Exploring for natural gas using reflectance spectra of surface soils

Reflectance spectra in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths provide a rapid and inexpensive means for determining the mineralogy of samples and obtaining information on chemical composition. Hydrocarbon microseepage theory establishes a cause-and-effect relation between oil and gas reservoirs and some special surface anomalies, which mainly include surface hydrocarbon microseepage and related alterations. Therefore, we can explore for oil, gas by determining reflectance spectra of surface anomalies. This idea has been applied to the R&D project of exploring for natural gas in Qinghai province of China using NASA EO-1 satellite with the Hyperion sensor (June 2005 to June 2006). In this project, in order to improve the accuracy of exploration targets of natural gas mapped in the field studied, an integrated practical system of exploration of oil and gas was built by the analysis of not only hyperspectral remote sensing data but also data provided from field work. In this paper, our efforts were focused on the analysis of the 799 reflectance spectra provided from the field work. In order to properly define the typical form of hydrocarbon microseepage with spectroscopy and fulfill the data analysis, it was necessary to build a spectral model. In this spectral model the most important features of hydrocarbon microseepage in the surface of our study area, i.e., diagnostic spectral macroscopic features and diagnostic spectral absorption features, were proposed and extracted, respectively. The distribution of coexisting anomalies, which results from both alteration minerals and hydrocarbons, is estimated by the diagnostic macroscopic features mainly using Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) classifier. On the other hand, the diagnostic absorption features of two main absorption bands presented abundant local information, based on deep analysis of which, we are able to map the anomalies of alteration minerals and hydrocarbons, respectively. Additionally, a general framework of analysis and key classification algorithms applied to the Hyperion data have been introduced briefly. In our work, three exploration targets of natural gas were identified from the study area which covers 2100 km². In the three exploration targets, three wildcats have been drilled by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) since July 2006, and all the three wells have been proven some industrial reserves.     

空间调制光谱成像仪相对辐射校正方法研究

空间调制干涉光谱成像仪不同于其他类型光谱成像仪,其得到的是包含地物空间信息和光谱信息的立方体干涉数据。该光谱成像仪由于原理特殊,在轨数据定标方法尚不成熟。文中介绍了一种基于统计思想来计算探测器CCD辐射模型的在轨相对辐射校正方法,并通过对"环境一号"A卫星上测得的实际在轨数据进行相应的处理,来验证该相对辐射校正处理效果。结果表明该方法可以达到修正CCD响应不均匀性、光场不均匀性和减小非线性相位偏移的双重作用,提高复原光谱的精度。     

Spectral filter for signal identification in the kHz SLR measurements of the fast spinning satellite Ajisai

The high repetition rate satellite laser ranging (SLR) measurements to the fast spinning satellites contain a frequency signal caused by the rotational motion of the corner cube reflector (CCR) array. The spectral filter, developed here, is based on the Lomb algorithm, and is tested with the simulated and the observed high repetition rate SLR data of the geodetic satellite Ajisai (spin period ∼2 s). The filter allows for the noise elimination from the SLR data, and for identification of the returns from the single CCRs of the array – even for the low return rates. Applying the spectral filter to the simulated SLR data increases the S/N ratio by a factor 40–45% for all return rates. Filtering out the noise from the observed data strengthens the frequency signal by factor of ∼25 for the low return rates, which significantly helps to determine the spin phase of the satellite. The spectral filter is applied to the Graz SLR data and the spin rates of Ajisai are determined by two different methods: the frequency analysis and the phase determination of the spinning retroreflector array.The analysis of more than 8 years of the Graz SLR measurements indicates an exponential spin rate trend: f = 0.67034 exp(−0.0148542 Y) [Hz], RMS = 0.085 mHz, where Y is the year since launch. The highly accurate spin rate information demonstrates periodic changes related to the precession of the orbital plane of Ajisai, as it determines the amount of energy received by the satellite from the Sun. The rate of deceleration of Ajisai is not constant: the half life period of the satellite’s spin oscillates around 46.7 years with an amplitude of about 5 years.     

Integration and calibration of a multi slit spectropolarimeter

Multi-slit spectropolarimeter is a next-generation spectropolarimeter to obtain vector magnetic field information at high spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution for studying the magnetic structures on the Sun. Once developed, it can be used as ground based instrument at solar observatories, also as a space payload for various solar missions. A high spectral resolution is invariably an important parameter for accurate vector magnetic field measurements and faster cadence is required for the study of dynamical evolution of structures (e.g., solar flares, sunspots etc.) on the Sun and hence better understanding on the physics behind their evolution.     

