Estuarine Processes and Intertidal Habitats in Grays Harbor, Washington. A Demonstration of Remote Sensing Techniques,
Abstract
The primary objective of this project was to demonstrate the utility of remote sensing techniques as an operational tool in the acquisition of data required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, in the Grays Harbor dredging effects project, and related projects. Aerial imagery was used to map surface circulation and suspended sediment patterns near the hopper dredge pump site at the harbor entrance and near pulpmill outfalls in Aberdeen, and to map the areal distribution and extent of intertidal habitats. The surface circulation maps prepared from the aerial photographs and thermal imagery compared favorably with the large-scale circulation patterns observed in the Grays Harbor hydraulic model at the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Of the imagery provided by NASA, the thermal imagery was more useful than the color or color infrared (CIR) photographs for mapping circulation, while the CIR photographs were more useful than the thermal imagery or the color photographs for mapping intertidal habitats. Current velocities estimated from dye dispersion patterns and drifting dye drogues were comparable at some locations to velocities measured by in situ current meters and in the hydraulic model. Based on a cursory evaluation of LANDSAT-1 imagery acquired in January, February, and October 1973, it had limited utility in providing data on surface circulation patterns in Grays Harbor. The areal distribution and extent of nine wetland vegetation types, dune vegetation, and three types of eelgrass were mapped using primarily aerial CIR photographs and ground surveys.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA061823
Entities
People
- Lawrence W. Gatto
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory