Hyperspectral

Mojave Desert Soils and Sediments Project

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The BLM/USGS Mojave Desert soils and sediments project is investigating the mineralogy of the Clark Mountain Range, California, for associations of minerals with human health concerns and economic importance.  Soils, rock lithology, and dry lake surfaces are well exposed for mapping using image spectrometer data.  These lands have a wide variety of surface materials that are identifiable using spectral features unique to each mineral.  Mineral suites are directly relatable to mineral resources, such as rare earth deposits, hydrothermal systems, and evaporate (gypsum) dry lake

Assessment of Habitat Distribution and Nutritive Value on Alaska’s Arctic Coastal Plain

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As part of the USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystem (CAE) Initiative, the Alaska Science Center is conducting research to assess the distribution and nutrient value of halophytic graminoid “grazing lawn” habitat across the Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) of Alaska. These grazing lawns are important habitat for Pacific Black Brant and Lesser Snow and Greater White Fronted Geese. The timing of the resource’s seasonal nutrient abundance as related to peak hatch and molting periods is thought to be crucial to reproductive and migratory success.

Understanding Agricultural Conservation Practices

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The effective implementation of agricultural conservation practices is critical to the improvement of water quality in the Chesapeake Bay region, where non-point sources of nutrients, sediment, and agrichemicals are major contributors to water quality impairment. The use of winter cover crops, for example, has been identified as a key conservation management practice for reducing the loss of nitrogen and sediment from agricultural lands. However, the effectiveness of conservation practices varies widely depending on landscape, climate, and agronomic management.

An Early Warning Indicator for Toxic and Nuisance Blooms Using Ocean Color Satellites

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Algal blooms cause extensive problems in lakes worldwide, including human and animal health risks, anoxia and fish kills, and contaminated potable water. Cyanobacterial blooms are a particular concern because of their dense biomass, toxins, and taste and odor. The Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN) for freshwater systems project is an interagency collaboration between the EPA, NASA, NOAA, and the USGS.

A Hierarchical Remote Sensing Approach to Manage Invasive Species on DOI Lands

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USGS, Northern Arizona University (NAU), and National Park Service (NPS) scientists are collectively evaluating cutting-edge remote sensing methods to detect invasive species that threaten ecosystem stability. The researchers are using a suite of remote sensing tools that range from sensors aboard Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to high-resolution satellite imagery to detect buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare), a non-native perennial grass that is rapidly spreading across NPS lands and adjacent areas in the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States.

Alaska Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Project

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The USGS Mineral Resources Program (MRP) is using hyperspectral remote sensing at a variety of scales to characterize rocks and soils in selected areas of Alaska using laboratory, field-based, and airborne spectrometers. The advanced sensors can identify and map specific minerals. These mineral maps are being linked to geologic field surveys, rock samples, and chemical analyses to better characterize known deposits and identify prospective ground for additional mineral resources in steep, remote terrain.

Hyperspectral Microscopy

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The USGS has been collaborating closely with the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Mitre Corporation on the development of a full-range hyperspectral microscope to support remote sensing research. Over the past 20 years, hyperspectral microscopy has grown into a robust field of analysis for a number of applications, mostly related to medical diagnostics.  Development of a hyperspectral imaging microscope is aimed at material characterization to complement traditional stand-off hyperspectral remote sensing applications.

Hyperspectral Analysis of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

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Working in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, USGS scientists are utilizing hyperspectral data from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) ARCHER (Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance) to map submerged aquatic vegetation, along with the invasive algae Didymosphenia geminata (didymo), in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

Mars

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Mars is a major focus of U.S. and international space programs with five spacecraft currently operational and actively collecting data: Mars Odyssey, Mars Express, Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity.

Using the Moon to Calibrate Earth Observations

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Astrogeology maintains the highest quality data on the brightness of the Moon via the Lunar Calibration Program, which provides essential data for many satellite missions.  These data are used to calibrate many spaceborne Earth observing instruments, including the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8, and the NASA flagship remote sensing instruments: VIIRS (the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on Suomi NPP and MODIS (the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on Terra and Aqua.  Lunar calibration is planned by virtually all future operational satellite miss