The potential for radiometric retrievals of halocarbon concentrations from the MIPAS-E instrument

Halocarbons, such as CFC-11, CFC-12 and HCFC-22, are important trace gases in the atmosphere through their role as greenhouse gases and their influence on stratospheric ozone chemistry. This paper focuses on an initial study using integration of spectral radiance measurements from a spaceborne limb sounding Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) to retrieve these compounds in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). The instrument employed in this study is the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding onboard ENVISAT (MIPAS-E) which obtains spectral data in the altitude range of 6–68 km at an unapodized spectral resolution of 0.025 cm⁻¹. We have used optimal estimation techniques to retrieve vertical information for these compounds using a radiometric approach.

It is shown that significant retrieval information is obtained at up to five measured levels in the UTLS for CFC-11, up to six for CFC-12 and up to two levels for HCFC-22. An initial error analysis indicates significant sensitivity of our retrievals to variability in operationally retrieved pressure and temperature data. For each halocarbon, gain, offset and spectroscopic uncertainties generally each contribute less than 10% to the total error. Finally, tracer correlations are used to compare the datasets to equivalent relationships derived here from version 2 ATMOS data with very good agreements for CFC-12 but with more variability in the CFC-11 comparisons.     

Surface temperature estimation in Singhbhum Shear Zone of India using Landsat-7 ETM+ thermal infrared data

Land surface temperature (LST) is an important factor in global change studies, heat balance and as control for climate change. A comparative study of LST over parts of the Singhbhum Shear Zone in India was undertaken using various emissivity and temperature retrieval algorithms applied on visible and near infrared (VNIR), and thermal infrared (TIR) bands of high resolution Landsat-7 ETM+ imagery. LST results obtained from satellite data of October 26, 2001 and November 2, 2001 through various algorithms were validated with ground measurements collected during satellite overpass. In addition, LST products of MODIS and ASTER were compared with Landsat-7 ETM+ and ground truth data to explore the possibility of using multi-sensor approach in LST monitoring. An image-based dark object subtraction (DOS3) algorithm, which is yet to be tested for LST retrieval, was applied on VNIR bands to obtain atmospheric corrected surface reflectance images. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was estimated from VNIR reflectance image. Various surface emissivity retrieval algorithms based on NDVI and vegetation proportion were applied to ascertain emissivities of the various land cover categories in the study area in the spectral range of 10.4–12.5 μm. A minimum emissivity value of about 0.95 was observed over the reflective rock body with a maximum of about 0.99 over dense forest. A strong correlation was established between Landsat ETM+ reflectance band 3 and emissivity. Single channel based algorithms were adopted for surface radiance and brightness temperature. Finally, emissivity correction was applied on ‘brightness temperature’ to obtain LST. Estimated LST values obtained from various algorithms were compared with field ground measurements for different land cover categories. LST values obtained after using Valor’s emissivity and single channel equations were best correlated with ground truth temperature. Minimum LST is observed over dense forest as about 26 °C and maximum LST is observed over rock body of about 38 °C. The estimated LST showed that rock bodies, bare soils and built-up areas exhibit higher surface temperatures, while water bodies, agricultural croplands and dense vegetations have lower surface temperatures during the daytime. The accuracy of the estimated LST was within ±2 °C. LST comparison of ASTER and MODIS with Landsat has a maximum difference of 2 °C. Strong correlation was found between LST and spectral radiance of band 6 of Landsat-7 ETM+. Result corroborates the fact that surface temperatures over land use/land cover types are greatly influenced by the amount of vegetation present.     

基于背景和变化稀疏性的瞬变源图像重建算法

针对射电干涉测量通过结合长时间观测的多组可见度数据对静态源进行高空间分辨率成像，但无法得到时变信息的问题，提出了一种基于背景和目标变化的直和空间上稀疏性的稀疏基线综合孔径动态场景图像重建算法。将起始时刻的亮温和相邻时刻的亮温变化作为待求解矢量，不同时刻的亮温表示为它们的和，构造测量方程，并利用起始时刻亮温和相邻时刻亮温的稀疏性进行求解，重建出不同时刻的瞬变源图像。仿真实验结果表明，对于小区域背景下的瞬变源，所提算法与已有方法相当，对于大区域背景下的瞬变源，所提算法优于已有方法。      

Remote monitoring of aerosols from space

Using the four-channel teleradiometer “Micron” aboard the Orbital Stations “Salyut-4” and “Salyut-6” the brightness profiles were determined in the near-infrared spectral region up to the height of 60 km (in case of noctilucent clouds up to 80–85 km). Proceeding from the data above we obtained information on the global and vertical distributions of atmospheric aerosol, water vapour concentration and the optical properties of the noctilucent clouds.     

