was compared to a global relationship and could significantly improve regional ocean-color algorithms. Photooxidation and autochthonous production contributed to CDOM distributions in the upper water column, whereas in deep water, CDOM behaved as a semi-conservative tracer of water masses, demonstrating a tight relationship with density (R2 = 0.87). In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, this research lends support to the use of autonomous drifting profilers as a powerful tool for consideration in the design of an expanded and integrated observing network for the Gulf of Mexico. PMID:24992646
MULTIPLY: Development of a European HSRL Airborne Facility
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Binietoglou, Ioannis; Serikov, Ilya; Nicolae, Doina; Amiridis, Vassillis; Belegante, Livio; Boscornea, Andrea; Brugmann, Bjorn; Costa Suros, Montserrat; Hellmann, David; Kokkalis, Panagiotis; Linne, Holger; Stachlewska, Iwona; Vajaiac, Sorin-Nicolae
2016-08-01
MULTIPLY is a novel airborne high spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) currently under development by a consortium of European institutions from Romania, Germany, Greece, and Poland. Its aim is to contribute to calibration and validations activities of the upcoming ESA aerosol sensing missions like ADM-Aeolus, EarthCARE and the Sentinel-3/-4/-5/-5p which include products related to atmospheric aerosols. The effectiveness of these missions depends on independent airborne measurements to develop and test the retrieval methods, and validate mission products following launch. The aim of ESA's MULTIPLY project is to design, develop, and test a multi-wavelength depolarization HSRL for airborne applications. The MULTIPLY lidar will deliver the aerosol extinction and backscatter coefficient profiles at three wavelengths (355nm, 532nm, 1064nm), as well as profiles of aerosol intensive parameters (Ångström exponents, extinction- to-backscatter ratios, and linear particle depolarization ratios).
Results of a study on polarization mix selection for the NSCAT scatterometer
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Long, David G.; Dunbar, R. Scott; Shaffer, Scott; Freilich, Michael H.; Hsiao, S. Vincent
1989-01-01
The NASA scatterometer (NSCAT) is an instrument designed to measure the radar backscatter of the ocean's surface for estimating the near-surface wind velocity. A given resolution element is observed from several different azimuth angles. From these measurements the near-surface vector wind over the ocean may be inferred using a geophysical model function relating the normalized radar backscatter coefficient (sigma0) to the near-surface wind. The results of a study to select a polarization mix for NSCAT using an end-to-end simulation of the NSCAT scatterometer and ground processing of the sigma0 measurements into unambiguous wind fields using a median-filter-based ambiguity-removal algorithm are presented. The system simulation was used to compare the wind measurement accuracy and ambiguity removal skill over a set of realistic mesoscale wind fields for various polarization mixes. Considerations in the analysis and simulation are discussed, and a recommended polarization mix is given.
Lee, ZhongPing; Arnone, Robert; Hu, Chuanmin; Werdell, P Jeremy; Lubac, Bertrand
2010-01-20
Following the theory of error propagation, we developed analytical functions to illustrate and evaluate the uncertainties of inherent optical properties (IOPs) derived by the quasi-analytical algorithm (QAA). In particular, we evaluated the effects of uncertainties of these optical parameters on the inverted IOPs: the absorption coefficient at the reference wavelength, the extrapolation of particle backscattering coefficient, and the spectral ratios of absorption coefficients of phytoplankton and detritus/gelbstoff, respectively. With a systematically simulated data set (46,200 points), we found that the relative uncertainty of QAA-derived total absorption coefficients in the blue-green wavelengths is generally within +/-10% for oceanic waters. The results of this study not only establish theoretical bases to evaluate and understand the effects of the various variables on IOPs derived from remote-sensing reflectance, but also lay the groundwork to analytically estimate uncertainties of these IOPs for each pixel. These are required and important steps for the generation of quality maps of IOP products derived from satellite ocean color remote sensing.
Automatic localization of backscattering events due to particulate in urban areas
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Gaudio, P.; Gelfusa, M.; Malizia, Andrea; Parracino, Stefano; Richetta, M.; Murari, A.; Vega, J.
2014-10-01
Particulate matter (PM), emitted by vehicles in urban traffic, can greatly affect environment air quality and have direct implications on both human health and infrastructure integrity. The consequences for society are relevant and can impact also on national health. Limits and thresholds of pollutants emitted by vehicles are typically regulated by government agencies. In the last few years, the interest in PM emissions has grown substantially due to both air quality issues and global warming. Lidar-Dial techniques are widely recognized as a costeffective alternative to monitor large regions of the atmosphere. To maximize the effectiveness of the measurements and to guarantee reliable, automatic monitoring of large areas, new data analysis techniques are required. In this paper, an original tool, the Universal Multi-Event Locator (UMEL), is applied to the problem of automatically indentifying the time location of peaks in Lidar measurements for the detection of particulate matter emitted by anthropogenic sources like vehicles. The method developed is based on Support Vector Regression and presents various advantages with respect to more traditional techniques. In particular, UMEL is based on the morphological properties of the signals and therefore the method is insensitive to the details of the noise present in the detection system. The approach is also fully general, purely software and can therefore be applied to a large variety of problems without any additional cost. The potential of the proposed technique is exemplified with the help of data acquired during an experimental campaign in the field in Rome.
9+ Years of CALIPSO PSC Observations: An Evolving Climatology
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pitts, Michael C.; Poole, Lamont R.
2015-01-01
Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) play a crucial role in the springtime chemical depletion of ozone at high latitudes. PSC particles (primarily supercooled ternary solution, or STS droplets) provide sites for heterogeneous chemical reactions that transform stable chlorine and bromine reservoir species into highly reactive ozone-destructive forms. Furthermore, large nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) PSC particles can irreversibly redistribute odd nitrogen through gravitational sedimentation (a process commonly known as denitrification), which prolongs the ozone depletion process by slowing the reformation of the stable chlorine reservoirs. Spaceborne observations from the CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization) lidar on the CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations) satellite are providing a rich new dataset for studying PSCs. CALIPSO is an excellent platform for studying polar processes with CALIOP acquiring, on average, over 300,000 backscatter profiles daily at latitudes between 55o and 82o in both hemispheres. PSCs are detected in the CALIOP backscatter profiles using a successive horizontal averaging scheme that enables detection of strongly scattering PSCs (e.g., ice) at the finest possible spatial resolution (5 km), while enhancing the detection of very tenuous PSCs (e.g., low number density NAT) at larger spatial scales (up to 135 km). CALIOP PSCs are separated into composition classes (STS; liquid/NAT mixtures; and ice) based on the ensemble 532-nm scattering ratio (the ratio of total-to-molecular backscatter) and 532-nm particulate depolarization ratio (which is sensitive to the presence of non-spherical, i.e. NAT and ice particles). In this paper, we will provide an overview of the CALIOP PSC detection and composition classification algorithm and then examine the vertical and spatial distribution of PSCs in the Arctic and Antarctic on vortex-wide scales for entire PSC seasons over the more than nine-year data record from 2006- 2015.
DC-8 Scanning Lidar Characterization of Aircraft Contrails and Cirrus Clouds
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Uthe, Edward E.; Nielsen, Norman B.; Oseberg, Terje E.
1998-01-01
An angular-scanning large-aperture (36 cm) backscatter lidar was developed and deployed on the NASA DC-8 research aircraft as part of the SUCCESS (Subsonic Aircraft: Contrail and Cloud Effects Special Study) program. The lidar viewing direction could be scanned continuously during aircraft flight from vertically upward to forward to vertically downward, or the viewing could be at fixed angles. Real-time pictorial displays generated from the lidar signatures were broadcast on the DC-8 video network and used to locate clouds and contrails above, ahead of, and below the DC-8 to depict their spatial structure and to help select DC-8 altitudes for achieving optimum sampling by onboard in situ sensors. Several lidar receiver systems and real-time data displays were evaluated to help extend in situ data into vertical dimensions and to help establish possible lidar configurations and applications on future missions. Digital lidar signatures were recorded on 8 mm Exabyte tape and generated real-time displays were recorded on 8mm video tape. The digital records were transcribed in a common format to compact disks to facilitate data analysis and delivery to SUCCESS participants. Data selected from the real-time display video recordings were processed for publication-quality displays incorporating several standard lidar data corrections. Data examples are presented that illustrate: (1) correlation with particulate, gas, and radiometric measurements made by onboard sensors, (2) discrimination and identification between contrails observed by onboard sensors, (3) high-altitude (13 km) scattering layer that exhibits greatly enhanced vertical backscatter relative to off-vertical backscatter, and (4) mapping of vertical distributions of individual precipitating ice crystals and their capture by cloud layers. An angular scan plotting program was developed that accounts for DC-8 pitch and velocity.
CALIPSO Polar Stratospheric Cloud Observations from 2006-2015
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pitts, Michael C.; Poole, Lamont R.
2015-01-01
Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) play a crucial role in the springtime chemical depletion of ozone at high latitudes. PSC particles (primarily supercooled ternary solution, or STS droplets) provide sites for heterogeneous chemical reactions that transform stable chlorine and bromine reservoir species into highly reactive ozone-destructive forms. Furthermore, large nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) PSC particles can irreversibly redistribute odd nitrogen through gravitational sedimentation (a process commonly known as denitrification), which prolongs the ozone depletion process by slowing the reformation of the stable chlorine reservoirs. Spaceborne observations from the CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization) lidar on the CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations) satellite are providing a rich new dataset for studying PSCs. CALIPSO is an excellent platform for studying polar processes with CALIOP acquiring, on average, over 300,000 backscatter profiles daily at latitudes between 55o and 82o in both hemispheres. PSCs are detected in the CALIOP backscatter profiles using a successive horizontal averaging scheme that enables detection of strongly scattering PSCs (e.g., ice) at the finest possible spatial resolution (5 km), while enhancing the detection of very tenuous PSCs (e.g., low number density NAT) at larger spatial scales (up to 135 km). CALIOP PSCs are separated into composition classes (STS; liquid/NAT mixtures; and ice) based on the ensemble 532-nm scattering ratio (the ratio of total-to-molecular backscatter) and 532-nm particulate depolarization ratio (which is sensitive to the presence of non-spherical, i.e. NAT and ice particles). In this paper, we will provide an overview of the CALIOP PSC detection and composition classification algorithm and then examine the vertical and spatial distribution of PSCs in the Arctic and Antarctic on vortex-wide scales for entire PSC seasons over the more than nine-year data record from 2006- 2015.
Stevens, Gretchen; Wilson, Andrew; Hammitt, James K
2005-08-01
In the Mexico City metropolitan area, poor air quality is a public health concern. Diesel vehicles contribute significantly to the emissions that are most harmful to health. Harmful diesel emissions can be reduced by retrofitting vehicles with one of several technologies, including diesel particulate filters. We quantified the social costs and benefits, including health benefits, of retrofitting diesel vehicles in Mexico City with catalyzed diesel particulate filters, actively regenerating diesel particulate filters, or diesel oxidation catalysts, either immediately or in 2010, when capital costs are expected to be lower. Retrofit with either type of diesel particulate filter or an oxidation catalyst is expected to provide net benefits to society beginning immediately and in 2010. At current prices, retrofit with an oxidation catalyst provides greatest net benefits. However, as capital costs decrease, retrofit with diesel particulate filters is expected to provide greater net benefits. In both scenarios, retrofit of older, dirtier vehicles that circulate only within the city provides greatest benefits, and retrofit with oxidation catalysts provides greater health benefits per dollar spent than retrofit with particulate filters. Uncertainty about the magnitude of net benefits of a retrofit program is significant. Results are most sensitive to values used to calculate benefits, such as the concentration-response coefficient, intake fraction (a measure of exposure), and the monetary value of health benefits.
During air cool process aerosol absorption detection with photothermal interferometry
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Baosheng; Xu, Limei; Huang, Junling; Ma, Fei; Wang, Yicheng; Li, Zhengqiang
2014-11-01
This paper studies the basic principle of laser photothermal interferometry method of aerosol particles absorption coefficient. The photothermal interferometry method with higher accuracy and lower uncertainty can directly measure the absorption coefficient of atmospheric aerosols and not be affected by scattered light. With Jones matrix expression, the math expression of a special polarization interferometer is described. This paper using folded Jamin interferometer, which overcomes the influence of vibration on measuring system. Interference come from light polarization beam with two orthogonal and then combine to one beam, finally aerosol absorption induced refractive index changes can be gotten with four beam of phase orthogonal light. These kinds of styles really improve the stability of system and resolution of the system. Four-channel detections interact with interference fringes, to reduce the light intensity `zero drift' effect on the system. In the laboratory, this device typical aerosol absorption index, it shows that the result completely agrees with actual value. After heated by laser, cool process of air also show the process of aerosol absorption. This kind of instrument will be used to monitor ambient aerosol absorption and suspended particulate matter chemical component. Keywords: Aerosol absorption coefficient; Photothermal interferometry; Suspended particulate matter.
Measurement of low‐energy backscatter factors using GAFCHROMIC film and OSLDs
Elson, Howard R.; Lamba, Michael A. S.
2012-01-01
Some of the lowest voltages used in radiotherapy are termed Grenz and superficial X‐rays of ~ 20 and ~ 100 kVp, respectively. Dosimetrically, the surface doses from these beams are calculated with the use of a free in‐air air kerma measurement combined with a backscatter factor and the appropriate ratio of mass energy absorption coefficients from the measurement material to water. Alternative tools to the standard ion chamber for measuring the BSF are GAFCHROMIC EBT2 film and optically stimulated luminescent dosimeter (OSLD) crystals made from Al2O3. The scope of this project included making three different backscatter measurements with an Xstrahl‐D3100 X‐ray unit on the Grenz ray and superficial settings. These measurements were with OSLDs, GAFCHROMIC EBT2 film, and a PTW ionization chamber. The varied measurement methods allowed for intercomparison to determine the accuracy of the results. The ion chamber measurement was the least accurate, as expected from previous experimental findings. GAFCHROMIC EBT2 film proved to be a useful tool which gave reasonable results, and Landauer OSLDs showed good results for smaller field sizes and an increasing overresponse with larger fields. The specific backscatter factors for this machine demonstrated values about 5% higher than the universal values suggested by the AAPM and IPEMB codes of practice for the 100 kVp setting. The 20 kvp measured data from both techniques showed general agreement with those found in the BJR Supplement No. 10, indicating that this unit's Grenz ray spectrum is similar to those used in previous experimental work. PACS number: 87.53.Bn PMID:23149776
Revised ocean backscatter models at C and Ku band under high-wind conditions
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Donnelly, William J.; Carswell, James R.; McIntosh, Robert E.; Chang, Paul S.; Wilkerson, John; Marks, Frank; Black, Peter G.
1999-05-01
A series of airborne scatterometer experiments designed to collect C and Ku band ocean backscatter data in regions of high ocean surface winds has recently been completed. More than 100 hours of data were collected using the University of Massachusetts C and Ku band scatterometers, CSCAT and KUSCAT. These instruments measure the full azimuthal normalized radar cross section (NRCS) of a common surface area of the ocean simultaneously at four incidence angles. Our results demonstrate limitations of the current empirical models, C band geophysical model function 4 (CMOD4), SeaSat scatterometer 2 (SASS 2), and NASA scatterometer 1 (NSCAT) 1, that relate ocean backscatter to the near-surface wind at high wind speeds. The discussion focuses on winds in excess of 15 m s-1 in clear atmospheric conditions. The scatterometer data are collocated with measurements from ocean data buoys and Global Positioning System dropsondes, and a Fourier analysis is performed as a function of wind regime. A three-term Fourier series is fit to the backscatter data, and a revised set of coefficients is tabulated. These revised models, CMOD4HW and KUSCAT 1, are the basis for a discussion of the NRCS at high wind speeds. Our scatterometer data show a clear overprediction of the derived NRCS response to high winds based on the CMOD4, SASS 2, and NSCAT 1 models. Furthermore, saturation of the NRCS response begins to occur above 15 m s-1. Sensitivity of the upwind and crosswind response is discussed with implications toward high wind speed retrieval.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hess, Laura Lorraine
The ability of synthetic aperture radar to detect flooding and vegetation structure was evaluated for three seasonally inundated floodplain sites supporting a broad variety of wetland and upland vegetation types: two reaches of the Solimoes floodplain in the central Amazon, and the Magela Creek floodplain in Northern Territory, Australia. For each site, C- and L-band polarimetric Shuttle Imaging Radar-C (SIR-C) data was obtained at both high- and low-water stages. Inundation status and vegetation structure were documented simultaneous with the SIR-C acquisitions using low-altitude videography and ground measurements. SIR-C images were classified into cover states defined by vegetation physiognomy and presence of standing water, using a decision-tree model with backscattering coefficients at HH, VV, and HV polarizations as input variables. Classification accuracy was assessed using user's accuracy, producer's accuracy, and kappa coefficient for a test population of pixels. At all sites, both C- and L-band were necessary to accurately classify cover types with two dates. HH polarization was most. useful for distinguishing flooded from non-flooded vegetation (C-HH for macrophyte versus pasture, L-HH for flooded versus non-flooded forest), and cross-polarized L-band data provided the best separation between woody and non-woody vegetation. Increases in L-HH backscattering due to flooding were on the order of 3--4 dB for closed-canopy varzea and igapo forest, and 4--7 dB, for open Melaleuca woodland. The broad range of physiognomies and stand structures found in both herbaceous and woody wetland communities, combined with the variation in the amount of emergent canopy caused by water level fluctuations and phenologic changes, resulted in a large range in backscattering characteristics of wetland communities both within and between sites. High accuracies cannot be achieved for these communities using single-date, single-band, single-polarization data, particularly in the case of distinguishing flooded macrophyte from non-flooded forest vegetation. However, the large changes in backscattering caused by flooding make it possible to achieve good accuracies (>85%) using multi-temporal data. Where river stage records are available, SAR-based maps of inundation status on a series of dates can be linked to long-term stage data to define wetland habitat types based on flooding regime and low-water vegetation cover.
Retrievals of Profiles of Fine And Coarse Aerosols Using Lidar And Radiometric Space Measurements
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kaufman, Yoram; Tanre, Didier; Leon, Jean-Francois; Pelon, Jacques; Lau, William K. M. (Technical Monitor)
2002-01-01
In couple of years we expect the launch of the CALIPSO lidar spaceborne mission designed to observe aerosols and clouds. CALIPSO will collect profiles of the lidar attenuated backscattering coefficients in two spectral wavelengths (0.53 and 1.06 microns). Observations are provided along the track of the satellite around the globe from pole to pole. The attenuated backscattering coefficients are sensitive to the vertical distribution of aerosol particles, their shape and size. However the information is insufficient to be mapped into unique aerosol physical properties and vertical distribution. Infinite number of physical solutions can reconstruct the same two wavelength backscattered profile measured from space. CALIPSO will fly in formation with the Aqua satellite and the MODIS spectro-radiometer on board. Spectral radiances measured by MODIS in six channels between 0.55 and 2.13 microns simultaneously with the CALIPSO observations can constrain the solutions and resolve this ambiguity, albeit under some assumptions. In this paper we describe the inversion method and apply it to aircraft lidar and MODIS data collected over a dust storm off the coast of West Africa during the SHADE experiment. It is shown that the product of the single scattering albedo, omega, and the phase function, P, for backscattering can be retrieved from the synergism between measurements avoiding a priori hypotheses required for inverting lidar measurements alone. The resultant value of (omega)P(180 deg.) = 0.016/sr are significantly different from what is expected using Mie theory, but are in good agreement with recent results obtained from lidar observations of dust episodes. The inversion is robust in the presence of noise of 10% and 20% in the lidar signal in the 0.53 and 1.06 pm channels respectively. Calibration errors of the lidar of 5 to 10% can cause an error in optical thickness of 20 to 40% respectively in the tested cases. The lidar calibration errors cause degradation in the ability to fit the MODIS data. Therefore the MODIS measurements can be used to identify the calibration problem and correct for it. The CALIPSO-MODIS measurements of the profiles of fine and coarse aerosols, together with CALIPSO measurements of clouds vertical distribution, is expected to be critically important in understanding aerosol transport across continents and political boundaries, and to study aerosol-cloud interaction and its effect on precipitation and global forcing of climate.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hair, J. W.; Hostetler, C. A.; Hu, Y.; Behrenfeld, M. J.; Butler, C. F.; Harper, D. B.; Hare, R. J.; Berkoff, T.; Cook, A. L.; Collins, J. E., Jr.; Stockley, N.; Twardowski, M.; Cetinic, I.; Ferrare, R. A.; Mack, T. L.
2016-02-01
First of its kind combined atmospheric and ocean profile data were collected by the recently upgraded NASA Langley Research Center's (LaRC) High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL-1) during the 17 July - 7 August 2014 Ship-Aircraft Bio-Optical Research Experiment (SABOR). This mission sampled over a region that covered the Gulf of Maine, open-ocean near Bermuda, and coastal waters from Virginia to Rhode Island. The HSRL-1 and the Research Scanning Polarimeter from NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies collected data onboard the NASA LaRC King Air aircraft and flight operations were closely coordinated with the Research Vessel Endeavor that made in situ ocean optical and biological measurements. The lidar measurements provided profiles of atmospheric backscatter and particulate depolarization at 532nm, 1064nm, and extinction (532nm) from approximately 9km altitude. In addition, for the first time HSRL subsurface ocean backscatter, depolarization, and diffuse attenuation data at 532nm were collected and compared to both the ship measurements and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (NASA MODIS-Aqua) satellite ocean retrievals. This presentation will include an overview of the instrument and measurement methodology, show examples from the campaign, and provide preliminary comparisons with the in situ optics and satellite retrievals.
