bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application Potential of Planned SAR Satellites - a Preview
Authors: van der Sanden J J , Budkewitsch P , Landry R , Lukowski T
I , Manore M J , McNairn H , Pultz T J , Vachon P W
Published: March 2017

To date, space-borne SAR data have been widely available from single channel, that is, single frequency and single polarization, radar systems. In the near future, we expect SAR satellites with enhanced capabilities in terms of polarization, frequency, spatial
resolution, spatial coverage and temporal resolution. In this paper, we will introduce some of the satellites planned and deliberate upon the increase in applications potential resulting from the progress in SAR technology. The application fields discussed are agriculture, forestry, geology,
hydrology, oceans, and sea ice. Most applications are anticipated to benefit from the upcoming availability of cross-polarized C-band data. Likewise the introduction of fully polarimetric C-band satellites and multi-frequency satellites is expected to improve the overall application
potential.
SAR Image Techniques for Mapping Areas of Landslides
Authors: Singhroy V , Mattar K E
Published: March 2017

This paper shows that InSAR perspective view and airborne InSAR images are very useful for geomorphic characterization of landslide features in high relief terrains. Landslides cause approximately 1000 deaths a year, worldwide, with property damage of about US $4
billion. Developing new remote sensing techniques to identify and characterise landslides and debris flows will assist in the current national landslide inventory and hazard mapping in mountainous areas. Geomorphic characterization using large scale air photos are essential for large scale landslide
hazard zonation maps. This is effectively done from the interpretation of large scale stereo air photographs and field mapping. In this study, we report on the use high-resolution airborne InSAR and perspective visualization techniques to map detailed landslide features in high relief terrains. We
also show that high resolution fine mode (8m) RADARSAT image (40-50 degrees), although not as useful as the airborne InSAR images, can be used to identify some landslide features, thereby assisting in hazard mapping. The SAR image techniques provided information on detail slope profiles of the large
rockslides occurring on steep slopes and along faults. From the images, faults, rock slumps, block slides, slide scars and debris slopes and ridges were identified. This study points the way of the potential of using high resolution optical and SAR stereo images to identify landslide features in
areas where air photos are not readily available.
Application Potential of Planned C-Band SAR Satellites: Leading to RADARSAT-2
Authors: van der Sanden J J , Budkewitsch P , Flett D , Landry R , Lukowski T I , McNairn H , Pultz T J , Sokol J , Touzi R , Vachon P W
Published: March 2017

To date, satellite SAR data for civilian purposes, have been routinely available from single channel, i.e., single frequency and single polarization, radar systems. In the near future, we expect satellite SAR systems with enhanced capabilities in terms of
polarization, frequency, spatial resolution, spatial coverage and temporal resolution. In this paper, we discuss the increase in applications potential resulting from the progress in SAR technology, in particular in C-Band systems. The application fields discussed include agriculture, forestry,
geology, hydrology, oceans, and sea ice. Most applications are anticipated to benefit from the upcoming availability of cross-polarized C-band data. Likewise the introduction of fully polarimetric C-band satellite SAR systems is expected to improve the overall application
potential.
A Lifetime Radiometric Calibration Record for the Landsat Thematic Mapper
Authors: Teillet P M , Helder D L , Markham B L , Barker J , Thome K J , Morfitt R , Schott J R , Palluconi F
D
Published: March 2017

A coordinated effort on the part of several agencies has led to the specification of a definitive radiometric calibration record for the Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) for its 17-year lifetime since launch in 1984. Analogous work for the Landsat-4 TM, launched in
1982, is in progress. The time-dependent calibration record for Landsat-5 TM has been placed on the same radiometric scale as the Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+). Once implemented operationally, the lifetime radiometric calibration record for Landsat will facilitate the examination of
a continuous, near-global data set at 30-m scale that spans almost two decades.
Exploring the Elevation Beam Overlap Region in RADARSAT-1 ScanSAR
Authors: Hawkins R K , Wolfe J , Murnaghan K , Jefferies W
C
Published: March 2017

ScanSAR has become a well-established method of providing high quality wide-swath coverage using SAR from space. The method involves using multiple antenna elevation syntheses from a single antenna to switch between illuminating successive portions of the
augmented swath. In switching between beams, the azimuth history of the beam is usually distributed in bursts for the respective elevation beams so that a partial azimuth history is provided. Issues in radiometry, relating to both elevation and azimuth processing are important in ScanSAR. This paper
explores the beam seam issue. Using examples from RADARSAT-1, this radiometrically sensitive region is examined for the requirements on accuracy and consistency of the beam patterns. RADARSAT-1 has four ScanSAR modes and can involve 2, 3 or 4 beam ScanSAR operations. Implications on processing and
designing ScanSAR systems are given.
Advantages of Right- and Left-looking Radar Imaging Systems for Earth Observation Studies
Authors: Budkewitsch P , Gauthier E , D'Iorio M , Pellon de
Miranda F
Published: March 2017

