Monitoring Permafrost Landscapes Using Optical and Multi-Polarization SAR Imagery. Case Study: Kobuk Valley, Alaska, 20-R8144
Principal Investigators
D. Marius Necsoiu
Cynthia L. Dinwiddie
Donald M. Hooper
Ronald N. McGinnis
Gary R. Walter
Inclusive Dates: 04/01/10 – 10/01/11
Background — This project was undertaken to develop an integrated methodology for using a variety of remotely sensed data to detect and monitor changes in Arctic and other cold region landscapes. The approach combined products developed from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical airborne and satellite imagery. The project focused on applying these techniques to detect climate-induced changes to landforms in Kobuk Valley National Park in north-central Alaska. This target location was selected because of its ecological significance, sensitivity to climate change and its being the subject of an externally funded research project.
Approach — SwRI researchers developed and applied an integrated remote sensing based methodology to interpret and predict processes that control permafrost formation and degradation. Through well-constrained processing techniques and remote sensing data integration along with data validation, researchers analyzed elevation patterns, soil moisture, vegetation and sedimentary processes to evaluate changes in permafrost processes.
Accomplishments —
Initiated and developed a comprehensive database of aerial and satellite remote sensing datasets pertinent to existing and future permafrost studies at Kobuk Valley (KOVA) National Park.
Developed an integrated approach to detect, monitor and characterize changes in the permafrost environment based on state-of-the-art optical and radar methodologies.
Developed a 2.5-m DEM of the region using optical PRISM data.
Developed a new soil moisture retrieval methodology based on multi-temporal L-band SAR and AMSR-E data.
Demonstrated the ability to register — with high accuracy — optical data acquired 50 years apart in the absence of stable features.
Built successful relationships with a significant group of external collaborators who contributed to various aspects of the project. Two external scientists were appointed as non-fee consultants for the duration of the project.
Identified new avenues of research related to arctic, arid and mountainous permafrost research with potential clients in the United States and Asia.