Detection and recognition of targets by using signal polarization properties
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ponomaryov, Volodymyr I.; Peralta-Fabi, Ricardo; Popov, Anatoly V.; Babakov, Mikhail F.
1999-08-01
The quality of radar target recognition can be enhanced by exploiting its polarization signatures. A specialized X-band polarimetric radar was used for target recognition in experimental investigations. The following polarization characteristics connected to the object geometrical properties were investigated: the amplitudes of the polarization matrix elements; an anisotropy coefficient; depolarization coefficient; asymmetry coefficient; the energy of a backscattering signal; object shape factor. A large quantity of polarimetric radar data was measured and processed to form a database of different object and different weather conditions. The histograms of polarization signatures were approximated by a Nakagami distribution, then used for real- time target recognition. The Neyman-Pearson criterion was used for the target detection, and the criterion of the maximum of a posterior probability was used for recognition problem. Some results of experimental verification of pattern recognition and detection of objects with different electrophysical and geometrical characteristics urban in clutter are presented in this paper.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Palm, Stephen P.; Schwemmer, Geary K.; Vandemark, Doug; Evans, Keith; Miller, David O.; Demoz, Belay B.; Starr, David OC. (Technical Monitor)
2001-01-01
A new technique combining active and passive remote sensing instruments for the estimation of surface latent heat flux over the ocean is presented. This synergistic method utilizes aerosol lidar backscatter data, multi-channel infrared radiometer data, and microwave scatterometer data acquired onboard the NASA P-313 research aircraft during an extended field campaign over the Atlantic ocean in support of the Lidar In-space Technology Experiment (LITE) in September of 1994. The 10 meter wind speed derived from scatterometers and lidar-radiometer inferred near-surface moisture are used to obtain an estimate of the surface flux of moisture via a bulk aerodynamic formula. The results are compared with the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) daily average latent heat flux and show reasonable agreement. However, the SSM/I values are biased low by about 15 W/sq m. In addition, the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer (MABL) height, entrainment zone thickness and integrated lidar backscatter intensity are computed from the lidar data and compared with the magnitude of the surface fluxes. The results show that the surface latent heat flux is most strongly correlated with entrainment zone depth, MABL height and the integrated MABL lidar backscatter, with corresponding correlation coefficients of 0.39, 0.43 and 0.71, respectively.
Axisymmetric scattering of an acoustical Bessel beam by a rigid fixed spheroid.
Mitri, Farid G
2015-10-01
Based on the partial-wave series expansion (PWSE) method in spherical coordinates, a formal analytical solution for the acoustic scattering of a zeroth-order Bessel acoustic beam centered on a rigid fixed (oblate or prolate) spheroid is provided. The unknown scattering coefficients of the spheroid are determined by solving a system of linear equations derived for the Neumann boundary condition. Numerical results for the modulus of the backscattered pressure (θ = π) in the near field and the backscattering form function in the far field for both prolate and oblate spheroids are presented and discussed, with particular emphasis on the aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of the major axis over the minor axis of the spheroid), the half-cone angle of the Bessel beam, and the dimensionless frequency. The plots display periodic oscillations (versus the dimensionless frequency) because of the interference of specularly reflected waves in the backscattering direction with circumferential Franz' waves circumnavigating the surface of the spheroid in the surrounding fluid. Moreover, the 3-D directivity patterns illustrate the near- and far-field axisymmetric scattering. Investigations in underwater acoustics, particle levitation, scattering, and the detection of submerged elongated objects and other related applications utilizing Bessel waves would benefit from the results of the present study.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Palm, Stephen P.; Miller, David O.; Schwemmer, Geary
2000-01-01
A new technique combining active and passive remote sensing instruments for the estimation of surface latent heat flux over the ocean is presented. This synergistic method uses aerosol lidar backscatter data, multi-channel infrared radiometer data and microwave scatterometer data acquired onboard the NASA P-3B research aircraft during an extended field campaign over the Atlantic ocean in support of the Lidar In-space Technology Experiment (LITE) in September of 1994. The 10 meter wind speed derived from the scatterometers and the lidar-radiometer inferred near-surface moisture are used to obtain an estimate of the surface flux of moisture via bulk aerodynamic formulae. The results are compared with the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) daily average latent heat flux and show reasonable agreement with an rms error and bias of about 50 and 25 W per square meters, respectively. In addition, the MABL height, entrainment zone thickness and integrated lidar backscatter intensity are computed from the lidar data and compared with the magnitude of the surface fluxes. The results show that the surface latent heat flux is most strongly correlated with entrainment zone top, bottom and the integrated MABL lidar backscatter, with corresponding correlation coefficients of 0.62, 0.67 and 0.61, respectively.
Analyses of scattering characteristics of chosen anthropogenic aerosols
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kaszczuk, Miroslawa; Mierczyk, Zygmunt; Muzal, Michal
2008-10-01
In the work, analyses of scattering profile of chosen anthropogenic aerosols for two wavelengths (λ1 = 1064 nm and λ2 = 532 nm) were made. As an example of anthropogenic aerosol three different pyrotechnic mixtures (DM11, M2, M16) were taken. Main parameters of smoke particles were firstly analyzed and well described, taking particle shape and size into special consideration. Shape of particles was analyzed on the basis of SEM pictures, and particle size was measured. Participation of particles in each fixed fraction characterized by range of sizes was analyzed and parameters of smoke particles of characteristic sizes and function describing aerosol size distribution (ASD) were determinated. Analyses of scattering profiles were carried out on the basis of both model of scattering on spherical and nonspherical particles. In the case of spherical particles Rayleigh-Mie model was used and for nonspherical particles analyses firstly model of spheroids was used, and then Rayleigh-Mie one. For each characteristic particle one calculated value of four parameters (effective scattering cross section σSCA, effective backscattering cross section σBSCA, scattering efficiency QSCA, backscattering efficiency QBSCA) and value of backscattering coefficient β for whole particles population. Obtained results were compared with the same parameters calculated for natural aerosol (cirrus cloud).
Random fiber laser based on artificially controlled backscattering fibers.
Wang, Xiaoliang; Chen, Daru; Li, Haitao; She, Lijuan; Wu, Qiong
2018-01-10
The random fiber laser (RFL), which is a milestone in laser physics and nonlinear optics, has attracted considerable attention recently. Most previously reported RFLs are based on distributed feedback of Rayleigh scattering amplified through the stimulated Raman-Brillouin scattering effect in single-mode fibers, which require long-distance (tens of kilometers) single-mode fibers and high threshold, up to watt level, due to the extremely small Rayleigh scattering coefficient of the fiber. We proposed and demonstrated a half-open-cavity RFL based on a segment of an artificially controlled backscattering single-mode fiber with a length of 210 m, 310 m, or 390 m. A fiber Bragg grating with a central wavelength of 1530 nm and a segment of artificially controlled backscattering single-mode fiber fabricated by using a femtosecond laser form the half-open cavity. The proposed RFL achieves thresholds of 25 mW, 30 mW, and 30 mW, respectively. Random lasing at a wavelength of 1530 nm and extinction ratio of 50 dB is achieved when a segment of 5 m erbium-doped fiber is pumped by a 980 nm laser diode in the RFL. A novel RFL with many short cavities has been achieved with low threshold.
Observations of stratospheric aerosols associated with the El Chichon eruption
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Thomas, L.; Vaughan, G.; Jenkins, D. B.; Wareing, D.; Farrington, M.
1986-01-01
Lidar observations of aerosols were carried out at Aberystwyth between Nov. 1982 and Dec. 1985 using a frequency doubled and frequency tripled Nd/Yag laser and a receiver incorporating a 1 m diameter in a Newtonian telescope configuration. In analyses of the experimental data attention is paid to the magnitude of the coefficient relating extinction and backscatter, the choice being related to the possible presence of aerosols in the upper troposphere and the atmospheric densities employed in the normalisation procedure. The aerosol loading showed marked day to day changes in early months and an overall decay was apparent only after April 1983, this decay being consistent with an e sup -1 time of about 7 months. The general decay was accompanied by a lowering of the layer but layers of aerosols were shown intermittently at heights above the main layer in winter months. The height variations of photon counts corrected for range, or of aerosol backscatter ratio, showed clear signatures of the tropopause. A strong correlation was found between the heights of the tropopause identified from the lidar measurements and from radiosonde-borne temperature measurements. A notable feature of the observations is the appearance of very sharp height gradients of backscatter ratio which seem to be produced by differential advection.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Protat, Alain; Young, S.
The objective of this IOP was to evaluate the performances of the new Leosphere R-MAN 510 lidar procured by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, by testing it against the MPL and Raman lidars at the Darwin ARM site. This lidar is an eye-safe (355 nm), turn-key mini Raman lidar, which allows for the detection of aerosols and cloud properties, and the retrieval of particulate extinction profiles. To do so, the R-MAN 510 lidar has been operated at the Darwin ARM site, next to the MPL, Raman lidar, and Vaisala ceilometer for three months (from 20 January 2013 to 20 Aprilmore » 2013) in order to collect a good sample for statistical comparisons. The comparisons with the Raman lidar were not performed, since the Raman lidar attenuated backscatter and depolarization ratio product was not available. A new product has just been delivered to the ARM archive as a value-added product, hence this study will continue. Nevertheless we have developed software to match the different space and time resolutions of the other lidars and project the data onto a common grid to permit detailed comparison of the instruments’ performance and an enhanced analysis of clouds and aerosols through the use of composite data products, like the ratios of attenuated backscatters, attenuated scattering ratios and depolarization ratios. Comparisons between the MPL and R-MAN510 lidar data exhibit large differences in total attenuated backscatter at 355 and 532 nm, attenuated scattering ratios, and aerosol volume depolarization ratios. Differences in attenuated backscatter result mainly from the different relative contributions of scattering from molecules and particles at the different wavelengths, but there are some intriguing differences that will require further investigations. The differences in volume depolarization ratios are due to the much larger contribution of molecular returns to the volume depolarization ratio (5 times larger at 355 nm than at 532 nm). The R-MAN510 lidar is also found to be much less sensitive to daylight solar background illumination, which is greater at the visible wavelength than in the UV.« less
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Song, Mijung; Liu, Pengfei F.; Hanna, Sarah J.
To improve predictions of air quality, visibility, and climate change, knowledge of the viscosities and diffusion rates within organic particulate matter consisting of secondary organic material (SOM) is required. Most qualitative and quantitative measurements of viscosity and diffusion rates within organic particulate matter have focused on SOM particles generated from biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as α-pinene and isoprene. In this study, we quantify the relative humidity (RH)-dependent viscosities at 295±1K of SOM produced by photo-oxidation of toluene, an anthropogenic VOC. The viscosities of toluene-derived SOM were 2 × 10 ₋1 to ~6 ×10 6Pa s from 30 tomore » 90%RH, and greater than ~2 × 10 8 Pa s (similar to or greater than the viscosity of tar pitch) for RH ≤ 17%. These viscosities correspond to Stokes–Einstein-equivalent diffusion coefficients for large organic molecules of ~2 ×10 ₋15cm 2s ₋1 for 30 % RH, and lower than ~3 × 10 ₋17cm 2s ₋1 for RH ≤ 17 %. Based on these estimated diffusion coefficients, the mixing time of large organic molecules within 200 nm toluene-derived SOM particles is 0.1–5 h for 30% RH, and higher than ~100 h for RH ≤ 17%. As a starting point for understanding the mixing times of large organic molecules in organic particulate matter over cities, we applied the mixing times determined for toluene-derived SOM particles to the world's top 15 most populous megacities. If the organic particulate matter in these megacities is similar to the toluene-derived SOM in this study, in Istanbul, Tokyo, Shanghai, and São Paulo, mixing times in organic particulate matter during certain periods of the year may be very short, and the particles may be well-mixed. On the other hand, the mixing times of large organic molecules in organic particulate matter in Beijing, Mexico City, Cairo, and Karachi may be long and the particles may not be well-mixed in the afternoon (15:00–17:00 LT) during certain times of the year.« less
Signature of Arctic first-year ice melt pond fraction in X-band SAR imagery
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fors, Ane S.; Divine, Dmitry V.; Doulgeris, Anthony P.; Renner, Angelika H. H.; Gerland, Sebastian
2017-03-01
In this paper we investigate the potential of melt pond fraction retrieval from X-band polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) on drifting first-year sea ice. Melt pond fractions retrieved from a helicopter-borne camera system were compared to polarimetric features extracted from four dual-polarimetric X-band SAR scenes, revealing significant relationships. The correlations were strongly dependent on wind speed and SAR incidence angle. Co-polarisation ratio was found to be the most promising SAR feature for melt pond fraction estimation at intermediate wind speeds (6. 2 m s-1), with a Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0. 46. At low wind speeds (0. 6 m s-1), this relation disappeared due to low backscatter from the melt ponds, and backscatter VV-polarisation intensity had the strongest relationship to melt pond fraction with a correlation coefficient of -0. 53. To further investigate these relations, regression fits were made both for the intermediate (R2fit = 0. 21) and low (R2fit = 0. 26) wind case, and the fits were tested on the satellite scenes in the study. The regression fits gave good estimates of mean melt pond fraction for the full satellite scenes, with less than 4 % from a similar statistics derived from analysis of low-altitude imagery captured during helicopter ice-survey flights in the study area. A smoothing window of 51 × 51 pixels gave the best reproduction of the width of the melt pond fraction distribution. A considerable part of the backscatter signal was below the noise floor at SAR incidence angles above ˜ 40°, restricting the information gain from polarimetric features above this threshold. Compared to previous studies in C-band, limitations concerning wind speed and noise floor set stricter constraints on melt pond fraction retrieval in X-band. Despite this, our findings suggest new possibilities in melt pond fraction estimation from X-band SAR, opening for expanded monitoring of melt ponds during melt season in the future.
Towards Linking 3D SAR and Lidar Models with a Spatially Explicit Individual Based Forest Model
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Osmanoglu, B.; Ranson, J.; Sun, G.; Armstrong, A. H.; Fischer, R.; Huth, A.
2017-12-01
In this study, we present a parameterization of the FORMIND individual-based gap model (IBGM)for old growth Atlantic lowland rainforest in La Selva, Costa Rica for the purpose of informing multisensor remote sensing techniques for above ground biomass techniques. The model was successfully parameterized and calibrated for the study site; results show that the simulated forest reproduces the structural complexity of Costa Rican rainforest based on comparisons with CARBONO inventory plot data. Though the simulated stem numbers (378) slightly underestimated the plot data (418), particularly for canopy dominant intermediate shade tolerant trees and shade tolerant understory trees, overall there was a 9.7% difference. Aboveground biomass (kg/ha) showed a 0.1% difference between the simulated forest and inventory plot dataset. The Costa Rica FORMIND simulation was then used to parameterize a spatially explicit (3D) SAR and lidar backscatter models. The simulated forest stands were used to generate a Look Up Table as a tractable means to estimate aboveground forest biomass for these complex forests. Various combinations of lidar and radar variables were evaluated in the LUT inversion. To test the capability of future data for estimation of forest height and biomass, we considered data of 1) L- (or P-) band polarimetric data (backscattering coefficients of HH, HV and VV); 2) L-band dual-pol repeat-pass InSAR data (HH/HV backscattering coefficients and coherences, height of scattering phase center at HH and HV using DEM or surface height from lidar data as reference); 3) P-band polarimetric InSAR data (canopy height from inversion of PolInSAR data or use the coherences and height of scattering phase center at HH, HV and VV); 4) various height indices from waveform lidar data); and 5) surface and canopy top height from photon-counting lidar data. The methods for parameterizing the remote sensing models with the IBGM and developing Look Up Tables will be discussed. Results from various remote sensing scenarios will also be presented.
Zhou, Tao; Li, Zhaofu; Pan, Jianjun
2018-01-27
This paper focuses on evaluating the ability and contribution of using backscatter intensity, texture, coherence, and color features extracted from Sentinel-1A data for urban land cover classification and comparing different multi-sensor land cover mapping methods to improve classification accuracy. Both Landsat-8 OLI and Hyperion images were also acquired, in combination with Sentinel-1A data, to explore the potential of different multi-sensor urban land cover mapping methods to improve classification accuracy. The classification was performed using a random forest (RF) method. The results showed that the optimal window size of the combination of all texture features was 9 × 9, and the optimal window size was different for each individual texture feature. For the four different feature types, the texture features contributed the most to the classification, followed by the coherence and backscatter intensity features; and the color features had the least impact on the urban land cover classification. Satisfactory classification results can be obtained using only the combination of texture and coherence features, with an overall accuracy up to 91.55% and a kappa coefficient up to 0.8935, respectively. Among all combinations of Sentinel-1A-derived features, the combination of the four features had the best classification result. Multi-sensor urban land cover mapping obtained higher classification accuracy. The combination of Sentinel-1A and Hyperion data achieved higher classification accuracy compared to the combination of Sentinel-1A and Landsat-8 OLI images, with an overall accuracy of up to 99.12% and a kappa coefficient up to 0.9889. When Sentinel-1A data was added to Hyperion images, the overall accuracy and kappa coefficient were increased by 4.01% and 0.0519, respectively.
Coherent optical determination of the leaf angle distribution of corn
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ulaby, F. T. (Principal Investigator); Pihlman, M.
1981-01-01
A coherent optical technique for the diffraction analysis of an image is presented. Developments in radar remote sensing shows a need to understand plant geometry and its relationship to plant moisture, soil moisture, and the radar backscattering coefficient. A corn plant changes its leaf angle distribution, as a function of time, from a uniform distribution to one that is strongly vertical. It is shown that plant and soil moisture may have an effect on plant geometry.
Lidar stand-alone retrieval of atmospheric aerosol microphysical properties during SLOPE
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ortiz-Amezcua, Pablo; Samaras, Stefanos; Böckmann, Christine; Antonio Benavent-Oltra, Jose; Luis Guerrero-Rascado, Juan; Román, Roberto; Alados-Arboledas, Lucas
2018-04-01
Two cases from SLOPE campaign at Granada are analyzed in terms of particle microphysical properties using novel software developed at Potsdam University. Multiwavelength Raman lidar measurements of particle extinction and backscatter coefficients as well as linear particle depolarization ratios are used as input for the software. The result of the retrieval is a 2-dimensional particle volume distribution as a function of radius and aspect ratio, from which the particle microphysical properties are obtained.
Measurement and Study of Lidar Ratio by Using a Raman Lidar in Central China.
Wang, Wei; Gong, Wei; Mao, Feiyue; Pan, Zengxin; Liu, Boming
2016-05-18
We comprehensively evaluated particle lidar ratios (i.e., particle extinction to backscatter ratio) at 532 nm over Wuhan in Central China by using a Raman lidar from July 2013 to May 2015. We utilized the Raman lidar data to obtain homogeneous aerosol lidar ratios near the surface through the Raman method during no-rain nights. The lidar ratios were approximately 57 ± 7 sr, 50 ± 5 sr, and 22 ± 4 sr under the three cases with obviously different pollution levels. The haze layer below 1.8 km has a large particle extinction coefficient (from 5.4e-4 m(-1) to 1.6e-4 m(-1)) and particle backscatter coefficient (between 1.1e-05 m(-1)sr(-1) and 1.7e-06 m(-1)sr(-1)) in the heavily polluted case. Furthermore, the particle lidar ratios varied according to season, especially between winter (57 ± 13 sr) and summer (33 ± 10 sr). The seasonal variation in lidar ratios at Wuhan suggests that the East Asian monsoon significantly affects the primary aerosol types and aerosol optical properties in this region. The relationships between particle lidar ratios and wind indicate that large lidar ratio values correspond well with weak winds and strong northerly winds, whereas significantly low lidar ratio values are associated with prevailing southwesterly and southerly wind.
Measurement and Study of Lidar Ratio by Using a Raman Lidar in Central China
Wang, Wei; Gong, Wei; Mao, Feiyue; Pan, Zengxin; Liu, Boming
2016-01-01
We comprehensively evaluated particle lidar ratios (i.e., particle extinction to backscatter ratio) at 532 nm over Wuhan in Central China by using a Raman lidar from July 2013 to May 2015. We utilized the Raman lidar data to obtain homogeneous aerosol lidar ratios near the surface through the Raman method during no-rain nights. The lidar ratios were approximately 57 ± 7 sr, 50 ± 5 sr, and 22 ± 4 sr under the three cases with obviously different pollution levels. The haze layer below 1.8 km has a large particle extinction coefficient (from 5.4e-4 m−1 to 1.6e-4 m−1) and particle backscatter coefficient (between 1.1e-05 m−1sr−1 and 1.7e-06 m−1sr−1) in the heavily polluted case. Furthermore, the particle lidar ratios varied according to season, especially between winter (57 ± 13 sr) and summer (33 ± 10 sr). The seasonal variation in lidar ratios at Wuhan suggests that the East Asian monsoon significantly affects the primary aerosol types and aerosol optical properties in this region. The relationships between particle lidar ratios and wind indicate that large lidar ratio values correspond well with weak winds and strong northerly winds, whereas significantly low lidar ratio values are associated with prevailing southwesterly and southerly wind. PMID:27213414
A Model with Ellipsoidal Scatterers for Polarimetric Remote Sensing of Anisotropic Layered Media
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nghiem, S. V.; Kwok, R.; Kong, J. A.; Shin, R. T.