The use of stereoscopic satellite observation in the determination of the emissivity of cirrus

The feasibility of determining cirrus “emissivity” from combined stereoscopic and infrared satellite observations in conjunction with radiosounding data is investigated for a particular case study. Simultaneous visible images obtained during SESAME-1979 from two geosynchronous GOES meteorological satellites were processed on the NASA/Goddard interactive system (AOIPS) and were used to determine the stereo cloud top height Z_C as described by Hasler [1]. Iso-contours of radiances were outlined on the corresponding infrared image. Total brightness temperature T_B and ground surface brightness temperature T_S were inferred from the radiances. The special SESAME network of radiosoundings was used to determine the cloud top temperature T_CLD at the level defined by Z_C. The “effective cirrus emissivity” NE where N is the fractional cirrus cloudiness and E is the emissivity in a GOES infrared picture element of about 10 km × 10 km is then computed from T_B, T_S and T_CLD.     

A surface reflectance correction model to improve the retrieval of MISR aerosol optical depth supported by MODIS data

Combined use of different satellite sensors are known to improve retrievals of aerosol optical depth (AOD). In this study, we propose a new method for retrieving Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) AOD data supported by Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data in Jiangsu Province, China, over the period of 2016–2018 using MODIS L1B, bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), MISR 1B2T, and ground-measured AOD data. This method is based on the surface reflectance determined by the MODIS V5.2 algorithm. Through the observation angle and spectral conversion between different sensors, the MISR AOD can be obtained. The correlation coefficient (R) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) between the retrieved MISR and ground-measured AOD data varied between different seasons. The accuracy of the MISR AOD retrieval was notably improved after correcting the MISR surface reflectance. Therefore, the method proposed in this study is feasible for the retrieval of MISR AOD supported by MODIS data, and will be applicable to atmospheric environmental monitoring over large areas in the future.     

A reflectance spectra-based approach to mapping salt fields using PCA-fused Landsat TM data

In this paper a method based on in situ measured reflectance spectra was developed for accurately mapping salt fields in the Taibei Salt Farm in Lianyungang City of East China. After radiometric correction and geometric rectification, six multispectral ETM+ bands were fused with the panchromatic band via principal components analysis (PCA). The fused data were used to map salt fields in the farm. Salt fields were mapped 91.95% correctly in comparison with ground statistics from raw multispectral bands. This accuracy level rose to 96.4% with the use of the panchromatic band (15 m resolution). However, PCA-fused data produced the highest accuracy of 98.8%. At the zone level, coarse resolution data resulted in an accuracy of 98.93% for crystallization ponds, but only 82.68% for condensation ponds. Use of the panchromatic band alone improved the accuracy for condensation ponds but decreased the accuracy for crystallization and evaporation ponds. Results derived from PCA-fused data are highly consistent with the ground statistics at a discrepancy between 0.35% for evaporation zone and 1.80% for condensation zone. It is concluded that a fine spectral resolution is important to separation of ponds of a varying salt content while a fine spatial resolution is important to their mapped area. Ponds of a lower salt content can be mapped more accurately from fused data than from raw spectral bands.     

Assessment of plant vitality detection through fluorescence and reflectance imagery

Recent studies of the vegetation fluorescence show that it can be successfully used as an intrinsic indicator of plant photosynthetic activity. With respect to the vegetation spectral reflectance, the chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence is more specific as an observable of basic biophysical processes in the plant cells. Laser induced fluorescence is widely used in near range remote sensing, but it is not suitable for the global monitoring of vegetation. Decades of active fluorometry studies have collected useful information of leaf reaction to natural and anthropogenic stress. Still the passive fluorescence, the one that could be registered from satellite orbit has still to prove its advantage over widely used reflectance signature. The weakness of the signal and the lack of experience with passive fluorescence measurements require extensive technical, theoretical and experimental studies. New imaging fluorometres are to be designed for measuring steady state fluorescence in controlled and natural conditions.