Seaming together satellite images has long been important for creating image maps larger than one image frame or strip. Since the swath and direction of orbital tracks are generally not concordant with map co-ordinates, splicing multiple scenes into a common map
co-ordinate system requires geo-registration to a co-ordinate grid. Radiometric adjustment and combining or resampling of original pixel values are also often required to achieve a uniformity of tone across the mosaic.
 In our radar reconstruction of Gondwana (part of the
Pangaea supercontinent before its break-up some 200 Ma ago), left-looking RADARSAT-1 data acquired during the Antarctic Mapping Mission and normal mode (right-looking) data were used to create a trans-continental mosaic of part of South America and Africa with a relatively consistent westward look
direction. This important aspect of the mosaic would not be possible from a SAR system without left- and right-looking capability.
 Although the appearance of radar images is strongly affected by incidence angle, heightened awareness about the influence of look direction has
upon images may lead to more sagacious use of radar data for Earth observation studies.
The GlobeSAR-2 University Exchange Program: Successes and Lessons Learned in Canada and Latin America
Authors: Ross S G , Serafini M C , Goodfellow C
Published: March 2017

The GlobeSAR-2 program, led by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, and supported by the Canadian International Development Agency was developed in an effort to build a capacity in radar remote sensing in participating Latin American countries, and to
demonstrate applications of RADARSAT for local natural resource management. Further, GlobeSAR-2 has been working to establish useful linkages between Latin American universities and their Canadian counterparts. The main technical goals of the GlobeSAR-2 program were achieved and concluded with a
final symposium in Buenos Aires in May 1999. Since then, continued program support has been focused on university exchange projects. Universities are a key component of the GlobeSAR-2 program, as they will provide the foundation for the future use of radar remote sensing in Latin America. Thus, the
GlobeSAR-2 program has endeavoured to facilitate a university-based, stand-alone training capability in each participating country in Latin America. The program has supported collaborative research and educational projects between Canadian and South American educators, internships for Canadian
students with South American industry and organisations, South American graduate student project work, publication by South American researchers in international journals, professional enrichment, and radar curriculum development. A core group of specialists and students now have radar expertise and
are training the next generation of remote sensing users and educators This paper will discuss the GlobeSAR-2 University program in terms of achievements and lessons learned. Results of several exchange projects will be discussed, as well as how the GlobeSAR-2 University program may impact the
future of radar remote sensing education capabilities in Latin America.
Earth Observation Sensor Calibration Using a Global Instrumented and Automated Network of Test Sites (GIANTS)
Authors: Teillet P M , Thome K J , Fox N , Morisette J T
Published: March 2017

Calibration is critical for useful long-term data records, as well as independent data quality control. However, in the context of Earth observation sensors, post-launch calibration and the associated quality assurance perspective are far from operational. This
paper explores the possibility of establishing a global instrumented and automated network of test sites (GIANTS) for post-launch radiometric calibration of Earth observation sensors. It is proposed that a small number of well-instrumented benchmark test sites and data sets for calibration be
supported. A core set of sensors, measurements, and protocols would be standardised across all participating test sites and the measurement data sets would undergo identical processing at a central secretariat. The network would provide calibration information to supplement or substitute for
on-board calibration, would reduce the effort required by individual agencies, and would provide consistency for cross-platform studies. Central to the GIANTS concept is the use of automation, communication, co-ordination, visibility, and education, all of which can be facilitated by greater use of
advanced in situ sensor and telecommunication technologies. The goal is to help ensure that the resources devoted to remote sensing calibration benefit the intended user community and facilitate the development of new calibration methodologies (research and development) and future specialists
(education and training). Keywords: sensor radiometric calibration, test sites, in situ sensing
Generating DEM from Stereo Images with a Photogrammetric Approach: Examples with VIR and SAR Data
Authors: Toutin Th
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a fully digital photogrammetric method to generate DEMs from various types of stereo imagery (visible and SAR; spaceborne and airborne) using the same digital stereo workstation, the DVP. Based on personal computer, the DVP system enables the
on-line three-dimensional reconstruction of a stereo-model, the capture in real time of elevation data from the raw images and the graphic overlay of vector data. The mathematical equations, which drive the DVP, are based on the collinearity and co-planarity conditions and integrate the platform,
sensor, Earth and cartographic projection models into a single unified model. Elevation data is extracted visually by the operator, in real time in the stereomodel, using the DVP system, and then compared to digital topographic data. Four data sets over three different challenging study sites have
been selected to test the limits of the method and the DVP system. Altimetric accuracies of 12.6 m, 38 m, 32.2 m and 23.9 m have been achieved with SPOT-P, SPOT-P/Landsat-TM, airborne SAR and ERS-SAR stereo-pairs, respectively. Better results should be achievable with less challenging study sites
and data sets.
Investigating casi Responses to Different Levels of Tailing Oxidation: Inco Copper Cliff Tailings area, Northern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Shang J , Lévesque J , Staenz K , Howarth P
J , Morris B , Lanteigne L
Published: March 2017