1993-01-01
This paper presents a model with ellipsoidal scatterers for applications to polarimetric remote sensing of anisotropic layered media at microwave frequencies. The physical configuration includes an isotropic layer covering an anisotropic layer above a homogeneous half space. The isotropic layer consists of randomly oriented spheroids. The anisotropic layer contains ellipsoidal scatterers with a preferential vertical alignment and random azimuthal orientations. Effective permittivities of the scattering media are calculated with the strong fluctuation theory extended to account for the nonspherical shapes and the scatterer orientation distributions. On the basis of the analytic wave theory, dyadic Green's functions for layered media are used to derive polarimetric backscattering coefficients under the distorted Born approximation. The ellipsoidal shape of the scatterers gives rise to nonzero cross-polarized returns from the untilted anisotropic medium in the first-order approximation. Effects of rough interfaces are estimated by an incoherent addition method. Theoretical results and experimental data are matched at 9 GHz for thick first-year sea ice with a bare surface and with a snow cover at Point Barrow, Alaska. The model is then used to study the sensitivity of polarimetric backscattering coefficients with respect to correlation lengths representing the geometry of brine inclusions. Polarimetric signatures of bare and snow-covered sea ice are also simulated based on the model to investigate effects of different scattering mechanisms.
A comparison of lidar inversion methods for cirrus applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Elouragini, Salem; Flamant, Pierre H.
1992-01-01
Several methods for inverting the lidar equation are suggested as means to derive the cirrus optical properties (beta backscatter, alpha extinction coefficients, and delta optical depth) at one wavelength. The lidar equation can be inverted in a linear or logarithmic form; either solution assumes a linear relationship: beta = kappa(alpha), where kappa is the lidar ratio. A number of problems prevent us from calculating alpha (or beta) with a good accuracy. Some of these are as follows: (1) the multiple scattering effect (most authors neglect it); (2) an absolute calibration of the lidar system (difficult and sometimes not possible); (3) lack of accuracy on the lidar ratio k (taken as constant, but in fact it varies with range and cloud species); and (4) the determination of boundary condition for logarithmic solution which depends on signal to noise ration (SNR) at cloud top. An inversion in a linear form needs an absolute calibration of the system. In practice one uses molecular backscattering below the cloud to calibrate the system. This method is not permanent because the lower atmosphere turbidity is variable. For a logarithmic solution, a reference extinction coefficient (alpha(sub f)) at cloud top is required. Several methods to determine alpha(sub f) were suggested. We tested these methods at low SNR. This led us to propose two new methods referenced as S1 and S2.
Microwave scattering and emission from a half-space anisotropic random medium
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mudaliar, Saba; Lee, Jay Kyoon
1990-12-01
This paper is a sequel to an earlier paper (Lee and Mudaliar, 1988) where the backscattering coefficients of a half-space anisotropic random medium were obtained. Here the bistatic scattering coefficients are calculated by solving the modified radiative transfer equations under a first-order approximation. The effects of multiple scattering on the results are observed. Emissivities are calculated and compared with those obtained using the Born approximation (single scattering). Several interesting properties of the model are brought to notice using numerical examples. Finally, as an application, the theory is used to interpret the passive remote sensing data of multiyear sea ice in the microwave frequency range. A quite close agreement between theoretical prediction and the measured data is found.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ji, Hongzhu; Zhang, Yinchao; Chen, Siying; Chen, He; Guo, Pan
2018-06-01
An iterative method, based on a derived inverse relationship between atmospheric backscatter coefficient and aerosol lidar ratio, is proposed to invert the lidar ratio profile and aerosol extinction coefficient. The feasibility of this method is investigated theoretically and experimentally. Simulation results show the inversion accuracy of aerosol optical properties for iterative method can be improved in the near-surface aerosol layer and the optical thick layer. Experimentally, as a result of the reduced insufficiency error and incoherence error, the aerosol optical properties with higher accuracy can be obtained in the near-surface region and the region of numerical derivative distortion. In addition, the particle component can be distinguished roughly based on this improved lidar ratio profile.
Fraczek, Michael; Behrendt, Andreas; Schmitt, Nikolaus
2012-01-10
Flight safety in all weather conditions demands exact and reliable determination of flight-critical air parameters. Air speed, temperature, density, and pressure are essential for aircraft control. Conventional air data systems can be impacted by probe failure caused by mechanical damage from hail, volcanic ash, and icing. While optical air speed measurement methods have been discussed elsewhere, in this paper, a new concept for optically measuring the air temperature, density, pressure, moisture, and particle backscatter is presented, being independent on assumptions on the atmospheric state and eliminating the drawbacks of conventional aircraft probes by providing a different measurement principle. The concept is based on a laser emitting laser pulses into the atmosphere through a window and detecting the signals backscattered from a fixed region just outside the disturbed area of the fuselage flows. With four receiver channels, different spectral portions of the backscattered light are extracted. The measurement principle of air temperature and density is based on extracting two signals out of the rotational Raman (RR) backscatter signal of air molecules. For measuring the water vapor mixing ratio-and thus the density of the moist air-a water vapor Raman channel is included. The fourth channel serves to detect the elastic backscatter signal, which is essential for extending the measurements into clouds. This channel contributes to the detection of aerosols, which is interesting for developing a future volcanic ash warning system for aircraft. Detailed and realistic optimization and performance calculations have been performed based on the parameters of a first prototype of such a measurement system. The impact and correction of systematic error sources, such as solar background at daytime and elastic signal cross talk appearing in optically dense clouds, have been investigated. The results of the simulations show the high potential of the proposed system for reliable operation in different atmospheric conditions. Based on a laser emitting pulses at a wavelength of 532 nm with 200 mJ pulse energy, the expected measurement precisions (1-σ statistical uncertainty) are <0.6 K for temperature, <0.3% for density, and <0.4% for pressure for the detection of a single laser pulse at a flight altitude of 13,000 m at daytime. The errors will be smaller during nighttime or at lower altitudes. Even in optically very dense clouds with backscatter ratios of 10,000 and RR filters suppressing the elastic backscatter by 6 orders of magnitude, total errors of <1.4 K, <0.4%, and <0.9%, are expected, respectively. The calculations show that aerospace accuracy standards will be met with even lower pulse energies of 75 mJ for pressure and 18 mJ for temperature measurements when the backscatter signals of 10 laser pulses are averaged. Using laser sources at 355 nm will lead to a further reduction of the necessary pulse energies by more than a factor of 3. © 2012 Optical Society of America
1993-06-15
for another polar area. For samples from Antartic waters, the mean a*pan(4 3 5 ), normalized to chl a + pheo, was 0.0 18 m2 (mg chl a)-I (Mitchell and...specific absorption coefficients, was suggested as the cause of relatively low mean specific absorption coefficients in the Antartic . The values of c1...moored optical sensors in the Sargasso Sea. J. Geophys. Res. 97, 7399-7412. Mitchell, B.G., and 0. Holm-Hansen 1991. Bio-optical properties of Antartic
Prediction of Particle Concentration using Traffic Emission Model
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
He, Hong-di; Lu, Jane Wei-zhen
2010-05-01
Vehicle emission is regarded as one of major sources of air pollution in urban area. Much attention has been addressed on it especially at traffic intersection. At intersection, vehicles frequently stop with idling engine during the red time and speed-up rapidly in the green time, which result in a high velocity fluctuation and produce extra pollutants to the surrounding air. To deeply understand such process, a semi-empirical model for predicting the changing effect of traffic flow patterns on particulate concentrations is proposed. The performance of the model is evaluated using the correlation coefficient and other parameters. From the results, the correlation coefficients in morning and afternoon data were found to be 0.86 an 0.73 respectively, which implies that the semi-empirical model for morning and afternoon data are 86% and 73% error free. Due to less affected by possible factors such as traffic volume and movement of pedestrian, the dispersion of the particulate matter in the morning is smaller and then contributes to higher performance than that in the afternoon.
Intra and inter-continental aerosol transport and local and regional impacts
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Charles, Leona Ann Marie
Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to establish a nationally uniform air quality index for the reporting of air quality. In 1976, the EPA established this index, then called the Pollutant Standards Index, for use by state and local communities across the country. The Index provides information on pollutant concentrations for ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. On July 18, 1997, the EPA revised the ozone and particulate matter standards, in light of a comprehensive review of new scientific evidence including refined fine particulate matter standards.* Any program which is designed to improve air quality must devise tools in which emissions, meteorology, air chemistry and transport are understood. Clearly, the complexity of this task requires measurements at both regional and mesoscale ranges, as well as on a continental scale to investigate long range transport. Unfortunately, determination of fine particulate matter (PM) concentrations is particularly difficult since an accurate measurement of PM2.5 relies on costly equipment which cannot provide the complete transport story and the mixing and dispersion of particulate matter is much more complex than that for trace gases. Besides the need for accurate measurements as a way of documenting air quality standards, the EPA is required in the near future to implement a 24 hour Air Quality Forecast. Current forecast tools are usually based on emission inventories and meteorological forecasts, but significant work is being done in trying to assimilate both ground measurements as well as satellite measurements into these schemes. Clearly, the 'Holy Grail' would be the capability of assimilating full 3D (+ time) measurements. However, since satellite measurements are primarily passive, only total air column properties such as aerosol optical depth can be retrieved. In particular, it is not possible to determine the vertical layering of aerosols in the troposphere from passive remote sensing measurements. Therefore, the connection with air pollution is very poor. Furthermore, the vertical structure of the aerosol is very important in assessing transport events and how they mix with the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL). The need to fill this data gap and supply vertical information on plume detection has led to the launch of the Cloud Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite (CALIPSO) space borne lidar system, which can in principle provide vertical profiles of aerosol backscatter that can be used in the assimilation schemes. One particular problem which needs to be addressed, is the fact that the relationship between the optical scattering coefficients (or AOD) and the PM2.5 mass is not simple. Finally, regarding non-attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), it has also been shown that a significant portion of the PM2.5 aerosol mass can be due to non-local sources. This fact is critical in assessing the appropriate strategy in emission controls, as part of the state implementation plan (SIP) to come into compliance. However, these studies are usually based on statistical analysis tools such as Positive Factor Analysis (PFA), and are not applicable to any single measurement. In addition, little is known about the impact of episodic long range transport as a possible mechanism for affecting local pollution. Such a mechanism cannot be investigated by statistical means or by any existing air transport models which do not consider high altitude plumes (aerosol layers), and must be studied solely with an appropriate suite of measurements including the simultaneous use of sky radiometers, lidars and satellites. Furthermore, since fine particulate matter is so crucial to identify, multi-wavelength determination of aerosol properties such as angstrom coefficient are necessary. It is our purpose to investigate the possibility that such long range transport events can indeed affect local air-quality. This may first seem improbable due to the high plume altitudes, but we will show by case studies that significant mixing into the PBL can occur and affect local air quality. In particular, in chapters 5 and 6 we investigate dust and smoke transport events respectively, showing the usefulness of multi-wavelength lidar measurements to study the interaction of aerosols in the PBL with long range advected aerosol plumes. Our measurements are used to determine the plume angstrom exponent, which allows us to differentiate smoke events from dust events, as well as partitioning the total aerosol optical depth obtained from a CIMEL sky radiometer between the PBL and the high altitude plumes.* (Abstract shortened by UMI.) *Please refer to dissertation for diagrams.
Monitoring of biophysical parameters of cashew plants in Cambodia using ALOS/PALSAR data.
Avtar, Ram; Takeuchi, Wataru; Sawada, Haruo
2013-02-01
An accurate estimation of a plant's age is required for the prediction of yield and management practices. This study demonstrates the relationship between backscattering properties (σ°) of Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) dual polarimetric data with cashew plants' biophysical parameters (height, age, crown diameter, diameter at breast height, basal area, tree density, and biomass) in Cambodia. PALSAR σ° has shown a positive correlation with the biophysical parameters of cashew plants. The value of σ° increases with the age of cashew plants. At a young stage, the cashew plants show a higher rate of an increase in σ° compared to that at the mature stage. The σ° horizontal polarization transmitted and vertical received (HV) shows higher sensitivity to the plant's growth than σ° horizontal polarization transmitted and received (HH). High backscattering and low variations were observed at mature stage (8-12 years) of cashew plantation. Saturation in backscattering has shown from the age of about 13 years. The validation results indicate strong coefficient of determination (R(2) = 0.86 and 0.88) for PALSAR-predicted age and biomass of cashew plants with root mean square error = 1.8 years and 16.3 t/ha for age and biomass, respectively. The correlations of σ° (HH) with biophysical parameters observed in the dry season were better than those of the rainy season because soil moisture interferes with backscattering in the rainy season. Biomass accumulation rate of cashew plants has been predicted that would be useful for selection of plants species to enhance carbon sequestration. This study provides an insight to use PALSAR for the monitoring of growth stages of plants at the regional level.
Cruise to the Chukchi Borderland, Arctic Ocean
Grantz, Arthur; ,
1993-01-01
Oceanography and geology were the principal focuses of the U.S. Geological Survey-sponsored expedition Arctic Summer West '92, which traveled to the eastern part of the Chukchi Borderland of the Amerasia Basin, western Arctic Ocean. The expedition took place from August 20 to September 25, 1992, aboard the Coast Guard cutter Polar Star. USGS investigated the geologic framework and tectonic origin of the borderland, Arctic Quaternary paleoclimate, sea-ice transport of particulate matter in the Beaufort Gyre, and possible radionuclide contamination of the water column and seafloor off Alaska from sources in the Russian Arctic. Researchers from five other institutions studied the area's oceanography, age of the water column, paleoenvironment of the Holocene sediment, physical properties and synthetic-aperture radar backscatter of sea ice, and the drop-stone content of late Quaternary sediment.
Weatherbee, Andrew; Sugita, Mitsuro; Bizheva, Kostadinka; Popov, Ivan; Vitkin, Alex
2016-06-15
The distribution of backscattered intensities as described by the probability density function (PDF) of tissue-scattered light contains information that may be useful for tissue assessment and diagnosis, including characterization of its pathology. In this Letter, we examine the PDF description of the light scattering statistics in a well characterized tissue-like particulate medium using optical coherence tomography (OCT). It is shown that for low scatterer density, the governing statistics depart considerably from a Gaussian description and follow the K distribution for both OCT amplitude and intensity. The PDF formalism is shown to be independent of the scatterer flow conditions; this is expected from theory, and suggests robustness and motion independence of the OCT amplitude (and OCT intensity) PDF metrics in the context of potential biomedical applications.
Quantitative RNFL attenuation coefficient measurements by RPE-normalized OCT data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Vermeer, K. A.; van der Schoot, J.; Lemij, H. G.; de Boer, J. F.
2012-03-01
We demonstrate significantly different scattering coefficients of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) between normal and glaucoma subjects. In clinical care, SD-OCT is routinely used to assess the RNFL thickness for glaucoma management. In this way, the full OCT data set is conveniently reduced to an easy to interpret output, matching results from older (non- OCT) instruments. However, OCT provides more data, such as the signal strength itself, which is due to backscattering in the retinal layers. For quantitative analysis, this signal should be normalized to adjust for local differences in the intensity of the beam that reaches the retina. In this paper, we introduce a model that relates the OCT signal to the attenuation coefficient of the tissue. The average RNFL signal (within an A-line) was then normalized based on the observed RPE signal, resulting in normalized RNFL attenuation coefficient maps. These maps showed local defects matching those found in thickness data. The average (normalized) RNFL attenuation coefficient of a fixed band around the optic nerve head was significantly lower in glaucomatous eyes than in normal eyes (3.0mm-1 vs. 4.9mm-1, P<0.01, Mann-Whitney test).
Preliminary analysis of the sensitivity of AIRSAR images to soil moisture variations
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Pardipuram, Rajan; Teng, William L.; Wang, James R.; Engman, Edwin T.
1993-01-01
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images acquired from various sources such as Shuttle Imaging Radar B (SIR-B) and airborne SAR (AIRSAR) have been analyzed for signatures of soil moisture. The SIR-B measurements have shown a strong correlation between measurements of surface soil moisture (0-5 cm) and the radar backscattering coefficient sigma(sup o). The AIRSAR measurements, however, indicated a lower sensitivity. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the causes for this reduced sensitivity.
Acoustic Coherent Backscatter Enhancement from Aggregations of Point Scatterers
2015-09-30
and far-field acoustic multiple scattering from two- and now three-dimensional aggregations of omnidirectional point scatterers to determine the...an aggregation of omnidirectional point scatterers [1]. If ψ(r) is the harmonic acoustic pressure field at frequency ω at the point r and ψ0(r) is... scattered field and is given by the sum in (1), N is the number of scatterers , gn is the scattering coefficient of the nth scatterer , ψn(rn) is the field
Absence of solute drag in solidification
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kittl, J. A.; Aziz, M. J.; Brunco, D. P.; Thompson, M. O.
1994-05-01
The interface response functions for alloy solidification were measured in the nondegenerate regime of partial solute trapping. We used a new technique to measure temperatures and velocities simultaneously during rapid solidification of Si-As alloys induced by pulsed laser melting. In addition, partition coefficients were determined using Rutherford backscattering. The results are in good agreement with predictions of the Continuous Growth Model without solute drag of M. J. Aziz and T. Kaplan [Acta Metall. 36, 1335 (1988)] and are inconsistent with all solute drag models.
Coastal Atmosphere and Sea Time Series (CoASTS)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hooker, Stanford B. (Editor); Firestone, Elaine R. (Editor); Zibordi, Giuseppe; Berthon, Jean-Francoise; Doyle, John P.; Grossi, Stefania; vanderLinde, Dirk; Targa, Cristina; Alberotanza, Luigi; McClain, Charles R. (Technical Monitor)
2002-01-01
The Coastal Atmosphere and Sea Time Series (CoASTS) Project aimed at supporting ocean color research and applications, from 1995 up to the time of publication of this document, has ensured the collection of a comprehensive atmospheric and marine data set from an oceanographic tower located in the northern Adriatic Sea. The instruments and the measurement methodologies used to gather quantities relevant for bio-optical modeling and for the calibration and validation of ocean color sensors, are described. Particular emphasis is placed on four items: (1) the evaluation of perturbation effects in radiometric data (i.e., tower-shading, instrument self-shading, and bottom effects); (2) the intercomparison of seawater absorption coefficients from in situ measurements and from laboratory spectrometric analysis on discrete samples; (3) the intercomparison of two filter techniques for in vivo measurement of particulate absorption coefficients; and (4) the analysis of repeatability and reproducibility of the most relevant laboratory measurements carried out on seawater samples (i.e., particulate and yellow substance absorption coefficients, and pigment and total suspended matter concentrations). Sample data are also presented and discussed to illustrate the typical features characterizing the CoASTS measurement site in view of supporting the suitability of the CoASTS data set for bio-optical modeling and ocean color calibration and validation.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kaufman, Yoram; Mattoo, Shana; Tanre, Didier; Kleidman, Richard; Lau, William K. M. (Technical Monitor)
2001-01-01
The ESSP3-CENA space mission (formally PICASSO-CENA) will provide continues global observations with a two wavelength lidar. The attenuated backscattering coefficients measured by the lidar, have valuable information about the vertical distribution of aerosol particles and their sizes. However the information cannot be mapped into unique aerosol physical properties. Infinite number of physical solutions with different attenuations through the atmosphere can reconstruct the same two wavelength backscattered profile measured from space. Spectral radiance measured by MODIS simultaneously with the ESSP3 data can constrain the problem and resolve this ambiguity to a large extent. Sensitivity study shows that inversion of the integrated MODIS+ESSP3 data can derive the vertical profiles of the fine and coarse modes mixed in the same atmospheric column in the presence of moderate calibration uncertainties and electronic noise (approx. 10%). We shall present the sensitivity study and results from application of the technique to measurements in the SAFARI-2000 and SHADE experiments.
An ultra-high gain and efficient amplifier based on Raman amplification in plasma
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Vieux, G.; Cipiccia, S.; Grant, D. W.
Raman amplification arising from the excitation of a density echelon in plasma could lead to amplifiers that significantly exceed current power limits of conventional laser media. Here we show that 1–100 J pump pulses can amplify picojoule seed pulses to nearly joule level. The extremely high gain also leads to significant amplification of backscattered radiation from “noise”, arising from stochastic plasma fluctuations that competes with externally injected seed pulses, which are amplified to similar levels at the highest pump energies. The pump energy is scattered into the seed at an oblique angle with 14 J sr -1, and net gainsmore » of more than eight orders of magnitude. The maximum gain coefficient, of 180 cm -1, exceeds high-power solid-state amplifying media by orders of magnitude. The observation of a minimum of 640 J sr -1 directly backscattered from noise, corresponding to ≈10% of the pump energy in the observation solid angle, implies potential overall efficiencies greater than 10%.« less
An ultra-high gain and efficient amplifier based on Raman amplification in plasma
Vieux, G.; Cipiccia, S.; Grant, D. W.; ...