In order to compare reflectance and steady state fluorescence sensitivity to stress impact, a set of experiments have been conducted under controlled illumination conditions in a bio-chamber, designed by the author’s team. The equipment allows plant vitality to be monitored both by passive fluorescence and spectral reflectance imaging. Different types of stress factors (heat and drought stress, acid impact) were investigated to demonstrate equipments ability in monitoring changes of fluorescence signal. Selected fluorescence images of foliage illustrate an early detection of plant dysfunction and the temporal and spatial spreading of the stress impact. Analysis shows that fluorescence imaging of green plants can be developed as a highly effective early warning remote sensing method, which could have application for an ecosystems’ monitoring along with high-spectral reflectance imagery.     

Investigations of the Krasnoyarsk Reservoir waters based on the multispectral satellite data

In this work historical investigations and modern results of classification of the Krasnoyarsk Reservoir are presented. The paper presents results of studying the dynamics of phytopigments and other optically active components, using multispectral satellite data. Several approaches to interpreting satellite data for optically complex inland water bodies are offered. Based on results of historical investigations it is shown that the spatial distribution of phytoplankton in the reservoir stems back to the time of its formation. Color index in the red spectral region (CIR) is introduced. A relationship between the color index and chlorophyll concentration is investigated. The CIR, derived from the AVHRR data, has been found to be related to chlorophyll concentration. Based on MODIS data, the waters of the Krasnoyarsk Reservoir have been classified in accordance with their optical spectral variability, using the technique of unsupervised IsoData classification. An empirical relationship between multispectral MODIS data and the ground-truth measurements of chlorophyll concentration has been found.     

Understanding high-density matter through analysis of surface spectral lines and burst oscillations from accreting neutron stars

We discuss millisecond period brightness oscillations and surface atomic spectral lines observed during type I X-ray bursts from a neutron star in a low mass X-ray binary system. We show that modeling of these phenomena can constrain models of the dense cold matter at the cores of neutron stars. We demonstrate that, even for a broad and asymmetric spectral line, the stellar radius-to-mass ratio can be inferred to better than 5%. We also fit our theoretical models to the burst oscillation data of the low mass X-ray binary XTE J1814-338, and find that the 90% confidence lower limit of the neutron star’s dimensionless radius-to-mass ratio is 4.2.     

ASTER spectral sensitivity of carbonate rocks – Study in Sultanate of Oman

Remote sensing satellite data plays a vital role and capable in detecting minerals and discriminating rock types for explorations of mineral resources and geological studies. Study of spectral absorption characters of remotely sensed data are under consideration by the exploration and mining companies, and demonstrating the spectral absorption characters of carbonates on the cost-effective multispectral image (rather than the hyperspectral, Lidar image) for easy understanding of all geologists and exploration communities of carbonates is very much important. The present work is an integrated study and an outcome of recently published works on the economic important carbonate rocks, includes limestone, marl, listwaenites and carbonatites occurred in parts of the Sultanate of Oman. It demonstrates the spectral sensitivity of such rocks for simple interpretation over satellite data and describes and distinguishes them based on the absorptions of carbonate minerals in the spectral bands of advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER) for mapping and exploration studies. The study results that the ASTER spectral band 8 discriminates the carbonate rocks due to the presence of predominantly occurred carbonate minerals; the ASTER band 5 distinguishes the limestones and marls (more hydroxyl clay minerals) from listwaenite (hydrothermally altered rock) due to the presence of altered minerals and the ASTER band 4 detects carbonatites (ultramafic intrusive alkaline rocks) which contain relatively more silicates. The study on the intensity of the total absorptions against the reflections of these rocks shows that the limestones and marls have low intensity in absorptions (and high reflection values) due to the presence of carbonate minerals (calcite and dolomite) occurred in different proportions. The listwaenites and carbonatites have high intensity of absorptions (low reflection values) due to the occurrence of Mn-oxide in listwaenites and carbonates in carbonatites apart the influence of major carbonate minerals that occurred predominantly in these rocks. The study of ASTER thermal infrared (TIR) spectral bands distinguished the marls have low emissivity of energy due to the presence of hydroxyl bearing alumina-silicate minerals from the other rocks such as limestones, listwaenites and carbonatites which have high emissivity due to the absence of hydroxyl bearing alumina-silicate minerals and the presence of carbonate minerals and carbonates.     

