Concepts for Sensor Data Fusion to Detect Vegetation Stress and Implications on Ecosystem Health Following Hurricane Katrina
Abstract
Forest ecosystems, in particular forest wetlands, are very dynamic and offer many ecological benefits because of their complex floral and faunal assemblages. It is important to understand these interactions, thus improving the ability to sustain this precious resource, and as stewards, pass it on. In addition, response to various natural influences, such as severe weather events, is also a vital part of understanding ecosystem health. It is important to quantify not only the obvious, visible damage but also the ambiguous stress these systems have undergone as a result of sustained wind damage. Satellite and airborne-based remote sensing (particularly imagery) are well-established methods for monitoring and assessing large-scale forest damage and are currently used to quantify visible damage. This research establishes proof of concept techniques for fusing sensor data from multiple remote sensing platforms to better understand the requirements needed to characterize subtle damage to forest environments impacted by hurricanes, in this case Hurricane Katrina. These advanced techniques may provide an indication of such vegetation stress before becoming visibly detectable, thus essentially predicting stress induced mortality before it occurs. This information can be used in formulating mitigation practices in riparian areas and along streams to help reduce sediment intake due to erosion from loss of vegetation, thus improving water quality.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA489597
Entities
People
- George T. Raber
- Jerry A. Griffth
- Mark R. Graves
- Sam S. Jackson
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center