2017-05-25
Raman amplification arising from the excitation of a density echelon in plasma could lead to amplifiers that significantly exceed current power limits of conventional laser media. Here we show that 1–100 J pump pulses can amplify picojoule seed pulses to nearly joule level. The extremely high gain also leads to significant amplification of backscattered radiation from “noise”, arising from stochastic plasma fluctuations that competes with externally injected seed pulses, which are amplified to similar levels at the highest pump energies. The pump energy is scattered into the seed at an oblique angle with 14 J sr -1, and net gainsmore » of more than eight orders of magnitude. The maximum gain coefficient, of 180 cm -1, exceeds high-power solid-state amplifying media by orders of magnitude. The observation of a minimum of 640 J sr -1 directly backscattered from noise, corresponding to ≈10% of the pump energy in the observation solid angle, implies potential overall efficiencies greater than 10%.« less
Analysis-Software for Hyperspectral Algal Reflectance Probes v. 1.0
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Timlin, Jerilyn A.; Reichardt, Thomas A.; Jenson, Travis J.
This software provides onsite analysis of the hyperspectral reflectance data acquired on an outdoor algal pond by a multichannel, fiber-coupled spectroradiometer. The analysis algorithm is based on numerical inversion of a reflectance model, in which the above-water reflectance is expressed as a function of the single backscattering albedo, which is dependent on the backscatter and absorption coefficients of the algal culture, which are in turn related to the algal biomass and pigment optical activity, respectively. Prior to the development of this software, while raw multichannel data were displayed in real time, analysis required a post-processing procedure to extract the relevantmore » parameters. This software provides the capability to track the temporal variation of such culture parameters in real time, as raw data are being acquired, or can be run in a post processing mode. The software allows the user to select between different algal species, incorporate the appropriate calibration data, and observe the quality of the resulting model inversions.« less
Efficient Strategies for Estimating the Spatial Coherence of Backscatter
Hyun, Dongwoon; Crowley, Anna Lisa C.; Dahl, Jeremy J.
2017-01-01
The spatial coherence of ultrasound backscatter has been proposed to reduce clutter in medical imaging, to measure the anisotropy of the scattering source, and to improve the detection of blood flow. These techniques rely on correlation estimates that are obtained using computationally expensive strategies. In this study, we assess existing spatial coherence estimation methods and propose three computationally efficient modifications: a reduced kernel, a downsampled receive aperture, and the use of an ensemble correlation coefficient. The proposed methods are implemented in simulation and in vivo studies. Reducing the kernel to a single sample improved computational throughput and improved axial resolution. Downsampling the receive aperture was found to have negligible effect on estimator variance, and improved computational throughput by an order of magnitude for a downsample factor of 4. The ensemble correlation estimator demonstrated lower variance than the currently used average correlation. Combining the three methods, the throughput was improved 105-fold in simulation with a downsample factor of 4 and 20-fold in vivo with a downsample factor of 2. PMID:27913342
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Antoine, D.; Hooker, S. B.; Bélanger, S.; Matsuoka, A.; Babin, M.
2013-07-01
A data set of radiometric measurements collected in the Beaufort Sea (Canadian Arctic) in August 2009 (Malina project) is analyzed in order to describe apparent optical properties (AOPs) in this sea, which has been subject to dramatic environmental changes for several decades. The two properties derived from the measurements are the spectral diffuse attenuation coefficient for downward irradiance, Kd, and the spectral remote sensing reflectance, Rrs. The former controls light propagation in the upper water column. The latter determines how light is backscattered out of the water and becomes eventually observable from a satellite ocean color sensor. The data set includes offshore clear waters of the Beaufort Basin as well as highly turbid waters of the Mackenzie River plumes. In the clear waters, we show Kd values that are much larger in the ultraviolet and blue parts of the spectrum than what could be anticipated considering the chlorophyll concentration. A larger contribution of absorption by colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is responsible for these high Kd values, as compared to other oligotrophic areas. In turbid waters, attenuation reaches extremely high values, driven by high loads of particulate materials and also by a large CDOM content. In these two extreme types of waters, current satellite chlorophyll algorithms fail. This questions the role of ocean color remote sensing in the Arctic when Rrs from only the blue and green bands are used. Therefore, other parts of the spectrum (e.g., the red) should be explored if one aims at quantifying interannual changes in chlorophyll in the Arctic from space. The very peculiar AOPs in the Beaufort Sea also advocate for developing specific light propagation models when attempting to predict light availability for photosynthesis at depth.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Antoine, D.; Hooker, S. B.; Belanger, S.; Matsuoka, A.; Babin, M.
2013-03-01
A data set of radiometric measurements collected in the Beaufort Sea (Canadian Arctic) in August 2009 (MALINA project) is analysed in order to describe apparent optical properties (AOPs) in this sea, which is subject to dramatic environmental changes for several decades. The two properties derived from the measurements are the spectral diffuse attenuation coefficient for downward irradiance, Kd, and the spectral remote sensing reflectance, Rrs. The former controls light propagation in the upper water column. The latter determines how light is backscattered out of the water and becomes eventually observable from a satellite ocean colour sensor. The data set includes offshore clear waters of the Beaufort basin as well as highly turbid waters of the Mackenzie River plumes. In the clear waters, we show Kd values that are much larger in the ultraviolet and blue parts of the spectrum than what could be anticipated considering the chlorophyll concentration. A larger contribution of absorption by coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is responsible for this high Kd values, as compared to other oligotrophic areas. In turbid waters, attenuation reaches extremely high values, driven by high loads of particulate materials and also by a large CDOM content. In these two extreme types of waters, current satellite chlorophyll algorithms fail. This is questioning the role of ocean colour remote sensing in the Arctic when Rrs from only the blue and green bands are used. Therefore, other parts of the spectrum (e.g. the red) should be explored if one aims at quantifying interannual changes in chlorophyll in the Arctic from space. The very peculiar AOPs in the Beaufort Sea also advocate for developing specific light propagation models when attempting to predict light availability for photosynthesis at depth.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Omar, Ali H.; Liu, Zhaoyan; Vaughan, Mark A.; Hu, Yongxiang; Ismail, Syed; Powell, Kathleen A.; Winker, David M.; Trepte, Charles R.; Anderson, Bruce E.
2010-01-01
We determine the aerosol extinction-to-backscatter (Sa) ratios of dust using airborne in-situ measurements of microphysical properties, and CALIPSO observations during the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA). The NAMMA field experiment was conducted from Sal, Cape Verde during Aug-Sept 2006. Using CALIPSO measurements of the attenuated backscatter of lofted Saharan dust layers, we apply the transmittance technique to estimate dust Sa ratios at 532 nm and a 2-color method to determine the corresponding 1064 nm Sa. Using this method, we found dust Sa ratios of 39.8 plus or minus 1.4 sr and 51.8 plus or minus 3.6 sr at 532 nm and 1064 nm, respectively. Secondly, Sa ratios at both wavelengths is independently calculated using size distributions measured aboard the NASA DC-8 and estimates of Saharan dust complex refractive indices applied in a T-Matrix scheme. We found Sa ratios of 39.1 plus or minus 3.5 sr and 50.0 plus or minus 4 sr at 532 nm and 1064 nm, respectively, using the T-Matrix calculations applied to measured size spectra. Finally, in situ measurements of the total scattering (550 nm) and absorption coefficients (532 nm) are used to generate an extinction profile that is used to constrain the CALIPSO 532 nm extinction profile.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yang, Yuande; Hwang, Cheinway; E, Dongchen
2014-09-01
A new method, called the fixed full-matrix method (FFM), is used to compute height changes at crossovers of satellite altimeter ground tracks. Using the ENVISAT data in East Antarctica, FFM results in crossovers of altimeter heights that are 1.9 and 79 times more than those from the fixed half method (FHM) and the one-row method (ORM). The mean standard error of height changes is about 14 cm from ORM, which is reduced to 7 cm by FHM and to 3 cm by FFM. Unlike FHM, FFM leads to uniform errors in the first-half and second-half height-change time series. FFM has the advantage in improving the accuracy of the change of height and backscattered power over ORM and FHM. Assisted by the ICESat-derived height changes, we determine the optimal threshold correlation coefficient (TCC) for a best correction for the backscatter effect on ENVISAT height changes. The TCC value of 0.92 yields an optimal result for FFM. With this value, FFM yields ENVISAT-derived height change rates in East Antarctica mostly falling between and 3 cm/year, and matching the ICESat result to 0.94 cm/year. The ENVISAT result will provide a constraint on the current mass balance result along the Chinese expedition route CHINARE.
Watts, Winthrop F.; Gladis, David D.; Schumacher, Matthew F.; Ragatz, Adam C.; Kittelson, David B.
2010-01-01
A low cost, battery-operated, portable, real-time aerosol analyzer is not available for monitoring diesel particulate matter (DPM) concentrations in underground mines. This study summarizes a field evaluation conducted at an underground limestone mine to evaluate the potential of the TSI AM 510 portable photometer (equipped with a Dorr-Oliver cyclone and 1.0-μm impactor) to qualitatively track time-weighted average mass and elemental, organic, and total carbon (TC) measurements associated with diesel emissions. The calibration factor corrected correlation coefficient (R2) between the underground TC and photometer measurements was 0.93. The main issues holding back the use of a photometer for real-time estimation of DPM in an underground mine are the removal of non-DPM-associated particulate matter from the aerosol stream using devices, such as a cyclone and/or impactor and calibration of the photometer to mine-specific aerosol. PMID:20410071
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Zhang, Yang; Sunwoo, Young; Kotamarthi, Veerabhadra; Carmichael, Gregory R.
1994-01-01
The influence of dust on the tropospheric photochemical oxidant cycle is studied through the use of a detailed coupled aerosol and gas-phase chemistry model. Dust is a significant component of the troposphere throughout Asia and provides a surface for a variety of heterogeneous reactions. Dust is found to be an important surface for particulate nitrate formation. For dust loading and ambient concentrations representative of conditions in East Asia, particulate nitrate levels of 1.5-11.5 micrograms/cubic meter are predicted, consistent with measured levels in this region. Dust is also found to reduce NO(x) levels by up to 50%, HO2 concentrations by 20%-80%, and ozone production rates by up to 25%. The magnitude of the influence of dust is sensitive to mass concentration of the aerosol, relative humidity, and the value of the accommodation coefficient.
Lidars for smoke and dust cloud diagnostics
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Fujimura, S. F.; Warren, R. E.; Lutomirski, R. F.
1980-11-01
An algorithm that integrates a time-resolved lidar signature for use in estimating transmittance, extinction coefficient, mass concentration, and CL values generated under battlefield conditions is applied to lidar signatures measured during the DIRT-I tests. Estimates are given for the dependence of the inferred transmittance and extinction coefficient on uncertainties in parameters such as the obscurant backscatter-to-extinction ratio. The enhanced reliability in estimating transmittance through use of a target behind the obscurant cloud is discussed. It is found that the inversion algorithm can produce reliable estimates of smoke or dust transmittance and extinction from all points within the cloud for which a resolvable signal can be detected, and that a single point calibration measurement can convert the extinction values to mass concentration for each resolvable signal point.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Pitman, Karly M.; Kolokolova, Ludmilla; Verbiscer, Anne J.; Mackowski, Daniel W.; Joseph, Emily C. S.
2017-12-01
The coherent backscattering effect (CBE), the constructive interference of light scattering in particulate surfaces (e.g., regolith), manifests as a non-linear increase in reflectance, or opposition surge, and a narrow negative polarization feature at small solar phase angles. Due to a strong dependence of the amplitude and angular width of this opposition surge on the absorptive characteristics of the surface material, CBE also produces phase-angle-dependent variations in the near-infrared spectra. In this paper we present a survey of such variations in the spectra of icy satellites of Saturn obtained by the Cassini spacecraft's Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) and in the ground-based spectra of Oberon, a satellite of Uranus, obtained with TripleSpec, a cross-dispersed near-infrared spectrometer on the Astrophysical Research Consortium 3.5-m telescope located at the Apache Point Observatory near Sunspot, New Mexico. The paper also presents computer modeling of the saturnian satellite spectra and their phase-angle variations using the most recent version of the Multi-Sphere T-Matrix (MSTM) code developed to simulate light scattering by layers of randomly distributed spherical particles. The modeling allowed us not only to reproduce the observed effects but also to estimate characteristics of the icy particles that cover the surfaces of Rhea, Dione, and Tethys.
Numerical Simulations of Single and Multiple Scattering by Fractal Ice Clusters
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dlugach, Janna M.; Mishchenko, Michael I.; Mackowski, Daniel W.
2011-01-01
We consider the scattering model in the form of a vertically and horizontally homogeneous particulate slab of an arbitrary optical thickness composed of widely separated fractal aggregates built of small spherical ice monomers. The aggregates are generated by applying three different approaches, including simulated cluster-cluster aggregation (CCA) and diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) procedures. Having in mind radar remote-sensing applications, we report and analyze the results of computations of the backscattering circular polarization ratio obtained using efficient superposition T-matrix and vector radiative-transfer codes. The computations have been performed at a wavelength of 12.6 cm for fractal aggregates with the following characteristics: monomer refractive index m=1.78+i0.003, monomer radius r=1 cm, monomer packing density p=0.2, overall aggregate radii R in the range 4<=R<=10 cm and fractal dimensions D(sub f) 2.5 and 3. We show that for aggregates generated with simulated CCA and DLA procedures, the respective values of the backscattering circular polarization ratio differ weakly for D(sub f) 2.5, but the differences can increase somewhat for D(sub f)3, especially in case of an optically semi-infinite medium. For aggregates with a spheroidal overall shape, the dependence of the circular polarization ratio on the cluster morphology can be quite significant and increases with increasing the aspect ratio of the circumscribing spheroid.
On-road particulate emission measurement
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mazzoleni, Claudio
Particulate matter (PM) suspended in the atmosphere has harmful health effects, contributes to visibility impairment, and affects atmospheric radiative transfer, thereby contributing to global change. Vehicles contribute substantially to the ambient PM concentration in urban areas, yet the fraction of ambient PM originating from vehicle emissions is poorly characterized because suitable measurement methods have not been available. This dissertation describes the development and the use of a new vehicle emission remote sensing system (VERSS) for the on-road measurement of PM emission factors for vehicles. The PM VERSS measures PM by ultraviolet backscattering and transmission. PM backscattering and transmission mass efficiencies have been calculated from Mie theory based on an homogeneous spherical model for gasoline particles and on a two-layers, spherical model for diesel particles. The VERSS was used in a large-scale study in Las Vegas, NV. A commercial gaseous VERSS was used for the measurement of gaseous emission factors (i.e., carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxide). Speed and acceleration were also measured for each vehicle. A video image of each vehicle's rear license plate was acquired and license plate numbers were matched with the Clark County department of motor vehicle database to retrieve vehicle information such as model year, vehicle weight category and engine ignition type. PM VERSS has precisely estimated PM fleet average emission factors and clearly shown the dependence of PM emission factors on vehicle model year. Under mostly hot-stabilized operation, diesel vehicle PM emission factors are about 25 times higher than those of gasoline vehicles. Furthermore, the fleet frequency distributions of PM emission factors are highly skewed, meaning that most of the fleet emission factor is accounted for by a small portion of the fleet. The PM VERSS can measure PM emission factors for these high emitting vehicles on an individual basis. PM emission factors measured during this study are comparable to results of previous studies. Gaseous emissions in Las Vegas are similar to those in other urban areas in the United States. For individual vehicles, the pollutants do not correlate well with each other, however averaged data clearly show functional relationships.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Moore, K. D.; Bird, A. W.; Wojcik, M.; Lemon, R.; Hatfield, J.
2014-12-01
An elastic backscatter light detection and ranging (Lidar) system emits a laser pulse and measures the return signal from molecules and particles along the path. It has been shown that particulate matter mass concentrations (PM) can be retrieved from Lidar data using multiple wavelengths. In this paper we describe a technique that allows for semi-quantitative PM determination under a set of guiding assumptions using only one laser wavelength. The Space Dynamics Laboratory has designed an eye-safe (1.5 μm) single wavelength elastic Lidar system called CELiS (Compact Eye-safe Lidar System), which is described in a companion paper, to which this technique is applied. Data utilized in the PM retrieval include the Lidar return signal, ambient temperature, ambient humidity, barometric pressure, particle size distribution, particle chemical composition, and PM measurements. Particle size distribution is measured with an optical particle counter. PM is measured with filter-based measurements. Chemical composition is determined through multiple analyses on exposed filter samples. Particle measurements are made both inside and outside of the plume of interest and collocated with the lidar beam for calibration. The meteorological and particle measurements are used to estimate the total extinction (σ) and backscatter (β) for background and plume aerosols. These σ and β values are used in conjunction with the lidar return signal in an inversion technique based on that of Klett (1985, Appl. Opt., 1638-1643). Variable σ/β ratios over the lidar beam path are used to estimate the values of σ and β at each lidar bin. A relationship between β and PM mass concentrations at calibration points is developed, which then allows the β values derived over the lidar beam path to be converted to PM. A PM-calibrated, scanning Lidar system like CELiS can be used to investigate PM concentrations and emissions over a large volume, a task that is very difficult to accomplish with typical PM sensors.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Epps, S. A.
2017-12-01
Suspended particulate matter (SPM) is an important agent in generating marine light conditions which in turn have strong influences on biogeochemical systems. SPM also behaves as a vehicle for contaminant migration and is of interest to the estimation of bulk material transport in the marine environment. The measurement of inherent optical properties (IOPs) and apparent optical properties (AOPs) is becoming increasingly important in the prediction of SPM concentration. To more fully utilize data generated in bathymetric lidar surveys, modern systems such as CZMIL (the Coastal Zone Mapping Imaging LIDAR) include a hyperspectral sensor to collect data necessary for remote sensing reflectance (Rrs), an AOP. Some IOPs can be estimated can be estimated from Rrs. Additionally, a bathymetric lidar return signal contains both absorption and backscattering components (IOPs) at 532 nm which may be utilized for SPM prediction. This research utilizes IOP measurements using AC-9, AC-S, BB-9, and LISST-100X-B sensors deployed in the Northern Gulf of Mexico concurrent with SPM collection via filtration. Concomitant Rrs values were collected using a hand held hyperspectral sensor. Several hundred linearly regressed single-parameter estimates are created to predict SPM concentration using the IOPs attenuation, total scatter, backscatter, absorption and significant amalgamations thereof. Multiple wavelengths of light are analyzed for each IOP or IOP combination. Consideration is given to the suitability of each IOP type to SPM concentration prediction. Several criteria are assessed to winnow out the best predictors. These include sensor, data, and environmental limitations. The quantitative analyses of this research assist to identify the best types of IOPs (and wavelengths) for SPM prediction. Rrs at multiple wavelengths is also considered for SPM prediction. This research is focused on the functionality of IOP and AOP based SPM concentration predictions made available from the data products of bathymetric lidar surveys. It has applications for researchers with interest in IOPs, AOPs and SPM. There are also implications for monitoring estuarine, coastal, and offshore environments using bathymetric lidar and in-situ optical sensor suites to estimate SPM.
Active microwave measurement of soil water content
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ulaby, F. T.; Cihlar, J.; Moore, R. K.
1974-01-01
Measurements of radar backscatter from bare soil at 4.7, 5.9, and 7.1 GHz for incident angles of 0-70 deg have been analyzed to determine sensitivity to soil moisture. Because the effective depth of penetration of the radar signal is only about one skin depth, the observed signals were correlated with the moisture in a skin depth as characterized by the attenuation coefficient (reciprocal of skin depth). Since the attenuation coefficient is a monotonically increasing function of moisture density, it may also be used as a measure of moisture content over the distance involved, which varies with frequency and moisture content. The measurements show an approximately linear increase in scattering with attenuation coefficient of the soil at angles within 10 deg of vertical and all frequencies. At 4.7 GHz this increase continues relatively large out to 70 deg incidence, but by 7.1 GHz the sensitivity is much less even at 20 deg and practically gone at 50 deg.
Implementation of an Analytical Raman Scattering Correction for Satellite Ocean-Color Processing
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
McKinna, Lachlan I. W.; Werdell, P. Jeremy; Proctor, Christopher W.
2016-01-01
Raman scattering of photons by seawater molecules is an inelastic scattering process. This effect can contribute significantly to the water-leaving radiance signal observed by space-borne ocean-color spectroradiometers. If not accounted for during ocean-color processing, Raman scattering can cause biases in derived inherent optical properties (IOPs). Here we describe a Raman scattering correction (RSC) algorithm that has been integrated within NASA's standard ocean-color processing software. We tested the RSC with NASA's Generalized Inherent Optical Properties algorithm (GIOP). A comparison between derived IOPs and in situ data revealed that the magnitude of the derived backscattering coefficient and the phytoplankton absorption coefficient were reduced when the RSC was applied, whilst the absorption coefficient of colored dissolved and detrital matter remained unchanged. Importantly, our results show that the RSC did not degrade the retrieval skill of the GIOP. In addition, a timeseries study of oligotrophic waters near Bermuda showed that the RSC did not introduce unwanted temporal trends or artifacts into derived IOPs.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
He, Shuangyan; Zhang, Xiaodong; Xiong, Yuanheng; Gray, Deric
2017-11-01
The subsurface remote sensing reflectance (rrs, sr-1), particularly its bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), depends fundamentally on the angular shape of the volume scattering functions (VSFs, m-1 sr-1). Recent technological advancement has greatly expanded the collection, and the knowledge of natural variability, of the VSFs of oceanic particles. This allows us to test the Zaneveld's theoretical rrs model that explicitly accounts for particle VSF shapes. We parameterized the rrs model based on HydroLight simulations using 114 VSFs measured in three coastal waters around the United States and in oceanic waters of North Atlantic Ocean. With the absorption coefficient (a), backscattering coefficient (bb), and VSF shape as inputs, the parameterized model is able to predict rrs with a root mean square relative error of ˜4% for solar zenith angles from 0 to 75°, viewing zenith angles from 0 to 60°, and viewing azimuth angles from 0 to 180°. A test with the field data indicates the performance of our model, when using only a and bb as inputs and selecting the VSF shape using bb, is comparable to or slightly better than the currently used models by Morel et al. and Lee et al. Explicitly expressing VSF shapes in rrs modeling has great potential to further constrain the uncertainty in the ocean color studies as our knowledge on the VSFs of natural particles continues to improve. Our study represents a first effort in this direction.