Sulphide-rich tailings cause acid mine drainage (AMD) when they are in contact with oxygen and water. AMD can contaminate surface and ground water, which in turn can degrade the quality of the environment. Knowledge of the progress of oxidation and also the
spatial distribution of tailings materials are of considerable importance when developing programs to provide effective control of tailings sites. In this paper, the potential of Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (casi) data for providing information on variations in the oxidation of tailings
is investigated.
 Spectral-mode casi data were acquired on August 19, 1998 in 72 bands covering the wavelength range of 400 nm to 950 nm. Twenty-one tailings samples were collected concurrently with the casi overflight. Reflectance was measured at all the sample locations
using a GER 3700 spectrometer. Sample spectra from the GER were matched with the minerals from the USGS spectral library. Spectral matching revealed that the most likely minerals on this site are pyrite, pyrrhotite, jarosite, and goethite. Image spectra extracted from the casi data over the same
sample locations were also matched to the USGS spectral library. Similar results were found in spite of the limited spectral coverage of the casi. Spectral unmixing of a test site within the casi imagery demonstrated the potential of this instrument to provide information on separating the zones of
varying oxidation in the tailings. However, no direct relationships were found between the oxidation phases and the age of the tailings.
RADARSAT-1 Applied to the Mapping of Tropical Rain Forest: A Case Study in Guyana
Authors: van der Sanden J J
Published: March 2017

The potential of RADARSAT-1 Fine mode images for application to the assessment of tropical forest types and the monitoring of industrial selective logging were investigated using data acquired over Mabura Hill, Guyana. This study area supports a nearly complete
tropical moist forest cover that comprises a total of six forest types, i.e. five types of primary forest and logged-over forest. Image texture, not backscatter, was identified as the principal source of information for the applications at issue. Texturally enhanced RADARSAT-1 Fine mode image
products were found to offer moderate potential for both the assessment of tropical forest types and the monitoring of selective logging by means of visual interpretation. Furthermore, RADARSAT-1 Fine mode images were found to make moderate bases for automated classification of tropical forests by
means of textural attributes computed per region.
The SAR-580 Facility - System Update
Authors: Hawkins R K , Brown C E , Murnaghan K P , Gibson J
R , Alexander A , Marois R
Published: March 2017

This paper discusses the Environment Canada SAR-580 system: its capabilities, acquisition hardware upgrades, processing system advances and recent acquisitions.
The development and application of land use/land use intensity data from SPOT/VEGETATION and Census of Agriculture data
Authors: Kerr J T , Cihlar J
Published: March 2017

The objective of this research is to develop the first Canada-wide, integrated land use/land cover database with supplemental land use intensity data within agricultural regions. We combined the 1998 growing season composite of Canada from processed
SPOT4/Vegetation (VGT) data with thematically detailed, coarse resolution Census of Agriculture data from 1996. An enhanced, unsupervised classification procedure was applied to the VGT data to create a map with a small number of unlabelled clusters. Using known patterns of land cover, the spatial
resolution of the Census data was increased in some regions to the degree that it provided clear guidance on the spectral characteristics that defined, and could therefore be used to label, particular agricultural land uses in the clustered VGT image. The results of the classification process remain
consistent with the Census data. The data developed here will be useful for environmental monitoring and impact assessment, such as for endangered species modelling, an application which we demonstrate.
Polarimetric C-Band Observations of Soil Moisture for Pasture Fields
Authors: Sokol J , Pultz T J , Deschamps A , Jobin D
Published: March 2017

Soil moisture information is an important parameter in hydrological modelling, although providing reliable data is difficult due to its spatial variability and dynamic nature. The ability to estimate soil moisture from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has been the
topic of numerous investigations. To date, most of these investigations have been limited to single or multiple linear polarized configurations. However, Radarsat-2 will be launched in 2004 and will have fully polarimetric C-Band SAR capability.
 In preparation for a new
generation of spaceborne polarimetric SARs, Environment Canada's Convair 580 airborne polarimetric C-band SAR acquired data over an agricultural area west of Ottawa, Canada on September 22, 2000, April 26, 2001 and May 20, 2001. Coincident ground measurements (soil moisture, biomass, and surface
roughness) were collected over pasture on all dates and bare fields in the spring of 2001. Analysis includes linear polarizations (°HH, <img
src=http://www.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/ccrs/graphics/math/sigma.gifalt=sigma>°VV, °HV), circular polarizations (<img
src=http://www.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/ccrs/graphics/math/sigma.gifalt=sigma>°RR, °RL, <img
src=http://www.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/ccrs/graphics/math/sigma.gifalt=sigma>°LL), as well as fully polarimetric parameters such as pedestal height, total power, phase difference, and polarimetric signatures. This paper presents preliminary results of the September 22, 2002
data.
Robust Haze Reduction: An Integral Processing Component in Satellite-Based Land Cover Mapping
Authors: Guindon B , Zhang Y
Published: March 2017