基于多重分形参数的高光谱数据特征提取

针对单一分形维数不能表征高光谱数据光谱局部吸收特征的问题,提出了基于光谱概率测度的多重分形参数特征提取方法.基于光谱信息度量进行光谱概率测度的计算,基于配分函数法估计得到尺度函数;通过对尺度函数求导计算出Holder指数,并对尺度函数勒让德Legendre变换计算出多重分形谱;从多重分形谱和Holder指数之间的函数关系提取表征多重分形谱形态的4个多重分形谱参数作为光谱特征参数;并应用于基于最小距离准则的航空推扫式高光谱成像仪(PHI,Prush-broom Hyperspectral Imager)图像监督分类.结果证明:利用基于光谱概率测度的多重分形参数特征提取方法提取的光谱特征参数进行分类得到的总体分类正确率达94.789%,分类精度明显高于利用信息量维数和多重分形谱特征提取方法进行分类的结果,证明了基于光谱概率测度的多重分形参数特征提取方法提取的多重分形参数的有效性和可靠性.     

Far-infrared photometry of comet Halley from NASA''s Kuiper Airborne Observatory

We report the results of 40–160 micron broadband photometry of Comet Halley with apertures of 30–50 arcsecond diameter. Measurements of the spatial distribution of the far-infrared radiation at several wavelengths will also be discussed. A preliminary analysis of the data shows the following conclusions: (1) The brightness of the comet varied by nearly a factor of two on two successive days in 1986 March, during which the visible brightness also changed substantially and in the same sense. (2) The far-infrared energy distribution varied significantly in this period in the sense that the decrease in flux with increasing wavelengths was significantly shallower on the day when the comet was fainter. (3) The spectral slope on both days is considerably shallower than would be expected from an ensemble of grains most of which were much smaller than the observed wavelengths.     

利用青海湖对FY—1C、FY—2B气象卫星热红外通道进行在轨辐射定标

介绍利用青海湖辐射校正场对FY－1C、FY2B气象卫星热红外通道进行在轨辐射定标，先用CE312野外热红外辐射计在水面测量水表辐亮度，再经大气订正传递到卫星入瞳处，大气订正包括大气吸收削弱和大气产生热发射影响，这两部分对卫星信号的贡献通过辐射传输模式MODTRAN37计算出来，同时进行CE312与卫星通道光谱响应匹配，最终得到卫星入瞳处的表观辐亮度，这个辐亮度与卫星通道的计数值得到该通道绝对定标系数。我们对两颗卫星进行了多次定标，结果表明利用青海湖进行的在轨定标与星上定标系数相差5％左右，相当于3K的亮温差。     

星敏感器光谱探测能力用地面模拟测试系统设计

为实现对星敏感器光谱探测能力的测试和标定, 研制了一套可模拟恒星光谱的地面标定系统, 要求其光谱模拟精度优于10%. 采用光谱分布可控、光强可调的模拟照明系统作为地面标定系统的核心器件来模拟恒星光谱变化, 设计高成像质量准直光学系统使模拟星图成平行光出射, 在光学系统出瞳处产生星图, 完成具有恒星光谱信息的高精度星图模拟. 进而利用Lighttools建立标定系统的光谱仿真模型, 仿真结果表明恒星光谱模拟精度优于10%.      

Bolometric luminosities and brightness temperatures of BL Lac Objects and FR I radio galaxies

To understand the connection among the subclasses of BL Lac Objects, FR I radio galaxies and Flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs), here the correlations of the bolometric luminosities with redshifts and brightness temperatures of these objects are studied. The bolometric luminosities vary linearly with redshifts, but few objects are scattered at high redshift. The bolometric luminosity versus brightness temperature distribution shows a correlation between these two components, except a few scattered objects, mostly RBLs. The bolometric luminosities and brightness temperatures of FR I radio galaxies with low redshift (<0.1) and low spectral index (α_rx < 0.75) are comparable to those of XBLs and those characteristics of FR I radio galaxies, with relatively high redshift (>0.2) and high spectral index, can be comparable with RBLs with low redshift (z < 0.5) and low bolometric luminosity. Those scattered RBLs with high redshifts (z > 0.5) are believed to be in complex environment with companion galaxies, most of these RBLs are still unresolved. The bolometric luminosity and brightness temperature of these scattered RBLs are comparable to those of quasars. The FSRQs are at high redshifts and bolometric luminosities and the brightness temperatures are also high relative to BL Lac Objects. These results support the FRI/BL Lac unification scheme. It suggests that, the FR I radio galaxies may be the parent populations of the BL Lac Objects, but it needs more investigation to confirm the unification of FR I radio galaxies, XBLs and RBLs.