Temporally Coincident Lidar Measurements from UMBC with CALIPSO during the Initial Validation Period
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hoff, R. M.; Delgado, R.; Rogers, R.; Torres, O.; McCann, K.
2006-12-01
During June-October, 2006, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Elastic Lidar Facilty (ELF) was operated for over 30 overpasses of the CALIPSO satellite. Like CALIPSO, the ELF operates at 532 nm and 1064 nm and has polarization capability. Many of these overpasses were temporally well aligned but were considerably distant from the UMBC campus. Since the aerosol features in the lowest part of the boundary layer are dynamic, "validation" of the CALIPSO profiles from such a ground-based data set is nearly impossible. This paper will examine the suite of overpass measurements in a statistical sense. Cases where the UMBC lidar and Calipso attenuated backscatter coefficient can be compared by difference as a function of height will be shown. Additionally, probability density functions (PDF) of attenuated backscatter coefficient within the PBL and above for various spatial offsets are examined. Digital data from the CALIOP lidar on CALIPSO is only beginning to be released at the time of writing of this abstract and this paper will present a more thorough comparison of these cases at the AGU meeting. The validation data taken during this period also revealed transport of plumes of smoke from Canada over UMBC. We have used the UMBC lidar data and the CALIPSO data to help constrain retrievals in the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) aerosol optical depth data. An example of how this synergistic use of instruments on two satellites and from the ground during A-Train overpasses will be discussed.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Razenkov, I. A.
2017-11-01
Micro pulse lasers have allowed solution of some technical problems and design of a specialized aerosol lidar capable of recording backscattering amplification (BSA) in a turbulent atmosphere (2014) by now. The BSA-lidar has two receiving channels, one of which is affected by a turbulence. The measurement result is the ratio of echo signals, i.e., the coefficient of backscattering amplification. The problem of lidar data inversion and retrieval of "optical" turbulence parameters was recently solved by V.V. Vorob'ev theoretically (2016). A lidar experiment was organized for testing the solution, and the asymptotic solution was applied to echo signals, which allowed estimating the daily behavior of the structural characteristics Cn 2 along a horizontal 2-km path. The experiment was accompanied by parallel independent measurements of Cn 2 by an image jitter sensor along the same path. It was shown experimentally that the Vorob'ev solution is applicable to Cn 2 retrieval from BSA-lidar data if β0 2<=3 for β0 2>3, the saturation of the amplification effect and a decrease in the experimental data with respect to calculation results are observed. The coefficient of correlation between the retrieved structural characteristics Cn 2 of the lidar and jitter sensor is 0.8-0.9. The Cn 2 values retrieved from lidar signals turned out to be 20-40% lower than the Cn 2 values of the image jitter sensor.
Smsynth: AN Imagery Synthesis System for Soil Moisture Retrieval
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cao, Y.; Xu, L.; Peng, J.
2018-04-01
Soil moisture (SM) is a important variable in various research areas, such as weather and climate forecasting, agriculture, drought and flood monitoring and prediction, and human health. An ongoing challenge in estimating SM via synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is the development of the retrieval SM methods, especially the empirical models needs as training samples a lot of measurements of SM and soil roughness parameters which are very difficult to acquire. As such, it is difficult to develop empirical models using realistic SAR imagery and it is necessary to develop methods to synthesis SAR imagery. To tackle this issue, a SAR imagery synthesis system based on the SM named SMSynth is presented, which can simulate radar signals that are realistic as far as possible to the real SAR imagery. In SMSynth, SAR backscatter coefficients for each soil type are simulated via the Oh model under the Bayesian framework, where the spatial correlation is modeled by the Markov random field (MRF) model. The backscattering coefficients simulated based on the designed soil parameters and sensor parameters are added into the Bayesian framework through the data likelihood where the soil parameters and sensor parameters are set as realistic as possible to the circumstances on the ground and in the validity range of the Oh model. In this way, a complete and coherent Bayesian probabilistic framework is established. Experimental results show that SMSynth is capable of generating realistic SAR images that suit the needs of a large amount of training samples of empirical models.
In vitro chronic hepatic disease characterization with a multiparametric ultrasonic approach.
Meziri, M; Pereira, W C A; Abdelwahab, A; Degott, C; Laugier, P
2005-03-01
Although, high resolution, real-time ultrasonic (US) imaging is routinely available, image interpretation is based on grey-level and texture and quantitative evaluation is limited. Other potentially useful diagnostic information from US echoes may include modifications in tissue acoustic parameters (speed, attenuation and backscattering) resulting from disease development. Changes in acoustical parameters can be detected using time-of-flight and spectral analysis techniques. The objective of this study is to explore the potential of three parameters together (attenuation coefficient, US speed and integrated backscatter coefficient-IBC) to discriminate healthy and fibrosis subgroups in liver tissue. Echoes from 21 fresh in vitro samples of human liver and from a plane reflector were obtained using a 20-MHz central frequency transducer (6-30 MHz bandpass). The scan plane was parallel to the reflector placed beneath the liver. A 30 x 20 matrix of A-scans was obtained, with a 200-microm step. The samples were classified according to the Metavir scale in five different degrees of fibrosis. US speed, attenuation and IBC were estimated from standard methods described in the literature. Statistical tests were applied to the results of each parameter individually and indicated that it was not possible to identify all the fibrosis groups. Then a discriminant analysis was performed for the three parameters together resulting in a reasonable separation of fibrotic groups. Although the number of tissue samples is limited, this study opens the possibility of enhancing the discriminant capability of ultrasonic parameters of liver tissue disease when they are combined together.
Urban expansion of major cities in the US Great Plains from 2000 to 2009 using scatterometer data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nguyen, L. H.; Nghiem, S. V.; Henebry, G. M.
2015-12-01
A long-term metric of urban landscape changes provide valuable information for many fundamental studies and applications. Here we studied expansion of the nine largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) in the Great Plains from 2000 to 2009 period using QuikSCAT backscatter data processed with the Dense Sampling Method (DSM). A 5x5 Gaussian Kernel Smoothing (with sigma=1) was applied to reduce noise in DSM backscatter images, which have a nominal spatial posting of 1 km. The outputs were then converted into vector files and coupled with the percent impervious surface area (ISA) data from the 2001 and 2011 National Land Cover Datasets to show changes in urban extent using two independent sources. The results demonstrate the capability of DSM scatterometer data to delineate urban extent and change. For instance, the Dallas - Fort Worth (DFW) MSA was separated into three sub-regions based on backscatter (cf. figure). The urban core area is identified by large commercial and industrial structures correspond to a high backscatter center greater than -6 dB. The urban built-up area consisting of smaller buildings falls within the -6 dB and -8 dB contours. Backscatter of the urban edge, where residential and other land uses are mixed, falls within the -8 dB and -10 dB contours. From 2000 to 2009, total urban area in DFW increased from 3484 to 5066 square kilometers, according to the filtered scatterometer data. The change in ISA between 2001 and 2011 within the -8 to -10 dB contour was 101 square kilometers, of which 73% occurred in the northern half of the DFW MSA. The Mann-Kendall trend test applied to the area time series indicates expanding spatial trends in every sub-region. Most changes occurred along the northern suburban edge. The distance between the 2000 and 2009 -10 dB contours ranged from 1.5 to 14.6 km with an average of 6 km and a coefficient of variation of 48%. We will present results for the other eight MSA from Houston, TX to Des Moines, IA.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nghiem, S. V.; Kwok, R.; Yueh, S. H.; Kong, J. A.; Hsu, C. C.; Ding, K. H.
1995-01-01
An experiment was carried out in January 1994 at the Geophysical Research Facility in the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. To investigate effects on polarimetric scattering signatures of sea ice growth under diurnal temperature variations, an ice sheet was grown for 2.5 days for the thickness of 10 cm and a polarimetric radar operating at C-band was used to obtain backscattering data in conjunction with ice-characterization measurements. The ice sheet was grown in the late morning of January 19, 1994. The initial growth rate was slow due to high insolation and temperature. As the air temperature dropped during the night, the growth rate increased significantly. The air temperature changed drastically from about -10(deg)C to -35(deg)C between day and night. The temperature cycle was repeated during the next day and the growth rate varied in the same manner. The surface of the ice was partially covered by frost flowers and the areal coverage increased as the ice became thicker. Throughout the ice growth duration of 2.5 days, polarimetric backscatter data were collected at roughly every centimeter of ice growth. For each set of radar measurements of saline ice, a set of calibration measurements was carried out with trihedrial corner reflectors and a metallic sphere. Measured polarimetric backscattering coefficients of the ice sheet reveal a strong correlation between radar data and temperature variations. As the temperature increased (decreased), the backscatter increased (decreased) correspondingly. From the ice-characterization data, temperatures of the air, at the ice-air interface, and in the ice layer had the same variation trend. Another interesting experimental observation is that the salinity measured as a function of ice depth from a sample of 10-cm thich ice indicated that the salinity variations had a similar cycle as the temperature; i.e., the salinity profile recorded the history of the temperature variations. Characterization data of the ice sheet are used in a theoretical model for scattering from saline ice with frost cover to explain the observed polarimetric signatures.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lamarche, G.; Le Gonidec, Y.; Lucieer, V.; Lurton, X.; Greinert, J.; Dupré, S.; Nau, A.; Heffron, E.; Roche, M.; Ladroit, Y.; Urban, P.
2017-12-01
Detecting liquid, solid or gaseous features in the ocean is generating considerable interest in the geoscience community, because of their potentially high economic values (oil & gas, mining), their significance for environmental management (oil/gas leakage, biodiversity mapping, greenhouse gas monitoring) as well as their potential cultural and traditional values (food, freshwater). Enhancing people's capability to quantify and manage the natural capital present in the ocean water goes hand in hand with the development of marine acoustic technology, as marine echosounders provide the most reliable and technologically advanced means to develop quantitative studies of water column backscatter data. This is not developed to its full capability because (i) of the complexity of the physics involved in relation to the constantly changing marine environment, and (ii) the rapid technological evolution of high resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) water-column imaging systems. The Water Column Imaging Working Group is working on a series of multibeam echosounder (MBES) water column datasets acquired in a variety of environments, using a range of frequencies, and imaging a number of water-column features such as gas seeps, oil leaks, suspended particulate matter, vegetation and freshwater springs. Access to data from different acoustic frequencies and ocean dynamics enables us to discuss and test multifrequency approaches which is the most promising means to develop a quantitative analysis of the physical properties of acoustic scatterers, providing rigorous cross calibration of the acoustic devices. In addition, high redundancy of multibeam data, such as is available for some datasets, will allow us to develop data processing techniques, leading to quantitative estimates of water column gas seeps. Each of the datasets has supporting ground-truthing data (underwater videos and photos, physical oceanography measurements) which provide information on the origin and chemistry of the seep content. This is of first importance when assessing the physical properties of water column scatterers from backscatter acoustic measurement.
Remote sensing of PM2.5 during cloudy and nighttime periods using ceilometer backscatter
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Siwei; Joseph, Everette; Min, Qilong; Yin, Bangsheng; Sakai, Ricardo; Payne, Megan K.
2017-06-01
Monitoring PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter d ≤ 2.5 µm) mass concentration has become of more importance recently because of the negative impacts of fine particles on human health. However, monitoring PM2.5 during cloudy and nighttime periods is difficult since nearly all the passive instruments used for aerosol remote sensing are not able to measure aerosol optical depth (AOD) under either cloudy or nighttime conditions. In this study, an empirical model based on the regression between PM2.5 and the near-surface backscatter measured by ceilometers was developed and tested using 6 years of data (2006 to 2011) from the Howard University Beltsville Campus (HUBC) site. The empirical model can explain ˜ 56, ˜ 34 and ˜ 42 % of the variability in the hourly average PM2.5 during daytime clear, daytime cloudy and nighttime periods, respectively. Meteorological conditions and seasons were found to influence the relationship between PM2.5 mass concentration and the surface backscatter. Overall the model can explain ˜ 48 % of the variability in the hourly average PM2.5 at the HUBC site when considering the seasonal variation. The model also was tested using 4 years of data (2012 to 2015) from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) site, which was geographically and climatologically different from the HUBC site. The results show that the empirical model can explain ˜ 66 and ˜ 82 % of the variability in the daily average PM2.5 at the ARM SGP site and HUBC site, respectively. The findings of this study illustrate the strong need for ceilometer data in air quality monitoring under cloudy and nighttime conditions. Since ceilometers are used broadly over the world, they may provide an important supplemental source of information of aerosols to determine surface PM2.5 concentrations.
A Study on Characteristics of Atmospheric Heavy Metals in Subway Station
Kim, Chun-Huem; Yoo, Dong-Chul; Kwon, Young-Min; Han, Woong-Soo; Kim, Gi-Sun; Park, Mi-Jung; Kim, Young Soon
2010-01-01
In this study, we investigated the atmospheric heavy metal concentrations in the particulate matter inside the subway stations of Seoul. In particular, we examined the correlation between the heavy metals and studied the effect of the heavy metals on cell proliferation. In six selected subway stations in Seoul, particulate matter was captured at the platforms and 11 types of heavy metals were analyzed. The results showed that the mean concentration of iron was the highest out of the heavy metals in particulate matter, followed by copper, potassium, calcium, zinc, nickel, sodium, manganese, magnesium, chromium and cadmium in that order. The correlation analysis showed that the correlations between the heavy metals was highest in the following order: (Cu vs Zn) , (Ca vs Na) , (Ca vs Mn) , (Ni vs Cr) , (Na vs Mn) , (Cr vs Cd) , (Zn vs Cd) , (Cu vs Cd) , (Ni vs Cd) , (Cu vs Ni) , (K vs Zn) , (Cu vs K) , (Cu vs Cr) , (K vs Cd) , (Zn vs Cr) , (K vs Ni) , (Zn vs Ni) , (K vs Cr) , and (Fe vs Cu) . The correlation coefficient between zinc and copper was 0.937, indicating the highest correlation. Copper, zinc, nickel, chromium and cadmium, which are generated from artificial sources in general, showed correlations with many of the other metals and the correlation coefficients were also relatively high. The effect of the heavy metals on cell proliferation was also investigated in this study. Cultured cell was exposed to 10 mg/l or 100 mg/l of iron, copper, calcium, zinc, nickel, manganese, magnesium, chromium and cadmium for 24 hours. The cell proliferation in all the heavy metal-treated groups was not inhibited at 10 mg/l of the heavy metal concentration. The only exception to this was with the cadmium-treated group which showed a strong cell proliferation inhibition. This study provides the fundamental data for the understanding of simultaneous heavy metal exposure tendency at the time of particulate matter exposure in subway stations and the identification of heavy metal sources. Moreover, this study can be used as the fundamental data for the cell toxicity study of the subway-oriented heavy metal-containing particulate matter. PMID:24278519
Kipka, Undine; Di Toro, Dominic M
2011-09-01
Predicting the association of contaminants with both particulate and dissolved organic matter is critical in determining the fate and bioavailability of chemicals in environmental risk assessment. To date, the association of a contaminant to particulate organic matter is considered in many multimedia transport models, but the effect of dissolved organic matter is typically ignored due to a lack of either reliable models or experimental data. The partition coefficient to dissolved organic carbon (K(DOC)) may be used to estimate the fraction of a contaminant that is associated with dissolved organic matter. Models relating K(DOC) to the octanol-water partition coefficient (K(OW)) have not been successful for many types of dissolved organic carbon in the environment. Instead, linear solvation energy relationships are proposed to model the association of chemicals with dissolved organic matter. However, more chemically diverse K(DOC) data are needed to produce a more robust model. For humic acid dissolved organic carbon, the linear solvation energy relationship predicts log K(DOC) with a root mean square error of 0.43. Copyright © 2011 SETAC.
An inversion method for retrieving soil moisture information from satellite altimetry observations
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Uebbing, Bernd; Forootan, Ehsan; Kusche, Jürgen; Braakmann-Folgmann, Anne
2016-04-01
Soil moisture represents an important component of the terrestrial water cycle that controls., evapotranspiration and vegetation growth. Consequently, knowledge on soil moisture variability is essential to understand the interactions between land and atmosphere. Yet, terrestrial measurements are sparse and their information content is limited due to the large spatial variability of soil moisture. Therefore, over the last two decades, several active and passive radar and satellite missions such as ERS/SCAT, AMSR, SMOS or SMAP have been providing backscatter information that can be used to estimate surface conditions including soil moisture which is proportional to the dielectric constant of the upper (few cm) soil layers . Another source of soil moisture information are satellite radar altimeters, originally designed to measure sea surface height over the oceans. Measurements of Jason-1/2 (Ku- and C-Band) or Envisat (Ku- and S-Band) nadir radar backscatter provide high-resolution along-track information (~ 300m along-track resolution) on backscatter every ~10 days (Jason-1/2) or ~35 days (Envisat). Recent studies found good correlation between backscatter and soil moisture in upper layers, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, indicating the potential of satellite altimetry both to reconstruct and to monitor soil moisture variability. However, measuring soil moisture using altimetry has some drawbacks that include: (1) the noisy behavior of the altimetry-derived backscatter (due to e.g., existence of surface water in the radar foot-print), (2) the strong assumptions for converting altimetry backscatters to the soil moisture storage changes, and (3) the need for interpolating between the tracks. In this study, we suggest a new inversion framework that allows to retrieve soil moisture information from along-track Jason-2 and Envisat satellite altimetry data, and we test this scheme over the Australian arid and semi-arid regions. Our method consists of: (i) deriving time-invariant spatial patterns (base-functions) by applying principal component analysis (PCA) to simulated soil moisture from a large-scale land surface model. (ii) Estimating time-variable soil moisture evolution by fitting these base functions of (i) to the along-track retracked backscatter coefficients in a least squares sense. (iii) Combining the estimated time-variable amplitudes and the pre-computed base-functions, which results in reconstructed (spatio-temporal) soil moisture information. We will show preliminary results that are compared to available high-resolution soil moisture model data over the region (the Australian Water Resource Assessment, AWRA model). We discuss the possibility of using altimetry-derived soil moisture estimations to improve the simulation skill of soil moisture in the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) over Australia.
Fang, Guor-Cheng; Chiang, Hung-Che; Chen, Yu-Cheng; Xiao, You-Fu; Wu, Chia-Ming; Kuo, Yu-Chen
2015-04-01
The purpose of this study is to characterize metallic elements associated with atmospheric particulate matter in the dry deposition plate, total suspended particulate, fine particles, and coarse particles at Taichung Harbor and Gong Ming Junior High School (airport) in central Taiwan at a sampling site from June 2013 to August 2013. The results indicated that: (1) the average concentrations of the metallic elements Cr and Cd were highest at the Gong Ming Junior High School (airport), and the average concentrations of the metallic elements Ni, Cu, and Pb were highest at the Taichung Harbor sampling site. (2) The high smelting industry density and export/import rate of heavily loaded cargos were the main reasons leading to these findings. (3) The average metallic element dry deposition and metallic element PM(2.5-10) all followed the order of Pb > Cr > Cu > Ni > Cd at the two sampling sites. However, the average metallic elements Cu and Pb were found to have the highest dry deposition velocities and concentrations in PM(2.5) for the two sampling sites in this study. (4) The correlation coefficients of ambient air particle dry deposition and concentration with wind speed at the airport were higher than those from the harbor sampling site. The wind and broad open spaces at Taichung Airport were the possible reasons for the increasing correlation coefficients for ambient air particle concentration and dry deposition with wind speed at the Taichung Airport sampling site.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nelson, R. M.; Boryta, M. D.; Hapke, B. W.; Manatt, K. S.; Shkuratov, Y.; Vandervoort, K.; Vides, C.; Quinones, J.
2017-12-01
We report reflectance phase curves of selected materials, including several that, if distributed as particulate aerosols, might regulate solar insolation and hence reduce Earth's surface temperature. (See e.g. Teller et al., 1997). We have identified several materials that have phase functions that are remarkably backscattering at very small phase angles (Nelson et al., 2017). When these materials are of appropriately small particle size and in the form of dispersed discrete random media, they are highly reflective at ultraviolet and visual wavelengths. Particles of less than 0.5 microns in diameter are transparent in the infrared. The most promising of these is the mineral halite (NaCl). NaCl and its sister materials exhibit this property due to their simple cubic crystal structure. In crystalline form they are `corner cube' reflectors similar to those on bicycle reflectors used throughout the world, and in arrays deployed by astronauts on the Moon for precise distance determination. As aerosols distributed in relatively small quantities, NaCl might reduce the solar forcing function by several W/m2, the amount estimated by the IPCC to be the anthropogenic contribution to global warming. Furthermore, NaCl is environmentally benign and, as a particulate aerosol, it would have short residence time in the atmosphere. With great trepidation, we suggest potential use in these areas: Temporary regional application to mitigate short-term, life-threatening conditions in areas where extreme temperature events are expected on timescales of days, and Global application for immediate relief during a near-term transition period to an atmosphere that is generally free of anthropogenic greenhouse gas. We offer this as a temporary relief measure and not a solution, somewhat analogous to the application of morphine in a medical situation. This work partially supported by NASA's Cassini Orbiter Program
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Miskevich, Alexander A.; Loiko, Valery A.