Spatially varying haze is a common feature of archival Landsat scenes currently being used for large-area land cover mapping and can significantly affect product quality. Robust haze reduction that is image-based and involves minimal operator intervention, is
therefore a necessary a-priori step to information extraction. The practical implementation of a suitable methodology, based on a Haze Optimized Transform (HOT), is described. The approach is being used in a program to map the Great Lakes watershed with archival Landsat Multi-Spectral Scanner (MSS)
imagery. The impact of haze reduction is assessed using inter-scene classification consistency as a 'surrogate' measure of user classification accuracy. Consistency comparisons made between sets of raw and haze-reduced scenes indicate that 'rare' class identification is most improved by this
procedure.
BRDF Normalization of Hyperspectral Image Data
Authors: White H P , Sun L , Champagne C , Staenz K , Leblanc S G
Published: March 2017

Monitoring vegetative areas with airborne hyperspectral sensors is being more frequently used to relate at-canopy spectral reflectance to canopy condition. Increased application of these techniques is expected with the advent of space borne hyperspectral systems
(such as EO-1 Hyperion and CHRIS-PROBA). These studies are often limited by the non-Lambertian nature of vegetation reflectance, the well known bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), where varying solar and viewing geometry can result in significant variations in the observed
remotely sensed signal due to canopy architectural properties. This is often noted as an increased brightening of the observed signal as the scattering angle between the sun and sensor decreases. This is also true when attempting to compare images from different sensors, or from the same sensor
taken at different times. Various studies have examined the sensitivity of broadband and hyperspectral vegetation indices (VI) to BRDF. These studies often conclude that the choice of VI should be based on the solar/viewing geometry and vegetation specific to the image acquisition. No individual VI
appears immune to the BRDF effect.
 Rather than attempt to define a technique with little sensitivity to view/solar geometry, the non-Lambertian reflectance characteristics can be used to normalize imagery to one view/solar geometry. Assuming consistent mean leaf and
background reflectance, inversion of a semi-empirical model can be used to determine BRDF coefficients, which can then be applied to normalize the imagery to a specific viewing/solar geometry. If the model has coefficients that directly relate to canopy properties, then this process can also provide
information directly relating canopy architectural and biophysical properties to the remotely sensed signals. One such model, FLAIR, has been successfully used to investigate canopy characteristics from broadband imagery. Application of this model to hyperspectral imagery of an agricultural area is
being pursued, examining the usefulness of normalizing the BRDF before relating spectral reflectance to biophysical characteristics.
A Method Based on Local Variance for Quality Assessment of Multiresolution Image Fusion
Authors: Beauchemin M , Fung K B , Geng X
Published: March 2017

Several methods exist to combine a panchromatic image of high spatial resolution with lower resolution multispectral imagery. Of particular interest are those methods designed to simulate real multispectral images having the spatial resolution of a panchromatic
image. To help justify an algorithm over another one, quantitative evaluation of the quality of a fused image is necessary. In most cases, the evaluation is performed with the original high- and low-spatial resolution images degraded to a coarser resolution by pixel-block averaging. The
multispectral image of the highest resolution serves as a reference image (real image). Most approaches proposed for quality assessment are based on statistical measures computed over the whole image; typical measures are the correlation coefficient and the root-mean-square deviation. However, these
measures make no reference to the spatial domain. In this paper, we suggest measures based on local variance computed over a three-by-three pixel window as complementary measures to evaluate the quality of the fused images. The rationale is that an ideal fused image must replicate the variance of
the reference image when estimated locally. To help discriminate between local variance induced by real details as opposed to artefacts, the variance is partitioned into two terms. Each term takes into consideration the expected direction of the added details over the multispectral image oversampled
by pixel replication. The method is illustrated with different fusion models applied to an Ikonos image.
Long-term monitoring of surface reflectance, NDVI, and clouds from space: What contribution can we expect due to the effect of instrument spectral response variations?
Authors: Trishchenko A , Cihlar J , Li Z , Hwang B
Published: March 2017

Since the satellites provide frequent and global observations of atmospheric and terrestrial environment, attempts have been made to use satellite data for long-term monitoring of land reflectances, vegetation indices and clouds properties. Although the
construction and characteristics of spaceborne instruments may be quite similar, they are not identical among all missions, even for the same type of instrument like AVHRR. Consequently, the effect of varying spectral response may create an artificial noise imposed upon a subtle natural variability.
We report the results of a study on the sensitivity of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), surface and cloud reflectance to differences in instrument spectral response functions (SRF) for various satellite sensors. They include AVHRR radiometers onboard NOAA satellites NOAA-6 - NOAA-16,
the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), the VEGETATION sensor (VGT) and the Global Imager (GLI). We also analyzed the SRF effects for several geostationary satellites used for cloud studies, such as GOES-8- 12, METEOSAT-2- 7, GMS -1 -5. The results obtained here demonstrate that
the effect of instrument spectral response function cannot be ignored in long-term monitoring studies that employ space observations from different sensors. The SRF effect introduces differences in observed reflectances and retrieved quantities that may be comparable or exceed the range of natural
variability and possible systematic trends, the contribution from the calibration, atmospheric and other corrections. Some modeling results were validated against real satellite observations with good agreement.
SAR incidence angles for mapping areas affected by geological hazards, tropical case studies
Authors: Singhroy V
Published: March 2017

