Geological Survey

Description

The US Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), is offering a funding opportunity that focuses on quantifying the physical albedo (relative reflectance) of mountain snowpack, where seasonal accumulation and melt cycles dramatically alter the albedo of the landscape. Because albedo varies considerably across time and space, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) provide the flexibility to measure albedo at multiple scales and locations. The current means to measure albedo across landscapes rely on NASA satellites that offer a unique perspective from space, providing global-scale albedo products (i.e. MODIS and Landsat). The initial raw Earth Observations (EO) from space require in situ data to calibrate the satellite signal. However, scaling issues exist between in situ and satellite data, creating calibration and validation challenges for raw EO. This project bridges the challenges associated with resolving fixed-position in situ data and EO. Recent technological advances in albedo sensors provide smaller, lighter units capable of being mounted to a single UAS. This project will: 1) Deploy a UAS and refine associated workflows to quantify the scale-dependent controls on snow albedo in areas with no disturbance and in post-fire, montane regions and compare these data to MODIS and Landsat albedo products; 2) Assess how these efforts can be transitioned into operational protocols for improved water resource monitoring and forecasting; 3) Archive these measurements of albedo data on ScienceBase. This research proposes science related to the Land Resources, Ecosystems, and Water Resources mission areas of the USGS. Understanding how albedo and energy budgets change across broad and changing landscapes at high resolution helps resource managers and communities better prepare for change and improves their decision making regarding natural resources and hazards.

Who can apply

• Others

Contact

Faith Graves 703-648-7356<br/>fgraves@usgs.gov
fgraves@usgs.gov