2015-12-01
Enhancement of the performance of photovoltaic cells through increasing light absorption due to optimization of an active layer is considered. The optimization consists in creation of particulate structure of active layer. The ordered monolayers and multilayers of submicron crystalline silicon (c-Si) spherical particles are examined. The quasicrystalline approximation (QCA) and the transfer matrix method (TMM) are used to calculate light absorption in the wavelength range from 0.28 μm to 1.12 μm. The integrated over the terrestial solar spectral irradiance "Global tilt" ASTM G173-03 absorption coefficient is calculated. In the wavelength range of small absorption index of c-Si (0.8-1.12 μm) the integral absorption coefficient of monolayer can be more than 20 times higher than the one of the plane-parallel plate of the equivalent volume of material. In the overall considered range (0.28-1.12 μm) the enhancement factor up to ~1.45 for individual monolayer is observed. Maximum value of the spectral absorption coefficient approaches unity for multilayers consisting of large amount of sparse monolayers of small particles. Multilayers with variable concentration and size of particles in the monolayer sequences are considered. Absorption increasing by such gradient multilayers as compared to the non-gradient ones is illustrated. The considered structures are promising for creation of high efficiency thin-film solar cells.
Remote sensing of Earth terrain
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kong, Jin AU
1987-01-01
Earth terrain covers were modeled as random media characterized by different dielectric constants and correlation functions. In order to model sea ice with brine inclusions and vegetation with row structures, the random medium is assumed to be anisotropic. A three layer model is used to simulate a vegetation field or a snow covered ice field with the top layer being snow or leaves, the middle layer being ice or trunks, and the bottom layer being sea water or ground. The strong fluctuation theory with the distorted Born approximation is applied to the solution of the radar backscattering coefficients.
2012-01-01
unknown functions q and V . To approximate both of them, we use a predictor / corrector -like scheme. First, given an approximation for V , we update q via...coefficient εr(x). This is our predictor -like step. On the corrector -like step we update the tail function V (x, s) via (5.7). Consider a partition of...10] and figures 5.13–5.16 in [6]. We point out that the adaptivity has used the solution of the approximately globally convergent algorithm as the
Soil Moisture Estimate Under Forest Using a Semi-Empirical Model at P-Band
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Truong-Loi, My-Linh; Saatchi, Sassan; Jaruwatanadilok, Sermsak
2013-01-01
Here we present the result of a semi-empirical inversion model for soil moisture retrieval using the three backscattering coefficients: sigma(sub HH), sigma(sub VV) and sigma(sub HV). In this paper we focus on the soil moisture estimate and use the biomass as an ancillary parameter estimated automatically from the algorithm and used as a validation parameter, We will first remind the model analytical formulation. Then we will sow some results obtained with real SAR data and compare them to ground estimates.
[Effects of carbon components of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on atherogenic index of plasma].
Fan, Jiao; Qin, Xiaolei; Xue, Xiaodan; Han, Bin; Bai, Zhipeng; Tang, Naijun; Zhang, Liwen
2014-01-01
To evaluate associations between carbon constituents of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). We collected subjects from two communities by a system sampling, and 112 people aged over 60 years old without cardiovascular disease were recruited. The levels of cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of objects, and personal exposure to PM2.5 were measured on December, 2011. Total carbon (TC), organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) of PM2.5 were detected and AIP was calculated according to its definition. The value of AIP among the 112 subjects was 0.05 ± 0.26. Personal exposure concentration of PM2.5 and its carbon components (TC,OC and EC) were (164.75 ± 110.67), (53.86 ± 29.65), (44.93 ± 26.37) and (9.49 ± 5.75) µg/m(3), respectively. The Pearson analysis showed the linear relationship between TC,OC,EC and AIP, all significant positive correlations. The correlation coefficients were TC (r = 0.307, P < 0.05),OC (r = 0.287, P < 0.05) and EC (r = 0.252, P < 0.05), respectively. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that when the AIP risk categories were selected as dependent variable and low risk group as reference group, the regression coefficient of TC,OC and EC was separately 1.03 (95%CI:1.01-1.05), 1.03 (95%CI:1.01-1.05), 1.12 (95%CI:1.02-1.22) in the high risk group; while there was no statistical significance of the regression coefficient and OR in the middle risk group. There was stable associations between the carbon constituents (TC,OC and EC) of fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and AIP. The findings suggested that carbon components of PM2.5 should be considered as risk factors of atherogenic.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hall, Carlton Raden
A major objective of remote sensing is determination of biochemical and biophysical characteristics of plant canopies utilizing high spectral resolution sensors. Canopy reflectance signatures are dependent on absorption and scattering processes of the leaf, canopy properties, and the ground beneath the canopy. This research investigates, through field and laboratory data collection, and computer model parameterization and simulations, the relationships between leaf optical properties, canopy biophysical features, and the nadir viewed above-canopy reflectance signature. Emphasis is placed on parameterization and application of an existing irradiance radiative transfer model developed for aquatic systems. Data and model analyses provide knowledge on the relative importance of leaves and canopy biophysical features in estimating the diffuse absorption a(lambda,m-1), diffuse backscatter b(lambda,m-1), beam attenuation alpha(lambda,m-1), and beam to diffuse conversion c(lambda,m-1 ) coefficients of the two-flow irradiance model. Data sets include field and laboratory measurements from three plant species, live oak (Quercus virginiana), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) sampled on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center Florida in March and April of 1997. Features measured were depth h (m), projected foliage coverage PFC, leaf area index LAI, and zenith leaf angle. Optical measurements, collected with a Spectron SE 590 high sensitivity narrow bandwidth spectrograph, included above canopy reflectance, internal canopy transmittance and reflectance and bottom reflectance. Leaf samples were returned to laboratory where optical and physical and chemical measurements of leaf thickness, leaf area, leaf moisture and pigment content were made. A new term, the leaf volume correction index LVCI was developed and demonstrated in support of model coefficient parameterization. The LVCI is based on angle adjusted leaf thickness Ltadj, LAI, and h (m). Its function is to translate leaf level estimates of diffuse absorption and backscatter to the canopy scale allowing the leaf optical properties to directly influence above canopy estimates of reflectance. The model was successfully modified and parameterized to operate in a canopy scale and a leaf scale mode. Canopy scale model simulations produced the best results. Simulations based on leaf derived coefficients produced calculated above canopy reflectance errors of 15% to 18%. A comprehensive sensitivity analyses indicated the most important parameters were beam to diffuse conversion c(lambda, m-1), diffuse absorption a(lambda, m-1), diffuse backscatter b(lambda, m-1), h (m), Q, and direct and diffuse irradiance. Sources of error include the estimation procedure for the direct beam to diffuse conversion and attenuation coefficients and other field and laboratory measurement and analysis errors. Applications of the model include creation of synthetic reflectance data sets for remote sensing algorithm development, simulations of stress and drought on vegetation reflectance signatures, and the potential to estimate leaf moisture and chemical status.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sówka, Izabela; Chlebowska-Styś, Anna; Mathews, Barbara
2018-01-01
It is commonly known, that suspended particulate matter pose a threat to human life and health, negatively influence the flora, climate and also materials. Especially dangerous is the presence of high concentration of particulate matter in the area of cities, where density of population is high. The research aimed at determining the variability of suspended particulate matter concentration (PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10) in two different thermal seasons, in the area of Poznań city. As a part of carried out work we analyzed the variability of concentrations and also performed a preliminary analysis of their correlation. Measured concentrations of particulate matter were contained within following ranges: PM10 - 8.7-69.6 μg/m3, PM2.5 - 2.2-88.5 μg/m3, PM1.0 - 2.5-22.9 μg/m3 in the winter season and 1.0-42.8 μg/m3 (PM10), 1.2-40.3 μg/m3 (PM2.5) and 2.7-10.4 (PM1.0) in the summer season. Preliminary correlative analysis indicated interdependence between the temperature of air, the speed of wind and concentration of particulate matter in selected measurement points. The values of correlation coefficients between the air temperature, speed of wind and concentrations of particulate matter were respectively equal to: for PM10: -0.59 and -0.55 (Jana Pawła II Street), -0.53 and -0.53 (Szymanowskiego Street), for PM2.5: -0.60 and -0.53 (Jana Pawła II Street) and for PM1.0 -0.40 and -0.59 (Jana Pawła II Street).
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fung, A. K.; Dome, G.; Moore, R. K.
1977-01-01
The paper compares the predictions of two different types of sea scatter theories with recent scatterometer measurements which indicate the variations of the backscattering coefficient with polarization, incident angle, wind speed, and azimuth angle. Wright's theory (1968) differs from that of Chan and Fung (1977) in two major aspects: (1) Wright uses Phillips' sea spectrum (1966) while Chan and Fung use that of Mitsuyasu and Honda, and (2) Wright uses a modified slick sea slope distribution by Cox and Munk (1954) while Chan and Fung use the slick sea slope distribution of Cox and Munk defined with respect to the plane perpendicular to the look direction. Satisfactory agreements between theory and experimental data are obtained when Chan and Fung's model is used to explain the wind and azimuthal dependence of the scattering coefficient.
Studies of the inner shelf and coastal sedimentation environment of the Beaufort Sea from ERTS-1
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Reimnitz, E. (Principal Investigator); Barnes, P. W.
1973-01-01
The author has identified the following significant results. The particulate transport processes involved in the movement of surficial waters were examined using secchi disc readings, light attenuation coefficients, and particulate weights from filtration. Observations gathered during the summers of 1971 and 1972 indicate a remarkable difference in particulate matter and turbidity between the two years. ERTS-1 imagery during August 1972 showed turbid water along the northern Alaska coast. The uniformity of distribution of the turbid water and the fact that the river discharge is low at this period suggest that the turbidity is related to causes other than river effluent. Studies indicate that wave action is a more significant factor influencing particulate transport than believed heretofore. The boundary between the essentially immobile shorefast ice and the moving pack ice has been plotted from several ERTS-1 images and found to occur fairly consistently along the 20 meter contour. Considering the vast difference in the amount of ice movement shoreward and seaward of this boundary, ice-bottom action should also be different on either side of this boundary and for that matter at the shear zone that develops along the boundary.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cho, C.; Kim, S. W.; Sheridan, P. J.; Gustafsson, O.; Lee, M.; Yoon, S. C.
2016-12-01
Anthropogenic fine pollution and wind-blown mineral dust aerosols have a significant effect on the regional radiation budget by scattering or absorbing the solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface. We investigate the optical and physical properties of dust and pollution aerosols at Gosan Climate Observatory (GCO), Korea during Gosan Pollution Experiment 2014 (GOPOEX 2014; January 2014).Mean values of aerosol scattering coefficient and absorption coefficient during GOPOEX 2014 were 72 ± 86 Mm-1 and 6 ± 5 Mm-1 at 550 nm, respectively. Aerosol scattering coefficient and absorption coefficient during dust episodes were 245 ± 171 Mm-1 and 22 ± 13 Mm-1 at 550 nm, which were approximately 3.5 times greater than mean values during GOPOEX 2014. Values for scattering and absorption coefficient of pollution episodes were recorded as 153 ± 95 Mm-1 and 12 ± 7 Mm-1 at 550 nm. Therefore, single scattering albedo of pollution episodes (0.92 ± 0.02) was slightly higher than those of dust episodes (0.90 ± 0.03). This is because that pollutant aerosols include more scattering fraction such as SO42-, and NO3- in fine particulate matter emitted from industrial areas in the eastern coastal region of China while dust aerosols are transported from North China to Gosan.Aerosol optical properties are influenced by where the air mass is transported from, either South China or North China. The mean values of aerosol scattering coefficient and absorption coefficient when air mass was transported from South China were 136 ± 132 Mm-1 and 15 ± 14 Mm-1 at 550 nm whereas those from North China were 108 ± 112 Mm-1 and 8 ± 7 Mm-1 at 550 nm. Single scattering albedo are almost identical as 0.9 ± 0.03 for both air masses.Carbonaceous composition of aerosols, which occupy a considerable fraction of fine particulate matter, also depends on the origin of the air mass. Radiocarbon (14C) is a good indicator for distinguishing between fossil combustion and biomass combustion. Detailed source contribution based on radiocarbon measurements and its relationship to aerosol optical properties at GCO will be presented.
Pan, Jianjun
2018-01-01
This paper focuses on evaluating the ability and contribution of using backscatter intensity, texture, coherence, and color features extracted from Sentinel-1A data for urban land cover classification and comparing different multi-sensor land cover mapping methods to improve classification accuracy. Both Landsat-8 OLI and Hyperion images were also acquired, in combination with Sentinel-1A data, to explore the potential of different multi-sensor urban land cover mapping methods to improve classification accuracy. The classification was performed using a random forest (RF) method. The results showed that the optimal window size of the combination of all texture features was 9 × 9, and the optimal window size was different for each individual texture feature. For the four different feature types, the texture features contributed the most to the classification, followed by the coherence and backscatter intensity features; and the color features had the least impact on the urban land cover classification. Satisfactory classification results can be obtained using only the combination of texture and coherence features, with an overall accuracy up to 91.55% and a kappa coefficient up to 0.8935, respectively. Among all combinations of Sentinel-1A-derived features, the combination of the four features had the best classification result. Multi-sensor urban land cover mapping obtained higher classification accuracy. The combination of Sentinel-1A and Hyperion data achieved higher classification accuracy compared to the combination of Sentinel-1A and Landsat-8 OLI images, with an overall accuracy of up to 99.12% and a kappa coefficient up to 0.9889. When Sentinel-1A data was added to Hyperion images, the overall accuracy and kappa coefficient were increased by 4.01% and 0.0519, respectively. PMID:29382073
Symmetry in polarimetric remote sensing
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nghiem, S. V.; Yueh, S. H.; Kwok, R.
1993-01-01
Relationships among polarimetric backscattering coefficients are derived from the viewpoint of symmetry groups. For both reciprocal and non-reciprocal media, symmetry encountered in remote sensing due to reflection, rotation, azimuthal, and centrical symmetry groups is considered. The derived properties are general and valid to all scattering mechanisms, including volume and surface scatterings and their interactions, in a given symmetrical configuration. The scattering coefficients calculated from theoretical models for layer random media and rough surfaces are shown to obey the symmetry relations. Use of symmetry properties in remote sensing of structural and environmental responses of scattering media is also discussed. Orientations of spheroidal scatterers described by spherical, uniform, planophile, plagiothile, erectophile, and extremophile distributions are considered to derive their polarimetric backscattering characteristics. These distributions can be identified from the observed scattering coefficients by comparison with theoretical symmetry calculations. A new parameter is then defined to study scattering structures in geophysical media. Observations from polarimetric data acquired by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory airborne synthetic aperture radar over forests, sea ice, and sea surface are presented. Experimental evidences of the symmetry relationships are shown and their use in polarimetric remote sensing is illustrated. For forests, the coniferous forest in Mt. Shasta area (California) and mixed forest near Presque Isle (Maine) exhibit characteristics of the centrical symmetry at C-band. For sea ice in the Beaufort Sea, multi-year sea ice has a cross-polarized ratio e close to e(sub 0), calculated from symmetry, due to the randomness in the scattering structure. First-year sea ice has e much smaller than e(sub 0) due to the preferential alignment of the columnar structure of the ice. From polarimetric data of a sea surface in the Bering Sea, it is observed that e and e(sub 0) are increasing with incident angle and e is greater than e(sub 0) at L-band because of the directional feature of sea surface waves. Symmetry properties of geophysical media can also be used to calibrate polarimetric radars.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Petty, A.; Tsamados, M.; Kurtz, N. T.
2016-12-01
Here we present atmospheric form drag estimates over Arctic sea ice using high resolution, three-dimensional surface elevation data from NASA's Operation IceBridge Airborne Topographic Mapper (ATM), and surface roughness estimates from the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT). Surface features of the ice pack (e.g. pressure ridges) are detected using IceBridge ATM elevation data and a novel surface feature-picking algorithm. We use simple form drag parameterizations to convert the observed height and spacing of surface features into an effective atmospheric form drag coefficient. The results demonstrate strong regional variability in the atmospheric form drag coefficient, linked to variability in both the height and spacing of surface features. This includes form drag estimates around 2-3 times higher over the multiyear ice north of Greenland, compared to the first-year ice of the Beaufort/Chukchi seas. We compare results from both scanning and linear profiling to ensure our results are consistent with previous studies investigating form drag over Arctic sea ice. A strong correlation between ASCAT surface roughness estimates (using radar backscatter) and the IceBridge form drag results enable us to extrapolate the IceBridge data collected over the western-Arctic across the entire Arctic Ocean. While our focus is on spring, due to the timing of the primary IceBridge campaigns since 2009, we also take advantage of the autumn data collected by IceBridge in 2015 to investigate seasonality in Arctic ice topography and the resulting form drag coefficient. Our results offer the first large-scale assessment of atmospheric form drag over Arctic sea ice due to variable ice topography (i.e. within the Arctic pack ice). The analysis is being extended to the Antarctic IceBridge sea ice data, and the results are being used to calibrate a sophisticated form drag parameterization scheme included in the sea ice model CICE, to improve the representation of form drag over Arctic and Antarctic sea ice in global climate models.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Abdikan, S.; Sekertekin, A.; Ustunern, M.; Balik Sanli, F.; Nasirzadehdizaji, R.
2018-04-01
Temporal monitoring of crop types is essential for the sustainable management of agricultural activities on both national and global levels. As a practical and efficient tool, remote sensing is widely used in such applications. In this study, Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery was utilized to investigate the performance of the sensor backscatter image on crop monitoring. Multi-temporal C-band VV and VH polarized SAR images were acquired simultaneously by in-situ measurements which was conducted at Konya basin, central Anatolia Turkey. During the measurements, plant height of maize plant was collected and relationship between backscatter values and plant height was analysed. The maize growth development was described under Biologische Bundesanstalt, bundessortenamt und CHemische industrie (BBCH). Under BBCH stages, the test site was classified as leaf development, stem elongation, heading and flowering in general. The correlation coefficient values indicated high correlation for both polarimetry during the early stages of the plant, while late stages indicated lower values in both polarimetry. As a last step, multi-temporal coverage of crop fields was analysed to map seasonal land use. To this aim, object based image classification was applied following image segmentation. About 80 % accuracies of land use maps were created in this experiment. As preliminary results, it is concluded that Sentinel-1 data provides beneficial information about plant growth. Dual-polarized Sentinel-1 data has high potential for multi-temporal analyses for agriculture monitoring and reliable mapping.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, S. G.; Li, X.; Han, X. J.; Jin, R.
2010-06-01
Radar remote sensing has demonstrated its applicability to the retrieval of basin-scale soil moisture. The mechanism of radar backscattering from soils is complicated and strongly influenced by surface roughness. Furthermore, retrieval of soil moisture using AIEM-like models is a classic example of the underdetermined problem due to a lack of credible known soil roughness distributions at a regional scale. Characterization of this roughness is therefore crucial for an accurate derivation of soil moisture based on backscattering models. This study aims to directly obtain surface roughness information along with soil moisture from multi-angular ASAR images. The method first used a semi-empirical relationship that connects the roughness slope (Zs) and the difference in backscattering coefficient (Δσ) from ASAR data in different incidence angles, in combination with an optimal calibration form consisting of two roughness parameters (the standard deviation of surface height and the correlation length), to estimate the roughness parameters. The deduced surface roughness was then used in the AIEM model for the retrieval of soil moisture. An evaluation of the proposed method was performed in a grassland site in the middle stream of the Heihe River Basin, where the Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research (WATER) was taken place. It has demonstrated that the method is feasible to achieve reliable estimation of soil water content. The key challenge to surface soil moisture retrieval is the presence of vegetation cover, which significantly impacts the estimates of surface roughness and soil moisture.
Polarimetric Signatures of Sea Ice. Part 1; Theoretical Model
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Nghiem, S. V.; Kwok, R.; Yueh, S. H.; Drinkwater, M. R.
1995-01-01
Physical, structural, and electromagnetic properties and interrelating processes in sea ice are used to develop a composite model for polarimetric backscattering signatures of sea ice. Physical properties of sea ice constituents such as ice, brine, air, and salt are presented in terms of their effects on electromagnetic wave interactions. Sea ice structure and geometry of scatterers are related to wave propagation, attenuation, and scattering. Temperature and salinity, which are determining factors for the thermodynamic phase distribution in sea ice, are consistently used to derive both effective permittivities and polarimetric scattering coefficients. Polarimetric signatures of sea ice depend on crystal sizes and brine volumes, which are affected by ice growth rates. Desalination by brine expulsion, drainage, or other mechanisms modifies wave penetration and scattering. Sea ice signatures are further complicated by surface conditions such as rough interfaces, hummocks, snow cover, brine skim, or slush layer. Based on the same set of geophysical parameters characterizing sea ice, a composite model is developed to calculate effective permittivities and backscattering covariance matrices at microwave frequencies for interpretation of sea ice polarimetric signatures.