Geologic hazards present danger to life and property particularly because population pressures lead to increasing number of people, living in disaster prone areas. SAR techniques can provide a means to monitor and map disaster prone areas. This paper reports on
the uses of images from selected SAR incidence angles to map areas of geological hazards. The SAR images were used to map areas affected by volcanoes, land degradation and coastal erosion in different terrains in tropical areas. The interpretation is aimed at providing some guidelines for using the
appropriate SAR incidence angles of current and future SAR satellites for mapping areas affected by geological hazards.
Validation of MODIS, VEGETATION, and GOES+SSM/I Snow Cover Products over Canada Based on Surface Snow Depth Observations
Authors: Simic A , Fernandes R , Brown R , Romanov P , Park W
M , Hall D
Published: March 2017

The rate and pattern of snow melt control both hydrological and ecological factors. Snow cover maps derived by different satellite sensors can differ considerably from surface observations due to different spatial resolutions and snow cover classification
algorithms. This article addresses issues related to the validation of three daily snow cover products over Canada: MODIS and GOES+SSM/I snow maps derived at 500m and 4km resolution, respectively for 2001, and VEGETATION snow maps derived at 1km resolution for 2000. The validation is based on
surface snow depth observations from almost two thousand meteorological stations across Canada. The analysis is performed on a daily basis for the period of six months (January-June). A land cover map of Canada at 1km resolution is used to relate the differences within the validation to land cover
types. The SPOT product shows an average agreement of 83% and considerably high percentage of omission error. The MODIS and GOES+SSM/I products have similar percentage average agreements, 93% and 92%, respectively. Generally, less agreement is seen within the evergreen forest cover
types, earlier in the snow season and during snow melt. The MODIS product exhibits a high percentage commission error for evergreen forests. The GOES+SSM/I product shows relatively similar ratios of omission and commission errors for all land cover types except deciduous
forest.
Forest Cover Indicator Based on Multi-scale Remote Sensing Information
Authors: Leblanc S G , Chen W , Fernandes R
A
Published: March 2017

Forests cover nearly half of Canada's landmass. While forested lands are often viewed as areas of wood production, forests also provide wildlife habitat and ecosystem mechanisms to clean air and water, and sequester carbon. Measuring the area of forested land in
Canada on a regular basis provides an indicator of the availability of these important ecosystem services. This study examines the capability of coarse spatial resolution satellite data to quantify forest cover based on crown closure estimates. Field data, high and medium resolution remote sensing
imageries, and a canopy radiative transfer model (Five-Scale) are used to assess the mapping potential of 1-km data, such as AVHRR, VGT and MODIS. The main challenge of the research is in the transition zone between boreal forest and the tundra, where few inventory data are available and the trees
are found in clusters. The results will be used in a Canada-wide forest indicator that aimed at monitoring yearly changes in the forest extend due in part to forest fires, insect defoliation, regrowth and changes due to climate change. Different methodologies and initial results of this ongoing
activity are presented.
Image Thresholding Based on Spatial Variation Attribute Similarity
Authors: Beauchemin M , Fung K B
Published: March 2017

According to a recent study, image thresholding can be categorized into six groups of methods that are based on histogram shape, clustering, entropy, attribute, spatial, and local information. In this paper, we describe two algorithms for image binarization that
are based on attribute similarity relying on spatial measures. The rationale of the method is to binarize an image in such a way that it best reproduces the spatial variation of the original image across several scales. Two different measures that characterize image spatial variation have been
selected to pursue that objective: semivariance and lacunarity. Semivariance measures the spatial variation of a variable at a given scale. Lacunarity is a measure of translational invariance, at a given scale, and is often refer to as a measure of 'gappiness'. In both approaches, the threshold is
selected so that the scale-dependant measure in the bi-level image best approximate, in the least square sense, the ones of the original image. Both methods are illustrated with remote sensing images of high spatial resolution. The results are compared with some other popular thresholding
techniques.
A Soil Moisture Sensorweb for Use in Flood Forecasting Applications
Authors: Teillet P M , Gauthier R P , Pultz T J , Deschamps A , Fedosejevs G , Maloley M , Ainsley G , Chichagov A
Published: March 2017