Modeling the backscattering and transmission properties of vegetation canopies
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Allen, C. T.; Ulaby, F. T.
1984-01-01
Experimental measurements of canopy attenuation at 10.2 GHz (X-band) for canopies of wheat and soybeans, experimental observations of the effect upon the microwave backscattering coefficient (sigma) of free water in a vegetation canopy, and experimental measurements of sigma (10.2 GHz, 50 deg, VV and VH polarization) of 30 agricultural fields over the growing season of each crop are discussed. The measurements of the canopy attenuation through wheat independently determined the attenuation resulting from the wheat heads and that from the stalks. An experiment conducted to simulate the effects of rain or dew on sigma showed that sigma increases by about 3 dB as a result of spraying a vegetation canopy with water. The temporal observations of sigma for the 30 agricultural fields (10 each of wheat, corn, and soybeans) indicated fields of the same crop type exhibits similar temporal patterns. Models previously reported were tested using these multitemporal sigma data, and a new model for each crop type was developed and tested. The new models proved to be superior to the previous ones.
Automatic classification techniques for type of sediment map from multibeam sonar data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zakariya, R.; Abdullah, M. A.; Che Hasan, R.; Khalil, I.
2018-02-01
Sediment map can be important information for various applications such as oil drilling, environmental and pollution study. A study on sediment mapping was conducted at a natural reef (rock) in Pulau Payar using Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) technology which is Multibeam Echosounder R2-Sonic. This study aims to determine sediment type by obtaining backscatter and bathymetry data from multibeam echosounder. Ground truth data were used to verify the classification produced. The method used to analyze ground truth samples consists of particle size analysis (PSA) and dry sieving methods. Different analysis being carried out due to different sizes of sediment sample obtained. The smaller size was analyzed using PSA with the brand CILAS while bigger size sediment was analyzed using sieve. For multibeam, data acquisition includes backscatter strength and bathymetry data were processed using QINSy, Qimera, and ArcGIS. This study shows the capability of multibeam data to differentiate the four types of sediments which are i) very coarse sand, ii) coarse sand, iii) very coarse silt and coarse silt. The accuracy was reported as 92.31% overall accuracy and 0.88 kappa coefficient.
Multi-Sensor Approach for Assessing the Taiga-Tundra Boundary
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ranson, K. J.; Sun, G.; Kharuk, V. I.; Kovacs, K.
2003-01-01
Monitoring the dynamics of the tundra-taiga boundary is critical for our understanding of the causes and consequences of the changes in this area. Because of its inaccessibility, remote sensing data will play an important role. In this study we examined the use of several remote sensing techniques for identifying the existing tundra-taiga ecotone. These include Landsat, MISR and RADARSAT data. High-resolution IKONOS images were used for local ground truth. It was found that on Landsat ETM+ summer images, reflectance from tundra and taiga at band 4 (NIR) is similar, but different at other bands such as red, and MIR bands. When the incidence angle is small, C-band HH-pol backscattering coefficients from both tundra and taiga are relatively high. The backscattering from tundra targets decreases faster than taiga targets when the incidence angle increases, because the tundra targets look smoother than taiga. Because of the shading effect of the vegetation, the MISR data, both multi-spectral data at nadir looking and multi-angle data at red and NIR bands, clearly show the transition zone.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dalah, Entesar; Fakhry, Angham; Mukhtar, Asma; Al Salti, Farah; Bader, May; Khouri, Sara; Al-Zahmi, Reem
2017-06-01
Based on security issues and regulations airports are provided with luggage cargo scanners. These scanners utilize ionizing radiation that in principle present health risks toward humans. The study aims to investigate the amount of backscatter produced by passenger luggage and cargo toward airport personnel who are located at different distances from the scanners. To approach our investigation a Thermo Electron Radeye-G probe was used to quantify the backscattered radiation measured in terms of dose-rate emitted from airport scanners, Measurements were taken at the entrance and exit positions of the X-ray tunnel at three different distances (0, 50, and 100 cm) for two different scanners; both scanners include shielding curtains that reduce scattered radiation. Correlation was demonstrated using the Pearson coefficient test. Measurements confirmed an inverse relationship between dose rate and distance. An estimated occupational accumulative dose of 0.88 mSv/y, and 2.04 mSv/y were obtained for personnel working in inspection of carry-on, and cargo, respectively. Findings confirm that the projected dose of security and engineering staff are being well within dose limits.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dalah, Entesar; Fakhry, Angham; Mukhtar, Asma; Al Salti, Farah; Bader, May; Khouri, Sara; Al-Zahmi, Reem
2017-11-01
Based on security issues and regulations airports are provided with luggage cargo scanners. These scanners utilize ionizing radiation that in principle present health risks toward humans. The study aims to investigate the amount of backscatter produced by passenger luggage and cargo toward airport personnel who are located at different distances from the scanners. To approach our investigation a Thermo Electron Radeye-G probe was used to quantify the backscattered radiation measured in terms of dose-rate emitted from airport scanners, Measurements were taken at the entrance and exit positions of the X-ray tunnel at three different distances (0, 50, and 100 cm) for two different scanners; both scanners include shielding curtains that reduce scattered radiation. Correlation was demonstrated using the Pearson coefficient test. Measurements confirmed an inverse relationship between dose rate and distance. An estimated occupational accumulative dose of 0.88 mSv/y, and 2.04 mSv/y were obtained for personnel working in inspection of carry-on, and cargo, respectively. Findings confirm that the projected dose of security and engineering staff are being well within dose limits.
Light scattering by marine algae: two-layer spherical and nonspherical models
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Quirantes, Arturo; Bernard, Stewart
2004-11-01
Light scattering properties of algae-like particles are modeled using the T-matrix for coated scatterers. Two basic geometries have been considered: off-centered coated spheres and centered spheroids. Extinction, scattering and absorption efficiencies, plus scattering in the backward plane, are compared to simpler models like homogeneous (Mie) and coated (Aden-Kerker) models. The anomalous diffraction approximation (ADA), of widespread use in the oceanographic light-scattering community, has also been used as a first approximation, for both homogeneous and coated spheres. T-matrix calculations show that some light scattering values, such as extinction and scattering efficiencies, have little dependence on particle shape, thus reinforcing the view that simpler (Mie, Aden-Kerker) models can be applied to infer refractive index (RI) data from absorption curves. The backscattering efficiency, on the other hand, is quite sensitive to shape. This calls into question the use of light scattering techniques where the phase function plays a pivotal role, and can help explain the observed discrepancy between theoretical and experimental values of the backscattering coefficient in observed in oceanic studies.
Polarimetry-Based Land Cover Classification with Sentinel-1 Data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Banque, Xavier; Lopez-Sanchez, Juan M.; Monells, Daniel; Ballester, David; Duro, Javier; Koudogbo, Fifame
2015-04-01
The presented research focuses on the assessment of the exploitation of the Sentinel-1 dual polarization data for land cover classification. In order to take advantage of massive data availability produced by Sentinel-1, data used in this research work is Interferometric Wide Swath mode, acquired over the Altmühlsee, Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen, Germany during November 2014. The developed preliminary classifier is based on the interpretation of several polarimetric figures as well as the Dual Polarization Entropy/Alpha Decomposition. Specifically, the following polarimetric indicators will be assessed: the channels cross- correlation, the cross and co-polar channels ratio and both cross and co-polar backscattering coefficients. The work carried out concentrates on the joint interpretation of the backscattering response of the co-pol and cross- pol channels for four or five different distributed targets that set the basis for an unsupervised simple land cover classifier. The developed research targets a preliminary unsupervised classifier able to differentiate between four or five terrain classes, including water, urban, forest and bare soil. Obtained results pave the way for the development of a Sentinel-1 based land classifier.
Seabed roughness parameters from joint backscatter and reflection inversion at the Malta Plateau.
Steininger, Gavin; Holland, Charles W; Dosso, Stan E; Dettmer, Jan
2013-09-01
This paper presents estimates of seabed roughness and geoacoustic parameters and uncertainties on the Malta Plateau, Mediterranean Sea, by joint Bayesian inversion of mono-static backscatter and spherical wave reflection-coefficient data. The data are modeled using homogeneous fluid sediment layers overlying an elastic basement. The scattering model assumes a randomly rough water-sediment interface with a von Karman roughness power spectrum. Scattering and reflection data are inverted simultaneously using a population of interacting Markov chains to sample roughness and geoacoustic parameters as well as residual error parameters. Trans-dimensional sampling is applied to treat the number of sediment layers and the order (zeroth or first) of an autoregressive error model (to represent potential residual correlation) as unknowns. Results are considered in terms of marginal posterior probability profiles and distributions, which quantify the effective data information content to resolve scattering/geoacoustic structure. Results indicate well-defined scattering (roughness) parameters in good agreement with existing measurements, and a multi-layer sediment profile over a high-speed (elastic) basement, consistent with independent knowledge of sand layers over limestone.
Observation of tropical cyclones by high resolution scatterometry
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Quilfen, Y.; Chapron, B.; Elfouhaily, T.; Katsaros, K.; Tournadre, J.
1998-04-01
Unprecedented views of surface wind fields in tropical cyclones (hereafter TCs) are provided by the European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS) C band scatterometer. Scatterometer measurements at C band are able to penetrate convective storms clouds, observing the surface wind fields with good accuracy. However the resolution of the measurements (50×50 km2) limits the interpretation of the scatterometer signals in such mesoscale events. The strong gradients of the surface wind existing at scales of a few kms are smoothed in the measured features such as the intensity and location of the wind maxima, and the position of the center. Beyond the ERS systems, the scatterometers on-board the ADEOS and METOP satellites, designed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and by the European Space Agency, respectively, will be able to produce measurements of the backscattering coefficient at about 25×25 km2 resolution. A few sets of ERS-1 orbits sampling TC events were produced with an experimental 25×25 km2 resolution. Enhancing the resolution by a factor of 2 allows location of the wind maxima and minima in a TC with a much better accuracy than at 50 km resolution. In addition, a better resolution reduces the geophysical noise (variability of wind speed within the cell and effect of rain) that dominates the radiometric noise and hence improves the definition of the backscattering measurements. A comprehensive analysis of the backscattering measurements in the case of high winds and high sea states obtained within TCs is proposed in order to refine the interpretation of the wind vector derived from a backscattering model that is currently only calibrated up to moderate winds (<20 m/s) in neutral conditions. Observations of the TOPEX-POSEIDON dual-frequency altimeter are also used for that purpose. Patterns of the surface winds in TCs are described and characteristic features concerning asymmetries in the maximum winds and in the divergence field are discussed.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Brabec, M.; Wienhold, F. G.; Luo, B. P.; Vömel, H.; Immler, F.; Steiner, P.; Hausammann, E.; Weers, U.; Peter, T.
2012-10-01
Advanced measurement and modelling techniques are employed to estimate the partitioning of atmospheric water between the gas phase and the condensed phase in and around cirrus clouds, and thus to identify in-cloud and out-of-cloud supersaturations with respect to ice. In November 2008 the newly developed balloon-borne backscatter sonde COBALD (Compact Optical Backscatter and AerosoL Detector) was flown 14 times together with a CFH (Cryogenic Frost point Hygrometer) from Lindenberg, Germany (52° N, 14° E). The case discussed here in detail shows two cirrus layers with in-cloud relative humidities with respect to ice between 50% and 130%. Global operational analysis data of ECMWF (roughly 1° × 1° horizontal and 1 km vertical resolution, 6-hourly stored fields) fail to represent ice water contents and relative humidities. Conversely, regional COSMO-7 forecasts (6.6 km × 6.6 km, 5-min stored fields) capture the measured humidities and cloud positions remarkably well. The main difference between ECMWF and COSMO data is the resolution of small-scale vertical features responsible for cirrus formation. Nevertheless, ice water contents in COSMO-7 are still off by factors 2-10, likely reflecting limitations in COSMO's ice phase bulk scheme. Significant improvements can be achieved by comprehensive size-resolved microphysical and optical modelling along backward trajectories based on COSMO-7 wind and temperature fields, which allow accurate computation of humidities, homogeneous ice nucleation, resulting ice particle size distributions and backscatter ratios at the COBALD wavelengths. However, only by superimposing small-scale temperature fluctuations, which remain unresolved by the numerical weather prediction models, can we obtain a satisfying agreement with the observations and reconcile the measured in-cloud non-equilibrium humidities with conventional ice cloud microphysics. Conversely, the model-data comparison provides no evidence that additional changes to ice-cloud microphysics - such as heterogeneous nucleation or changing the water vapour accommodation coefficient on ice - are required.
Onwude, Daniel I; Hashim, Norhashila; Abdan, Khalina; Janius, Rimfiel; Chen, Guangnan
2018-03-01
Drying is a method used to preserve agricultural crops. During the drying of products with high moisture content, structural changes in shape, volume, area, density and porosity occur. These changes could affect the final quality of dried product and also the effective design of drying equipment. Therefore, this study investigated a novel approach in monitoring and predicting the shrinkage of sweet potato during drying. Drying experiments were conducted at temperatures of 50-70 °C and samples thicknesses of 2-6 mm. The volume and surface area obtained from camera vision, and the perimeter and illuminated area from backscattered optical images were analysed and used to evaluate the shrinkage of sweet potato during drying. The relationship between dimensionless moisture content and shrinkage of sweet potato in terms of volume, surface area, perimeter and illuminated area was found to be linearly correlated. The results also demonstrated that the shrinkage of sweet potato based on computer vision and backscattered optical parameters is affected by the product thickness, drying temperature and drying time. A multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network with input layer containing three cells, two hidden layers (18 neurons), and five cells for output layer, was used to develop a model that can monitor, control and predict the shrinkage parameters and moisture content of sweet potato slices under different drying conditions. The developed ANN model satisfactorily predicted the shrinkage and dimensionless moisture content of sweet potato with correlation coefficient greater than 0.95. Combined computer vision, laser light backscattering imaging and artificial neural network can be used as a non-destructive, rapid and easily adaptable technique for in-line monitoring, predicting and controlling the shrinkage and moisture changes of food and agricultural crops during drying. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Stephens, David; Diesing, Markus
2014-01-01
Detailed seabed substrate maps are increasingly in demand for effective planning and management of marine ecosystems and resources. It has become common to use remotely sensed multibeam echosounder data in the form of bathymetry and acoustic backscatter in conjunction with ground-truth sampling data to inform the mapping of seabed substrates. Whilst, until recently, such data sets have typically been classified by expert interpretation, it is now obvious that more objective, faster and repeatable methods of seabed classification are required. This study compares the performances of a range of supervised classification techniques for predicting substrate type from multibeam echosounder data. The study area is located in the North Sea, off the north-east coast of England. A total of 258 ground-truth samples were classified into four substrate classes. Multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data, and a range of secondary features derived from these datasets were used in this study. Six supervised classification techniques were tested: Classification Trees, Support Vector Machines, k-Nearest Neighbour, Neural Networks, Random Forest and Naive Bayes. Each classifier was trained multiple times using different input features, including i) the two primary features of bathymetry and backscatter, ii) a subset of the features chosen by a feature selection process and iii) all of the input features. The predictive performances of the models were validated using a separate test set of ground-truth samples. The statistical significance of model performances relative to a simple baseline model (Nearest Neighbour predictions on bathymetry and backscatter) were tested to assess the benefits of using more sophisticated approaches. The best performing models were tree based methods and Naive Bayes which achieved accuracies of around 0.8 and kappa coefficients of up to 0.5 on the test set. The models that used all input features didn't generally perform well, highlighting the need for some means of feature selection.
C-Band Backscatter Measurements of Winter Sea-Ice in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Drinkwater, M. R.; Hosseinmostafa, R.; Gogineni, P.
1995-01-01
During the 1992 Winter Weddell Gyre Study, a C-band scatterometer was used from the German ice-breaker R/V Polarstern to obtain detailed shipborne measurement scans of Antarctic sea-ice. The frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FM-CW) radar operated at 4-3 GHz and acquired like- (VV) and cross polarization (HV) data at a variety of incidence angles (10-75 deg). Calibrated backscatter data were recorded for several ice types as the icebreaker crossed the Weddell Sea and detailed measurements were made of corresponding snow and sea-ice characteristics at each measurement site, together with meteorological information, radiation budget and oceanographic data. The primary scattering contributions under cold winter conditions arise from the air/snow and snow/ice interfaces. Observations indicate so e similarities with Arctic sea-ice scattering signatures, although the main difference is generally lower mean backscattering coefficients in the Weddell Sea. This is due to the younger mean ice age and thickness, and correspondingly higher mean salinities. In particular, smooth white ice found in 1992 in divergent areas within the Weddell Gyre ice pack was generally extremely smooth and undeformed. Comparisons of field scatterometer data with calibrated 20-26 deg incidence ERS-1 radar image data show close correspondence, and indicate that rough Antarctic first-year and older second-year ice forms do not produce as distinctively different scattering signatures as observed in the Arctic. Thick deformed first-year and second-year ice on the other hand are clearly discriminated from younger undeformed ice. thereby allowing successful separation of thick and thin ice. Time-series data also indicate that C-band is sensitive to changes in snow and ice conditions resulting from atmospheric and oceanographic forcing and the local heat flux environment. Variations of several dB in 45 deg incidence backscatter occur in response to a combination of thermally-regulated parameters including sea-ice brine volume, snow and ice complex dielectric properties, and snow physical properties.
Rabi cropped area forecasting of parts of Banaskatha District,Gujarat using MRS RISAT-1 SAR data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Parekh, R. A.; Mehta, R. L.; Vyas, A.
2016-10-01
Radar sensors can be used for large-scale vegetation mapping and monitoring using backscatter coefficients in different polarisations and wavelength bands. Due to cloud and haze interference, optical images are not always available at all phonological stages important for crop discrimination. Moreover, in cloud prone areas, exclusively SAR approach would provide operational solution. This paper presents the results of classifying the cropped and non cropped areas using multi-temporal SAR images. Dual polarised C- band RISAT MRS (Medium Resolution ScanSAR mode) data were acquired on 9thDec. 2012, 28thJan. 2013 and 22nd Feb. 2013 at 18m spatial resolution. Intensity images of two polarisations (HH, HV) were extracted and converted into backscattering coefficient images. Cross polarisation ratio (CPR) images and Radar fractional vegetation density index (RFDI) were created from the temporal data and integrated with the multi-temporal images. Signatures of cropped and un-cropped areas were used for maximum likelihood supervised classification. Separability in cropped and umcropped classes using different polarisation combinations and classification accuracy analysis was carried out. FCC (False Color Composite) prepared using best three SAR polarisations in the data set was compared with LISS-III (Linear Imaging Self-Scanning System-III) image. The acreage under rabi crops was estimated. The methodology developed was for rabi cropped area, due to availability of SAR data of rabi season. Though, the approach is more relevant for acreage estimation of kharif crops when frequent cloud cover condition prevails during monsoon season and optical sensors fail to deliver good quality images.
Effects of molecular and particle scatterings on the model parameter for remote-sensing reflectance.
Lee, ZhongPing; Carder, Kendall L; Du, KePing
2004-09-01
For optically deep waters, remote-sensing reflectance (r(rs)) is traditionally expressed as the ratio of the backscattering coefficient (b(b)) to the sum of absorption and backscattering coefficients (a + b(b)) that multiples a model parameter (g, or the so-called f'/Q). Parameter g is further expressed as a function of b(b)/(a + b(b)) (or b(b)/a) to account for its variation that is due to multiple scattering. With such an approach, the same g value will be derived for different a and b(b) values that provide the same ratio. Because g is partially a measure of the angular distribution of upwelling light, and the angular distribution from molecular scattering is quite different from that of particle scattering; g values are expected to vary with different scattering distributions even if the b(b)/a ratios are the same. In this study, after numerically demonstrating the effects of molecular and particle scatterings on the values of g, an innovative r(rs) model is developed. This new model expresses r(rs) in two separate terms: one governed by the phase function of molecular scattering and one governed by the phase function of particle scattering, with a model parameter introduced for each term. In this way the phase function effects from molecular and particle scatterings are explicitly separated and accounted for. This new model provides an analytical tool to understand and quantify the phase-function effects on r(rs), and a platform to calculate r(rs) spectrum quickly and accurately that is required for remote-sensing applications.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kramer, S. J.; Sosik, H. M.; Roesler, C. S.