This paper describes work towards building an integrated Earth sensing capability and focuses on the demonstration of a prototype in-situ sensorweb in remote operation in support of flood forecasting. A five-node sensorweb was deployed in the Roseau River
Sub-Basin of the Red River Watershed in Manitoba, Canada in September 2002 and remained there throughout the flood season until the end of June 2003. The sensorweb operated autonomously, with soil moisture measurements and standard meteorological parameters accessed remotely via land line and/or
satellite from the Integrated Earth Sensing Workstation (IESW) at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) in Ottawa. Independent soil moisture data were acquired from actual grab samples and field-portable sensors on the days of RADARSAT and Envisat Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data
acquisitions. The in-situ data were used to help generate spatial soil moisture estimates from the remotely sensed SAR data for use in a hydrological model for flood forecasting.
QuickBird - Geometric Correction, Data Fusion, and Automatic DEM Extraction
Authors: Cheng P , Toutin Th , Zhang Y
Published: March 2017

QuickBird satellite is quickly becoming the best choice for high-resolution mapping using satellite images. In this paper, we will describe the followings: (1) how to correct QuickBird data using different geometric correction methods, (2) data fusion using
QuickBird panchromatic and multispectral data, and (3) automatic DEM extraction using QuickBird stereo data.
Landsat ETM+ classificaiton of Fluxnet Canada flux stations
Authors: Orazietti J , Fraser R , Butson C , Latifovic R , Chen W
Published: March 2017

Changes in land use and cover and natural disturbance are thought to be major controls of the dynamic sink/source balance for the immense boreal terrestrial carbon stock. Fluxnet-Canada is a national research network developed to study the influence of climate
and disturbance on terrestrial carbon cycling along an east-west transect of Canadian forest and peatlands. The purpose of the present work was to create large-area land cover classifications from satellite imagery to support Fluxnet scaling and modeling studies. The methodology presented in [9] was
implemented on seven Fluxnet monitoring sites across Canada. A Landsat ETM+ image covering each site was clustered to 150 classes using unsupervised K-Means classification prior to 50-cluster merging through classification by generalization (CPG). The resulting clusters were merged to 16-class
landcover maps through interactive labeling using cluster bitmaps to create spatial context for the 50 clusters. The bitmaps aided the analyst when ground data was scarce or nonexistent. The products were sent to Fluxnet-Canada site managers for ground validation and the classifications were refined
according to the feedback provided. The final landcover maps were used in the calculation of leaf area index (LAI) for the Landsat ETM+ scenes, thus allowing for upscaling of carbon flux measurements based on the correlation of LAI to carbon flux.
Pacific coastal drainage dam site investigation, site no. 37, Otter Falls dam site, Aishihik River (map and notes)
Authors: Owen E B
Published: March 2017

The examination of Otter Falls dam site was part of an investigation of the hydroelectric power potential along Aishihik River in Yukon Territory by the Water Resources Branch of the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. The dam site is located about 18
miles north of mile 996 on the Alaska Highway and is readily accessible from Aishihik Road which passes through the site area. The site is included on National Topographic Series sheet No. 115 H (Aishihik Lake), scale 1: 250,000 and on aerial photograph A 14861-89. The geology is described on
Geological Survey of Canada map No. 1048A . 1 Otter Falls dam site is situated at the outlet of Canyon Lake at the point where Aishihik River leaves the lake and flows southward some 20 miles to its junction with Dezadeash River. Aishihik River has its source in Aishihik Lake which, like most lakes
in mountainous areas , is long and narrow and confined between fairly steep slopes. The lake is about 34 miles long and from l to 3 miles wide. Dropping some 23 feet from Aishihik Lake within a distance of about a mile t he river enters much smaller Canyon Lake. The greatest concentration of fall
occurs at Rainbow Falls about 3 miles downstream from the outlet of Canyon Lake. The following information supplied by the Water Resources Branch indicates there is a potential head of some 427 feet in the upstream part of Aishihik River which would lend itself to development of hydroelectric
power.
Uranium, thorium and potassium concentrations and heat generated in samples of crustal rocks: a data file
Authors: Lewis T J , Bennetts H , Allen V S , Chan F
Published: March 2017

Gamma-ray spectroscopy has been used to measure the concentrations of uranium, thorium and potassium of many samples representing crustal rocks. The heat generation, calculated from the measured concentrations, ranges typically over an order of magnitude from 0.5
to 5. ? W/m. This data file presents these results with the location of the samples and other pertinent data.
Environmental isotopes in permafrost related waters along two proposed pipeline routes
Authors: Fritz P F ,   University of Waterloo Research Institute, Michel F M
Published: March 2017

The report describes a preliminary study of oxygen and hydrogen isotope distribution with depth in five cores from the Mackenzie Valley and one from the Keewatin area.
Laboratory studies to investigate isotope effects occurring during the formation of permafrost
Authors: Michel F , Fritz P
Published: March 2017