2016-02-01
Satellite remote sensing of ocean color allows for estimates of phytoplankton biomass on broad spatial and temporal scales. Recently, a variety of approaches have been offered for determining phytoplankton taxonomic composition or phytoplankton functional types (PFTs) from remote sensing reflectance. These bio-optical algorithms exploit spectral differences to discriminate waters dominated by different types of cells. However, the efficacy of these models remains difficult to constrain due to limited datasets for detailed validation. In this study, we examined the region around the Martha's Vineyard Coastal Observatory (MVCO), a near-shore location on the New England shelf with optically complex coastal waters. This site offers many methods for detailed validation of ocean color algorithms: an AERONET-OC above-water radiometry system provides sea-truth ocean color observations; time series of absorption and backscattering coefficients are measured; and phytoplankton composition is assessed with a combination of continuous in situ flow cytometry and intermittent discrete sampling for HPLC pigments. Our analysis showed that even models originally parameterized for the Northwest Atlantic perform poorly in capturing the variability in relationships between optical properties and water constituents at coastal sites such as MVCO. We refined models with local parameterizations of variability in absorption and backscattering coefficients, and achieved much better agreement of modeled and observed relationships between predicted spectral reflectance, chlorophyll concentration, and indices of phytoplankton composition such as diatom dominance. Applying these refined models to satellite remote sensing imagery offers the possibility of describing large-scale variations in phytoplankton community structure both at MVCO and on the surrounding shelf over space and time.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Campbell, James R.; Welton, Ellsworth J.; Spinhirne, James D.; Ji, Qiang; Tsay, Si-Chee; Piketh, Stuart J.; Barenbrug, Marguerite; Holben, Brent; Starr, David OC. (Technical Monitor)
2002-01-01
During the ARREX-1999 and SAFARI-2000 Dry Season experiments a micropulse lidar (523 nm) instrument was operated at the Skukuza Airport in northeastern South Africa. The Mar was collocated with a diverse array of passive radiometric equipment. For SAFARI-2000 the processed Mar data yields a daytime time-series of layer mean/derived aerosol optical properties, including extinction-to-backscatter ratios and vertical extinction cross-section profile. Combined with 523 run aerosol optical depth and spectral Angstrom exponent calculations from available CIMEL sun-photometer data and normalized broadband flux measurements the temporal evolution of the near surface aerosol layer optical properties is analyzed for climatological trends. For the densest smoke/haze events the extinction-to-backscatter ratio is found to be between 60-80/sr, and corresponding Angstrom exponent calculations near and above 1.75. The optical characteristics of an evolving smoke event from SAFARI-2000 are extensively detailed. The advecting smoke was embedded within two distinct stratified thermodynamic layers, causing the particulate mass to advect over the instrument array in an incoherent manner on the afternoon of its occurrence. Surface broadband flux forcing due to the smoke is calculated, as is the evolution in the vertical aerosol extinction profile as measured by the Han Finally, observations of persistent elevated aerosol during ARREX-1999 are presented and discussed. The lack of corroborating observations the following year makes these observation; both unique and noteworthy in the scope of regional aerosol transport over southern Africa.
In-flight calibration/validation of the ENVISAT/MWR
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tran, N.; Obligis, E.; Eymard, L.
2003-04-01
Retrieval algorithms for wet tropospheric correction, integrated vapor and liquid water contents, atmospheric attenuations of backscattering coefficients in Ku and S band, have been developed using a database of geophysical parameters from global analyses from a meteorological model and corresponding simulated brightness temperatures and backscattering cross-sections by a radiative transfer model. Meteorological data correspond to 12 hours predictions from the European Center for Medium range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model. Relationships between satellite measurements and geophysical parameters are determined using a statistical method. The quality of the retrieval algorithms depends therefore on the representativity of the database, the accuracy of the radiative transfer model used for the simulations and finally on the quality of the inversion model. The database has been built using the latest version of the ECMWF forecast model, which has been operationally run since November 2000. The 60 levels in the model allow a complete description of the troposphere/stratosphere profiles and the horizontal resolution is now half of a degree. The radiative transfer model is the emissivity model developed at the Université Catholique de Louvain [Lemaire, 1998], coupled to an atmospheric model [Liebe et al, 1993] for gaseous absorption. For the inversion, we have replaced the classical log-linear regression with a neural networks inversion. For Envisat, the backscattering coefficient in Ku band is used in the different algorithms to take into account the surface roughness as it is done with the 18 GHz channel for the TOPEX algorithms or an additional term in wind speed for ERS2 algorithms. The in-flight calibration/validation of the Envisat radiometer has been performed with the tuning of 3 internal parameters (the transmission coefficient of the reflector, the sky horn feed transmission coefficient and the main antenna transmission coefficient). First an adjustment of the ERS2 brightness temperatures to the simulations for the 2000/2001 version of the ECMWF model has been applied. Then, Envisat brightness temperatures have been calibrated on these adjusted ERS2 values. The advantages of this calibration approach are that : i) such a method provides the relative discrepancy with respect to the simulation chain. The results, obtained simultaneously for several radiometers (we repeat the same analyze with TOPEX and JASON radiometers), can be used to detect significant calibration problems, more than 2 3 K). ii) the retrieval algorithms have been developed using the same meteorological model (2000/2001 version of the ECMWF model), and the same radiative transfer model than the calibration process, insuring the consistency between calibration and retrieval processing. Retrieval parameters are then optimized. iii) the calibration of the Envisat brightness temperatures over the 2000/2001 version of the ECMWF model, as well as the recommendation to use the same model as a reference to correct ERS2 brightness temperatures, allow the use of the same retrieval algorithms for the two missions, providing the continuity between the two. iv) by comparison with other calibration methods (such as systematic calibration of an instrument or products by using respectively the ones from previous mission), this method is more satisfactory since improvements in terms of technology, modelisation, retrieval processing are taken into account. For the validation of the brightness temperatures, we use either a direct comparison with measurements provided by other instruments in similar channel, or the monitoring over stable areas (coldest ocean points, stable continental areas). The validation of the wet tropospheric correction can be also provided by comparison with other radiometer products, but the only real validation rely on the comparison between in-situ measurements (performed by radiosonding) and retrieved products in coincidence.
Capability of the CALIPSO lidar observations to detect the dust source regions
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kaskaoutis, D. G.; Kharol, Shailesh Kumar; Kambezidis, H. D.; Nastos, P. T.; Rani Sharma, Anu; Kvs, Badarinath
Two dust events with high aerosol optical depth (AOD) values have been observed over Athens on 4 and 6-7 February 2009. These dust events were well captured by the satellite obser-vations and are investigated in the present study by means of the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) observations, ceilometer vertical profiles and DREAM model predictions. The CALIPSO provides new insight to study the role of clouds and atmospheric aerosols in regulating Earth's weather, climate, and air quality. CALIPSO has a 98o-inclination orbit and flies at an altitude of 705 km providing daily global maps of the ver-tical distribution of aerosols and clouds. The CALIPSO satellite carries a polarization-sensitive lidar, the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP), which provides profiles of backscatter coefficient at 532 and 1064 nm. The ceilometer used in the present study is a Vaisala CL31 model. It is equipped with an InGaAs MOCVD pulsed laser, emitting at 930 nm and having an energy per pulse of 1.2 J. The emission frequency is 10 kHz while the pulse duration is 100 ns. The vertical profiles of the aerosol backscatter coefficient were obtained from 5 m up to 7.5 km at 930 nm. The CL31 is installed at the Actinometric station of the National Observatory of Athens. The CALIPSO-derived total attenuated backscatter at 532 and 1064 nm is used to identify the position of dust along the overpass trajectory. A typical example of the vertical distribution of the dust plume over the study region during nighttime on 5 Febru-ary 2009 is provided. Limiting the analysis over Libya, eastern Mediterranean and Greece (24o -37o N, 15o-19o E), the dust aerosol layer exhibits a high total attenuated backscatter at 532 nm, reaching to 0.05-0.06 km-1sr-1. CALIPSO observations clearly show that the dust plume was generated over the Sahara desert at about 24oN, 15oE near the borders of Libya, Chad and Niger. After its exposure it was uplifted to about 3-km in depth and moved northwards. As the dust layer moved towards Greece its intensity seems to decrease while its vertical extent was limited to lower altitudes within the first 2 km. The ceilometer also detected an elevated aerosol layer due to dust transport within the first 3 km, while the vertical profiles of dust predicted by DREAM were in close agreement with those of the ceilometer. The main goal of this study is the investigation via satellite vertical-profiling instrumentation not only the vertical extent and the transport of dust, but also its source region. Keywords: Dust, CALIPSO, DREAM model and AOD
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Gyawali, Madhu S.; Arnott, W. Patrick; Zaveri, Rahul A.
2012-03-08
We present the laboratory and ambient photoacoustic (PA) measurement of aerosol light absorption coefficients at ultraviolet wavelength (i.e., 355 nm) and compare with measurements at 405, 532, 870, and 1047 nm. Simultaneous measurements of aerosol light scattering coefficients were achieved by the integrating reciprocal nephelometer within the PA's acoustic resonator. Absorption and scattering measurements were carried out for various laboratory generated aerosols, including salt, incense, and kerosene soot to evaluate the instrument calibration and gain insight on the spectral dependence of aerosol light absorption and scattering. Ambient measurements were obtained in Reno, Nevada, between 18 December 2009 and 18 Januarymore » 2010. The measurement period included days with and without strong ground level temperature inversions, corresponding to highly polluted (freshly emitted aerosols) and relatively clean (aged aerosols) conditions. Particulate matter (PM) concentrations were measured and analyzed with other tracers of traffic emissions. The temperature inversion episodes caused very high concentration of PM{sub 2.5} and PM{sub 10} (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 {mu}m and 10 {mu}m, respectively) and gaseous pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO{sub 2}). The diurnal change of absorption and scattering coefficients during the polluted (inversion) days increased approximately by a factor of two for all wavelengths compared to the clean days. The spectral variation in aerosol absorption coefficients indicated a significant amount of absorbing aerosol from traffic emissions and residential wood burning. The analysis of single scattering albedo (SSA), Angstrom exponent of absorption (AEA), and Angstrom exponent of scattering (AES) for clean and polluted days provides evidences that the aerosol aging and coating process is suppressed by strong temperature inversion under cloudy conditions. In general, measured UV absorption coefficients were found to be much larger for biomass burning aerosol than for typical ambient aerosols.« less
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gyawali, M.; Arnott, W. P.; Zaveri, R. A.; Song, C.; Moosmuller, H.; Liu, L.; Mishchenko, M. I.; Chen, L.-W.A.; Green, M. C.; Watson, J. G.;
2012-01-01
We present the laboratory and ambient photoacoustic (PA) measurement of aerosol light absorption coefficients at ultraviolet wavelength (i.e., 355 nm) and compare with measurements at 405, 532, 870, and 1047 nm. Simultaneous measurements of aerosol light scattering coefficients were achieved by the integrating reciprocal nephelometer within the PA's acoustic resonator. Absorption and scattering measurements were carried out for various laboratory generated aerosols, including salt, incense, and kerosene soot to evaluate the instrument calibration and gain insight on the spectral dependence of aerosol light absorption and scattering. Ambient measurements were obtained in Reno, Nevada, between 18 December 2009 and 18 January 2010. The measurement period included days with and without strong ground level temperature inversions, corresponding to highly polluted (freshly emitted aerosols) and relatively clean (aged aerosols) conditions. Particulate matter (PM) concentrations were measured and analyzed with other tracers of traffic emissions. The temperature inversion episodes caused very high concentration of PM (sub 2.5) and PM( sub 10) (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers, respectively) and gaseous pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The diurnal change of absorption and scattering coefficients during the polluted (inversion) days increased approximately by a factor of two for all wavelengths compared to the clean days. The spectral variation in aerosol absorption coefficients indicated a significant amount of absorbing aerosol from traffic emissions and residential wood burning. The analysis of single scattering albedo (SSA), Angstrom exponent of absorption (AEA), and Angstrom exponent of scattering (AES) for clean and polluted days provides evidences that the aerosol aging and coating process is suppressed by strong temperature inversion under cloudy conditions. In general, measured UV absorption coefficients were found to be much larger for biomass burning aerosol than for typical ambient aerosols.
Possible method for diagnosing waves in dusty plasmas with magnetized charged dust particulates
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Rosenberg, M.; Shukla, P. K.
2005-05-01
We discuss theoretically a possible method for diagnosing some features of dust wave behavior in a magnetized plasma containing small (tens of nm) charged dust grains whose motion is magnetized. It is easier to magnetize a small dust particle because its charge-to-mass ratio increases as its size decreases. However, it is more difficult to use the backscattering of light from the dust as a diagnostic as the dust size decreases below the diffraction limit. The idea proposed here is to measure the reduction in transmitted UV or optical light intensity due to enhanced extinction by small metal dust particles that have surface plasmon resonances at those wavelengths. Such measurements could indicate the spatial location of the dust density compressions or rarefactions, which may yield information on the dust wave behavior, or perhaps even charged dust transport. Parameters that may be relevant to possible laboratory dusty plasma experiments are discussed.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dlugach, Janna M.; Mishchenko, Michael I.
2017-01-01
In this paper, we discuss some aspects of numerical modeling of electromagnetic scattering by discrete random medium by using numerically exact solutions of the macroscopic Maxwell equations. Typical examples of such media are clouds of interstellar dust, clouds of interplanetary dust in the Solar system, dusty atmospheres of comets, particulate planetary rings, clouds in planetary atmospheres, aerosol particles with numerous inclusions and so on. Our study is based on the results of extensive computations of different characteristics of electromagnetic scattering obtained by using the superposition T-matrix method which represents a direct computer solver of the macroscopic Maxwell equations for an arbitrary multisphere configuration. As a result, in particular, we clarify the range of applicability of the low-density theories of radiative transfer and coherent backscattering as well as of widely used effective-medium approximations.
Expanding understanding of optical variability in Lake Superior with a 4-year dataset
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mouw, Colleen B.; Ciochetto, Audrey B.; Grunert, Brice; Yu, Angela
2017-07-01
Lake Superior is one of the largest freshwater lakes on our planet, but few optical observations have been made to allow for the development and validation of visible spectral satellite remote sensing products. The dataset described here focuses on coincidently observing inherent and apparent optical properties along with biogeochemical parameters. Specifically, we observe remote sensing reflectance, absorption, scattering, backscattering, attenuation, chlorophyll concentration, and suspended particulate matter over the ice-free months of 2013-2016. The dataset substantially increases the optical knowledge of the lake. In addition to visible spectral satellite algorithm development, the dataset is valuable for characterizing the variable light field, particle, phytoplankton, and colored dissolved organic matter distributions, and helpful in food web and carbon cycle investigations. The compiled data can be freely accessed at https://seabass.gsfc.nasa.gov/archive/URI/Mouw/LakeSuperior/.
Callé, Rachel; Plag, Camille; Patat, Frédéric; Ossant, Frédéric
2009-01-01
Previous studies [R. Libgot, F. Ossant, Y. Gruel, P. Lermusiaux, and F. Patat, Proc.-IEEE Utrason. Symp. 4, 2259-2262 (2005); R. Libgot-Calle, F. Ossant, Y. Gruel, P. Lermusiaux, and F. Patat, Ultrasound Med. Biol. 34, 252-264 (2008); F. Ossant, R. Libgot, P. Coupe, P. Lermusiaux, and F. Patat, Proc.-IEEE Ultrason. Symp. 2, 846-849 (2004)] showed the potential of an in vitro high frequency ultrasound (beyond 20 MHz) device to describe the blood clotting process. The parameters were simultaneously estimated in double transmission (DT) with the calculation of the velocity of longitudinal waves and in backscattering (BS) modes with the estimation of the integrated BS coefficient and the effective scatterer size. The aim of the present study was to show how the integrated attenuation coefficient (IAC) assessed in DT mode could provide additional information on this process, especially regarding the fibrin polymerization which is an important part of the coagulation process. A characteristic time t(a) of the variations in IAC that could be linked to fibrin formation was identified.
Methods and limitations in radar target imagery
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bertrand, P.
An analytical examination of the reflectivity of radar targets is presented for the two-dimensional case of flat targets. A complex backscattering coefficient is defined for the amplitude and phase of the received field in comparison with the emitted field. The coefficient is dependent on the frequency of the emitted signal and the orientation of the target with respect to the transmitter. The target reflection is modeled in terms of the density of illumined, colored points independent from one another. The target therefore is represented as an infinite family of densities indexed by the observational angle. Attention is given to the reflectivity parameters and their distribution function, and to the conjunct distribution function for the color, position, and the directivity of bright points. It is shown that a fundamental ambiguity exists between the localization of the illumined points and the determination of their directivity and color.
Off-nadir antenna bias correction using Amazon rain sigma(0) data
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Birrer, I. J.; Dome, G. J.; Sweet, J.; Berthold, G.; Moore, R. K.
1982-01-01
The radar response from the Amazon rain forest was studied to determine the suitability of this region for use as a standard target to calibrate a scatterometer like that proposed for the National Oceanic Satellite System (NOSS). Backscattering observations made by the SEASAT Scatterometer System (SASS) showed the Amazon rain forest to be a homogeneous, azimuthally-isotropic, radar target which was insensitive to polarization. The variation with angle of incidence was adequately modeled as scattering coefficient (dB) = a theta b with typical values for the incidence-angle coefficient from 0.07 to 0.15 dB/deg. A small diurnal effect occurs, with measurements at sunrise being 0.5 dB to 1 dB higher than the rest of the day. Maximum-likelihood estimation algorithms presented here permit determination of relative bias and true pointing angle for each beam. Specific implementation of these algorithms for the proposed NOSS scatterometer system is also discussed.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xiang, Deliang; Su, Yi; Ban, Yifeng
2015-04-01
Since the buildings have complex geometries and may be misclassified as forests or mountains with volume scattering due to the significant cross-pol backscatter and lack reflection symmetry, especially the slant-oriented buildings, building area extraction is a challenging problem. In this paper, the time-frequency decomposition technique is adopted to acquire subaperture images, which correspond to the same scene responses under different azimuthal look angles. Stationarity detection approach with polarimetric G0 distribution is proposed to extract ortho-orientedbuildings and the circular polarization correlation coefficient is optimal in characterizing slant-oriented buildings. We test the aforementioned method using ESAR image with L-band. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively extract both ortho-oriented and slant-oriented buildings and the overall detection accuracy as well as kappa value is 10%-20% higher than the compared methods.
Haltrin, V I
1998-06-20
A self-consistent variant of the two-flow approximation that takes into account strong anisotropy of light scattering in seawater of finite depth and arbitrary turbidity is presented. To achieve an appropriate accuracy, this approach uses experimental dependencies between downward and total mean cosines. It calculates irradiances, diffuse attenuation coefficients, and diffuse reflectances in waters with arbitrary values of scattering, backscattering, and attenuation coefficients. It also takes into account arbitrary conditions of illumination and reflection from the bottom with the Lambertian albedo. This theory can be used for the calculation of apparent optical properties in both open and coastal oceanic waters, lakes, and rivers. It can also be applied to other types of absorbing and scattering medium such as paints, photographic emulsions, and biological tissues.
Atmospheric effects on CO2 laser propagation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Murty, S. S. R.; Bilbro, J. W.
1978-01-01
An investigation was made of the losses encountered in the propagation of CO2 laser radiation through the atmosphere, particularly as it applies to the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center Pulsed Laser Doppler System. As such it addresses three major areas associated with signal loss: molecular absorption, refractive index changes in a turbulent environment, and aerosol absorption and scattering. In particular, the molecular absorption coefficients of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrous oxide are calculated for various laser lines in the region of 10.6 mu m as a function of various pressures and temperatures. The current status in the physics of low-energy laser propagation through a turbulent atmosphere is presented together with the analysis and evaluation of the associated heterodyne signal power loss. Finally, aerosol backscatter and extinction coefficients are calculated for various aerosol distributions and the results incorporated into the signal-to-noise ratio equation for the Marshall Space Flight Center system.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shen, Guofeng; Xue, Miao; Yuan, Siyu; Zhang, Jie; Zhao, Qiuyue; Li, Bing; Wu, Haisuo; Ding, Aijun
2014-02-01
Ambient particulate matter was collected in a megacity, Nanjing in western YRD during the spring and summer periods. Chemical compositions of fine PM including organic carbon, elemental carbon, elements and water soluble ions were analyzed. The light extinction coefficients were reconstructed following the IMPROVE formula. Organic matter was the most abundant composition in PM2.5 (20-25% of total mass), followed by the inorganic ions. During the spring time, geological materials contributed 25% of the total PM2.5. Estimated light extinction coefficient ranged from 133 to 560 Mm-1 with the deciview haze index value of 26-40 dv, indicating strong light extinction by PM and subsequently low visibility in the city. Reconstructed ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, organic matter and light absorption carbon in fine PM contributed significantly (37 ± 10, 16 ± 6, 15 ± 4 and 10 ± 3%, respectively) to the total light extinction of PM, while soil (5-7%) and sea salt fractions (2-4%) in fine PM and coarse PM (6-11%) had relatively minor influences. The results of backward air trajectory showed that the site was strongly influenced by the air from the eastern (39%) and southeastern (29%) areas during the sampling period. Air plumes from the Southeastern had both high PM mass pollution and large light extinction, while the air mass originating from the Northwestern resulted in high PM mass loading but relatively lower light extinction.
Spin and valley filter across line defect in silicene
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Sake; Ren, Chongdan; Li, Yunfang; Tian, Hongyu; Lu, Weitao; Sun, Minglei
2018-05-01
We propose a new scheme to achieve an effective spin/valley filter in silicene with extended line defect on the basis of spin–valley coupling due to the intrinsic spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The transmission coefficient of the spin/valley states is seriously affected by the SOC. When a perpendicular magnetic field is applied on one side of the line defect, one valley state will experience backscattering, but the other valley will not; this leads to high valley polarization in all transmission directions. Moreover, the spin/valley polarization can be enhanced to 96% with the aid of a perpendicular electric field.