The study describes some preliminary laboratory experiments to investigate and quantify oxygen and hydrogen isotope effects occurring during the freezing of water in saturated and unsaturated soils, and some continued work on the deuterium contents of frost mound
samples from Fort Norman in the Mackenzie Valley.
Uniform columns of soil were prepared, subjected to freezing temperatures at one end, and subsequently analysed for the distribution of oxygen isotopes. The first experiment verified that isotope fractionation is induced at high temperature gradients but indicated that isotopic balance is maintained
within the column. A second experiment designed to test the temperature monitoring system revealed the freezing rates in diff e rent types of soils, illustrating the complex thermal relationships present.
The analyses of deuterium contents of the frost mound samples confirmed with one exception that the isotope contents are indicative of continued fractionation within a residual pool not being replenished by outside water.
Suggestions and recommendations for an enlarged program of laboratory measurements are included in the report.
Final well report, U of R Regina 3-8-17-19 (W. 2nd Mer.) Saskatchewan geothermal feasibility project at Regina, Phase 1
Authors: Vigrass L W
Published: March 2017

The University of Regina 3-8-17-19 well is intended to be the water source well for the Geothermal Feasibility Project at Regina, a mission-oriented undertaking with aims of testing the practicality of producing low-grade geothermal waters in the western Canadian
sedimentary basin and demonstrating their use for space heating at the University of Regina. Objectives of the well are to evaluate water production rates, to determine water chemistry, and to investigate subsurface temperature distribution. The well was drilled to a depth of 2215 m and is currently
standing cased to 2034 m with 175 m of Winnipeg and Deadwood Formations and 6 m of Precarnbrian Basement open below the casing shoe.
Cores, well cuttings, drill stem tests and logs indicate that the Winnipeg-Deadwood sandstones have good reservoir properties.
The Winnipeg-Deadwood waters contain 10 to 12 percent solids, mostly sodium chloride.
Rock temperatures are uncertain because measurements were made when the thermal regime was upset by drilling. Our best estimate of bottom hole temperature is 70°C and we expect a stabilized surface temperature of 65°C for water produced at 100 m3/h.
The geothermal situation at Regina is regarded as encouraging for establishment of a Geothermal Demonstration Project.
A study of sub-seabottom permafrost in the Beaufort Sea-Mackenzie Delta by hydraulic drilling methods, Spring 1978
Authors: MacAulay H A , Judge A S , Hunter J A , Burgess M , Gagné R M , Allen V S , Burns R A
Published: March 2017

Duing the spring of 1978, 12 holes were hydraulically jet-drilled from the sea-ice to maximum depths of 61m beneath the Beaufort Sea. The holes, located in a line across t he Del ta Front north of Richards Island , were instrumented with temperature cables and
monitored as the thermal disturbance due t o the jetting dissipated . Much of the sea-bottom material encountered was marginally ice - bonded and permafrost occurred at all sites, Temperatures in the sea - bottom were below 0 C averaging around - 1.5 to -1.0 C, Temperature gradients were near
isothermal and are probably indicative of relict degrading permafrost . The shallow lithology interpreted from the drilling logs revealed definite changes in material type and thickness occurring across the Delta Front from Mackenzie Canyon to Kugmallit Bay, Water temperature and salinity profiles
at the drillsites reflected the influence of the warmer and fresher Mackenzie River waters flowing into Mackenzie Bay and Kugmallit Bay.
Laboratory and field studies to investigate isotope effects occurring during the formation of permafrost
Authors: Michel F , Fritz P
Published: March 2017

Significant and systematic variations in oxygen-18 and tritium contents were documented in field cores collected in 1974 along t he Mackenzie Valley and Polar Gas pipeline routes. As a result of these findings a laboratory program was initiated in the fall of
1977 t o investigate these isotope variations under controlled conditions which simulate the growth of permafrost. This report describes the work completed during the second year of the program in developing the equipment and experimental procedures. Data obtained during the first five experimental
runs are discussed in relation to fundamental guidelines for future experiments and in relation to the effect the variations produced or not produced will have on the interpretation of the naturally occurring isotopic variations.
Report on the compilation of the map of vertical crustal movements in Canada
Authors: Vanícek P , Nagy D
Published: March 2017

The first vertical movement map of Canada was compiled from 5046 relevelled segments, from 39 pairs of water gauge data and from trends at 47 tide gauge stations. The country was divided into 9 regions and polynomial surfaces of order 2, 3 and 4 were calculated
by the method of least squares for each region to obtain representations of the recent vertical movements. Vertical control for the solution over a region was provided by tide gauge trends, calculated from monthly means; by predicted values obtained from a solution for a strip connecting the Pacific
with the Gulf of St. Lawrence and based upon 16 tide gauge trends and 2104 relevelled segments; and by predicted values available from an earlier determination for the overlapping region. The computations commenced at the east and west coasts and progressed inwards to the central region. The final
solutions for the various orders of surface were compiled from the 9 overlapping solutions. The 3rd order surface represents the available data best. This solution is in agreement with the results and models presented by other investigators for uplift in the Yukon and northern B.C., for uplift in
the Great Lakes region, and for subsidence in the Bay of Fundy. Subsidence in the Prairies, based on the presently available limited dataset requires further investigation.
Strong motion records from Miramichi, New Brunswick 1982 aftershocks
Authors: Weichert D H , Pomeroy P W , Munro P S , Mork P N
Published: March 2017

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred in New Brunswick, Canada, on 9 January 1982. Seven SMA-1 strong motion recorders were installed near the epicentral area within a month of the main shock. Seven earthquakes ranging from MN3.4 to 4.8 resulted in 15 records at
distances of 4 to 28 km. Copies of the 15 film record sections are given. Five records were of sufficient quality and amplitude to be processed with the standard strong motion package of the US National Strong Motion Data Center of the U.S. Geological Survey. For these records (15 components) we
present the uncorrected and the instrument corrected, anti-aliased and filtered accelerations, velocities and displacements, as well as Fourier amplitude spectra of acceleration, and velocity response spectra. Uncorrected peak ground accelerations, both horizontal and vertical, ranged from a few per
cent g to 33 %g. Prominent acceleration frequencies in the recordings averaged 24 Hz, with no dependence on magnitude. Some of the peak acceleration pulses have apparent frequencies well above the SMA-l's natural frequency where the instrument correction becomes critical, leading to
amplification factors of 2 to 3 times the recorded accelerations.
Study of climatic change and its implications for northern pipelines phase I
Authors: Burn C , Ryden B E , Smith M W , Williams P J
Published: March 2017

Studies based on the Yukon show that changes in atmospheric climate have occurred over recent decades and centuries, as well as through post-glacial time, of a magnitude sufficient to cause major modifications in the distribution of frozen ground. Changes in
ground surface conditions, as well as in soil hydrological and other conditions, cause changes in ground thermal regime which may exceed those due to change of atmospheric climate. Models are being developed for the prediction of ground thermal regime modifications which may occur in the coming
decades. The models seek to define the relative importance of ground surf ace and sub-surface, and of atmospheric, effects. Comprehensive studies of these effects are necessary where geotechnical designs for pipelines are closely related to thermal conditions in the ground.
Isotope investigations in permafrost regions
Authors: Michel F A , Fritz P
Published: March 2017

The results are reported of oxygen isotope measurements on core and massive ice samples collected along the Alaska and Dempster Highways in the Yukon and at Illisarvik Lake in the Mackenzie Delta. Analysis of the results reveals some interesting implications for
past climate in the Yukon and the relationship to ground-water movement and the age and history of permafrost growth.
Report on study of the feasibility of geothermal reservoir mapping in deep sedimentary basins using existing data
Authors:   Sproule Associates Limited
Published: March 2017

A study of the problems involved in using existing data from wells drilled by the oil and gas industry for mapping potential geothermal reservoirs has been carried out. The purpose of the study was to develop techniques that would permit initial mapping of
potential geothermal reservoirs and resources in the most practical and economic manner. An experimental mapping program has been carried out using these techniques. As a test of the method and as an example of the approach recommended, the Innisfail-Red Deer area of south central Alberta was
selected for test mapping of potential geothermal reservoirs. Initially, it might appear that locating and mapping large geothermal reservoirs at depth in the subsurface would be a very simple matter in view of the very large number of wells already drilled in western Canada. This study has
demonstrated that this is not the case because of limitations of the available data and geological complexities. For the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, data are available on over 100,000 wells. Because the available data were collected to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry, they do not
usually provide the information on water-bearing reservoirs that would be most valuable in mapping geothermal resources. They do, however, form an extremely valuable data base for the study of geothermal potential . Established subsurface mapping techniques, using all available data, would produce
the most complete information on geothermal reservoirs but would be a very time-consuming and expensive approach which would be impractical at an early stage of assessment of potential.
Numerical Study of Partially Conservative Moment Equations in Kinetic Theory
Authors: Koellermeier Julian , Torrilhon Manuel
Published: March 2017

Moment models are often used for the solution of kinetic equations such as the Boltzmann equation. Unfortunately, standard models like Grad's equations are not hyperbolic and can lead to nonphysical solutions. Newly derived moment models like the Hyperbolic Moment Equations and the Quadrature-Based Moment Equations yield globally hyperbolic equations but are given in partially conservative form that cannot be written as a conservative system.

In this paper we investigate the applicability of different dedicated numerical schemes to solve the partially conservative model equations. Caused by the non-conservative type of equation we obtain differences in the numerical solutions, but due to the structure of the moment systems we show that these effects are very small for standard simulation cases. After successful identification of useful numerical settings we show a convergence study for a shock tube problem and compare the results to a discrete velocity solution. The results are in good agreement with the reference solution and we see convergence considering an increasing number of moments.